If a scheduled media tour is any indication of the direction and flow of the automotive aftermarket, then the handwriting is on the wall.
Of the nine stops of Tuesday’s tour, one-third of those were related to ADAS technology. Demonstrations by Autel, TEXA, and Bosch revealed some of the advances made in ADAS.
Autel
Dubbed “Intelligent ADAS,” the Autel ADAS system seamlessly handles wheel alignment and ADAS calibration. According to Sales Manager Richard Zenteno, the system was designed to make it easy for repair shops to increase profitability through ADAS alignments. The equipment only needs a space of 30' by 60' to work.
“Ninety percent of the time you spend setting up targets," Zenteno said. "We have a camera-based system with a graphic interface to make calibration setup simpler—in two minutes. A target can be placed digitally. [It] increases profitability and efficiency of the shop. I call that a win-win."
TEXA
Italian-based TEXA uses a Windows-based operating system for its RCCS3 ADAS equipment. It calibrates using a 75" screen to project targets versus hanging targets. Since it's camera-based, shop owners aren’t required to buy new targets, and it can fit within the space of a standard single bay.
“You use the software, connect the vehicle, and the OEM-sized target shows up on the screen matched to the OEM’s size,” said Sales Manager Joffrey Starcher, pointing out that while this is the first U.S model it’s been used in Europe for three to four years.
Bosch
Bosch’s DAS 3000 uses vision positioning to set targets and position a fixture in front of the vehicle. Spacing requirements are 25' by 30' to cover most mid-sized vehicles, said Senior Product Manager Scott McKinney. Developed in Germany, the product was designed to make ADAS more efficient while making a product sized to fit within the shop to become a normal piece of equipment.
Rounding out the tour were BG Products, First Brands Group, Coats, Tekmetric, and the Right to Repair booth.
