Franchised dealers face growing competition from independent garages for service and repair work on newer cars as leading supplier Delphi Automotive Systems steps up its support for the aftermarket.

The company will launch the Delphi Integrated Service Solution (DISS) in September, which it claims will help independents to diagnose and repair today's increasingly complex vehicles.

Jog Lall, Delphi services and ebusiness director, Europe, says around 70 per cent of car faults are misdiagnosed because independents are using old manuals containing outdated vehicle information. “We aim to provide workshops with the tools to run a more profitable business, moving away from traditional print ors CD-Rom catalogues.”

“Vehicle systems are becoming increasing complex, with aircon, in-car entertainment systems, airbags and satellite navigation, which require computer solutions to function effectively. DISS will show technicians around the process and lead them through the repair, ” he says.

The handheld system includes diagnostics software, electronic training, technical information, electronic catalogue and online parts ordering, which will improve quality and speed up repair times.

Lall suggests franchised dealers with all-makes service/repair operations might also benefit from DISS, which uses Autowork MAM garage management software in the UK.