The automotive repair industry is constantly evolving, driven by rapid technological advancements in vehicle manufacturing. As vehicles become more complex, the demand for advanced diagnostic tools, or scan tools, grows in parallel. For businesses focused on selling scan tools, staying ahead of the curve by understanding and promoting the latest features is crucial for success. Keeping abreast of these advancements not only empowers your sales strategy but also ensures your customers – automotive technicians and repair shops – are equipped to handle the vehicles of today and tomorrow.
Staying informed about the newest scan tool capabilities can seem challenging, but resources are available. Manufacturers often provide updates, and industry insights can be gleaned from expert opinions. Ed and Maria, quoted in Vehicle Service Pros, emphasize the importance of direct manufacturer communication. They note that Bosch, for example, excels at keeping distributors informed about quarterly updates, occurring as frequently as six or seven times annually. Regularly reviewing these updates allows sellers to highlight the most relevant advancements to their customer base.
Understanding the innovations across various scan tool brands, even beyond your primary stock, offers a competitive edge. It allows for feature comparisons and helps identify tools that might better suit specific customer needs, ultimately boosting sales and customer satisfaction.
Autel: Pioneering Diagnostics for Modern Vehicles and Electric Vehicle Systems
Autel, a leading name in diagnostic tools, is consistently pushing boundaries. John Forro, Technical Trainer at Autel, highlights key updates mobile tool dealers should emphasize when discussing Autel products with their clients.
One critical advancement is Autel’s support for the latest communication protocols: Can FD and DoIP. These protocols are essential for diagnosing newer vehicles. Can FD, introduced in 2019 in certain Ford models, and DoIP (Diagnostics over Internet Protocol), common in European brands like BMW, represent the evolving “language” and speed of communication within vehicle modules. For technicians working on modern vehicles, scan tools supporting these protocols are no longer a luxury, but a necessity. Highlighting this compatibility is a strong selling point.
Furthermore, Autel’s innovation extends to electric vehicle (EV) diagnostics. Their exclusive EV diagnostic box empowers technicians to perform in-depth diagnostics on crucial EV components like the battery management system and HVAC compressors. This capability, performed both on and off the vehicle, opens new avenues for service and repair. As Forro explains, this technology provides unprecedented access to information and bidirectional tests previously unavailable through standard OBD-II connectors. The ability to perform calibrations on high-voltage batteries, potentially extending battery life, is another significant feature to promote when selling Autel scan tools to shops preparing for the EV wave.
Bosch: Leveraging Connectivity for Enhanced Scan Tool Longevity and Value
Bosch, another industry giant, emphasizes the role of internet connectivity in maximizing scan tool value for technicians and shop owners. Scott McKinney, Senior Product Manager for Bosch Automotive Aftermarket, points out that internet connectivity extends the lifespan and capabilities of scan tools.
Cloud connectivity is a game-changer. It enables manufacturers to deliver software updates digitally, ensuring technicians always have the latest diagnostic information. Moreover, cloud storage eliminates the need for local vehicle data storage, potentially improving tool performance and efficiency. This feature resonates strongly with businesses looking for long-term value and streamlined operations.
McKinney echoes the importance of software renewals and updates, reinforcing Maria’s earlier point. For scan tool sellers, emphasizing the breadth of vehicle coverage offered by the latest software is paramount. Knowing the updated vehicle coverage can be the deciding factor in a sale. Technicians face a diverse range of vehicles daily, and a scan tool with comprehensive, up-to-date coverage provides the reassurance they need. By highlighting Bosch’s commitment to continuous updates and cloud-based enhancements, sellers can effectively position these tools as smart, long-term investments.
In conclusion, the key to boosting scan tool sales lies in understanding and effectively communicating the value of the latest features and updates. By staying informed about innovations from manufacturers like Autel and Bosch, and emphasizing features like advanced protocols, EV diagnostics, and cloud connectivity, scan tool sellers can confidently meet the evolving needs of the automotive service industry and drive sales growth.
