| 28 October 2004: Sun Diagnostics, brand leaders in diagnostic software and equipment for the automotive industry, has announced that its Sun MODIS (Modular Diagnostic Information System) - pictured – has been given Preferred Supplier status from 1 November by Network Hella, the nationwide network of independent auto electrical specialists. (Full product details as Editors’ Note).
Network Hella was created in 2001 to give national availability for the full range of Hella auto-electrical products supported by marketing/technical support. Today, Network Hella has 86 UK Members, 56 with workshop facilities, and is still recruiting. Hella’s marketing strategy is encapsulated in the phrase ‘4 + 2’. The ‘4’ main market areas are Lighting, Electrics, Electronics and Air Conditioning. The ‘2’ represents Sales Support and Technical Service. A key - and increasingly important part of the support package - is training which is conducted for Network Hella - and its trade customers - at the Hella headquarters in Banbury by the RAC. Network Hella also supports the trade through the “Hella Service Partner” garage concept which is concentrated on air conditioning and electronics.
Sun Diagnostics became involved with Network Hella 18 months ago when a decision was made to change the Network’s supplier of air conditioning recycling centres so as to ensure a more direct supply into the Network – and from there to the Service Partners. Following a full evaluation process, Sun was given Preferred Supplier status for its KoolKare-Xtreme and KoolKare-Pro products. What particularly influenced the decision was the level of training and technical support that Sun is able to offer throughout the country.
“Air conditioning was one of the first specialisms introduced into Network Hella,” says Tony Barley, Network Development Manager of Hella Limited, who is responsible for the running of Network Hella in the UK. “The KoolKare-Xtreme, in particular, has been very well received by the Network. As a result of the response to the air con offer, we made the decision to expand our electronics training programme significantly over recent months. Network Hella Members will gain the same support to establish an electronics specialism as is given for air conditioning. The response to this has been so good that, in the Spring of this year, we made the decision to add a diagnostic capability to our Network offering.
“We were already using a Sun MODIS in our training workshop and, although it seemed a natural step to extend the agreement with Sun into Diagnostics, we felt that we should evaluate other diagnostic tools currently on the market. In April we therefore brought in a Sun MODIS, together with two other competitive diagnostic products, for evaluation. We were definitely looking for something beyond a basic scanner and our evaluation team spent a considerable amount of time appraising each of the products to establish its full potential.”
Alastair Crawshaw, Product Marketing Manager, Electronics, for Network Hella takes up the story: “Our team was particularly impressed with the Sun MODIS. Its overall performance and functionality makes it perfect for our Network. It is the ideal product incorporating a scope, a scanner and a graphing multi-meter altogether in one unit. The scope is particularly good. We also like the amount of different systems covered. The MODIS makes the ideal package for us to offer - together with Sun’s excellent sales and service support - to Network Hella and our Hella Service Partners. I was very happy to recommend it for Preferred Supplier status.”
ENDS
Editors’ Note: MODIS is a fast powerful and totally portable hand held diagnostic tool which is easy to use with a YES/NO guided menu. It has a 7” full colour high resolution screen with simple to follow icon driven programmes. It has an integral fast accurate four channel labscope, with the power to display the four waveforms individually or on-screen together.
MODIS has a vehicle specific database with help and information systems included. On board ports include VGA, serial, USB and infra-red bi-directional printer interface. It comes in a rugged case with flexible tactile controls for easy navigation through the systems.
MODIS is ideal for road testing as it has a digital record and playback facility with the ability to record technical data whilst driving the vehicle on the road. The recorded data can then be played back and analysed when in the workshop. A Digital Volt Ohm Meter (DVOM) and ignition scope are incorporated within MODIS. The comprehensive vehicle communication software combined with powerful measurement capabilities have created a unique portable diagnostic platform. A monthly subscription entitles the user to comprehensive software updates, delivered on an easy to install compact flash card.
PHOTO-CAPTION:
Tony Barley, Network Development Manager of Hella Ltd, is pictured (left), holding a Sun MODIS with Brian Crawford, Business Development Manager, OEM, of Sun Diagnostics.
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Tony Barley, Network Development Manager of Hella Ltd, is pictured (left), holding a Sun MODIS with Brian Crawford, Business Development Manager, OEM, of Sun Diagnostics.
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