December 2020

NEWS 6 AFTERMARKET DECEMBER/JANUARY 2021 www.aftermarketonline.net OBD: Mercedes-Benz access via MAHLE MAHLE and Daimler AG have agreed terms on access to the encoded OBD diagnostic ports of Mercedes-Benz vehicles. As a result, users of the MAHLE TechPRO or BRAIN BEE CONNEX diagnostic tools will be able to retrieve vehicle data via the Cyber Security feature. Security certificates are obtained by accessing the Daimler portal with an annual subscription from MAHLE or BRAIN BEE. As a special promotion, MAHLE is offering free access to active license holders until the end of the year. In August, it was confirmed by the DfT that the OBD port will remain open by law for repair and maintenance information (RMI), and that this information will be made available in an electronically processable format, ending years of uncertainty on the subject. Type Approval Regulation (EU) 2018/858 keeps the OBD port open in the EU, but Brexit made this a more complicated subject in the UK. The issue of how security- related repair and maintenance information (SERMI) would be handled remains a key question however. With this in mind, Daimler AG will put in a security gateway to prevent third-party access to security-relevant functions of its vehicles. This will mean that data can only be read via the OBD interface, but not written or deleted if original testers from Daimler AG are not used or if a certificate is not exchanged between the tool and Daimler. Commenting on the arrangement, Joachim Schneeweiss, Head of Sales EMEA at MAHLE Aftermarket Service Solutions, said: “With this agreement, we’re giving independent workshops much greater flexibility when it comes to servicing Mercedes-Benz vehicles.” NSK app to combat counterfeit bearings LIQUI MOLY has teamed up with Edd China for a series of weekly YouTube videos that provide tips on extending the life of a vehicle, with Edd using his own Ford Mondeo ST200 and his Range Rover to demonstrate. Commenting on the link-up with Edd, LIQUI MOLY Marketing Director Peter Baumann said: “We are delighted that such a likeable and authentic expert like Edd China is impressed by the quality of our products. This is where two cult brands come together to provide a broad international audience with practical tips on the functionality and value retention of their vehicles.” The videos can be seen by visiting; www.liqui-moly.com , or via the LIQUI MOLY social media accounts and on all DRIVETRIBE channels. NSK is fighting counterfeit bearings with a new app, which complements an existing app released by the company. The recently developed NSK Verify app already enables customers to assess the authenticity of machine tool bearings by using their smartphones to scan a unique 2D barcode found on the box. NSK has now also joined forces with the World Bearing Association (WBA) to create WBA Bearing Authenticator: WBA Check, that is applicable to multiple manufacturers. A spokesman for NSK said: “Similar in function to NSK Verify, the WBA Check app assesses the bearing authenticity of WBA member companies by scanning a compatible 2D barcode, making it easier for customers who use bearings from multiple manufacturers. Furthermore, if an unregistered bearing is detected, the app automatically notifies NSK.” The WBA Check app can be downloaded from the official WBA website at www.stopfakebearings.com/#buysafely LIQUI MOLY and Edd China team up for video series ECP extends Liftmaster/ Milwaukee partnerships LKQ Euro Car Parts has extended its partnerships with Liftmaster and Milwaukee with a view to help the independent aftermarket recover from lockdown. Through its decade-long partnership with Liftmaster, LKQ Euro Car Parts’ Workshop Solutions division has become the UK’s main distributor of BendPak lifts. The BendPak two-post lift is available from Liftmaster via LKQ Euro Car Parts.The range also includes four-post and scissor lifts, both of which are suited to MOT testing. Adam White, Workshop Solutions Director at LKQ Euro Car Parts, said: “We’ve seen a huge increase in demand for MOT-related equipment as customers adapt to the post- lockdown demand curve, and we’re committed to helping them make the most of this opportunity after a summer of disruption.” Meanwhile, LKQ Euro Car Parts has in the last two years become the UK’s largest dedicated distributor of the Milwaukee range of automotive power tools. Adam added: “Through our strategic partnerships with Liftmaster and Milwaukee, we are pleased to provide our customers with the most effective tools and equipment on the market.” For more information visit https://omnipart.eurocarparts.com/