JOHNSON CONTROLS LAUNCHES START-STOP DIAGNOSTICS TOOL

Johnson Controls has launched a diagnostic tool to help garages tackle the growing Start-Stop vehicle market.

The Varta Stop-Start Service Program (VSSP) tool will cost garages just over £1500 when it is launched in March. Johnson Controls says it will help technicians to identify and diagnose Start-Stop battery faults, and aid workshops in sourcing and fitting replacement units.

As well as the unit workshops are being offered a comprehensive training programme developed by Exponentia to help them get to grips with Start-Stop technology.

The company says it expects Start-Stop vehicles to account for 70% of the new car parc by 2015, roughly 35 million units.

Johnson Controls expects the market for convention lead-acid batteries to fall significantly as other markets rise.

Johnson Controls’ Training and Technical Services Manager Joacim Alderborn said: “On the one hand 70% of independent workshops consider the subject relevant for the near future, but 60% are still unprepared for repairing a Start-Stop car. 80% would even defer their customers to the main dealer.”