Delphi Checking With ATRi Units

TROY, Mich.--Delphi Automotive Systems’ U.S. Aftermarket Operations has reached a distribution agreement with Automotive Technical Resources Inc. (ATRi), which provides automotive diagnostics and integrated information delivery systems.

ATRi’s Integrated Service Solutions division and ATRisys--Internet-supported wireless computer systems for use in automotive service applications--is “at the heart of Delphi’s aftermarket service system and is a key service differentiator for Delphi,” said Nicholas A. Cocco, ATRi’s chief executive officer. “The system allows service technicians to access a wealth of product information without searching through extensive shop manuals, resulting in vehicles that are repaired with increased speed, accuracy and efficiency,” he added.

“ATRi and Delphi are out to change the way vehicles are repaired and customer service is performed,” said Cocco. “The applications for this product are endless, and we can support just about any service field.”

Delphi initiated a pilot testing program with ATRisys using select repair shops and technicians. “The response we heard was, ‘This is exactly what we need,’” said Francisco A. Ordonez, general manager of Delphi Aftermarket Operations. “Most of the technicians who used the handheld system cut their diagnosis time from hours to minutes. We believe our approach to service will make a major impact on the automotive aftermarket service industry, increasing job satisfaction among service technicians and helping to bring the aftermarket into the new economy.”

The companies contend that ATRisys will provide key benefits to Delphi’s aftermarket distribution partners, including:

• Improved accuracy of diagnoses, resulting in reduced returns and time savings.

• A mobile, wireless and cableless handheld diagnostic device that allows the technician to diagnose the vehicle’s problem while held from any angle when servicing the vehicle.

• A “point and click” and paperless method of finding information eliminating the need for lengthy, complex service manuals, ultimately easing “do-it-for-me” technician frustrations, saving time and increasing repair satisfaction for the end customer.

• Easy, quick and user-friendly programs that can be set up by the technician and don’t require a computer expert to operate.

• Off-the-shelf system hardware. Only the software is unique, making the system flexible and cost effective.

The automotive service solution reportedly will also provide Delphi’s aftermarket distribution partners with the knowledge, training and tools to help alleviate the industry's significant learning curve in the wake of the electronics revolution. “Cars and trucks of the future are expected to have increasingly complex, integrated systems, and aftermarket service professionals will have to be familiar with all of the products in order to diagnose, maintain and repair them, or risk losing business,” said Mark Theriot, director of Global Service Technologies for Delphi Aftermarket Operations. “Our vision is to provide automotive service technicians with a quick and easy-to-use diagnostic process that will decrease returns, make their jobs easier and more productive, and increase consumer satisfaction.”

For additional information, contact www.atritech.com and www.delphiauto.com.