At Automechanika Frankfurt 2024, Rajesh Rajgor conducted insightful interviews with key players in the industry, showcasing innovations aimed at enhancing workshop solutions and adapting to the evolving landscape of vehicle technology. Two prominent representatives, Dr. Marcel Wiedmann from Forvia Hella Aftermarket and Adnan Ćemal from Hella Gutmann, presented exciting developments that promise to reshape independent workshops’ operations and product offerings.
Marcel Wiedmann, Head of Independent Aftermarket and Workshop Solutions at Forvia Hella Aftermarket, emphasized the company’s strategic focus on the braking sector, a core area for their brand expansion. “This year, we are focusing heavily on brakes,” he noted, highlighting the full acquisition of the remaining shares of their Joint Venture. As of October 1, all braking components will be marketed under the Hella brand, solidifying a unified identity in the automotive aftermarket. This integration aims to dovetail the leading original equipment expertise, for example in the field of brake pedal sensors (brake-by-wire) and the extensive IAM range of ABS sensors and brake boosters, with the range of brake-related wear parts and hydraulics in order to offer vehicle workshops and wholesalers a broad, innovative and future-orientated brake range. Thanks to integration into FORVIA HELLA’s strong international sales network, customers can rely on maximum product availability, short delivery times and excellent logistics services, which is crucial in the workshops day-to-day business. Forvia Hella is also strengthening its position in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, with over 1,600 parts now dedicated to battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. “Already, these EV-specific parts cover roughly 20 product groups,” Wiedmann added, underscoring the company’s commitment to addressing the future of mobility. As the automotive market continues to transform, their brand expansion includes a pilot program for shock absorbers in Mexico, an expanding e-commerce presence, and targeted growth in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly China.
Additionally, Forvia Hella is venturing into two-wheeler segments, especially in high-demand regions like India and Colombia. “Two-wheelers are an exciting and strategic growth area for us, particularly in countries with a strong demand like India,” said Wiedmann. By ensuring their global footprint aligns with diverse regional demands and product categories, Forvia Hella is well-positioned to meet the changing needs of the automotive aftermarket.
Transitioning to Hella Gutmann, Adnan Ćemal, CEO of the company, unveiled their latest innovation: the fully digital, modular ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) calibration tool CSC-Tool X 20. This tool is designed to bring advanced calibration solutions to independent workshops. “This tool allows for 360-degree calibration of all assistance systems, ensuring full compliance with original equipment (OE) specifications,” Ćemal stated. The calibration tool meets the increasingly strict European regulations around vehicle safety systems, showcasing Hella Gutmann’s commitment to supporting workshops in staying ahead of regulatory demands. “We are bridging the gap for workshops to confidently work with multi-brand vehicles while meeting new legal requirements,” he added.
Ćemal further shared insights into the future of automotive diagnostics, where Hella Gutmann is harnessing AI and automation to streamline workflows and enhance accuracy. “Our automated diagnostics, embedded in the mega macs X tool, can reduce error detection time by up to 70%,” he highlighted. This substantial reduction is fueled by over 15 years of Hella Gutmann’s expertise and extensive data collection, aimed at transforming how workshops handle increasingly complex diagnostics. “Our aim is to enable workshops to tackle electric and hybrid vehicle repairs with precision and efficiency,” he noted.
In addition to their cutting-edge tools, Hella Gutmann invests heavily in training through its Academy, where they provide specialized courses covering EV handling. “From basic diagnostics to advanced battery repairs, our training covers it all,” Ćemal explained. While Germany and neighboring countries remain central markets for Hella Gutmann, the company is actively looking to expand its diagnostic services across Europe. This commitment to enabling independent workshops positions Hella Gutmann as a leading force in adapting to modern automotive diagnostics and electric vehicle technology.
The discussions at Automechanika Frankfurt 2024 reflect a broader trend in the automotive aftermarket: a strong emphasis on innovation, integration, and adaptation to evolving market demands. Both Forvia Hella Aftermarket and Hella Gutmann are committed to empowering independent workshops, ensuring they remain competitive and equipped to handle the complexities of today’s automotive landscape. With an eye on the future, these companies are paving the way for advancements that will define the next era of the automotive aftermarket.
