Product R&D: New training allows workshops to reap the rewards of Bilstein’s R&D

NEW TRAINING ALLOWS WORKSHOPS TO REAP THE REWARDS OF BILSTEIN’S R&D

Bilstein is using its experience and extensive research and development of its shock absorber products to impart knowledge to its distributors via a highly focused video training service

Bilstein is further expanding its professional and practice-oriented support for workshops. Through entertaining videos, the experts at the Bilstein Academy are imparting valuable suspension and shock absorber knowledge. This new video series allows suppliers and fitters to take advantage of Bilstein’s many hours of R&D and its knowledge gained over years through the development of its highly sought-after products. “Not only for tricky installation issues, but also for all suspension-related topics, including modern technologies such as semi-active suspensions and air suspension modules,” Bilstein Academy Head, Rainer Popiol, said. All the topics and tips in “Suspension fundamentals – powered by Bilstein Academy” are based on specific questions from Bilstein’s workshop customers and on feedback from Bilstein Academy training participants. “With our workshop tips, we serve the specific needs of our customers in the garage and provide support that automotive professionals can implement directly in their day-to-day work,” Rainer said. Suspension fundamentals – practical tips for workshops

Four parts have already been published in the Suspension Fundamentals series, accesible at workshop.bilstein.com/en/suspension-fundamentals The first part explains everything one needs to know about suspension tests and damage diagnosis, the second how to avoid mistakes when installing shock absorbers, and the third part introduces the Bilstein Academy. Part four focuses on suspension components besides shock absorbers and springs – an interesting and often neglected topic. “When we talk about the suspension of a car, we usually only talk about shock absorbers and springs, but there are many other parts involved in it,” said Mustafa Yavuz, who is responsible for technical support for workshops at Bilstein Technical Support. “The support bearing is the link between the suspension and the chassis on the vehicle, which also enables the rotational movement of a MacPherson strut. “The protective tube has the task of protecting the shock absorber, the piston rod as well as the locking package from stone chipping. The bump stop limits the travel of the spring so that the components are protected and the free movement of the wheel is ensured. “Whenever shock absorbers are replaced, these parts should also be exchanged. For good reason – after all, they fulfil important tasks in the suspension system.” The Bilstein workshop tips in video format are presented by racing driver Nico Bastian. When the 32-year-old is not sitting in his Mercedes-AMG GT3 from HRT (Haupt Racing Team), the hardcore racer works as an instructor and presenter. As Nico is also a technology freak, he fits perfectly into the team. Bilstein Academy: preventive care and aftercare for motor vehicle technicians

Workshops that require more support can also obtain further help and trainings on various suspension topics free of charge via the Bilstein Academy. Part three of the video series shows

how automotive professionals benefit from this program in many ways. “The Bilstein Academy is divided into two strong areas. On the one hand, the Training and Education area, and on the other, Technical Support,” Rainer said. “So, on the one hand we have preventive care through our own further training, and on the other hand we have aftercare: if questions arise in the day-to-day running of the workshop or something goes wrong, the entire Bilstein Academy team are directly available for motor vehicle professionals with appropriate assistance.” Trainings: know-how transfer directly in the workshop

The training content for workshops, which is available in English, ranges from general shock absorber knowledge and series replacements to tuning and motor sports. “We also offer our training courses as virtual e-training,” Rainer said. “Our participants can choose where they want to attend the online training courses from. On the other side of the computer sits a virtually connected trainer who guides them through the programme and explains the most interesting tips within an hour.” It is also important that the participants are actively involved in the training. “No matter whether it’s about active or semiactive systems, passive shock absorbers or air springs, we offer the right knowledge tailored to the needs of the workshop.” General information on the Bilstein training programme can be found at workshop.bilstein.com/en/trainings-and-courses E-Trainings 24/7

The Bilstein Academy wanted to lower the hurdles even further and now also offers free e-training courses that can be carried out autonomously. Although the live experience and the direct exchange with the trainers are missing, this format has other unbeatable advantages: the learning units can be accessed around the clock and the time required is only 20 to 30 minutes. This ensures that the individual modules can be completed comfortably during work breaks, at home after work or even during a train journey. Dimitris Kouvaras, Global Training Manager at Bilstein, also sees the compact learning modules as a kind of trial offer that is intended to encourage the use of further offers. “This is a great thing. Everything builds on each other. Maybe one or two people would like to take part in a more comprehensive live training course afterwards,” Dimitris said. For more information, email training@bilstein.de or visit workshop.bilstein.com Photo: Copyright BILSTEIN 2022.

Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine Publisher, Cameron McLachlan, takes a look at the products driving the automotive aftermarket. cameron@aaaa.com.au