Boston Garage Equipment have launched their new BAC-90 fullmatic A/C recharging station priced to achieve high volume sales in the rapidly growing A/C market. Robust and highly manoeuvrable in limited space, the unit is a complete update of previous models with numerous features. Boston again incorporate the Autodata vehicle database with over 2400 vehicles on-board, which is loaded without time-out and can be upgraded at any time, providing future-proof data. A customised memory of frequently used vehicles is displayed on the alphanumeric LCD screen. Full technical data can be found in the air-con section of the site. (click here)

Further Details: 0800 085 0620

Boston has just announced the release of its new RFC-90 Radio Frequency PC remote control. The rugged workshop-designed remote was initially developed for their forthcoming new range of braketesters, but it's development was finalised ahead of schedule and the decision was taken to release the product to market. The RFC-90 mimics the most common keyboard functions on a standard PC keyboard, namely the function 'F' keys, arrow keys, letters and numbers. With this sort of functionality, the RFC-90 is not just a product for the family of Boston equipment, but in fact will control any PC based emission equipment or braketester, regardless of the manufacturer! Because the remote uses radio frequency and not infra-red, it doesn’t require line-of-site to operate. Boston’s national sales manager said.. “In the first week of release we sold 42 units with orders from our distributor network coming in fast; we expect to sell a high volume of this item”.

Further information on the RFC-90 at the bottom of our emissions page click here

Boston Garage Equipment has designed purpose built test equipment for braking systems and the computerised laser guidance for Advanced Transport Systems (ATS) as part of the world’s first contract for the supply of a commercial PRT. The contract was won by ATS to replace shuttle buses from the N3 business car park to Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport and the system is now under construction to begin operations in 2009.

ATS are the world leaders in Personal Rapid Transport technology, and Heathrow’s owners BAA have taken a substantial shareholding in ATS, entering into a framework agreement to make ATS their PRT supplier worldwide. ATS are presently in negotiations with customers for PRT systems in UK, USA and the middle east.

The Boston testing facility will be equipped to carry out functional checks on vehicles after maintenance before releasing them back to the network and will enable fault analysis of defective vehicles. Vehicles will also be checked following production and the test equipment may also be used for vehicle development. Engineers from ATS and Boston have worked closely to meet demanding criteria for safe, efficient and reliable vehicle testing.

Boston MD Ray Calcutt commented “This project has demanded new, innovative cutting edge technology. Transport systems of this nature represent the future in overcoming congestion and pollution. They provide rapid, comfortable and low cost movements to airports, town centres and entertainment venues where traffic problems are accentuated.” Boston is involved because we lead the maintenance equipment field in progressive technology and a large portion of our budget is applied to development.”

Boston Garage Equipment have supplied and installed a complete ATL MoT bay free of charge to the Centre for Engineering and Manufacturing Excellence (CEME) in Essex.

The centre faces high demand for Motor Vehicle courses and to enable an expansion to their training facilities, Boston stepped in with an offer to donate a state of the art test facility complete with recessed 4 tonne lift which the College has described as ‘generous in the extreme.’

Boston MD Ray Calcutt commented “At Boston we strongly believe that successful businesses should play a role in local affairs and contribute where they can to our industry’s progress especially in education. More young trainees in this area will now benefit from courses using the latest equipment which in time will secure for them a sound career in the motor vehicle industry that continues to advance technically and present new challenges to the learning skills of students.”

The workshop was officially opened by the Mayor of Barking and Dagenham, who received a signed photograph of leading Moto GP Rider, Bradley Smith.

With one of the busiest stands at the November Sandown Park Mechanex Exhibition, Boston Garage Equipment were overwhelmed with demand for their OPA-100 computerised smokemeter. As expected with the run up to the 31st December deadline, many MoT stations have left their purchase rather late.

Boston is still offering next-day despatch and sees no problem in fulfilling the current heavy demand in time for the new legislation. Boston confirm that with emission equipment being a year round fast moving product, stocks are always good and will satisfactorily meet all order requirements in time.

Despite uncertain times prevailing in the industry, Boston sales this year have already far exceeded all previous levels. Claiming to lead the field in Automated Test Lane installations, this has proved to be a major factor in Boston’s continued growth with more than 40 bays always in progress through design and supply.

Managing Director Ray Calcutt commented on the company’s healthy position which has been sustained in a difficult climate “2008 has seen heavy demand for Boston ATL and OPT lanes which we relate to the popularity of our play detectors that have unique features. Added to this is of course has been the demand for new specification smokemeters which are now mandatory for MoT tests. Our range has been expanded and there are innovative new products scheduled for the coming months. The euro exchange rate has been unhelpful but this is affecting all major suppliers although our UK production has in fact gained from this. We expect our natural growth to overcome the effects of recession, and the vehicle maintenance and repairs industry should hold its own with new car sales in decline, and the need to service older stock”

The Institute of Transport Management has announced that their 2009 Lift Manufacturing Award has been awarded to Boston Garage Equipment. Making the announcement on 3rd October in Birmingham, the Institute’s Media and PR Director, Mr Patrick Sheedy commented “In the modern workshop environment the garage equipment provider has to be able to deliver solutions and back-up for the tools that help us reach our deadlines and make our everyday workload lighter. Having 30 years experience with MoT testing, Boston Garage Equipment is in the position to provide its customers with a cost effective and comprehensive range of equipment, manufactured to exacting standards which have been developed over many years. Against this background, Boston Garage Equipment has been accredited with the Award for ‘MoT Lift Manufacturer 2009’.”

Boston’s Managing Director Ray Calcutt greeted the award with a promise that in the coming months, another new Boston lift would be announced with features unique to the vehicle repair industry. He stated “these are exciting times at Boston with innovation and design at the forefront of our engineering development.”

Boston joins a prestigious list of previous ITM Award winners, which includes Jaguar Cars, Bridgestone Tyres and ExxonMobil. The ITM Award ceremony is to be held at London’s Hilton Hotel, and attracts the leading lights from all sectors of the transport industry.

The garage equipment market remains buoyant especially for the MoT sector where new smokemeter legislation comes into force end-December, generating emission equipment sales. There is increasing demand for one-person test (OPT) upgrades due to huge savings that busy MoT stations achieve and this has created demand for play-detectors and usually new vehicle lifts. New MoT premises are invariably opting for Automated Test Lanes which require an upgraded computerized brake tester with auto prompts.

All of these current developments are stimulating sales which at Boston are running at record levels, where at any one time we have over 40 ATL and OPT bays in progress. The market is not responding to cut-price products as some suppliers expected. There are a number of Chinese vehicle lifts on offer but build quality, controls, spare parts and support are factors working against these products. Most buyers are aware that for the cost of two days downtime on a lift repair they could have paid a little extra for an established vehicle lift with a robust pedigree. This attitude prevails on all MoT equipment where testing stations literally come to a costly standstill if any one item of test equipment is not operating reliably and accurately.
We expend a considerable budget on development at Boston and all equipment is made to our own demanding specifications. We constantly have equipment in prototype and pre-production test stages with exciting new features to be launched later this year to enhance the simplicity, speed and safety of reliable MoT testing.

Boston's parent company has operated MoT stations for 35 years and has been supplying equipment for 20 years, some which we manufacture in the UK. We supply over 3000 testing stations with nationwide support and recently launched Boston (Scotland), and Boston (Kenya) in Nairobi where government emissions tests are being introduced.

Long-established specialist emissions suppliers Boston Garage Equipment, have launched a budget package using their OPA-100 to meet huge demand for upgraded MoT specification models as the cut-off date approaches. They claim the £2495 price tag is far below any equivalent product, boasting a full high-spec desktop computer with 19” flatscreen and A4 laser printer. The options now include Boston’s new budget stand, UK built and designed to compliment the OPA-100, and with capability to add their AGS-200 gas analyser using the same computer.

Boston emission products are promoted for quality and reliability, and unlike some models being sold as ‘internet’ sales, the Boston price includes installation and full support by their nationwide agency network. With over 3000 units in use, their many prestigious customers include the Kenya police force which uses a large number of Boston emissions packages, selected for reliability

Boston has announced their unique low-start finance terms which provides a lucrative pre-payment period from which garages can profit for example from one man testing with virtually no expense until 2009. Boston will supply and install any equipment, OPT upgrades, ATL bays, for just £15/month until 2009 before a normal 3yr or 5yr purchase agreement begins.

This scheme is now available through all Boston agents throughout UK, and can include new or recent start-up premises subject to status.

The Garage Equipment industry is bracing itself for significant price increases in 2008, due to the sharp decline of the value of the pound. Over recent months the exchange rate against the Euro, US Dollar and even Chinese RMB has fallen sharply and with very little equipment produced in UK, costs for imported equipment are rising to new high levels.

We spoke to Ray Calcutt, Managing Director of Boston who commented “the industry imports almost everything and the pound is at a record low. It’s likely that some suppliers have changed prices from January because costs have continued to increase since last summer. However at Boston, we are not increasing any product prices at least until April, and then we’ll review the situation. We produce some equipment in the UK, but manufacturing sector prices here are now rising at the fastest rate for seventeen years.”

Italy, Holland and Germany are the largest manufacturing sources for the UK garage industry, with smaller imports from USA, China, France and Scandinavia. In addition to manufacturing costs, most shipping and haulage charges are priced in euros and dollars, putting further pressure on distributor margins.

Garages planning to install equipment this year, may be well advised to buy sooner rather than later as the forecast for sterling is for continued falls and this will make further price rises unavoidable.

Boston has launched their new AGS688 exhaust gas analyser aimed at the non-MoT market. Based on the AGS200 MoT approved model, the internal measurement system is the same, providing high accuracy and fast operation, but with the benefit of being completely self contained.

Ideal for the after-market repair workshop, for checking, adjusting and pre-testing vehicles prior to the MoT test. It comes as standard with a high quality integrated thermal printer, large backlit LCD displays and the added flexibility of being able to connect and control Boston’s OPA100 smokemeter at any time.

With a list of impressive technical features, the AGS688 is claimed to be the highest specification model aimed at the pre-testing market, and is priced well below any MoT approved equipment available.

Further Information:  0800 085 0620 or 0845 217 1881 (Scotland)

Boston Garage Equipment was selected to equip a unique car and motorcycle workshop, recently opened at Bushey Herts. The £300,000 facility provides for children that have dropped out of school, and focuses on vehicle repair and maintenance in a broad curriculum.

Funded by Hertfordshire County Council, the new workshop continues a project originally started as a charity in 1994 by John Page, a former head teacher. At the opening event, Mr Page said “This is the perfect thing for hard-to-teach children. You can stimulate them and deliver most aspects of the national curriculum in an unorthodox way. You’re turning kids around, keeping kids out of offending and persuading them not to go over that edge. It is such an enormously valuable facility for local people.”

Crime reduction officer for Watford, Kim Boot, also visited the opening and praised the work that was being done. He said: “Anything with youth engagement and anything as positive as this is extremely worthwhile.” Many of the school’s former pupils have moved on to successful careers with companies including Suzuki and Honda.

Mick Rowan, Project Manager, said: “In the first term we had a 95 per cent attendance rate, which for children who haven’t been at school for a couple of years is phenomenal, just unheard of. I’m over the moon with that.”

Boston’s Managing Director Ray Calcutt commented: “We are pleased to have been involved in this worthwhile project, and now supply a growing number of colleges and universities seeking user-friendly latest technology. This is an important indicator of the garage industry’s technical progress.”

As MoT station operators for 35 years, and entering the equipment industry some 20 years ago, Boston boasts a comprehensive network of approved agents throughout the UK, with Boston (Scotland) based in Glasgow.

Technology driven, and now strong leaders in the Mot market, Boston continues their growth this year with four new scissor lifts and impressive diagnostics packages added to their formidable range.

Ingenious future proofing, leading technology, customer service and competitive pricing, all combine to support Boston’s success. All their equipment exceeds VOSA requirements – sometimes considerably. Never working at the margins, they claim this provides for better operation, longer life and happier customers!

Boston offers advanced technology, quality build, beautifully designed and colour co-ordinated equipment – plus amazing versatility. And then there is the website, probably the best in the business..

Boston Garage Equipment have launched Boston (Scotland) based in Glasgow to provide dedicated sales, service and support for the Scotland garage industry.

Managing Director Ray Calcutt commented “our sales in Scotland have steadily increased over 18 years with a substantial upturn on the introduction of one-man testing. To meet the market demands to our high standards, we see the need for a local Boston base with product stock and service response.

Boston’s reputation in Scotland extends over many years with significant sales to the mainland and also to the islands. In fact sales into the Orkneys and Shetland began back in 1991 when MoT exhaust tests were first introduced.

Boston Scotland can be contacted on: 0845 217 1881

A further consignment of Boston emissions packages were recently commissioned in East Africa. Boston Garage Equipment engineers assembled, seventeen computerised gas analysers and smokemeters in Nairobi for the Kenya Police, to help control transport pollution in the city. Training was also provided for local technicians as the country’s regulations are introduced. Africa is a major export region for Boston, which is claimed to be due to the total reliability and user-friendliness of Boston’s garage equipment products.

Boston Garage Equipment have been selected to supply seventeen complete emissions packages to the Kenya Police. The units will reinforce Kenya's crackdown on defective motor vehicles and the frequency of vehicles detected without valid Kenya Vehicle Inspection Reports. A Vehicle Inspection Unit operates throughout Kenya with emission limits being a key part of their inspections, and with proposals to further reduce HC and particulate levels. Training will be provided at Boston's UK headquarters in Essex.

Mechanex Coventry was the first opportunity for equipment suppliers to gauge response from the MoT sector to the new regulations for one-man testing. The Boston Garage Equipment stand was a prime target with a continuous stream of MoT enquiries centring on the new Boston PD-302 play detector. Recently launched, this pneumatic model meets the basic MoT requirements and provides a lower priced option to their hydraulic PD-301.

Diagnostics was another Boston success at the Coventry exhibition, with particular interest from all sectors of the automotive industry in the wireless tablet PC and stand-alone station options with instant update capability via Internet. Many visitors showed keen interest in Boston's capability which is unique in Europe, to control emissions equipment and ATL braketesters from their diagnostics PCs. The policy of no further cost obligation or lock-outs was an added plus.

Also attracting attention was the recently launched ST-6000. Produced in Italy by leading diagnostics manufacturers Brain-Bee, with over ten thousand units in use throughout Europe and Ireland. The ST-6000 is now available in the UK exclusively from Boston. A low-cost dedicated hard-wired comprehensive scantool with a proven pedigree.

Suzuki have launched their first combined car and motorcycle sales/service operation at one of their largest UK dealerships. The opening of the new and prominent Tunbridge Wells PK Motors premises was attended by Mr Tekanori Suzuki, MD of Suzuki Cars UK.

To meet Suzuki's high standards for efficient and reliable vehicle workshops, Boston Garage Equipment was chosen to supply five vehicle lifts, brake test equipment for cars and motorcycles, and computerised emissions. During the equipment review process, the dealership principal Keith Stoner inspected Boston's demonstration premises and had no hesitation in selecting the cutting edge technology and colour coordinated packages for which Boston are renowned.

Boston Garage Equipment have secured the sole UK distributor rights for the ST-6000 multimake scantool produced in Italy by leading diagnostics manufacturers Brain Bee. Exploiting windows PC automotive technology, the ST-6000 offers wide ranging features that have proved popular and successful throughout Europe with over ten thousand units in use. Introduced by Boston as a lower priced alternative to their wireless tablet products, the ST-6000 is a dedicated hard-wired comprehensive scantool with a proven pedigree supporting all main communication protocols. Priced at £2495, which includes European connectors, high capacity flash card memory and PC interface software.

Leading MoT supplier Boston Garage Equipment have welcomed the new VOSA regulations for one-man MoT testing which greatly reduces the cost to MoT stations.

Anticipating strong demand for lower cost play detectors, Boston is introducing their impressive pneumatic model PD-302 which was VOSA approved last year for Class 4 and 7 lift and pit installations.

The PD-302 will provide a choice from Boston who have previously sold only their hydraulic model PD-301 which is claimed to offer more features than any play detector in Europe. The new pneumatic model performs the basic MoT needs but as expected from Boston, the design is unique and innovative. Powered by patented fluidic muscles which can develop ten times the initial force of conventional cylinders of the same diameter, the advantages are considerable. Instead of typically over 30 parts on an air cylinder, Boston's unit has no pistons, no rods, no packing or seals, no gaskets or rings, no needles or magnets. No friction, no wear, no maintenance and just one moving part. This design concept is exclusively available from Boston.

Managing Director Ray Calcutt explained "our hydraulic unit is excellent value with 200bar power and numerous functions, but we now have to address an expected surge in demand for a lower priced basic model. As with all pneumatic play detectors, there is less force than hydraulics, however both models perform really well so there is now a choice from Boston. Both models are VOSA approved and can be retrofitted to all Boston 4-Post lifts".

The launch of Boston Diagnostics enjoyed tremendous success at the 2006 Mechanex Sandown Park exhibition. There was particular interest from all sectors of the automotive industry in the wireless tablet PC and stand-alone station options with instant update capability via Internet. These most popular formats are often outside the budget of many workshops, but the Boston packages are very competitively priced.

Many visitors showed keen interest in Boston's capability which is unique in Europe, to control emissions equipment and ATL braketesters from their diagnostics PCs.
The policy of no further cost obligation or lock-outs was an added plus. Among those expressing serious interests were at least two national automotive groups.

The long-awaited Boston UK launch follows the success of these packages in mainland Europe over the past three years with France, Germany and Italy all reporting record sales.

The forthcoming Mechanex Tradeshow in November welcomes the UK launch of Boston diagnostics offering comprehensive packages that are well established and successful in Europe. Although very competitively priced, Boston's product is windows PC based, with instant update capability via their website. For the technician on the move there is a robust tablet with Bluetooth covering a wide range of vehicles and systems including CAN , and providing fast, reliable, on-board vehicle interrogation.

Workshops already using Boston emissions, recent braketesters or air-con will enjoy substantial savings due to diagnostics compatibility with their existing control platform.

The basic package includes all European connections and 12 month updates, and there is no lockout or further cost obligation. Boston's optional Asiabag is available covering all main Asian vehicles.

Boston garage Equipment has launched yet another 'first'. Their new EOBD-300 adaptor connects to the EOBD socket on the vehicle to measure the RPM and engine temperature direct from the ECU.

The EOBD-300 is connected to Boston's RMP and TEMPERATURE connectors at the base and is powered by the EOBD plug. The internal software automatically selects the same protocol as installed in the vehicle (J1850) and displays the correct RPM and TEMPERATURE on the LED display.

The EOBD-300 is the first tool of its kind in the UK market. It has the ability to determine the RPM from three different locations, the magnetic vibration sensor, the charge cycle at the battery and now also from the EOBD socket, there are no inaccuracies - the EOBD-300 is correct every time.

The entire system is wireless and enables RF transmission direct to either Boston's smoke meter or Gas Analyser.

New VOSA regulations introducing play-detectors and computerised braketesters to the MoT test, have created heavy demand for the new equipment as MoT stations look forward to the benefits of one-man testing. For more than 40 years, two persons were required to conduct an MoT test – but new technology has provided the opportunity for this change, which is regarded as the most significant advance ever for testing stations.

Typical of the effect of the new regulations, Boston Garage Equipment's production line in Essex is now working seven days to meet a surge in orders for their hydraulic PD-301 play-detector that is claimed to offer the most extensive range of features available in Europe. Additionally to meet demand, Boston have installed a customer test bay at their headquarters where the PD-301 is available for anyone to use if they are considering one-man tests.

Managing Director Ray Calcutt commented, "With huge savings available to MoT stations, it is little surprise that so many are upgrading as soon as possible. Our agency network across the country has never been busier, but we are committed to offering prompt deliveries and this is being achieved"

Boston Garage Equipment's kit advertising was prominent on Sky Sports worldwide transmission of the FA Trophy Final at Upton Park. Another first for the garage equipment industry with Boston sponsoring Grays, the trophy winners with a 2-0 victory over Woking.

Due to numerous enquiries, Boston Garage Equipment's Managing Director Ray Calcutt has explained the reasons for Boston not exhibiting at this years ATS.

"The introduction of one-man testing has generated an enormous added work volume in all departments at Boston, in particular Management and Customer Service. We are simply unable to have six senior staff at the NEC for practically a week when our priorities at this exceptionally busy time must always be our customers. Pressure of work therefore prevents us being there, although in normal circumstances we would exhibit as we acknowledge the value of the ATS. We expect to return next year, to which we look forward.

Meanwhile we have opened our customer test bay in Essex, available 6 days a week for seeing and using our ATL equipment entirely without obligation. This provides every opportunity to evaluate our play-detector, computerised braketesters and emissions control platform in operation, maintaining the level of customer service for which Boston is recognised".

Designed specifically for the introduction of play-detectors to MoT testing. The hydraulic Boston PD-301 is VOSA approved for Class IV, Class VII lift and pit installations, and is claimed to offer the most extensive range of features in Europe. It incorporates software controlled self-centring, auto-repeat/manual selection, pedestal/remote operation and exceeds VOSA force requirements. The moving plate operation is stainless steel and the hand unit is rubberised with membrane controls and bright white LED torch beam. There is optional wireless RF remote control available.

This new play-detector is already in heavy demand as MoT stations look forward to the benefits of one-man testing.

Boston Garage Equipment have launched their AC7000 fully automatic air conditioning station, timed for the expected heavy seasonal demand. With 80% of new vehicles now sold with A/C and many having A/C in the service schedules, a huge and expanding market has developed. The AC7000 is the only UK unit that offers an Autodata integrated on-screen database, under licence from Autodata.

A further unique feature is Boston's diagnostics option for cars and commercials which interfaces with the AC7000, separately available for Asian and European vehicles.

Air Conditiong and diagnostics data is displayed on a vivid LCD screen, with membrane alphanumeric keyboard and graphic printer. Sized for cars, commercials and HGV, the AC7000 has a very comprehensive specification.

Boston Garage Equipment have received full ATL approval, following tests by the GEA at their new headquarters in Essex, becoming only the third distributor to obtain full approval of ATL test bays. The final testing of equipment was attended by Richard Dixon from VOSA and Dave Garrett, Chief Executive of the GEA. The approval covers Class 4 and Class 7 bays with hydraulic play-detector.

Ray Calcutt, Boston's Managing Director commented on the full bay VOSA approval: "We are delighted to have our own brand range of MoT equipment approved for ATL one-man test bays, which follows just two weeks after the Institute of Transport Management's award for Innovation in Garage Equipment to Boston for 2005.

Clearly we are at the forefront of the garage equipment market and look forward to maintaining our position in the MoT testing industry".

Boston has operated MoT stations for over 34 years and has been in the UK equipment market for 16 years, previously as Analize (UK) Ltd. Boston have expanded rapidly in recent years to meet the increasing demand for high specification computerised equipment.

Technology driven Boston Garage Equipment is again setting the standard for computerised MoT equipment. All Boston computer platforms have now been upgraded to 19" flat-screen monitors, which include braketesters for ATL one-man testing, and all smoke and gas emission equipment. Additionally Boston now offers digital TV and radio reception on all computers and this facility is a free option upon request prior to delivery. These new upgrades compliment Boston's Bluetooth connectivity. Also new at Boston is their 5-year 'peace of mind' plan covering all VOSA calibrations, servicing and extended warranty on emissions packages and complete ATL test bays.

The institute of Transport Management has awarded their 2005 Innovation in Garage Equipment award to Boston Garage Equipment.

In their announcement of 19th October the Institute states: "Since its inception in 1977 the Institute has been disseminating information to its membership in the UK regarding developments in policies and services pertaining to all aspects of the transportation industry. This year, the executive committee, following requests from our membership, undertook to research the automotive aftermarket market in order to ascertain which organisations were providing the most comprehensive and innovative service to the industry.

Following on from this research programme, it is with great delight that we can announce Boston Garage Equipment as winner of this years 'Innovation in Garage Equipment award'. At the beginning of the programme we identified a number of areas on which to judge each companys performance: Range of services, growth and achievement, global reach, IT innovation and customer relations.

The Boston Garage Equipment name has been synonymous with cutting-edge technology for quite a while now and has helped shape the course of the automotive industry." Mr Patrick Sheedy the Institute's PR Director added, "We were keen to invest this accreditation in a company which exhibited characteristics which will set them apart from their competitors".

Boston joins a prestigious list of previous ITM Award winners, which includes Jaguar Cars, Beissbarth, Bridgestone Tyres and ExxonMobil. The ITM Award ceremony is traditionally held at London's Café Royal, and attracts the leading lights from all sectors of the transport industry.

Boston's managing director Ray Calcutt responded to the award "We are indeed proud that our technology driven approach to product design is being recognised by ITM as the substantial advance which it represents, particularly in the field of vehicle testing."

The UK MoT test is at last coming into line with Europe, as one-man testing becomes a reality. From October, equipment for automated test lanes (ATL) should be on the market, enabling MoT stations to apply for one-man test status. The GEA are presently checking and approving equipment on behalf of VOSA. It is expected that most new test bays will go ATL as the relatively small extra cost saves the need for an assistant, but this remains optional at present.

Additionally many existing bays will upgrade, particularly those handling 20 or more tests per week. "If a testing station can save using an assistant for just two hours a day and employ that person on servicing and repairs charged at say £40/hr, then there's £400 extra each week right there" says UK Sales Manager Mr John Powell. "Plus of course extra profit on parts.

It really is an exceptional opportunity for MoT stations although the cost of upgrading will depend on existing equipment to some extent. For example, some lifts may need changing, but premises using pits obviously will save here, and some RBT's cannot be upgraded".

VOSA have published the final equipment specification and manufacturers are putting final touches to their designs and engineering. The approval process is under way and the list of acceptable equipment should be available on schedule.

Please visit our vehicle diagnostics here

With our accounting year ended on 30th April, we see the real evidence of Boston's refreshing new approach to the Garage Equipment sales.

With a wapping 300% increase in turnover, there is no doubt this is the result of our emphasis on new technology products – the way Boston has always perceived as the way forward for modern progressive workshops.

With the addition of extra staff and the introduction of the commercial and diagnostics sections, Boston remains confident to substantially increase turnover further this year with also the possible addition of international distribution

Today, Boston has announced a FREE upgrade to every D400 and D700 braketester currently in use in the UK. The new software incorporates three new changes

1. It enables a more secure access to the calibration procedure to ensure and maintain the quality of service the customer receives from our trained engineers.

2. It also includes new PC compatibility to our emission equipment and our braketesters can link them together so that all results can be sent wirelessly using Bluetooth to the PC for printing and saving.

3. The PC is also able to control the braketester if the operator wishes using the keyboard, but the most important change is the ability to introduce the new 'One Man Test' ATL software onto the OC so that the braketester responds to the required auto-prompts!

In the update software is also included the new Boston Side-Slip Meter program. This enables the new BSS2000 to be quickly installed and provides the operator with simple toe-in and toe-out information. A relatively inexpensive addition to any of our braketester customers with big earning potential, especially for those that trade in wheel alignment and tyre replacement.

It's not everyday that you get something for nothing, but we're hoping to encourage our existing customers to buy into the new ATL when available at little cost in comparison to other makes and models around (which are without our features & benefits!).

Boston has just finalised another new item for our exciting product range. The new BSS2000 is our Side-Slip meter to measure toe-in and toe-out.

It connects simply and efficiently to either the D400 or D700 Roller Braketesters with results shown immediately and automatically on the display console. Furthermore, if the customer is using Bluetooth connectivity to our emissions PC, then results are also shown on the screen and can be saved/printed at any time.

This is a particularly handy addition for tyre shops and wheel alignment specialists an initial indication of alignment problems. The new BSS2000 will be available from May 15th.

Boston has now commissioned its new diagnostics programme with the intent to launch the first of our diagnostics packages before November this year.

"There is a lot of testing, evaluating and software customisation that we are working on which is very time consuming and we have been holding back until now so that everything is absolutely correct" – says UK Sales Manager Mr John Powell.

Indeed, we are aiming at three different market versions all running the same basic platform and vehicle database but in different formats.

Boston will launch the PC version first with special deals available to its existing customer database with emissions equipment. After that, there will be smaller handheld version for the smaller non-MoT customer who is looking for a robust cost effective tool with excellent coverage and technical support.

The flagship model will be the wireless Bluetooth version running on a high spec rugged tablet PC enabling complete flexibility and mobility for all working conditions.

April has been a busy month for Boston with so many enquiries concerning commercial equipment. As our distributor network increases, so do the enquiries for different products and packages alike.

So Boston this month set plans to develop a commercial selection to provide vehicle lifts, brake testing, emission testing and diagnostics to its customers and distributors. The first of our commercial line products will be the BDL7500 - a 7.5 Tonne Hydraulic commercial column lift sold in sets of two, four or six.

With the ability to add wheel reducers, operate from any post and attach long 10m platforms, we expect this to be a big seller for Boston in the commercial market. The BDL7500 will be available form the 1st June with our new D500 and D550 commercial braketesters to follow later on in the year.

The brake tester will fit into the existing family of display consoles as the R100, D400 and D700 and of course will have wireless Bluetooth capability. Commercial diagnostics is planned for early 2006.

For further information on our new commercial equipment range please call and speak to our Mr Ross Tabor.

Boston further increased its distributor network over the last few months with new agents in Norfolk, Essex, Surrey, Hampshire and Gloucester.

New potential agents regularly approach us seeking to sell flexible, modular range with most customers perceiving Boston as the first point of contact for ATL one man testing.

All our agents attend training at our HQ in Rainham to learn about our products, even agents that provide just a sales arm also undergo our training sessions.

If you are interested in promoting the Boston range of equipment then please get in touch with our Mr John Powell, either at the office or on 07785 261535.

All eyes were on Boston at this years busy ATS show, with Europes only braketesters offering Bluetooth control from an emissions computer platform on display.

There was considerable interest with demonstrations including a typical auto-prompt ATL programme running continuously throughout the three day show. An impressive Boston stand played host to hundreds of MoT and workshop specialists showing particular interest in the full Automated Test Lane on show, which employs the most advanced MoT bay technology.

The timing of this display was especially relevant, in anticipation of the One Man MoT test which will soon be possible using the PC braketester and play detector incorporated in the ATL.

Also attracting attention was Boston's new Air-Con recharge station and commercial mobile column lift, together with a new suspension tester and sideslip meter to be released later in the year.

Following calls from our distributor network for a commercial column lift in the range, Boston is launching a commercial equipment selection. The first of our commercial line products will be the BDL7500 – a 7.5 Tonne Hydraulic commercial column lift sold in sets of two, four or six.

With the ability to add wheel reducers, operate from any post and attach long 10m platforms, we hope this is a big seller for Boston in the commercial market. The BDL7500 will be available from 1st June while product testing and marketing are prepared.

Boston will be showing the column lifts at the ATS in Birmingham in the next few weeks. For further information on this item, please see the equipment page for details.