BROADVIEW, Ill. — Last week at its headquarters in the Chicago suburb of Broadview, Ill., Robert Bosch LLC hosted a press event for trade media to introduce a number of new diagnostic products and training initiatives.
Bosch offers an array of diagnostic test and service equipment for the automotive aftermarket. The product line includes a full range of diagnostic tools for engine management and electrical/electronic systems, as well as a broad line of wheel, tire, and brake service equipment. These tools are designed to provide fast and accurate servicing of domestic, Asian, and European vehicles.
Among the new products introduced at the event was the KTS 340, a dynamic new diagnostic tool for the North American market. According to Bosch, this new versatile, easy-to-use Bosch KTS 340 provides the technician with greater productivity, efficiency and accuracy, emphasizing time saved with fast and reliable diagnosis of domestic, Asian, and European vehicles. The KTS 340 automatically zeros in only on service data for vehicles operating in North America, and utilizes Bosch’s globally sourced ESI[tronic] database to quickly acquire the most current relevant automotive data.
“The new KTS 340, developed especially for the North American market, is a giant leap forward in quickly and efficiently diagnosing and servicing domestic, Asian and European vehicles in the United States and Canada. This tool, with its large interactive touch screen, graphing two-channel multimeter and access to the world’s premier automotive service database, will streamline automotive service and help ensure rapid, accurate diagnosis and timely repair,” said Jim Frazer, director of marketing for Bosch Diagnostics Business Unit.
In addition, Bosch introduced the FWA 4630 Easy 3D Alignment System to its wheel service equipment portfolio. Easy 3D represents a new generation of true 3D image technology aligners aimed at fulfilling the alignment service requirements of modern automotive vehicles and service centers, according to the company.
“Easy 3D’s innovative technology dramatically improves space efficiency and productivity of automotive service centers,” said David Scribner, Wheel Service Group product manager for Bosch.
Stereoscopic Triangulation, Easy 3D’s innovative measuring method, eliminates the need for calibration during installation, and provides precise measurements that can be repeated even if the camera pods are repositioned in the middle of the alignment process. Easy 3D users can move their system to different bays within the shop where they have two bays dedicated to alignment, or they simply want to move the system to a different bay. Once relocated, Easy 3D utilizes Stereoscopic Triangulation to measure and synchronize the camera pods to the measurement boards at the new location. No calibration is required. Easy 3D’s unique architecture provides the flexibility to work with many different racks. The system can even be used directly on the shop floor for quick alignment audits and for merchandising.
“We are proud to offer automotive service centers such an advanced tool at a time when their customers are demanding higher-quality service,” Scribner said. ”With dealership closings and the market realigning, high-quality service and customer satisfaction are key success factors for independent automotive service centers. Bosch Easy 3D will help them put their customers’ vehicles back on the road.”
The company also highlighted the extensive training it offers for its various products and services at the press event.
Bosch offers a wide range of product support materials – including technical books, videos, CDs, posters – for training and reference. Each was prepared by the team that designs, engineers, manufactures and supports the Bosch products used in today’s most sophisticated gasoline and diesel applications. And Bosch develops and delivers basic professional training programs that help busy professionals stay competitive.
With vehicle technologies becoming increasingly advanced, high-tech training is more essential than ever for qualified technicians – and this is especially true for the evolving field of diagnostics. Bosch training for its diagnostic equipment and systems utilizes a variety of approaches, from direct seminars to CDs to manuals and online demonstrations, and actually begins with the purchase of Bosch Diagnostics equipment.
“Representatives of the Bosch Diagnostics sales force are proficient with Bosch equipment, and will provide basic on-site training for technicians and shop owners; equipment installation, setup, and use of the major equipment functions are covered in the basic training on-site session,” said Bob Pattengale, Field Sales technical trainer for the Bosch Diagnostics Business Unit.
“Once the equipment is in use, Bosch Diagnostics offers additional training, geared toward making users proficient with Bosch’s broad array of diagnostic tools,“ he added.
Diagnostics training includes:
• All Bosch Diagnostics equipment comes with a user-friendly manual, also available on CD or online, which gives the technician thorough instructions on using the equipment.
• Training clinics are held on demand in the field when several users can attend.
• Courses conducted by Bosch Diagnostics trainers are available on Bosch’s “E-Docs“ CD, available on request for any user of Bosch Diagnostics equipment.
• Specific training is available on “No Code,“ J2534, Tech 2, fuel pump and O2 sensor diagnostics.
• The KTS 200 has its own website including training (www.bosch-kts200.com), as does the new KTS 340 (www.kts340.net).
Also during the press event, Bosch held a product expo, where the company presented displays for product areas it specializes in. Products on display included windshield wipers, filtration, underhood diagnostics, batteries, undercar/wheel service, reman rotating electric, oxygen sensors, fuel pumps and braking.
