Mitchell 1 talks service information for new, complex vehicles

Mitchell 1 talks service information for new, complex vehicles

EV trucks and ADAS bring transitions to the heavy-duty vehicle repair segment.

Ben Johnson, director of product management for Mitchell 1, participated in a panel discussion highlighting “The Future of Diagnostics for HD/EV Vehicles” during the 2023 Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW) in Grapevine, Texas. George Arrants, vice president, ASE Education Foundation, led the panel discussion that examined how sensor-based, data-driven technologies are impacting diagnostics and repair procedures for commercial vehicles, and what shops need to do to not only survive, but thrive.

Johnson noted that Mitchell 1 is seeing a transition in the way technicians view service information in the heavy-duty vehicle market–particularly with EV trucks in mass production and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) becoming standard on many trucks.

“Previously, service information was viewed as ‘reference material.’ Any experienced technician could complete a repair based on his past knowledge with quick references to service manuals as needed,” Johnson said.  “This is not the case today. There is very little institutional knowledge about EVs or ADAS within the technician universe. Because of this, service information is no longer an option in a repair shop. It is becoming a must-have to meet customer demands.”

Johnson added that Mitchell 1 is seeing significant growth in its TruckSeries repair information software as heavy-duty service providers attempt to fill this gap.  Mitchell 1 continually updates information and adds enhancements to the software, so shops can provide their technicians with the tools they will need, on-demand, to diagnose and repair all vehicles coming into their facility–including those with advanced technologies. 

Johnson acknowledged that simply equipping technicians with the right tools and information is just the first step.

 “What I see as the biggest challenge is the training of the technician,” he said. “Although shops are eager to invest in the service information and scan tools, they seem more hesitant to invest in the training. I believe that mindset has to change so technicians can take full advantage of the information and tools that are available to them.”

Click below to get your HDAW fix.

You May Also Like

Phillips Industries announces promotions, strategic restructure 

In addition to their promotions, White and Forthoffer have restructured their marketing and R&D teams to now serve all business units within the Phillips Family.

Phillips Industries recently announced two promotions: Amber White has been promoted to vice president of corporate marketing, and Dan Forthoffer has been promoted to vice president of corporate research and development. In addition to their promotions, White and Forthoffer have restructured their marketing and R&D teams to now serve all business units within the Phillips family of companies, the press release notes.  Additionally, the press release states that Phillips Industries will join Phillips Connect to be headquartered in Irvine, CA (within the UC Irvine Research Park). The strategic move allows all Philips North American business units to operate under one roof.  

Arnold Motor Supply acquires Barron Motor Supply

Arnold Motor Supply and Barron Motor Supply recently announced their merger, both companies marking nearly a century in the industry.

70th Annual EUFMC event planning begins

Invited professionals can expect to begin receiving registration information by email this fall for the event.

Onfleet launches integrations marketplace for last mile delivery

The marketplace will be available to current Onfleet account owners.

Cox Automotive expands Great Dane presence in eastern Michigan

Trudell Trailer Sales, a Cox Automotive company, will expand into a new region.

Other Posts

Mullen’s first Class 3 production vehicles roll off the assembly line

Class 3 production capacity at Mullen’s Tunica facility is currently planned at 3,000 vehicles annually per shift.

Major fleet operators call on U.S. states to adopt zero-emissions regulations

The ACT rule will require significant growth in the production and sale of zero-emission trucks, vans, and other large commercial vehicles by 2035.

fuel-generic-1400
Accelera by Cummins, Daimler Truck, PACCAR JV to advance battery production

Three trucking industry giants aim to supercharge U.S. battery production.

Accelera-Cummins-Daimler-Truck-PACCAR-Battery-Joint-Venture-1400
CalAmp announces passing of president, chief executive officer Jeff Gardner

Jason Cohenour, director on CalAmp’s Board of Directors, has been named interim chief executive officer by the board, effective immediately.