Comprehensive line features updated service products and 19 new training courses for the automotive aftermarket. DS products redesigned to work on existing shop PC for a more affordable solution.
Release date: November 4, 2008
LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Delphi is launching new service and training product lines that are comprehensive in coverage and competitive in price, designed specifically for aftermarket shops that are looking to increase productivity and shop revenue. The announcement was made today at a press conference held at the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) in Las Vegas.
“Our latest service product line provides both front-of-shop and back-of-shop solutions. Offered at a lower price, these tools can help increase service revenue despite economic downturns and decreases in capital,” said Gary Abusamra, vice president, global service operations, Delphi Product & Service Solutions. “With features that aide quick diagnosis, our products enable technicians to run as efficiently as possible, regardless of how many cars come into the shop.”
Service Products
DS650 is Delphi’s new, affordable front-of-shop solution for the independent aftermarket, aimed at maximizing a shops’ profit by helping the service writer identify, extract and sell services. DS650 is easy to set up and comes with the software, vehicle interface, user guide and a cable that can be connected directly to the shop’s own personal computer. There is also an option to wirelessly integrate into the shop management system to provide increased efficiency for the vehicle check-in process.
A comprehensive product, DS650 focuses on the service write-up process. The software includes the Service Bay Quality Control Test (SBQC), which enables the service writer to perform an OBDII health check on the vehicle. Access to original equipment service bulletins is also provided. AutoIQ™ allows service writers to educate their customers by providing an easy-to-understand overview of the complex electronic systems installed on their vehicles, ultimately leading to increased customer confidence. In combination with the configurable vehicle walkaround visual inspection, the service writer has the necessary tools to efficiently sell valuable services when the customer drives into the service bay.
DS850 is Delphi’s new back-of-shop workflow management and vehicle diagnostic system. Similar to DS650, it is affordable because it can easily connect to an existing personal computer, making it simple for shop’s to integrate the software into their systems. In addition to the features offered with DS650 – SBQC, OBDII health check, service bulletins and AutoIQ – DS850 also comes with the DS450 OBDII scan tool, diagnostic information, access to a library of online training to keep the service technician’s skills honed, plus additional enhancements to complement the software.
Additionally, the DS450, which was previously only offered in a service product package, is now available for the first time as a stand-alone product. The bi-directional PC-based scan tool allows technicians to quickly access diagnostic trouble codes, data in a variety of formats, and command actuators, while viewing the results in the data view. The DS450 includes Mode $9 diagnostics, a diagnostic mode built into the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) in newer vehicles, presented in an easy-to-read, user-friendly format. The intuitive interface and reports enable the technician to educate the customer, increase revenue and build confidence. Snapshot/freeze-frame data views also help technicians diagnose intermittent problems.
The DS650, DS850 and DS450 provide full Asian vehicle manufacturer coverage, in addition to General Motors, Ford and Chrysler coverage. The entire DS product line adheres to AAIA’s i.SHOP connectivity standards, which enable seamless data integration with i.SHOP-compliant shop management systems, further enhancing shop efficiencies.
Training and Education Products
In addition to the new service products, Delphi continues its commitment to training and education, announcing the availability of 19 new or updated courses. The new courses were developed in response to the demand for OE-level training. Many focus on new technology and advanced vehicle systems diagnostics, such as gasoline direct injection. As an OE supplier, Delphi is designing and building vehicle systems that will mature into the aftermarket, and we are focused on helping technicians learn how they work, and how to effectively test and diagnose them. Covering a wide breadth of information crucial for the technician operating in today’s ever-changing automotive landscape, these products are now available to technicians through Delphi Product & Service Solutions.
Featured in the training product portfolio is “Introduction to Hybrid Electric Vehicles,” a new course on hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) technology. The course was developed as a collaboration between Delphi’s OE engineers, who are developing technology for today’s vehicles, and Delphi’s aftermarket service specialists. The course prepares diagnosticians with information they must know before attempting maintenance or diagnostics on hybrid vehicles.
The upward trend of fuel prices and an increased interest in reducing vehicle emissions has had a significant impact on consumer interest in hybrids. Vehicle manufacturers are producing more models of HEVs and sales are projected to more than double within 10 years.
“HEVs are gaining popularity. As the hybrid vehicle population ages and wears, more and more will come into the aftermarket for service,” said Abusamra. “As shops see more of their customers transitioning from internal combustion engines to HEVs, technicians must have the knowledge to diagnose and service these vehicles properly, in order to retain customers and help keep their shops profitable.”
Delphi’s hybrid training also shows that not all hybrids are created equal. There are many different types of systems with varying levels of complexity, and new HEV-related terminology that hasn’t yet become standard in the aftermarket. Delphi provides information on these systems – including Parallel, Series Parallel, Belt Alternator Starter and Plug-In – revealing that hybrid vehicles aren’t a mystery and independent shops can be competitive with service, diagnostics and repair of these vehicles. A demonstration training course and Self-Study Program are currently available. Instructor-led courses will be available in early 2009.
Delphi is also introducing a new training course targeted to the new family of diesel vehicles equipped with Common Rail Direct Injection. The hybrid and diesel titles, plus 17 more courses are available from Delphi to help keep technicians current on these and other new technologies. Delphi is a certified Continuing Automotive Service Education (CASE) provider.
Visit Delphi Product & Service Solutions at AAPEX in booth #4900 for more information and demos of Delphi’s service and training products and more.
For more information about Delphi and its subsidiaries, visit Delphi’s media room at www.delphi.com/media.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release as well as other statements made by Delphi may contain forward-looking statements that reflect, when made, the Company's current views with respect to current events and financial performance. Such forward-looking statements are and will be, as the case may be, subject to many risks, uncertainties and factors relating to the Company's operations and business environment which may cause the actual results of the Company to be materially different from any future results, express or implied, by such forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as "may," "might," "will," "should," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "potential" or "continue," the negative of these terms and other comparable terminology. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following: the ability of the Company to continue as a going concern; the ability of the Company to operate pursuant to the terms of the debtor-in-possession financing facility and its advance agreement with GM, to obtain an extension of term or other amendments as necessary to maintain access to such facility and advance agreement; the Company's ability to obtain Court approval with respect to motions in the chapter 11 cases prosecuted by it from time to time; the ability of the Company to achieve all of the conditions to the effectiveness of those portions of the Amended and Restated Global Settlement Agreement and Amended and Restated Master Restructuring Agreement with General Motors which are contingent on Delphi's emergence from chapter 11; the ability of the Company to obtain court approval to modify its amended plan of reorganization which was confirmed by the Court on January 25, 2008 as set forth in its filing on October 3, 2008 and to confirm such modified plan or any subsequent modifications to the confirmed plan or any other subsequently confirmed plan of reorganization and to consummate such plan; risks associated with third parties seeking and obtaining Court approval to terminate or shorten the exclusivity period for the Company to propose and confirm one or more plans of reorganization, for the appointment of a chapter 11 trustee or to convert the cases to chapter 7 cases; the ability of the Company to obtain and maintain normal terms with vendors and service providers; the Company's ability to maintain contracts that are critical to its operations; the potential adverse impact of the chapter 11 cases on the Company's liquidity or results of operations; the ability of the Company to fund and execute its business plan as described in the proposed modifications to its plan of reorganization as filed with the court and to do so in a timely manner; the ability of the Company to attract, motivate and/or retain key executives and associates; the ability of the Company to avoid or continue to operate during a strike, or partial work stoppage or slow down by any of its unionized employees or those of its principal customers and the ability of the Company to attract and retain customers. Additional factors that could affect future results are identified in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 filed with the SEC, including the risk factors in Part I. Item 1A. Risk Factors, contained therein, and the Company's quarterly periodic reports for the subsequent periods, including the risk factors in Part II. Item 1A. Risk Factors, contained therein, filed with the SEC. Delphi disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events and/or otherwise. Similarly, these and other factors, including the terms of any reorganization plan ultimately confirmed, can affect the value of the Company's various prepetition liabilities, common stock and/or other equity securities.