Bosch Mastertech VCI Scan Tool Now Supports General Motors GDS 2 OEM Diagnostic Application

Once again, Bosch has expanded the diagnostic capabilities of its powerful Mastertech VCI (M-VCI) aftermarket scan tool to better serve the automotive repair technician. This dynamic tool can now provide authentic OEM dealer level diagnostics for Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac branded vehicles.

This is a powerful enhancement to M-VCI’s long list of diagnostic capabilities. The M-VCI scan tool boasts two industry leading aftermarket diagnostics applications – ESI[tronic]™ 2.0 – which provides excellent coverage for a variety of European and Korean vehicles, and the award-winning Shop Foreman Pro software which provides extensive Asian and Domestic coverage. In addition, Bosch M-VCI already supports the Tech2Win application for authentic OEM dealer level diagnostics for GM vehicle brands, and the BMW ISTA application which provides authentic OEM dealer level diagnostics and J2534 reprogramming for BMW and Mini vehicles.

“The addition of GDS 2 support has further broadened the scope of the Bosch M-VCI‘s already multifunctional role of supporting aftermarket diagnostics, OEM level diagnostics, and OEM ECU reprogramming through one common powerful vehicle interface,” said Ravi Subramanyan, Senior Product Manager for Bosch Automotive Service Solutions.

Until this announcement, the GDS 2 application is only compatible with the MDI (Multiple Diagnostic Interface) – a Bosch supplied essential tool. Both the M-VCI and MDI are from Bosch’s family of powerful and feature-rich vehicle interface devices.

Vehicle applications for GDS 2 software comprise Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac brands, MY2010 and newer North American vehicles that have been built using the Global Architecture Platform (Global A). As of this press release, these vehicles include Buick LaCrosse and Regal, Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Camaro, Equinox, Volt, Cruze, and GMC Terrain models. For technician reference and greater coverage detail, there is a list of supported vehicles shown within the GDS 2 program. To diagnose non-Global A vehicles technicians can use the Tech2Win application or the Tech 2. The Tech2Win application is supported by Bosch’s Mastertech VCI and GM MDI.

Specific diagnostic functions that can be performed using GDS 2 and M-VCI include the following highlights:
• Module, vehicle, and system diagnostics;
• DTC, identification, and data displays;
• Graph diagnostic data parameter data;
• Operate control functions for powertrain, body and chassis systems;
• Perform special functions, configuration settings and resets;
• Read vehicle-wide DTC and ID information; and
• Save reports containing repair-order relevant diagnostic data.

The ACDelco TIS subscription for GDS 2 can be directly purchased from the following ACDelco website: http://www.acdelcotds.com/acdelco/action/subscribehome.

For more details on the Bosch M-VCI features and benefits, visit the following page: http://www.boschdiagnostics.com/vci.

For more information on Bosch Diagnostics, visit www.boschdiagnostics.com.

When Your Shop Is Worth Much More Than You Thought

Although every sale of a shop in which I am involved has its own unique set of circumstances, which makes my job both very interesting and very challenging, Cowden Automotive stands out as particularly memorable because I was able to demonstrate to the long-time owner, Paul Cowden, that his business was worth about three times what he had initially thought.

Case Study: Owner of San Francisco-based Import Service Shop Delighted to Discover Just How Valuable His Business is to Qualified Buyers
I sometimes share case studies of the clients I have been able to assist in my role as an aftermarket business broker and provider of intermediary and advisory services. I do that when I think the story will provide a reader in similar circumstances with new insights or helpful information.
In the case of Cowden Automotive, Inc., I acted in a consulting capacity assisting the owner and his broker in valuing the business, creating a marketing plan, finding a qualified buyer, and arranging financing for the sale.
Although every sale of a shop in which I am involved has its own unique set of circumstances, which makes my job both very interesting and very challenging, Cowden Automotive stands out as particularly memorable because I was able to demonstrate to the long-time owner, Paul Cowden, that his business was worth about three times what he had initially thought.
Needless to say, delivering that kind of good news to a shop owner is a rewarding experience. Discovering that the sale of his business would result in his retirement nest-egg being substantially larger than he had ever thought was a fitting tribute to someone who had spent his entire working career as a busy automotive service shop owner.

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