SMH Fleet Solutions to speed up refurbishments with ADAS investment

SMH Fleet Solutions is speeding up the vehicle refurbishment process with a six-figure investment in new Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) recalibration equipment and training.

Following successful trials at the company’s operation in Gloucester, the new systems have been installed at SMH’s four remaining sites across the UK to enhance its ability to provide fast and flexible repairs, said SMH.

Commenting on the roll-out, Mark Elliott, quality director at SMH Fleet Solutions, said: “The new ADAS recalibration technology will save at least 48 hours from the refurbishment process where accident damage needs to be repaired. In a dynamic market, we must provide fleets with fast and responsive service.”

The Bosch system allows SMH to meet OEM requirements for collision repairs, maintenance and servicing where the sensors of an advanced driver assistance system must be readjusted and calibrated accurately.

The Thatcham Research Insurance Industry Requirements (IIR) came into effect in March 2021, ensuring the safe repair of vehicles equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

The move comes as the number of ADAS-enabled vehicles on UK roads reaches 4.5 million, a figure that will continue to grow as driver assistance technology advances, according to SMH.

The requirements call for repairers to use a diagnostic tool to identify the presence, or not, of ADAS on the vehicle and ensure this is recorded and complete all relevant inspection, realignment and calibration activities as detailed within the repair procedures.

In March, SMH Fleet Solutions announced it was rolling-out skills training at its sites across the UK to ensure technicians are qualified on the latest electric vehicle (EV) technologies.

SMH Fleet Solutions said it is undertaking a series of IT and technology investments across its operations to enhance its ability to provide fast and flexible services.