Member’s opinion: ADAS

Automotive is seeing unprecedented changes as it gears up for a new future. IMI member Mike Jones gives his opinion on how ADAS technology could impact the sector

As the Senior Tech Trainer and then the Technical Training Coordinator for Citroën in UK I was blessed with the opportunity to experience the early development of ADAS systems.

The technology has developed immensely over the last two decades and I have kept up to date delivering technical consultancy training for BMW, Bentley, Thatcham Research and GM Cadillac, GMC, and Chevrolet in the middle East since retiring from Citroën UK.

ADAS brings benefits

Well trained, experienced technicians with a thirst and desire for knowledge will welcome these systems with open arms and the challenges to repair and diagnose them. However, only experienced technical trainers can create this thirst and desire for knowledge.

There are fantastic opportunities for profit in dealerships if they develop bespoke services to repair and calibrate ADAS systems.

For bodyshops there are huge opportunities if the right approach is taken; investment in the correct calibration equipment and training staff to conduct this specialised work.

Some current fast fit companies are already following this path, there are further opportunities for specialised entrepreneurs to start up a business taking the same path as air-conditioning specialised repair workshops that only conduct bespoke ADAS repairs and calibrations. The dealers and body shops may well contract this work out as they do for windscreens, tyres and aircon.

Don’t forget the challenges

Some technicians will tend to shy away from these developing technologies through fear and lack of knowledge and experience – many of these systems require little maintenance and repair.

De-skilling of conventional dealer workshop technicians as the potential to contract the work out to specialised ADAS repair workshops increases will take this work and skill away from the dealer, just like it did with tyres, windscreens and air-conditioning.

Bodyshop MET fitters will struggle due to the lack of knowledge around these systems. They will also struggle with the use and level of ADAS calibration equipment required to rest/calibrate systems after a repair.

Large bodyshop groups will be able to invest in the equipment and the specialised training for staff to operate this equipment, but the need for a lot of specialised ADAS equipment and the cost to purchase it could be bad news for small independent body repair shops.

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