Diagnostics
Repairify, asTech’s parent company, capped a year of unprecedented growth and expansion having completed more than 12.4 million automotive diagnostic scans across its family of automotive technology brands, delivering more than 4.9 million diagnostic reports across the collision, mechanical, dealership, auction, and reconditioning repair markets.
The DoIP-capable (Diagnostics over Internet Protocol) multi-brand diagnostic device mega macs X was developed by Hella Gutmann with the ultra-fast communication standards of future vehicles in mind. It can also be flexibly adapted to the needs of a workshop at any time – for example, for expansion to high-voltage vehicles. The new measurement module MT-HV enables the mandatory measurements in the high-voltage range. The wireless pairing of the mega macs X with the MT-HV makes a dream team for working on a wide variety of vehicle types. These include electric and hybrid vehicles, whose power systems are designed for up to 1,000 volts, as well as conventional vehicles with low-voltage power systems.
AsTech has joined CCC Intelligent Solutions (CCC)’s diagnostics network. According to the company, the integration makes it easier for repair facilities to capture and document scan information in CCC ONE workfiles. This streamlined service is available now via the CCC ONE software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform.
We visited Hella UK’s headquarters to hear about the official launch of the latest “trilogy” of Hella Gutmann Solutions (HGS) mega macs diagnostics and ADAS products. But since the news that Hella and Faurecia are joining forces was announced on 1 February, and since, as a result we now know the firms will use the umbrella brand Forvia moving forward, let’s begin with the latest details on the integration.
The X-431 Euro Tab III, featuring the new Smartlink C VCI, an advanced module allowing for enhanced communication and functions has been officially introduced by Launch UK. Using the Android 9.0 operating system, the Euro Tab III builds on the company’s existing range by offering “worldwide vehicle coverage, powerful diagnostics and numerous special functions.”
Mitchell, an information provider for the Property & Casualty (P&C) claims and collision repair industries, and asTech have launched the MD-OE22. The new diagnostic solution combines asTech’s patented OEM scanning device and remote services with Mitchell’s cloud-based ecosystem and collision repair software. Using the MD-OE22, technicians can perform proprietary OEM scanning and programming with asTech-powered diagnostic tools while accessing scan reports, invoices and repair management technologies from within the Mitchell platform.
Repairify, Inc., part of Kinderhook Industries, LLC’s portfolio, has signed a global agreement with Launch Tech Co Ltd. The agreement licenses Repairify patents to Launch while also establishing Repairify as its preferred service provider.
Diagnostic tool and vehicle technical support brand, Maverick Diagnostics, joined IAAF recently. Established I n1999 as Maverick Technology Ltd, Maverick Diagnostics is an established provider of original dealer diagnostics tools and technical support to the aftermarket in the UK and Europe.
Randstad has introduced the AJD Tools brand into the UK aftermarket. Through AJD Tools technicians can purchase specific automotive and diagnostic tools. Technicians can also access a large product range from the well-known manufacturer, Hubitools, including inspection devices such as (video) endoscopes, videoscopes or electronical stethoscopes. AJD Tools has been created as a legacy to Randstad founder Anthony (‘Tony’) John Dowd, who sadly passed away at the start of 2021.
Delphi Technologies has launched the BlueTech VCI diagnostics interface that offers “an extensive suite of diagnostic interrogations, real world data, and more”. According to Delphi Technologies, the firm’s previous Vehicle Communication Interface (VCI) will still be fully supported within the diagnostic range to “offer workshops choice and flexibility in finding a diagnostic solution which meets their needs”.
Following the launch of its new “‘pay as you calibrate’ equipment”, it is worth considering where this move fits in terms of the company’s current business strategy. For anyone wondering, asTech is a Plano, Texas-based automotive technology firm specialising in remote diagnostics. So the first question we asked was who is asTech?
Launch UK has introduced a new diagnostic tool designed for challenging workshop conditions, the X-431 Euro Turbo. The tool is an upgrade of the Launch Pro S. Developed for the European market, the tool features Launch’s diagnostic software, which includes wide model coverage, powerful test functions, accurate test data, and numerous special functions.
“Behind the terms: Security Gateway, Certificate Based Automotive Security, Protection of Vehicle Diagnostics, Central Gateway and CAN Gateway, are systems designed to protect modern vehicles against unauthorised access and manipulation of their data,” explained Neil Hilton, Head of Hella Gutmann Solutions (HGS) UK.
SharkEye introduced three new wheel aligners in June – the BigEye, the Husky and the Ibex.
Pitched as “the ultimate in car and LCV laser wheel alignment”, the BigEye takes its cue from the company’s Zubra Truck multi-axle aligner, which is designed to enable precise interaxle alignment. According to SharkEye representatives, the BigEye is the only laser aligner on the global market that offers its “unique and simple way of completely aligning a vehicle’s axles”. The machine can also be used as a standard four-wheel laser aligner and, just like all SharkEye products, is handmade in Sheffield, England.
Team Rosberg has been using products from Munich-based garage equipment specialists Beissbarth for years. Now, however, the cooperation has now been extended and means: Team Rosberg can further optimize its performance on the racetrack, while the Beissbarth developers can rely on the experience of a professional and successful racing team. This team is now using the RaceScales electronic corner weight scale and the innovative Q.Lign wheel alignment device and the employees were enthusiastic from day one.
asTech
Hella
CCC
Chris Anthony, Tyre Industry Publications Ltd
Launch UK
Mitchell International
Maverick Diagnostics
AJD Tools
Delphi Technologies
HGS
SharkEye
Beissbarth