April 2020

T he rapid expansion of ADAS across new cars represents a major opportunity for garages. “The automotive industry has embraced ADAS and vehicle connectivity and it is vital that the expertise and access to these technologies filters into the vehicle repair industry – ADAS isn’t tomorrow’s technology, it is here today,” said Jamie Taylor, Divisional Manager Beissbarth UK supplier Everard. “SMMT figures show seven 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. Bringing forward the ban on new petrol and diesel vehicle sales to 2035 from 2040 will only contribute to the proliferation of such technologies. According to SMMT figures, 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. “The growing proportion of ADAS- equipped vehicles represents a huge opportunity for garages 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. Jamie added: “The ability to offer ADAS calibration gives businesses an immediate upsell opportunity in a market where comparably few are yet offering the service.” 44 AFTERMARKET APRIL 2020 ADAS www.aftermarketonline.net AHEAD OF THE ADAS CURVE ADAS systems are more prevalent every day. Find out how to make sure you don’t get left behind Above: Bluetooth Pro from Absolute Alignment Specialise It is a big opportunity, as Robin Huish, Managing Director at Hickleys noted: “Every vehicle that has ADAS equipment will require some form of calibration whenever there are repairs carried out that could affect the positioning of the camera/radars or where the ADAS equipment itself has failed or gone out of calibration. “This opens a huge opportunity for companies to specialise in wheel alignment and ADAS calibration. Firstly, it is good practice to check the accuracy of the wheel alignment and carry out the adjustments as necessary, once completed the ADAS calibration can be carried out and a printout of results produced. “The latest 3D wheel alignment imaging offers the ability to carry a check of vehicle with precision in