In a move that promises to “expedite the resolution of automotive enigmas,” Snap-on has released its latest software. The automotive industry equipment specialist says this autumn 2023 release “empowers technicians from the moment they power on,” providing them with an “unparalleled arsenal of tools and features designed to streamline diagnostics and ensure complete customer satisfaction.”
Continental is developing virtual ECU Creator software (vECU Creator) to enable vehicle manufacturers, suppliers and third parties to be able to configure and run virtual cloud-based electronic control units in their specific development environments to help develop code for micro-controller and processor hardware that does not yet exist. The virtual ECU Creator is part of the Continental Automotive Edge (CAEdge) framework, which runs on Amazon Web Services (AWS).
Kerridge Commercial Systems (KCS), the ERP and business management software provider, has agreed to buy Compilator, which mainly operates in Sweden, Finland and the UK. The acquisition of Compilator is described as a strategic investment for KCS, supporting its strategy of growing into Northern Europe and Scandinavia. Compilator, which itself serves the tyre and distribution sectors in 2,000 locations throughout the Nordics, UK and Ireland, bought UK-based tyre software business Team Systems back in 2016 as well as the fleet-orientated Inforoute operation in 2019.
Continental has launched new software designed to support “fleet operators, dealers and service technicians in maximising the safety and efficiency of their tyres”. The new TireTech mobile app for truck and bus tyres, complements the existing version for agricultural tyres.
Schrader TPMS Solutions has launched two new bundles containing software upgrade bundles for its ST-1 TPMS programming tool and its 16 EZ-sensor GO. The TPMS specialist says these upgrade bundles are “created with workshops in mind” and allow users to unlock the ST-1 tool to programme other programmable sensor brands supported by ATEQ.
Following earlier reports on 25 November 2022, Avayler, Halfords’ B2B software arm has confirmed that ATU has selected the Avayler mobile solution to support its new mobile servicing and tyre fitting division. Avayler Mobile will initially be rolled out in Munich as part of ATU’s “Mobile Workshop” pilot project, with further plans for expansion throughout Germany.
Goodyear is contributing to the pursuit of increased realism in virtual racing via its collaboration with Studio 397, developer of the hyper-realistic rFactor 2 simulation engine. The tyre manufacturer says its partnership has led to a major step forward in replicating race tyre model behaviours in the virtual environment. Such developments allow esports drivers to get closer than ever to the experiences of their real-life counterparts. The engine, which uses thousands of data points to create an immersive and authentic experience, is used in the Le Mans Virtual Series, of which Goodyear is an official partner.
UK Hunter tyre servicing equipment distributor Pro-Align is helping to upgrade wheel aligners throughout Kwik Fit’s 600-plus site network. The company is supporting the software upgrade to WinAlign 17 on Hunter Elite TD aligners used by the chain. The new version increases accuracy and efficiency, and therefore revenue opportunities, Hunter says. Kwik Fit has been using the Elite TD since 2014. In addition to the network wide software upgrade, Pro-Align is also installing the Hunter Elite TD system across 14 Kwik Fit and Tyre Pros centres, with one site investing in a new Hunter DSP706 aligner for its workshop.
Halfords Group reports that its Avayler software is not only driving the group’s internal financial performance, but is also expanding into Europe as a product in its own right. Specifically, Halfords reports that Avayler has signed a contract to supply its services to well-known German autocentre chain ATU, which is part of the Mobivia group. According to Halfords, the roll-out is set to start in Germany through ATU’s mobile fleet.
Anyline has launched a tyre tread scanning mobile phone app that works “on any camera-enabled smartphone or mobile device”. The company expects the software solution to “revolutionize the automotive industry”. The product is being unveiled at the SEMA Show 2022 in Las Vegas.
A total of 26 commercial tyre service providers have successfully installed integration between Cam International’s TiDaeX and Bridgestone’s FleetBridge system. According to Cam International, the companies are using e-jobsheet to connect with FleetBridge in order to secure “greater shared data accuracy and efficiency between connected dealers and Bridgestone Europe”. The systemised link is said to make it easier to do business with the global tyre manufacturer, by markedly reducing the dealers’ admin workload where Bridgestone fleet work is concerned.
Just a few months after Halfords announced that it has entered the B2B software market by making American Tire Distributors Inc. (ATD) the first customer of Halfords’ Avayler proprietary multiple location “service delivery” software, Michael Welch reports that he has been collaborating with Halfords in a bid to find out more about Avayler.
In 2017 Daryl Magowan Snr. hatched the plan for a next-generation tyre warehouse and paperless warehouse management system. By 2019 plans were well underway, with the Magowan’s Tyres team cooperating closely with Mike Allen and the software professionals at Cam. Two years later, both the building and its cutting-edge software system are up and running at the bespoke site just outside Belfast. Tyres & Accessories recently toured the site in order to find out more about the warehouse, its software and the significant efficiencies they offer not only Magowan’s but the wider tyre wholesale business.
CAM is celebrating its 40th anniversary this month by committing to continue investment £1.5 million of investment a year in research and development design to “keep the tyre industry connected” and help “amplify its growth into the future”.
Since its inception in 1981 by founders Trevor Allen and Len Miller, CAM has expanded to be the primary tyre solutions provider for 19 of the UK’s top 25 tyre wholesalers, and 16 of the UK’s top 25 tyre retailers have chosen CAM products to manage their tyre systems.
Brake manufacturer Brembo is opening a “Brembo Inspiration Lab” in California’s Silicon Valley (USA) to strengthen the company’s “expertise in software development, data science and artificial intelligence.” The Brembo Inspiration Lab is expected to open in the fourth quarter of 2021. No details of the associated investment have yet been released.
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Continental
Mobivia
Goodyear
Pro-Align
Anyline
Cam International
Michael Welch
Chris Anthony, Tyre Industry Publications Ltd
Cam
BMB-Consult GmbH