Juffali Auto Parts Company incorporates advanced Bosch diagnostic system in its workshops

The highly sophisticated electronics embedded in Bosch's KTS equipment aids workshop mechanics in diagnosing and rectifying electronic faults, particularly in motor management, safety and comfort electronic areas.

"Modern technology has made today's cars smart but complex. This poses great problems to mechanics who try to manually locate a fault. Bosch's multipurpose range of diagnostic hardware ensures high levels of accuracy, with the added benefits of quick fault location and elimination of the trial-and-error method that most mechanics indulge in," said Mohammad Khalid, General Manager, JAPCO. "This technology will ensure that vehicle owners can now rely on a perfect diagnosis."

Bosch's KTS equipment masters all current diagnostic protocols, including ISO systems of European vehicles, SAE systems for American and Japanese vehicles and CAN protocols for testing state of the art CAN systems in new vehicles.

"Juffali Auto Parts Company will employ this cutting edge technology in its own workshops and also recommend the KTS systems to all the modern workshops that wish to quickly and accurately identify problems and solve them," added Mr. Khalid. "We believe that Bosch's highly advanced diagnostic systems provide the right tools for workshops to deliver value-for-money service to customers."

"Vehicle components and their networking systems are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using cutting edge technology to ensure safer driving without compromising on comfort," said Jacek Siwinski, General Manager, Bosch Automotive Aftermarket Division, Dubai. "Bosch is a leader in developing hi-tech diagnostic tools that can be used easily and effectively for quick diagnosis."

"We are pleased to extend our partnership with JAPCO to include the use of our new-generation KTS testers that can help mechanics diagnose a fault in the electronics of any vehicle quickly, efficiently and most importantly, accurately. Workshops and their customers can thus benefit from a reduction in labour time and costs, which is what JAPCO customers will notice," said Siwinski.

The KTS diagnostic systems are already popular in markets including Lebanon, the U.A.E. and Kuwait. The systems popular usage in the region is due to the wide range of car brands that can use the KTS system. The system is now compatible with more than 50,000 vehicle brands and variants worldwide.

The launch of the KTS diagnostic system at JAPCO's workshops is in tune with Bosch's strategy of further expansion in the Middle East. The strategy is mirrored in the opening of new branches and service centres. More than two years ago, the company also launched a liaison office in Dubai to offer quick and flexible support to regional customers.

In February 2003, Central Motors, the Bosch Agent for U.A.E., opened a 40-bay workshop for all brands of cars in Abu Dhabi. A new branch of JAPCO was opened in October last year in Riyadh. There was also an inauguration of a Bosch Car Service centre in Kuwait, the second such facility in the Arabian Peninsula after Abu Dhabi. Bahrain and Oman also have new Bosch Car Service centres.

The year 2003 was a significant year for Bosch globally, but the earnings were soured by the strong valuation of the Euro, according to Franz Fehrenbach, Chairman of the Board of Management, who presented the company's results at a recent press conference in Germany. While indicating that he was "basically satisfied" with the 2003 performance, Fehrenbach sounded optimistic about an improved performance in 2004. "We are firmly set and well prepared to profit in every way from the opportunities provided by the imminent upswing," he said.

In real terms, assuming unchanged exchange rates, Bosch achieved an internal growth of around 7 per cent and, including changes in the consolidated statement, a total growth of 10 per cent. In Asia, sales in local currency recorded an increase of 20 per cent.