Portable Tester targets automotive assembly plants.
Press Release Summary:
Utilizing self-contained battery pack, in-line Vehicle Powering Portable Tester operates on handheld Windows CE tester platforms and can be used to program and test electronic modules early in assembly process before vehicle battery is installed. Tester features integrated scanning, including capture of vehicle bar codes without need for external scanner. Unit's battery source can last up to one 8-hr shift, and can be detached and completely recharged in 1 hr.
Original Press Release:
MAHLE Test Systems Offers New Vehicle Powering Portable Tester
NOVI, Mich., Feb. 12 /- MAHLE Test Systems, a division of MAHLE Powertrain, LLC, Novi, Mich., has introduced its new Vehicle Powering Portable (VPP) tester for use in conducting in-line testing in automotive assembly plants. The new tester utilizes a self-contained battery pack and is designed for use on the company's line of handheld Windows CE tester platforms.
"Our new VPP tester helps assembly plants reduce the amount of floor space dedicated to module programming and verification testing that previously has been done using rail-based end-of-line testers," said Ben Shirey, Director of MAHLE Test Systems. "It offers opportunities for assembly line flexibility and cost savings not previously available. By providing complete power to the vehicle, it can conduct any vehicle diagnostic test."
The new VPP tester can be utilized to program and test electronic modules early in the assembly process before the vehicle battery is installed. This procedure traditionally has been performed by technicians using equipment either at the end of the assembly line or on a rail-based in-line station. The new VPP tester allows the plant to eliminate an entire dedicated end-of- line or rail-based test station in the assembly process, saving human resources and extensive capital outlays.
The VPP tester features integrated scanning, including capture of vehicle bar codes without the need for an external scanner. Its external vehicle battery source can last up to one full, eight-hour shift, depending on testing parameters for uninterrupted operation. The battery pack can be detached and completely recharged in about one hour. For added flexibility, the VPP can also charge as a unit.
"The biggest advantage of our VPP tester is its transparency to the assembly plant," said Scott Bolt, Product Development Manager for MAHLE Test Systems. "The plant can perform a model-year changeover to a radically different vehicle with radically different testing requirements, without having to drastically alter its testing processes. Our experience with this battery technology has shown excellent results during the past year of assembly plant operation throughout North America."
The MAHLE Group acquired Cosworth Technology in 2005, a consultant and major supplier of powertrain and diagnostic engineering services to the global automotive industry, and created MAHLE Powertrain, LLC. It employs 600 people at its offices in Novi, MI, and Northampton, Wellingborough and Worcester in the United Kingdom. MAHLE Powertrain, LLC is unique in the automotive engineering supply business in its wide blend of capabilities, which extend from engineering services in powertrain design, development and systems integration through to complete engine manufacturing, including the casting and machining of major engine components. MAHLE Test Systems, a division of MAHLE Powertrain, LLC offers end-of-line and diagnostic engineering services and systems that are utilized today worldwide in many fields for the development of new vehicle models, in manufacturing, in service products by authorized dealers and in diagnostic test systems for the aftermarket.
The MAHLE Group is one of the leading global manufacturers of components and systems for the combustion engine and its peripherals -- from Piston Systems, Cylinder Components, Valve Train Systems to Air Management Systems and Liquid Management Systems. With approximately 37,500 employees in over 80 production plants and seven R&D centers, MAHLE anticipates sales of approximately 4.3 billion euros (5.6 billion USD) in 2006, positioning the company among the top 30 largest automotive suppliers globally.
The combined resources of MAHLE Powertrain, LLC and the parent company product divisions and R&D centers provides a worldwide capability to support our customers from individual components through to fully integrated powertrain systems from conceptual design through to full manufacturing.
For more information on MAHLE Powertrain, LLC visit www.mahlepowertrain.com
CONTACT: Alan McEwan, Director, Business Development, of MAHLE Powertrain, LLC, +1-248-888-3030, or fax +1-248-471-3680, or alan.mcewan@us.mahle.com; or Kathy Kedzior, Manager, Business Development, of MAHLE Test Systems, +1-248-473-6514, or fax +1-248-476-6141, or kathy.kedzior@us.mahle.com
Web site: www.mahlepowertrain.com/
