See.Think.Act’ was the theme of the ZF stand at Automechanika with the global parts supplier keen to demonstrate how it is empowering and enabling the technicians of today with the correct tools, support and know-how that will help secure the integrity of the aftermarket of tomorrow. This includes tailored product and service solutions under its brands; ZF, Lemforder, Sachs and TRW.

As well as driving simulator to demonstrate automated driving of the future, ZF also had on display many new innovations that will impact on future mobility. Also attracting lots of interest from garages was the latest version of the ZF [pro]Tech workshop concept, which delivers technical support, information and training to ensure the modern technician is well-equipped to cope with the changing landscape. This includes ZF [pro]Tech start, a technical support and information hub, aimed at future-proofing garage businesses, which is available to garages via motor factors for an affordable, one-off fee.

It provides online access to a wealth of ZF’s technical knowledge, discounted training and all-makes, all systems OEM service campaign information, which is usually only available through main dealers at considerable cost.

The easy to use system allows users to quickly access technical information by vehicle make and model.  This not only includes ZF’s technical information and component specifications, but also detailed and illustrated fitting instructions and a wealth of vehicle manufacturer service information and updates. There is also information on specific jobs, including fault symptom information, labour times, tooling and torque settings. Members also get access to a ZF technical hotline.

Matt Shakespeare, Technical Sales Manager, ZF Aftermarket comments, “ZF [pro]Tech start connects  garages to our industry-leading specialists, allowing them to benefit from our ZF knowledge and experience and arm their businesses with the skills and proficiencies required for the vehicles of today and tomorrow.”

On the stand ZF also previewed it ZF Smart Service workshop tool, which, in the near future, will allow mechanics to carry out reliable vehicle diagnoses and basic maintenance, such as replacing brakes or resetting steering angle sensors, using mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. Extremely simple to use and operate, the Smart Service app is loaded to a mobile device, the device is connected using the vehicle’s OBD interface and they communicate via Bluetooth.

Martyn Houghton, Senior Manager IAM at ZF Aftermarket, explains, “We know that in the past, many independent workshops have shied away from investing in expensive stationary diagnostic units. With ZF Smart Service, we have developed a particularly efficient workshop tool, a digital screwdriver, if you like, that no tool box should be without.”