Schaeffler hits the road with new fleet of Technical & Customer Support vehicles
Schaeffler – the leading aftermarket supplier of the original equipment (OE) LuK clutches, INA tensioners and FAG wheel bearings – is taking to the road with a brand-new fleet of ‘Technical & Customer Support’ vehicles.
The company, renowned for its technical training expertise, has introduced three REPXPERT branded vehicles which will enable trainers to give hands-on professional support to technicians at trade shows and distributor customers’ premises.
Each van started its life as a high roof long wheel base Volkswagen Crafter, but have been heavily adapted to include a customised workshop style interior and a roof mounted race paddock style awning that can be quickly erected to provide a 9m2 product display and training environment.
When in use at events, the vans will be fully laden with an array of tools, product, equipment and training materials so that they offer a truly ‘mobile academy’ experience to both Schaeffler distributors and their workshop customers.
Each will be based in a geographical region – North, Midlands and South – so they should become a familiar sight at trade events wherever you are in the country.
Nigel Morgan, Managing Director, Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket (UK) Ltd, believes the vans will prove very successful.
He said: “We have put a lot of thought, effort and capital into putting this fleet on the road, and as each van is not just a way of shipping stuff about but essentially a mobile training academy in its own right, so they can be put to a wide variety of uses based on what our customers want to see at their event.
“I am very excited about the prospect of being able to deliver even more high quality, professional standard training to both our customers and independent workshops around the country.”
During events, each van will carry two complete twin clutch gearboxes (VAG DSG and Renault DC4) plus the special tools required to work on them. There will also be DMF and SAC tools and demonstration units on board to allow mechanics to get hands-on with the technology.
INA will be well represented with a demonstration OAP and alternator set-up as well as all of the tools needed to make a professional belt system repair.
A variety of FAG equipment will also be on board, including the LCV repair solution tool along with a complete hub from a Mercedes Sprinter van. There will also be a Gen.2 hub replacement tool along with a mounted Gen.2 hub unit which can be removed and refitted by visitors during practical demonstrations.
As Schaeffler is one of the most innovative companies in the world, expect the van contents to be updated and refreshed regularly as the company continues to introduce new technologies and repair solutions to the LuK, INA and FAG ranges, as well as the company’s Ruville product range.
Malcolm Short, Technical Services Manager, Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket (UK) Ltd, said: “The vans will include everything our trainers need to carry out professional hands-on training at events throughout the country. We pride ourselves on the level of service we offer our distributor customers and garages and this will give us even more flexibility to deliver training when and where it is required.
“If you want to learn more about the new vans or the tools and training we offer, please talk to your Schaeffler sales contact who will be happy to help.”
Schaeffler staff will be on-hand to give demonstrations at a number of forthcoming shows including the MechanEx exhibitions at Donington Park on October 6 & 7 and Sandown Park on November 10 & 11, Auto Trade EXPO in Dublin on October 17 & 18, and AutoInform Live at the GTG Training Academy, Wolverhampton on November 28 & 29.
All Schaeffler brands are backed by technical support and repair installation tips through its industry leading internet site RepXpert (www.RepXpert.co.uk) and a technical hotline; UK Tel: 08457 001100, Ireland Tel: +44 (0)1432 264264.
