Chevron Global Lubricants has launched a multimedia unit designed to provide workshop customers with information about engines and lubricants.

The Havoline Interactive Technician (HIT) project has been in development for more than two years and each standalone unit features 300 videos, 300 weblinks, 3,000 photos and 3D animations that illustrate engines and their components.

The company is hoping that the new unit will raise awareness among consumers about lubricants and also remove any fears they may have about visiting a workshop. It can also be used as a training tool for apprentices or those new to the industry.

“We wanted to take the mystery out of what happens to your car when it is being serviced or repaired,” says Darren Newton, Europe, Africa and Middle East training manager for Chevron Global Lubricants.

“We also want to educate the customer on the different types of lubricants and also raise their perception of the dealer.

“Hopefully this will increase satisfaction levels and differ-entiate businesses from their competitors.”

The unit is designed to be situated in a workshop reception or waiting area and is very easy to use with a touch screen.

Chevron envisages customers using the system on their own or being shown specific information by a technician.

“Garages generally don’t do a very good job of explaining to customers where the extra costs that arise from a service come from,” says John Jackson, UK manager for auto and commercial.

“We hope this unit will give dealers the openness to tell customers what work is being carried out and why it needs to be done.

“It will also help to explain what needs to be done to prevent it happening again.”

The unit is available from Chevron to any current Havoline customer or non-customer for a monthly fee ranging from £35 to £55, which includes the lease of the unit along with regular updates.