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February 2008
V-TECH UK SEALS UAN DEAL
V-Tech UK has become an approved supplier to leading buying group United
Aftermarket Network (UAN). The three-year agreement sees V-Tech UK
supplying its complete range of diagnostics, garage equipment and training
services from the beginning of April. It is the latest chapter in the
Essex-based company’s increasing acceptance in the UK aftermarket, and
reflects V-Tech UK’s approach to, and understanding of, independent
workshops.
The V-Tech UK deal comes at an important time for the workshop trade.
Because it sees the independent aftermarket as getting more competitive,
UAN aims to give its members the best-possible products and training –
especially as it actively supports the Right to Repair campaign, which is
calling for car makers’ technical information to be freely available to
the aftermarket.
Since its launch V-Tech UK’s range of equipment has consistently offered
extremely strong value for money – vital for independent garages at a time
when margins are being squeezed.
Many other products lack the V-Tech UK range’s capabilities and technical
support, and do not offer the extensive range of training required to get
the best out of today’s diagnostic tools. While cheaper competitors sell
solely on price, V-Tech UK offers a complete range of well-made,
long-lasting and user-friendly tools – a range that is proving
increasingly popular in the independent motor trade and one recognised by
UAN.
A
dedicated technical support line offers a host of information, helping to
keep V-Tech UK workshop customers one step ahead of their competitors.
This includes an online members’ area for product news and updates, and
emailed technical bulletins. Fault code definitions and connector
locations are also provided.
V-Tech UK’s current line-up of diagnostic tools covers all popular makes
and models and lets garages take advantage of Block Exemption changes and
work on the latest models with complete confidence. WinStar, for example,
covers Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Smart, BMW Mini, BMW and Porsche, while CMT
(Compact Multi Tool) has wireless capability and works with a vehicle’s
engine, climate control, ABS and gearbox, among others.
V-Tech UK managing director Viresh Chandarana says the deal underpins
V-Tech UK’s profile in the aftermarket: “This marks a major step-forward
for V-Tech UK, because UAN recognises the unrivalled combination of
value-for-money, excellent durability and ease-of-use that only we can
offer. Combine that with the back-up of our training academy and it’s
obvious we have a first-rate deal for the any independent motor factor or
workshop
“We might be a recent entrant to the UK aftermarket, but our being
involved with UAN gives motorists a greater choice when it comes to having
their car serviced, and gives factors and workshops the confidence through
increased technical understanding that they are doing the job properly. I
believe this deal is a reflection of not just our excellent products, but
our back-up too.”
January 2008
Want to become A
SUPER TECH? - V-Tech UK Training
Academy…Training is BACK!
After a great demand your No.1 Automotive Training Academy have now
released new dates for various courses from Air Conditioning to
Diagnostics & Engine Management. New series of dates for courses based in
Essex are now available from
14th February 2008 and places are booking up fast!
The IMI approved V-Tech UK Training Academy has grown to include a wide
range of QAA training courses under its wing, which are available for all
levels of technicians. Beginners are introduced to the world of
diagnostics and test analysis and more expert technicians can further
their understanding of the more complex concepts applicable to the more
modern day vehicle. Courses are held in Hainault, Essex, with facilities
of a workshop for the practical side and conference room for the theory
side of the course. You don’t have to be our customer! Non V-Tech UK
customers are welcome.
A
wide range of training in specialist automotive systems areas including:
§
Anti-lock braking systems
§
Essential electrical skills 1 and 2
§
Multiplex and CAN database systems
§
Modern
diesel technology
§
Oscilloscope use
§
Supplementary restraint system (SRS)
§
Vehicle
starting and charging systems
§
4-wheel
alignment
§
Air
conditioning and climate control
V-Tech intends to contribute to the Automotive Industry by supporting &
educating mechanics
to find, develop and reach their potential throughout their
career. They aim to teach you more about the forthcoming
industry technology and how to use diagnostic tools without sales
pitches!
Go far in life! Only 12
places available per course! Book your place now, call a member of the
team on 020 8498 1288.
December 2007
The Garage & MOT
Professional - Issue 94
Outstanding Year
for V-Tech UK & Still Going Strong!
As we embark on a new year, V-Tech UK reflects
on a very successful 2007.
V-Tech UK over the past year has developed their portfolio to ensure
diagnostic and emissions equipment is of its highest quality to appeal to
all level of workshops. Now 5 years on with a fantastic ever-growing
portfolio they have successfully introduced a complete range of garage
equipment. The new
V-Tech Garage Equipment range offers all European quality class 4 & 7 ATL
packages, which includes 2008 VOSA approved & FAST Pass compliant
emissions analyser.
§
January
– GEA (Garage Equipment Association) Member
§
April-May – V-Tech UK Training Academy courses go national
§
April –
AutoCom & Fronius brands added exclusively to portfolio as featured at the
CV show
§
June –
Invited to a motor trade event, hosted by the Centre for Automotive
Technology, which is part of Coleg Llandrillo Cymru, Rhyl, North Wales
§
June –
GEA/Aftermarket Technical Workshop
§
June –
ADRC (Automotive Diagnosis by Remote Control) pilot project launch
§
July –
V-Tech UK introduces DSP (Distribution Service Partner) network
opportunities
§
September - ADRC pilot
project proven a success
§
September – DSP network expands across the country, Scotland, South Wales,
Midlands and South West of England
§
November
– Multiscan, Ultrascan & Win-Star Part Exchange Programme boosts
investment potential for large number of garages
§
November
– Complete Garage Equipment range preview at the Mechanex show at Sandown
Park, Esher
§
December
– AutoCom Commercial Vehicle diagnostic equipment now launched
2007 has been a year full of special diagnostic offers and programmes.
V-Tech UK has brought successful offers to the Aftermarket, including the
‘Multiscan, Ultrascan & Win-Star Part Exchange Programme’, ‘Buy Now Pay in
2008’ & ‘£1000 For Your Old Bear which You Purchase The V-Tech Opus Combi’.
Many garages have benefited from such offers and saved thousands of
pounds. V-Tech UK recognises the importance of value for money for quality
equipment with a dedicated technical support.
Top Tech Support
Next generation of dedicated technical support has been developed this
year exclusively for V-Tech UK clients. One of which is the ADRC
(Automotive Diagnosis by Remote Control), the
global first in
Aftermarket technical support
enabling clients to
resolve troublesome on-board issues by linking a vehicle in their workshop
directly to a screen at the equipment supplier's technical help desk, via
their Win-Star diagnostic unit. V-Support is another part of their
technician support service providing interactive remote assistance for
those clients who need that little extra help.
Growing Network
V-Tech UK has opened up its full product range to regional equipment
supply specialists in July 2007. Since the introduction of the DSP
(Distribution Service Partner) network, V-Tech UK have receive at over
welling interest in their full product range & support.
“Many new distributors have been able to count on strong demand for our
reliable equipment brands, supported with high profile marketing activity
across a range of aftermarket media titles, as well as direct marketing
support,” says V-Tech UK.
A
limited number of opportunities to join the network in key sales areas are
still available to potential distributors keen to align themselves with
one of the fastest growing equipment suppliers in the aftermarket market.
Knowledge is Power
The IMI approved V-Tech UK Training Academy has
grown to include a wide range of QAA training courses under its wing. New
series of dates for courses based in Essex will be announced early
February. A wide range of training in specialist automotive systems areas
including:
● Anti-lock braking systems
● Essential electrical skills 1 and 2
● Multiplex and CAN database systems
● Modern diesel technology
● Oscilloscope use
● Supplementary restraint system (SRS)
● Vehicle starting and charging systems
● 4 wheel alignment
● Air conditioning and climate control
Look out for course dates online, www.v-techuk.com.
December 2007
The Garage & MOT
Professional - Issue 93
Market Full of Far
Eastern Promise
As the UK vehicle parc takes on an
increasingly international look, diagnostic equipment supplier V-Tech UK
is urging garages to take advantage of Asian-derived car repair
opportunities.
Less than ten years ago, repairers targeting
Japanese, Korean and Malaysian-built marques were seen as niche market
players, but with 40% of the UK car parc now of Asian origin, it's a large
slice of the repair market that is being overlooked by too many UK garage
owners, says V-Tech UK.
V-Tech UK, the Essex-based supplier of innovative
diagnostic solutions for the aftermarket, has just launched a new
marketing campaign that urges garages to re-consider the potential for
profit opportunities from Asian cars and to raise awareness about the
availability of low-cost diagnostic equipment designed specifically for
cars and light commercials built by manufacturers from the Far East.
The platform for the move is the introduction of
V-Tech UK's Multiscan Asian, a high-speed tool that is immediately
equipped with the ability to diagnose and resolve problems associated with
a wide range of marques with on-board Japanese, Korean, Malaysian and
Indian technology. It is a hand-held, PC-based tool supplied complete with
a removable 128MB memory card, free PC interface (HOST Pro) and a package
that includes three-year warranty and dedicated technical support.
V-Tech UK says that the Multiscan's reputation for
reliability and performance will help give more garages the confidence to
target the Asian-built market and take advantage of the additional revenue
potential.
Part-Ex Success at MechanEx
Garages throughout the UK have raised hundreds –
and in some cases up to £2,000 – by trading in old diagnostic equipment in
a promotion run by V-Tech UK.
The company introduced the Part Exchange Programme
at the end of the summer and it has proved to be its most successful
promotion ever. Garage proprietors were encouraged to raise capital on
out-of-date equipment and use it against the cost of brand new
future-proof diagnostic equipment supplied by V-Tech UK.
Visitors to the MechanEx exhibition, held at
Sandown Park last month, were among the last ones to benefit as the
programme drew to a close.
“Many brought their old systems along to MechanEx
for a valuation. It was one of the major talking points at the show and
generated a tremendous level of interest,” says a spokesman.
The Part Exchange Programme closed on 1 December,
but V-Tech UK is already planning further sales incentives for 2008.
November 2007
The Garage & MOT
Professional - Issue 92
Trade
Up And Go Future-Proof
A Part
Exchange Programme introduced by V-Tech UK looks set to boost the
investment potential for large numbers of garage proprietors around the
UK.
Garages are finding they can raise
a significant amount of investment capital through a new Part Exchange
Programme with V-Tech UK. Until the end of November, garages can get
exchange values for old out-of-date automotive diagnostic machines.
Achievable values are exceeding the market rate for second hand diagnostic
systems - even for those sold privately.
The Part Exchange Programme allows
garages to trade up from almost any diagnostic equipment brand to a
Hanatech (Multiscan or Ultrascan) system. Users of diagnostic equipment
from Snap-on, Bosch, Sykes Pickavant, Carsoft or AST can achieve trade-in
prices of up to £2,000 on an ICM Win-Star system.
V-Tech UK confirms these amounts
are genuine discounts on equipment that is already competitively priced.
“In a large number of cases, it’s amounting to hundreds of pounds to put
towards a new diagnostic system that's future-proof.”
Many garages have old diagnostic
systems sitting in the corner. “The subscription update has not been
renewed, or maybe it is just too old to be updated. It's time to turn them
into investment opportunities,” says V-Tech UK.
Instant valuation decisions are
available by phone or directly from the stand at MechanEx, Sandown Park
(21-22 November 2007).
Full Garage Equipment Range
V-Tech UK has just announced plans
to introduce a complete range of garage equipment before the end of the
year. The first examples from the new range will be on view at the
MechanEx stand.
The extensive garage equipment
range will bear the distinctive V-Tech UK brand name. It will include all
major product areas including lifting, tyre-bay and vehicle testing
equipment. In a significant move, a VOSA-approved one-man Automated Test
Lane option will be the flagship of the range.
“The aim is to provide garage
equipment buyers with a top quality alternative brand at an affordable
price, one that has the support of a recognised high profile equipment
brand name,” says V-Tech UK managing director Viresh Chandarana.
The move will be a significant
development from a company that is already recognised as one of the
fastest growing diagnostic equipment and support services suppliers.
V-Tech UK is a certified member of the Garage Equipment Association as
well as a national provider of training programmes to IMI QAA standards
across a broad range of specialist automotive disciplines.
Oscilloscope Verification Role
Mechanics are being urged to save
themselves and their garages both time and money by using oscilloscopes
more frequently.
Fault-code readers identify the
existence of a fault, but unless an oscilloscope is used to verify the
true nature of the problem, parts that are not really necessary may be
ordered and supplied, while VOR time might be unnecessarily extended.
V-Tech UK supplies the V-Scope. It
is easy to use and is a relatively inexpensive item to include as part of
the garage equipment inventory, but a surprising number of garages still
don't have an oscilloscope, says the company. Fears about using technology
that's unfamiliar is often the key to the problem.
“Over dependence on a fault-code
reader can lead to inefficiencies, over-inflated repair costs – even lost
customers,” says V-Tech UK.
V-Tech
UK Adds CV Range
Commercial vehicle workshops can now turn to a new CV
diagnostic equipment supplier with an outstanding pedigree in technical
support. V-Tech UK has announced plans to introduce a professional compact
diagnostic solution specifically for CV specialists. Full details will be
available from the stand at MechanEx, but the an affordable all-makes
diagnostic system that's suitable for light commercials, trucks and
passenger carrying vehicles will be available by the end of the year.
October 2007
The Garage & MOT
Professional - Issue 91
-
Part Exchange Increases
Diagnostic Expertise
Visitors to the MechanEx
exhibition in Sandown Park next month will learn about the introduction
of a new part exchange programme
for diagnostic equipment.
Garages can now turn ageing diagnostic
kit with out-of-date software into cash discounts of up to £2,000 off
the cost of new Hanatech or Win-Star equipment.
V-Tech UK, the specialist automotive diagnostic and emissions equipment
supplier will announce full details of a new Part Exchange
Programme for potential buyers of its Hanatech and
Win-Star brands of diagnostic systems at the MechanEx show, next month.
Diagnostic equipment supplied under the Snap-on, Bosch and Sykes
Pickavant brands are among brands that will qualify, but no specific
names are excluded from the deal. Equipment submitted for exchange will
be assessed on an individual basis, says the company.
It adds that replacement kit, from Hanatech and Win-Star, will deliver
the kind of comprehensive coverage that many dealerships have already
come to rely on.
-
On-Line Updates Easier
News that the V-Tech UK website has been refurbished
will be of particular benefit to those in doubt about the best way to
keep the software that drives their diagnostic and emissions testing
equipment up-to-date.
The website has become more interactive and more user
friendly.
Visitors to the website will be guided though some
easy to follow procedures that will allow users not only to seek out the
availability of new updates, but also to satisfy themselves that any
previously relevant software has already been installed.
-
International Expansion
In a further demonstration of the growing
popularity of its garage equipment, V-Tech UK has confirmed that another
subsidiary has been established in a third EU country. In an agreement
signed last month, the new subsidiary, V-Tech De will become operational
in Germany at the end of October.
Based in Frankfurt, the move extends the availability
of diagnostic equipment brands such as Hanatech, Win-Star, AutoCom,
VagCom and Magus, as well as emissions diagnostic equipment sold bearing
the Opus trademark.
The move could also be good news for existing EU
equipment customers in the UK, Ireland and Holland. The expansion will
increase the availability of resources for future software development
and could allow the company to improve the terms of its equipment
exchange deals on products at some stage in near future, says the
company.
-
Leak detector for added
security
A growing number of garage proprietors are increasing
efficiency levels and charge out rates with after adding a Hanatech Leak
Detector to their equipment inventory.
“The benefits are simple and immediate,” says James
Binnington, V-Tech UK's senior technical support manager. “There are
many occasions where an air leak is causing a problem inside the engine.
The driver knows the car isn't running right and the engine appears to
be 'hunting', for example. If the first response is to plug in a scan
tool, it could be that the garage is led down a path directed by a fault
code reading that's been produced as a result of a symptom rather than a
cause. The garage has wasted time and the driver faces a bill for parts
that are not required to resolve the problem,” he adds.
The Hanatech Leak Detector swiftly exposes damaged
hoses, seals, valves or manifolds allowing a quick diagnosis of
problems.
When the smoke from the Leak Detector is injected
into an airtight system, any air leak is quickly isolated and the
remedial action can be rapidly determined. The tool is so fast and easy
to use that if no leak is identified, little time has been lost while
the mechanic can be assured that any fault codes highlighted by the scan
tool are the result of a primary rather than secondary cause.
The Hanatech Leak Detector can be used to identify a
range of problems inside engines including cooling, air conditioning and
exhaust systems to name but a few.
The Garage & MOT Professional - Issue 90
-
Staying One Step Ahead
Trials of automotive technology that gives mechanics
on-line access to technical experts that
can diagnose troublesome problems has proved a runaway success, says
V-Tech UK.
V-Tech UK has celebrated the success of its six month ADRC (Automotive
Diagnosis by Remote Control) trial by announcing the introduction of BMW
software. The move underlines the company's confidence in the
effectiveness of the program and expands the support platform to many
more Win-Star customers.
Vehicle manufacturers acknowledge that remote technical support will
play an increasingly important role in supporting their dealership
networks in the near future. Technical on-line experts can use on-screen
data to identify the problem more easily, or guide the user through some
more comprehensive test routines.
“It can dramatically reduce the time it takes to determine the cause of
a troublesome fault,” says senior technical support manager James
Binnington.
Thanks to investment in technology and the employment of a highly
specialised diagnostic tool platform (Win-Star),
V-Tech UK is able to offer its aftermarket customers this capability
now.
“We have been able to assist many customers in further diagnosing
problem vehicles, carrying out specialist functions and providing
services that would usually require a trip to the dealership. Garages
involved in the trial were impressed by the time saving, which quickly
translated into money saving benefits, increased efficiency and greater
throughput,” he adds.
The new ADRC support system software for Mercedes Benz users will be
available from the end of September.
-
Network coverage
extends
A network of local distributors supplying diagnostic and emissions
testing equipment bearing the Hanatech, ICM Win-Star, Opus, Vag-Com and
AutoCom brand names is now developing a tailored level of service and
support to local end users.
Equipment supplier V-Tech UK is opening up its full product range to
regional equipment supply specialists who are able to exploit V-Tech
UK's marketing drive, the quality of its product range and the strength
of its reputation in the industry.
V-Tech UK believes that many good sales specialists have deliberately
excluded diagnostic equipment sales from their portfolios because they
fear the complexity of the product and the amount of technical support
required. The company wants dealer partners who are keen to expand their
product ranges though profitable partnerships.
New distributors will be able to count on strong demand for reliable
equipment brands, supported with high profile marketing activity across
a range of aftermarket media titles, as well as direct marketing
support. A dedicated sales support team and a technical support help
desk are already in place, says V-Tech UK.
A limited number of opportunities to join the network in key sales areas
are available to potential distributors keen to align themselves with
one of the fastest growing equipment suppliers in aftermarket market.
September 2007
SMARTER PACKAGE MOVES
V-Tech UK for GMOT issue 89: so far.
SMARTER PACKAGE MOVES
Astute aftermarket service
providers are exploiting suppliers' knowledge of the market to identify
the best equipment combinations, says V-Tech UK.
Independent garage owners are
cutting the cost of their investment in diagnostic equipment and
increasing their vehicle systems coverage on more models with the help
smart all inclusive packages from suppliers.
V-Tech UK is one of those leading
the way with an attractive Complete Diagnostics Package that includes a
laptop computer as part of the deal.
“It's our response to customer
requirements. They need more than one piece of kit to deal with the
increasingly diverse range of complex on-board systems installed on the
vehicles coming though the garage doors. They don't have the time or the
resources to investigate every equipment option, whereas we have people
researching the needs of garages all the time. We've developed a package
that delivers the kind of coverage they crave at a price they wouldn't
have thought possible. And it includes a laptop that's ready to go. So,
they get the coverage, an easy set-up and the reliability that goes with
the V-Tech UK brand,” says senior engineering manager Kevin Burnett.
The V-Tech UK package includes the
CMT Pro, Multiscan, and OBD Code Viewer, the Opus Data information system
plus an IBM T30 laptop with the all the necessary software already
installed.
DEALERS' EMISSION CONTROL
A growing number of dealerships
are turning to the Opus Combi gas analyser from V-Tech UK in order to
satisfy their vehicle emission monitoring and testing needs.
“Speed of set-up, ease of use,
operational reliability and a rapid service response from our technical
support team were among the major reasons dealer principals were quoting
when making their decision to buy,” says senior technical support manager
James Binnington.
Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Land Rover,
Ford and Subaru dealerships were high on the list of original equipment
service providers who came on board with V-Tech UK in the second quarter
of 2007, he adds. There are three purchase options currently available.
Option1 includes a first-year
warranty on parts and labour, with a warranty on parts only for the
remainder of the term. Option 2 is a fully maintained lease package that
includes a full five-year warranty, inclusive of all calibrations, parts,
labour, plus VOSA updates.
Option 3 includes all the benefits
of the Option 2, but buyers also get a Hanatech Multiscan diagnostic tool
included in the £9495 (plus VAT) price.
SERVICE IS TOP, SAYS SURVEY
Feedback shows that service
response and technical support are the key issues for equipment users
before they buy new new diagnostic equipment. In a customer survey, new
V-Tech UK customers said they had made a point of checking out service
response times.
“Further research shows speaking
to one or more local users about the speed and reliability of the
technical support in the event of any problems with equipment was common,”
says the company. “Others spoke to other users at local trade events or at
national exhibitions. The internet was also used by some to gauge opinion
and again, we obviously came out top.”
The survey was carried out as part
of the aftermarket support service provided by V-Tech UK.
August 2007
Combi-Solutions Proving Effective
A growing number of Vehicle Testing Stations are making the switch to a
combined petrol emissions and diesel smokemeter unit, says V-Tech UK.
The announcement follows an increase in sales of the Opus Combi, V-Tech
UK's VOSA-approved emissions petrol and diesel testing unit, after sales
rose sharply following the company's latest and most successful promotion.
The offer closed at the end of July 2007.
The Opus Combi unit is smartcard ready, compliant with VOSA requirments
for 2008, supplied fully calibrated and is delivered complete with a
trolley. It is ready to run. Three packages are available and all include a
five year manufacturer warranty.
Package 1 includes a one-year warranty on parts and labour, with a
warranty on parts only for the remainder of the five-year term. Package 2 is
a fully maintained lease package that includes a full five-year warranty,
inclusive of all calibrations, parts, labour, plus VOSA updates. Package 3
is one of the best diagnostics and emissions packages in the aftermarket in
terms of quality, support and value for money. It includes all the benefits
of package 2 plus the Hanatech Multiscan diagnostic tool.
For users who prefer a stand alone unit, V-Tech UK also supplies a
solution.
The OPUS stand alone gas analyser is a five-gas, VOSA-approved analyser
with a build quality that delivers long service life and low maintenance
costs. Benefits in use include a class 1 bench, double exhaust fans, water
protection system, rapid refresh on gas readings, plus easy to use software
- one of the fastest machines in operation on the market.
July 2007
Business boost for local training partnerships
Diagnostic equipment suppliers including V-Tech UK were among an impressive list of leading brand suppliers invited to a local trade show hosted by one of North Wales' fastest growing motor vehicle technical training specialist colleges, last month. Over 130 garage businesses were represented at the diagnostics-orientated motor trade event, hosted by the Centre for Automotive Technology, which is part of Coleg Llandrillo Cymru, Rhyl.
V-Tech UK's senior technical support manager James Binnington says that the diagnostic equipment supplier is keen to back events such as this, which demonstrate the growing partnerships between specialist colleges and the suppliers of diagnostic equipment.
“Increasingly, the kit that users want to buy has to have a wide range of applications but it must also be future-proof and value for money. It was a great opportunity to demonstrate equipment such as the Hanatech Multiscan, which the lecturers here use on a daily basis.”
At Rhyl, the event forms part of the college's business for the community programme. “It offers local garage owners and their staff the opportunity to meet with equipment suppliers and try out the kit for themselves,” says motor vehicle lecturer and diagnostics specialist Garry Roberts.
“We have a wide range of equipment including the Hanatech Multiscan, which is representative of the kind of diagnostic kit that local garages around here are using. Many of the local garages come in to use our equipment quite a lot. They also see the type of equipment that we use and I think that influences their buying decisions, too,” adds Dave Edwards, a lecturer and local business adviser on training and skills updating at the Centre.
V-Tech UK believes that partnerships between suppliers and training centres help invest in the industry's future:
“We realised a long time ago how important it was to provide support to garages local to us because it helped secure our business as well. That's one of the reasons why we established our own V-Tech UK Training Academy,” says James Binnington. “Now that more and more forward thinking specialist training centres like this one are using equipment such as the Multiscan, events like this provide us with the opportunity to get out and meet the users, demonstrate the quality, the breadth of vehicle coverage – and maybe add a few other potential users at the same time.”
“It would be nice to hear from any other specialist training colleges with plans to stage a similar event,” he adds.
June 2007
Remote Support Pilot Provides The Answers
V-Tech UK has announced its participation in a pilot project for a remote diagnostic techical support service. The ADRC (Automotive Diagnosis by Remote Control) enables participating garages to resolve troublesome on-board issues by linking a vehicle in their workshop directly to a screen at the equipment supplier's technical help desk, via their Win-Star diagnostic unit.
“Some technical faults can be difficult to resolve and OE manufacturers are predicting that in a few years time, this kind of remote diagnostic service will be the norm. The Win-Star system is proving that it is capable of delivering it now,” says V-Tech UK's senior technical support manager James Binnington.
Many Win-Star diagnostic unit users have been using the service and the results so far have been impressive. Mechanics at garages involved in the ADRC pilot scheme have been able to benefit from live-on-line support. Technical on-line experts can use on-screen data to identify the problem more easily, or guide the user through some more comprehensive test routines.
The pilot project will run until September, when the results will be evaluated. Now available to any user of the well-established vehicle diagnostics brand.
June 2007
Top Technician 2007 winner announced
NORWICH mechanic Clive Atthowe has been crowned the UK’s best mechanic after winning the Top Technician 2007 competition.
Clive took first prize in the nationwide contest during an awards ceremony at the GEA/Aftermarket Technical Workshop conference on Monday June 11 at the Motor Heritage Centre in Gaydon, Warwickshire.
Clive, who runs the Clive Atthowe Tuning garage in Norwich, was joined on the winner’s podium by joint runners-up Elliot Waters and David Wagstaff.
Clive scooped £2,000 tax free and a range of prizes from sponsors Bosch and Vauxhall Trade Club along with the prestigious title as part of his prize.
He hopes the publicity from his win will give his garage a major business boost and help raise awareness among the public of the skills, knowledge and expertise within the motor trade.
Clive secured the Top Technician title after completing a series of initial question papers and practical assessments set by the competition’s independent judge Ian Gillgrass, training development manager for the Institute of the Motor Industry.
Clive then achieved the highest score in the competition’s live finals, held as part of the Automotive Trade Show at the NEC in Birmingham, where he competed against 12 of the country’s best technicians in a series of practical tests.
“It’s great for the trade that people are tested and taxed and kept on their toes through Top Technician,” said Clive. “The competition encourages people to make sure they’re up-to-date with their skills and knowledge.
“I’ve always had good training,” continued Clive. “I can’t see how, as a garage, you can have a good future unless you put time into training.”
Runner-up Elliot, from Dick Lovett Ferrari Maserati in Swindon, and David, from DC Mardles Motor Engineer in Exeter, each won £250.
“The competition is great in terms of developing people’s skills, especially those of younger mechanics who have grown up with new technology,” said Clive.
The Top Technician 2007 competition was conducted in association with Mototek, the Institute of the Motor Industry, the Garage Equipment Association, the Automotive Trade Show ’07 and Automotive Technician Accreditation.
The search to find 2008’s best mechanic from throughout the UK will begin surely. To find out more go to www.toptechnician.co.uk.
April 2007
Battery Maintenance Brand Gets UK Activation by V-Tech UK
V-Tech UK has signed-up another recognised workshop brand to extend its already impressive range of diagnostic and workshop equipment for the modern vehicle mechanic. Acctiva is the battery maintenance and monitoring equipment range supplied by the Austrian equipment manufacturer Fronius.
The Acctiva Professional Flash is the first in a series of battery maintenance products that will be made available in the UK from V-Tech UK after 1 May 2007.
The Acctiva Professional Flash a powerful battery charger that's ideal for motor vehicle workshops and showrooms. It delivers a high performance 70A in permanent operation and features a rapid-charge function that's safe for all on-board vehicle electronics. It is suitable for charging or charge conservation of conventional lead acid, lead calcium/ silver batteries, AGM, MF, as well as maintenance-free lead GEL batteries, without the need to disconnect from the on-board vehicle power supply.
Attractive features include the ability to provide the vehicle with a power supply throughout any diagnostic routine, the ability to provide an external source of power during a battery change, or for use as a power source within a showroom environment.
The integrated USB port ensures that the charger is completely future-proof and software updates can be downloaded with ease.
The Acctiva battery maintenance brand, from Fronius, fits nicely into a rapidly expanding portfolio of leading automotive brands currently available through the Essex-based garage equipment supplier V-Tech UK. In January, the company added the exclusive rights to the Autocom diagnostics range, which has successfully joined the established Magus, Ross-Tech, ICM WinStar, Vag-Com, Opus and Hanatech as front line V-Tech UK brands.
April 2007
Training For Greater Profitability
The V-Tech UK Training Academy is increasing its influence and bringing a wider range of IMI-approved training programmes to more mechanics around the UK.
Venues in Manchester and Birmingham have been confirmed as the first centres in the new regional network for the V-Tech UK Training Academy.
Birmingham City College, in Tyseley, will host the first external training programme in Modern Diesel Technology on Friday 27 April 2007. Essential Electrical Skills (1 & 11) will take place the following week (May 2-3), with Diagnostics and Engine Management (1&11) taking place a week later. Multiplex & CAN Databus Systems concludes the initial phase of programmes on 14 May.
The series will be repeated at The Stables Conference Rooms, at Prestwick in Manchester (23-24, 30-31 May, 7-8 June).
The IMI-approved V-TechUKTrainingAcademy was established last year and now has a growing list of QAA training programmes under its wing. Independent training specialists deliver programmes that cover a wide rage of on-board vehicle diagnostic disciplines.
A spokesman says that the Modern Diesel Technology programme and the Multiplex & CAN Data Bus Systems programme were been selected because they are popular choices among more experienced diagnosticians. The entry-level Essential Electrical Skills (1&11) programmes attracted a large number of mechanics keen to extend their profitable options by adding new skills.
“The aim is to provide training opportunities that can help increase profitability for the broadest possible range of mechanics in the first phase. Future series will be devised according to local demand,” he added.
January 2007
Another Diagnostic Deal for V-Tech UK
V-Tech UK has been appointed the UK distributor for the CDP range of automotive diagnostic equipment sold into the UK market under the Autocom brand. Under the terms of the agreement with the brand's Swedish manufacturer, V-Tech UK takes responsibility for the exclusive rights to sell and market the range from the previous supplier, increasing its developing portfolio of diagnostic products.
“Autocom itself is a familiar name, with a good pedigree,” says Viresh Chandarana, managing director of V-Tech UK. "We were already a supplier of the products under a re-branded version, so we understand its potential. Garage users will find the CDP diagnostic tool affordable, reliable and particularly easy to use on a wide range of applications," he adds.
"The new deal provides V-Tech UK with the opportunity to capitalise on its existing brand and marketing expertise and in true V-Tech UK fashion, assist in its development, improving the Autocom package to make it even more desirable to the user. It also gives us access to a wider range of specialist products that will appeal to a large number of garage mechanics. Our appointment as sole UK distributor gives us the ability to control distribution, providing the platform we need to significantly develop our user base at the same time.”
As a result of the new agreement, the V-Tech UK range of diagnostic products will expand significantly, adding to an already comprehensive product range. In addition to Autocom, the Opus diagnostic range, as well as a variety of hand-held and PC-based software driven tools from ICM Winstar, Ross-Tech, Vag-Com and Hanatech are already sold. There is also a range of diagnostic equipment under the V-Tech UK brand.
Essex-based V-Tech UK is one of the UK's fastest growing garage equipment suppliers of diagnostic and emissions testing equipment. The company has expanding sales markets abroad that currently include EU countries, Scandinavia and Asia. It's hugely successful MOT- bay emission testing equipment range is VOSA approved and sold under the Opus brand.
January 2007
V-Tech UK Joins GEA
Essex-based V-Tech UK has received a major boost for 2007 after receiving the news that has been confirmed as the latest member of the Garage Equipment Association. The company's GEA accreditation has been confirmed by GEA chief executive Dave Garrett.
V-Tech UK is one of the fastest growing emissions testing and diagnostic equipment suppliers in the UK, with expanding sales markets abroad that currently include EU countries, Scandinavia and Asia. Brands distributed include the MOT-bay VOSA approved range of emissions testing equipment from Opus, an Opus diagnostic range as well as a variety of hand-held and PC-based software driven tools and systems from ICM Winstar,
Ross-Tech, Vag-Com, Autocom and Hanatech. The company also markets a range of diagnostic equipment under the V-Tech UK brand.
“In the equipment supply business, you have to be able to demonstrate brand credibility at the first stage of any sales enquiry. The ability to use the GEA logo gives us that and it will be included prominently on all our stationary and internet activities,” says a delighted Viresh Chandarana, managing director of V-Tech UK.
He says that membership of the GEA remains an important goal for any ambitious equipment supplier to the aftermarket because it says a lot about the company's customer care:
”As members of the GEA, we have to adhere to a defined code of conduct. That's there to help maintain standards but it protect the interests of the customer as well and that gives the garage user an extra level of confidence, enhancing our reputation at the same time.”
Confirmation about the GEA membership comes at an exciting time for V-Tech UK as the company will soon be announcing plans to expand its activities in the UK market.
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