AUTO LOCKSMITHS
OBDstar :
We visited OBDstar at their new offices in Shenzhen and got to see their amazing growth ; the engineering team has expanded by 150 + engineers . We discussed the development of existing products such as the DP Plus , MS80 and Odomaster , which will stay current with regular updates and soon will integrate a new patented menu system to make navigating the system even easier . OBDstar have grown in presence in the UK and EU market over the last few years and in terms of product development they have nailed it . They have focused on areas they specialise in and expanded product coverage accordingly . The amount of development that goes into their devices is second to none and their growth is testament to this . We saw first-hand what goes into producing their software and it would be fair to say they are innovators NOT imitators .
OBDstar are paving the way in development for motorcycle diagnostics and immobiliser programming , the UK and EU is a huge market for them which is proven by the number of devices out there . So , the demands of these territories remain a priority . They will be joining Autowave at MLA to launch a new flagship product so keep your eyes peeled .
“ OBDstar have released products such as the DC706 ECU programmer / cloner and P50 airbag crash data device that are better than any competing European device I have used throughout my time in the industry , also while not as relevant for the UK market they have also developed a marine scanner that just goes to show how forward thinking they are .” Ravi Kotecha - Autowave CEO
Xtool :
Xtool are well known globally and considered one of the most popular brands in our industry across USA and South Asia . We work very closely with Xtool and over the last three years we have been helping develop their products for the UK market . A major point of discussion with Xtool is how we can adapt their devices and software to be more stable and reliable in the UK and EU . Xtool currently have UK specific devices , the immobiliser coverage for European manufacturers is far more advanced on these versions so in order to continue this distinction we agreed to have three Xtool engineers work from our UK office alongside Autowave technicians as a joint development project . Three engineers will spend at least two months in the UK so expect some major updates particularly on Renault , Fiat , Vauxhall , Peugeot , Citroen Ford and JLR .
We have been cooperating with Xtool for over a year to release an automatic key cutting machine , after lots of testing and over three different designs Xtool finally released a key cutting machine called ‘ Anycut KNC91 ’ which has proven immensely popular . The final design and software was approved on my first visit at the end of January and at least 80 machines have been sold in UK already since they were officially launched in March . The hardware is rugged , features a multifunction clamp and the software has regular updates with built in Insta-Code .
Xtool have also released a new flagship diagnostic device ( H6PRO MASTER II ), a dedicated EV diagnostic device ( N9EV ) and a new key programmer ( IK618E ) that will be available from Autowave this month .
It ’ s fair to say Xtool are becoming an allround essential supplier for the locksmith market and they will be joining us at MLA Expo this year .
ACDP :
ACDP offices in China are not as flashy as some other manufacturers , but they are true engineers that focus on development , hence why their product quality is so good .
We visited ACDP , located in Nanning which is around 700km from our Shenzhen office . We saw first-hand how focused ACDP have been on technical development and it is clear to see why they are the market leaders in solderless programming .
During our visit we gave ACDP feedback we have received from our customers who use their products , mainly regarding connection issues . 90 % of our ACDP tech support queries are around WiFi connection and setup so this is something that we needed to address . Due to the safeguarding of their software ACDP has to be connected to the internet when in use , however following our discussions with ACDP we are excited to announce we will be collaborating with ACDP to release WIRED ACDP products to the market . We hope to begin the roll out of these products in August this year . So , expect some special offers at MLA Expo ! Not having to connect via Bluetooth will alleviate the connection issues currently faced by ACDP users and current modules will work with both the existing wireless and new wired host . More details to follow on this . ACDP are always looking for feedback from end users and Autowave are happy to feed this back and ensure it is acted on .
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