German automotive and workshop equipment manufacturer Beissbarth GmbH is to be restructured by the end of this year and has filed an application with the Munich District Court (Amtsgericht München) to open self-administration proceedings.
Vehicle Service Group (VSG) is currently represented in the Europe, Middle East and Africa by seven brands, but its new brand strategy will cut this down to two. This ‘Rpower’ strategy will place the focus upon Ravaglioli and Rotary. The other five brands, including Butler, will be phased out.
In what is set to be the first steps of a wider national initiative, Lumileds is delighted to have partnered with Coventry College’s Motor Vehicle Department for the supply of Philips vehicle lighting and workshop equipment. Coventry has long been one of the UK’s main centres for vehicle manufacturing and general automotive business, so it is fitting that Lumileds has been able to forge a link to the next generation of automotive technicians and engineers through Coventry College.
Absolute Alignment has launched a new version of its popular Bluetooth Lite wheel aligner. The wheel alignment equipment specialist has developed the new model on the existing ‘Lite’ product. The new Bluetooth Lite has an extremely small footprint and is quick to put to work anywhere in the workshop. It can be used over a pit or on a variety of lifts, including two and four-post ramps and a scissor lift. The measuring heads have the power capabilities for a full day of use and the attached fixing clamps fit a range of vehicles, to meet most workshop demands.
Garage equipment supplier AES UK has introduced a new range of portable heat inductors. Designed for the HGV, PSV and automotive sectors, the new products speed up workshop procedures, cut costs and improve safety, according to AES UK. It adds that the lightweight electrical heating inductors greatly improve working conditions for workshop technicians because they will not be exposed to open flame, hot gases and the risk of fire or explosion when using a flame.
Cris Services Group, the Purfleet-based concrete haulier and commercial repairs specialist, has reduced workshop costs, extended tyre life and cut vehicle downtime since acquiring a Josam wheel alignment system and portable heat inductor from AES UK. With 40 vehicles carrying wet cement for Hanson UK and a mixed fleet of concrete mixer trucks for hire, Cris Services were keen to improve workshop efficiency and to drive down operation costs such as tyre replacement and fuel.
Workshop equipment and wheel alignment specialist Pro-Align has appointed a former Kwik Fit branch manager to its sales team. Tom Burkett, a former director and owner of a mobile tyre fitting service and branch manager at Kwik Fit, has been appointed to join the team as a sales executive, covering the Midlands and South Wales region. The Hunter distributor said the addition of Burkett will provide “even greater levels of support to workshops across the country.”
Hella has added the PS1000 to its aftermarket lighting range, the first Valuefit LED work lamp with a corrosion-free, plastic housing. By using plastic, the reverse light compliant, work lamp is optimally protected against corrosion and can withstand even the toughest conditions, as well as offering a weight saving advantage and better vibration control.
Netherlands based TechnoMarketing Group (TMG) is working towards the introduction of its E-CUBE mobile tyre servicing equipment in the UK. The system is already firmly established in many countries throughout Europe and in North America. It is designed as the next generation in versatile and safety when changing a tyre at a customer’s home or workplace.
Autogem has unveiled its second generation Treadspec drive-over scanners, offering a more efficient and simplified way to perform simple tyre checks for wear, alignment issues and inflation. The Treadspec 2.0 supplements the company’s Groove Glove, which allows garage mechanics to scan all four tyres on any given vehicle and discover the tread depth and alignment of each within 50 seconds.
Corghi has upgraded its range of wheel balancers for premium garage work with the new Plus classification distinguishing advanced features and benefits. The latest machines are available exclusively through Rema Tip Top in the UK.
Absolute Alignment says it has taken a record number of orders for its Bluetooth 3D aligner since the start of 2020. The three main benefits of this particular wheel aligner include the speed of operation, less ramp space being required for when a wheel alignment is in progress, and that the technology used is particularly suited to working on high performance and lowered vehicles. The Bluetooth 3D wheel aligner can now also be provided as official BMW or Mercedes approved workshop equipment.
Pro-Align is targeting workshops looking to grow their business in 2020 with a new offer designed to reduce equipment investment costs and lower the bar to improving service capabilities. The £9,999 Ultimate Starter Bundle includes three key workshop systems, offering a saving of almost £2,000 when compared with buying the pieces of equipment individually (which would cost £11,985). Included within the bundle are the Hunter TCX 52 tyre changer, the Hunter SmartWeight Pro wheel balancer and a Teknel Butterfly induction heater, making it an ideal package for those looking to enter tyre servicing, upgrade or replace existing equipment.
The Nexion Group, best known as the manufacturer of the Corghi brand of garage equipment, has extended the suspension of work in its Italian factories and offices for a second week, up to 5 April. The decision comes in compliance with the Italian government’s 25 March decree, implementing “urgent measures to deal with the epidemiological emergency from COVID-19.”
Auto Express given a big thumbs up to the latest Philips workshop lamp, the RCH 25. The RCH25 brings various key features to the workshop lamp sector, most notably, an adjustable light output to match the particular needs of a specific task.
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