Thatcham launches IMI-accredited ADAS course
Published: 25 October, 2019
Thatcham Research has today (Friday 25 October) launched IMI-accredited ADAS calibration training, designed to close what it classifies as an emerging skills gap. Since the publication of its ‘Managing vehicle repairs involving ADAS’ document in May, Thatcham Research has been engaged in industry consultation with industry associations and bodies, including the IMI, SMMT, BVRLA, NBRA and IGA.
Thatcham and the other industry stakeholders worked closely with the IMI to on the training programme. The new course will provide to technicians vital competencies, including how to interpret information relating to a specific vehicle’s ADAS features and determine the required method of calibration. It will also cover the correct use of tools and equipment and how to identify, locate and follow software-specific recalibration methods.
Dean Lander, Head of Repair Sector Services, Thatcham Research commented: “The evolution, and widespread adoption, of ADAS features on new vehicles presents the whole repair sector with a challenge. It’s paramount that repaired vehicles are returned to customers with these potentially life-saving features operating as they were pre-accident. This course will give technicians the knowledge and skills to do that job and provide peace of mind that ADAS has been reinstated safely.”
He continued: “We’ve been looking for consensus on the key issues to be addressed. Chief among these are the lack of technical capability and capacity to effectively manage the current volume of ADAS in repair. The process continues as we work towards releasing a Code of Practice at the end of the year, to ensure a sustainable, standardised approach to the repair of ADAS-equipped vehicles.”
Steve Scofield FIMI, Head of Business Development for the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) added: “It is imperative that the ADAS Code of Practice drives technician competence in recalibration so that vehicles are repaired with safety features such as AEB fully reinstated. Motorists need to have the peace of mind that repairs are done so that ADAS technology remains wholly effective. The IMI continues to work with the sector to ensure this competence standard is up to date and assessed in a consistent way.”
In addition, Thatcham Research has updated its escribe repair methods service with dynamic ADAS fitment information. Users can also better identify sensors and their locations, as well as understand the repair scenarios in which calibration may need to be carried out.
Book a place on the IMI ADAS course here: https://www.thatcham.org/course/imi-adas-preparation-and-assessment/ or call: 01635 293174.
- IMI launches new international EV training solution
Launching today (Tuesday 11 September) at Automechanika Frankfurt, the IMI is showcasing its new Electric Vehicle eLearning modules designed to transform the way people undertake training within the workplace.
With full-electric car sales in the EU set to reach 200,000 this year, the IMI has connected with Germany’s training academy, Lucas Nülle, to make continual learning convenient and interactive for individuals of all abilities.
Steve Nash, Chief Executive at the IMI, said: “Making sure that an employer and its employees are ready for the increased number of ultra-low emission vehicles is paramount to future-proofing a business. Being able to service and maintain these vehicles safely should be the key focus, especially when the industry is experiencing the biggest growth in automotive technology that we’ve ever seen.
“Advances in new technology are creating hundreds of thousands of new jobs across the world, and individuals working in the industry should be adopting this new training to make themselves leaders in their area of expertise. It’s an exciting time for the motor industry and the IMI is committed to making sure we’re ready to embrace the changes that are set to transform the sector.”
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Snap-on has released a new diagnostic software upgrade. Much of the new coverage relates to ADAS systems. Examples of the additions include adaptive cruise control modules on several Alfa Romeo and Fiat models, blind spot monitoring for Hyundai, Land Rover and Mazda variants, Vauxhall Mokka parking assistance and lane keep assist on several Renault and Lexus vehicles. The new ADAS coverage is on top of the wide range of new vehicles and systems added in the latest upgrade. Purchasing the update also back-fills technicians’ tools with all of the information from each previous Snap-on release, bringing the capability to deal with late-model and older vehicles alongside support for facing the new challenges coming into the workshop each day. ZEUS and VERUS Edge users will also benefit from improved management and storage of vehicle photos and diagnostic screenshots, along with faster access on their units to recently-scanned vehicles. Users of the Snap-on ZEUS, SOLUS Edge, MODIS Edge and Ultra platforms, and the VERUS and VERDICT family of products, also get exclusive access to SureTrack with the upgrade.
diagnostics.snapon.co.uk/software
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