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GenRad Partners with Unipart

6 September 2000

GenRad Partners with Unipart to Deliver the Latest in Diagnostic Technology

    FRANKFURT, Germany--Sept. 5, 2000--GenRad, Inc. today announced that it's Diagnostic Solutions business unit headquartered in Manchester, England has partnered with Unipart, one of Europe's leading independent logistics, automotive parts and accessories companies, to offer their Car Care Centres a unique diagnostic capability. The exclusive product will be distributed throughout the Car Care Centres as the Unipart GTE 3200.
    Unipart and GenRad are launching the advanced diagnostic tester GTE 3200 that provides advanced features and functions previously not available to aftermarket and independent workshops.
    The workshop technician is being challenged with a diversity of technology that requires the use of advanced test and diagnostic equipment. This has led to the development of a new generation of diagnostic equipment for franchised dealers that is now being extended to the aftermarket.
    The GTE 3200, which is at the forefront of this new equipment, has been designed with the user in mind. The equipment, which contains the advanced tools and features required by the most highly skilled specialist technician, has an integrated Guided Diagnostic capability which provides the user, whatever their levels of experience, with the necessary support and test capability needed to deal with the most complex vehicle systems. The GTE 3200 retains the more traditional test and diagnostic functions to enable the aftermarket workshops to continue to deal with the older vehicles.
    Paul Forman, Managing Director of Unipart's European Aftermarket Division said, "We are striving constantly to improve the range and breadth of products and services we offer to the independent aftermarket. This partnership with GenRad will enable us to offer the independent aftermarket an advanced, yet simple-to-use diagnostics solution not previously available, helping them to extend the range of services they're able to offer to their customers and build on our position as market leader."
    Peter Miles, Managing Director of GenRad's Diagnostic Solutions commented, "Earlier this year GenRad completed the acquisitions of Mastertech and Autodiagnos, as the basis of our strategy to support today's new complex electronic vehicles through the complete lifecycle. This new partnership with Unipart is enabled by these acquisitions. Unipart is an exciting company to work with and I look forward to a developing relationship as the service diagnostics industry adapts to support the computer network on wheels which is today's car."

    Key benefits of the GTE 3200

    Integrated into the GTE 3200 are many traditional and advanced features and functions, with the following representing some of the key benefits:

    Portability and Durability

    Using a proven and specially designed ruggedized laptop sized case, the GTE 3200 can be used in the workshop or inside the vehicle.

    Full Complement of Test Tools

    To cope with modern vehicle systems, the GTE 3200 contains sophisticated test tools such as advanced oscilloscope and multi-meter. Additionally, the GTE 3200 communicates with the on-board computers to extract fault codes and live data.

    Guided Diagnostics

    For the less skilled or the specialist technician, the guided diagnostic facility takes the user through the test routines in the most logical and applicable route. The Guided Diagnostics represent more than just guidance, the user is directed through each applicable or subsequent test and is also presented with the relevant illustrations and data to ensure that the correct procedures are carried out.
    In addition, the equipment supports the decision-making process by indicating good or bad test results and then guiding the user through to the appropriate subsequent checks.

    Touch Screen

    The touch screen allows for simple operation in the workshop environment. Although containing a high level of PC power, the user is not burdened with the traditional PC keyboard and mouse.

    Internet Connectivity

    The GTE 3200 is already designed for connection to the internet. Although the GTE 3200 can be updated via the standard CD-ROM function, the user will be able to access the internet and upgrades or additional information will then be able to be delivered via this route.