When new tools come to market, they generally fit one of four broad categories: they allow you to complete a task you once were unable to accomplish, they improve on an existing tool and make a process more efficient, they solve an issue you didn’t even know you had, or, they cover new vehicle technologies that haven’t even entered your shop yet.
Here at PTEN, we pride ourselves on staying up-to-date on the newest tools and equipment brought to the automotive aftermarket, and we pass that information along to you in the pages of each issue. (Think of us as the Wired magazine for tools and equipment. Just as Wired covers the latest tech trends, we deliver the latest information on tool and equipment innovations to you each month).
While you may not be rushing out to purchase the latest product, it's still important to know what's on the horizon for vehicles and the repairs you may one day see in your shop.
Just like recent release of Apple’s iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, new technology translates to changes in how you’ll use your smartphone in the future. That same idea dictates how you approach updated tools and equipment for new vehicle technologies.
It’s interesting that brand new aftermarket tools are introduced to market, but may not be used for four or five years down the road (R1234yf RRR machines and reflashing equipment are two great examples). As these vehicles begin to trickle into your shop, you should already be aware of the products available to service them.
While we do provide this product information throughout the year, many manufacturers select a specific show each year to showcase their new tools and equipment: the Automotive Aftermarket Product Expo, or AAPEX.
Just like Wired magazine will cover the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) come next January to showcase all the latest in tech equipment, we’ll be scouring the show floor of AAPEX and SEMA 2014 to bring you the most recently introduced tools and equipment to market.
Get continued AAPEX (and SEMA) coverage before, during and after the show by visiting VehicleServicePros.com/AAPEX. We’ll be updating this page regularly with new product information, and featuring live updates from the show floor. Also watch for daily updates on the PTEN newsletter the week of Nov. 3.
