Mastering complex technology, driving digitalization and becoming more sustainable are the three topics which Continental will focus for its workshop and aftermarket partners at this year’s Automechanika in Frankfurt. 

The technology company will present suitable solutions at the leading international aftermarket trade show, including SINDRI, the new, digital, direct vehicle acceptance tool for workshops, the virtual repair support service “Remote Expert,” and a study carried out on a drive belt made from sustainable materials. Other services and products that make everyday workshop tasks easier, more efficient and profitable can be seen from September 13 to 17 at Stand FOR.0 A03 in the forum on the Frankfurt exhibition grounds. 

Peter Wagner, Head of the Automotive Aftermarket business segment at Continental commented, “In the future, success will only come to those workshops that change at the right time and invest in knowledge as a resource for their business. Knowledge is becoming the new key currency in the aftermarket. This is why services that make the workshop fit for the upcoming changes are playing an increasingly important role. We accompany our partners on their route into the future with our technical know-how and operational management, complemented by our innovative and broad product portfolio from a single source.”

SINDRI shows how digitalization helps make workshop processes more efficient. Designed for tablets, the app enables convenient and customer-oriented direct vehicle acceptance. Until now, workshop employees have carried out a visual inspection and taken notes on a piece of paper – but SINDRI digitalizes the process and looks deep inside the vehicle. After an automated vehicle scan, all the data is summarized in a compact overview – so possible issues and upcoming services can be discussed with the customer and order approval can be obtained. The app receives data on a compact readout device that accesses the control units via the OBD II interface. SINDRI makes data available much faster than conventional methods so that it can be used in parallel with a visual inspection. 

Recently Continental used a drive belt prototype study to show the potential for more sustainable materials and processes. The belt consists of reinforcements from renewable sources and rubber compounds that do not have any fossil contents. Sustainable materials were also used in the manufacturing process. This new development will be highlighted in Frankfurt. 

Also at Automechanika, Continental will showcase its latest digital services for more knowledge and faster repairs in day-to-day workshop tasks, like the new virtual repair support from the Continental Aftermarket Customer Service. Continental's workshop and product teams will soon be available to answer questions from workshops and retailers via video call. This will make it easy to solve problems in the vehicle and clarify questions about a spare part – without time-consuming research in operating manuals. Workshops will only need a smartphone or tablet with an internet connection.