Snap-on Diagnostics Announces Integrity(TM) VIP Used Vehicle Certification
10 November 1997
Snap-on Diagnostics: Integrity(TM) VIP Used Vehicle Certification Offers New Level of Consumer Confidence
KENOSHA, Wis., Nov. 10 -- Today, the used car market changed
forever with the introduction of the first certification system for pre-owned
vehicles. The system, called Integrity(TM) VIP (Vehicle Inspection Program),
offers consumers a new level of confidence that the used car or truck they
purchase meets strict performance requirements for everything from brakes and
transmission to engine systems.
For years, auto makers and used vehicle resellers have sought a way to
certify that the cars and trucks they sell meet important operational
requirements for driveability, stopping, starting and overall performance.
Integrity VIP, developed by Snap-on Diagnostics, establishes a measure for
used vehicle performance that extends beyond car make or model.
"It doesn't matter where a vehicle is purchased, it doesn't matter what
company built the vehicle and it doesn't matter if it's a late model or a
10-year-old car or truck, Integrity VIP will let consumers know their car's
status," said Nick Provenzano, Snap-on marketing manager. "The Integrity VIP
logo should instill confidence in used vehicle buyers. It means that vehicle
has completed a series of performance-based tests and inspections for every
key system on the vehicle. And all that testing is documented on paper for
the consumer."
Integrity VIP tests are conducted at four stations in an automotive
service center. The first station concentrates on testing for suspension,
brakes and alignment, and the second station is dedicated to undercarriage
visual inspection. Tests at the third station are conducted on engine,
emission and transmission systems, electrical and on-board systems, and an
under-hood visual inspection is conducted. At the fourth station, a final
overall vehicle inspection is done and an estimate regarding any necessary
repairs is developed for the company selling the vehicle.
The consumer will receive a printout showing results of all Integrity VIP
testing done on their vehicle. That printout serves as a permanent service
record that accompanies the vehicle -- much like personal medical records.
"The tagline for Integrity VIP is 'Making reliability standard
equipment,'" said Provenzano. "We want to assure and reassure consumers that
the used vehicle purchased from a company using the Integrity VIP system meets
performance standards. We've tested it using the most advanced diagnostic
equipment in the automotive service industry -- all systems are 'go' on that
car or truck when you drive it home."
Auto manufacturers, car dealerships, used vehicle superstores and mass
merchandisers are potential customers for the Integrity VIP system.
Snap-on is a leading manufacturer and distributor of quality hand and
power tools, diagnostic hardware and software, and tool storage units for
professional technicians, industry and OEMs. The Snap-on Diagnostics group, a
business unit of Snap-on, operates Centers of Excellence dedicated to research
and product development involving underhood and undercar service, large
diagnostics, small diagnostics, shop equipment and emissions testing
equipment. Diagnostic products and services are sold through the company's
franchised dealers who call on the nation's one million automotive technicians
weekly. In addition, other diagnostic products and services are marketed
under various brand names and channels of distribution.
SOURCE Snap-on Diagnostics
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