Head of Hella Gutmann UK, Neil Hilton outlines why he feels Hella is best placed to serve independent workshops when it comes to their diagnostic needs.
Effective diagnostic solutions have never been as important, which is why independent workshops cannot choose a better partner than Hella Gutmann. Its extensive research and decades of specialist knowledge have both enabled it to produce, not only the most capable tools, but also the most revolutionary products, and so underlining the company’s position as the aftermarket’s diagnostic pioneer.
The mega macs X
The mega macs X is the stand-out diagnostic tool within reach of the independent sector and provides users with the utmost flexibility with an array of options when it comes to both the hardware and software configurations. It allows individual workshops to choose whether they wish to combine their existing desktop browsers or tablets with the mega macs X, or move to a totally mega macs driven platform. This variability means that, should the workshop’s requirements change, then it is able to alter the mega macs X setup to match.
The mega macs X is not only flexible in terms of hardware, thanks to the different software modules that are available, workshops also have a choice when it comes to the scope of the services that can be accessed. This ensures that the workshop is always able to gear the service level it requires to the needs of its customers and, if necessary, the software module altered to make sure it always fulfils the workshop’s requirements.
The mega macs X is also very different in appearance, as it has neither a display nor a keypad. At first glance, the wired OBD plug with integrated LED lighting, looks like a modern, neatly designed VCI, which incidentally it is, but this future-orientated and most flexible of solutions is also the most advanced diagnostic tool Hella Gutmann has ever developed. It incorporates the processor, diagnostic software and integrated diagnostic protocols, which includes among others, the CAN FD and DoIP for recent vehicle models such as Škoda Octavia, Volvo XC 90 and Golf 8 of Volkswagen, and communicates on a wireless basis.
The mega macs X approach also allows workshops to control their overheads, as beyond the one-off costs to purchase the mega Macs X hardware and relevant SDI X software, the only ongoing costs are for the associated annual licence, which obviously includes any updates and system improvements as they are issued.
Naturally, as with the other mega Macs devices in the Hella Gutmann line-up, the mega macs X is equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) calibration software, which is now a must-have feature for workshops. In addition, however, it also comes with a Cyber Security Management (CSM) function.
This means that instead of having to register individually with each vehicle manufacturer (VM) portal to obtain diagnostic releases for their customer’s vehicles, a one-time authentication, activated by proof of identification by passport or identity card, is all that’s needed for a mega macs user to have a clear path to work on all vehicles with a security lock, at the usual diagnostic depth.
All these functions and its flexible usability clearly puts the mega macs X at a different level to any other diagnostic tool on the market and sets the trend for the future of vehicle diagnostic management.
Latest CSM extension
The latest vehicle models have electric or partially electric drivetrains, extensive connectivity and a wide range of ADAS. These developments are going hand-in-hand with expanding data volumes and new onboard network architectures, which VMs are increasingly securing against unwanted access by means of CSM.
To support independent workshops to communicate with these and future vehicles, Hella Gutmann implemented the CSM function in its mega macs range of diagnostic devices in 2020. CSM allows verified users to diagnose secured vehicles without detouring to the VMs portal, all available with a single registration with Hella Gutmann and is a genuine multi-brand function that is being successively expanded.
With the recent addition of Renault, Kia and Hyundai, the CSM function has been extended to allow mega macs users to save considerable time and administration when working on protected vehicles from these manufacturers, as well as those from Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Chrysler, Jeep, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Cupra, Seat, Škoda and VW, Hilton added.
Each mega macs recognises when it is dealing with a secured vehicle and initiates all the steps for unlocking the vehicle gateway in a fraction of a second, enabling the user to perform the usual diagnostic functions, such as fault code reading/deleting, parameter viewing, basic settings, calibrations, codes, actuator tests and service resets.
CSM is available, at no additional cost, with any mega macs X with a configuration X2 licence or higher, as well as other mega macs devices with Update Plus licences.
The macsRemote
The macsRemote is a connected repair solution that extends the capability of an independent workshop as it provides diagnostic access to vehicles and systems that even the most up-to-date aftermarket tools cannot cater for, regardless of the make or model. It allows independents to legitimately access VMs own data, to diagnose diagnostic faults and activate solutions from the moment a vehicle leaves the showroom, and so bridges the data gap between their existing diagnostic tools and the latest new model registrations.
By connecting the macsRemote to the vehicle and creating a job ticket via the Hella Gutmann online portal, our technical team can remotely access all the vehicle’s electronic systems and perform the required tasks, using the VMs diagnostic equipment. In addition, as there are no ongoing licence charges, it also provides the ultimate pay as you go system.
With these two products, plus the benefit of the CSM function, Hella Gutmann has developed the solutions that provide independents with a route to remain at the forefront of the service and repair sector, and rightfully and effectively, compete with the VM franchised dealer network.
