Motor vehicle repair industry ADAS opportunity unlocked by flexible Beissbarth calibration solutions

The proliferation of ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) in new cars represents a significant business growth opportunity for the motor vehicle repair industry, according to the exclusive UK Beissbarth supplier Everard.

With over 50 years’ experience, the Yorkshire-based premium garage design and installation company is monitoring the shift in vehicle technology and how it’s affecting customers. Its thinking is backed by industry data and SMMT (The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) figures that 7 in 10 new cars are now available with driver assistance technology. This includes the top three best selling cars in the UK since the start of the year. Everard suggests that bringing forward the ban on new petrol and diesel vehicle sales to 2035 – from 2040 – will only contribute to the proliferation of such technologies.

As an original equipment (OE) manufacturer of ADAS calibration boards, the Beissbarth range has been closely developed with car makers to produce a suite of products that provide specific manufacturer-approved ADAS calibration. Alternatively, its bolt-on compatibility enables existing marque-specific equipment to calibrate technology from a broader range of manufacturers, protecting existing investment and futureproofing expansion.

“The automotive industry has embraced ADAS and vehicle connectivity and it is vital that the expertise and access to these technologies filters into the motor vehicle repair industry – ADAS isn’t tomorrow’s technology, it is here today,” says Everard divisional manager, Jamie Taylor. “Beissbarth products such as its FAS 1415 make ADAS calibration an attainable reality for many workshops and can help broaden focus of those who have already invested in calibration hardware. For example, FAS 1415 piggybacks the traditionally limiting Volkswagen ADAS rig that is required for workshops to carry approved status. With FAS 1415, they are no longer restricted to single-marque calibration and can make more efficient use of existing equipment without repeating the same, considerable investment.”

Cont.

ADAS: an opportunity
According to further SMMT figures, electric vehicle (EV) sales have already displayed a 203.9% year-on-year increase in 2020. As a method of promoting efficiency through enhanced levels of autonomous functionality, EVs are traditionally early ADAS adopters.

“EVs are obviously tech-heavy and the 2035 sales ban on internal combustion engine-reliant new vehicles not only brings the deadline forward, but naturally invigorates the EV market,” explains Everard sales director, James Everard. Over half of 2019’s UK new car registrations require ADAS calibration and it is a necessary step in an increasing number of traditionally routine maintenance jobs. The growing proportion of such-equipped vehicles on UK roads represents a huge opportunity for garages and workshops who are prepared to make the step into servicing this growing area of the market. It can be a natural extension of existing wheel alignment services and, as a way of boosting return on investment, Everard has worked closely with its customers to embrace technology during the build of stylishly clinical new workshops of the future.

The ability to offer ADAS calibration gives businesses an immediate upsell opportunity in a market where comparably few are yet offering the service. An added benefit of Beissbarth’s range of products is the OE quality assured by manufacturer-approval and their modular compatibility, enabling vehicle repair centres to focus strategically while increasing throughput and reducing the need to outsource.

System optimisation
“Since its introduction in 2013, AEB (Autonomous Emergency Braking) systems have reduced rear end collisions by 38%,” states Taylor. “ADAS has been developed to save lives and precise calibration is key to ensuring reliable operation. Why risk a ‘close enough is good enough’ approach that could lead to sub-optimal operation and a drop in the effectiveness of systems? Manufacturer approvals help provide assurance that calibration is completed as accurately and repeatably as possible. In a future that surely involves closer regulation of ADAS operation, it is another method for workshops to protect their investment.

“Adding to the flexibility of its solutions, Beissbarth equipment is compatible with alignment hardware and diagnostic devices from alternative manufacturers, helping to reduce the risk of unnecessary investment,” explains Taylor. “As vehicle technology becomes more complex and ADAS calibration demanding, it is important that workshops are equipped with the latest and most efficient hardware to support their expanding businesses.”

ADAS includes a growing number of options and technologies reliant on lidar, radar and cameras, for example, many of which are becoming standard fit on lower price point inner-city vehicles. This includes, but is not limited to, AEB and collision avoidance, park assist functions including 360^o cameras, blind-spot recognition, adaptive cruise control and active lane departure assistance.

The suite of compatible Beissbarth products includes Easy 3D+ wheel alignment equipment, which offers 90-second wheel alignment checks as part of a full vehicle alignment in as little as 20 minutes.

*Article Source  www.everard.co.uk