Now that I've got my first aftermarket industry week under my belt, my main impression
is that the tool and equipment segment is healthy, and innovations and updates for tools
and equipment will continue to flourish as long as cars and their technology continually
evolve.
The Tools and Equipment segment of AAPEX for 2007 included dozens of companies and
hundreds of new items for your shop and toolbox, from fluid exchangers, chemical cleaning
systems and hardlines to power tools, diagnostics and specialty tools. Basically, there are
plenty of companies out there continually trying to create new solutions for you to work
more efficiently and safely.
Among the innovations I was impressed by were a new auto-torquing impact wrench
that should greatly improve wheel service in the heavy-duty market, a magnetic induction
tool that puts safe heat where you need it quickly, a new brake bleeder machine that can
do a complete system bleed in 10 minutes, a single diagnostic tool that covers marques from
the E.U., U.S. and Asia — and that's just off the top of my head.
As of the middle of the AAPEX show,
this issue was already on its way to the printer. But make sure not to miss the December
issue of PTEN which will feature new products from the AAPEX show floor, as well as my best
of picks.
The exhibiting companies at AAPEX obviously
have a stake in your company doing well, and are trying to give you the tools to make your
jobs easier. Are you taking an honest look at the newest tools and equipment when your distributor
presents them to adequately gauge their ROI on what you do? For your shop to run as efficiently
as possible, make sure you're
considering all the tools available to help you in that goal.
Thanks.
