News - No Rash decisions with the AC788PRO

In 2019 60% of the vehicle Parc will still be R134a vehicles!
2017, due to European legislation, will see Car Manufacturers start to produce all of their vehicles with HFO-1234yf, however up until that point vehicles with R134a can still be produced (if homologated before 2012) and research data suggests that at least 60% of vehicles in circulation in 2019 will have an R134a system. In the UK this will be nearly 20 million vehicles* that will still need servicing with R134a equipment.

HFO-1234yf vehicles will start appearing on the road in 2012, but the reality, with new long life warranties and Franchised Dealer retention of servicing, is that most repairers will not see these vehicles for a while and certainly not in any great numbers to warrant the investment in new equipment.

Hybrids; the more immediate a/c issue
A more immediate emphasis is now placed on vehicle manufacturers to work with alternative energy sources; this over the past few years has seen the introduction of hybrid and electric vehicles to the market, many of which are starting to arrive in repairer workshops more regularly.

Autoclimate can offer the AC788PRO, an automatic service unit which will work on R134a systems and thanks to it having two independent oil circuits has the capability to work with hybrid / electric as well as standard combustion vehicles –  a growing market for repairers in the next 12-24 months. With its unique Deep Recovery System, it delivers high performance and excellent operation reliability. With little hands on time, an on board printer and a database covering 4,000+  vehicles, the AC788PRO is simple to use, offers a short return on investment period and will deliver a great up-sell opportunity for years to come. It makes economical sense to invest in equipment now which will earn money on existing R134a standard combustion and hybrid vehicles. For more information visit the AC788PRO product page by clicking here

“But I can get a bi-gas machine or convert a unit”
A Bi-gas unit cannot be compliant with SAE J2843 or meet OEM requirements and specifications, such as VDA approval.  There are also serviceability issues, when one circuit is damaged the other becomes inoperable and no a/c services can happen until the problem is fixed. We strongly recommend repairers against the purchase of a Bi-Gas unit.

Converted units may look attractive to prospective buyers but, we feel this is unnecessary because of the large amount of R134a work which will be ongoing. The question will be “When do I update my unit as R134a is still my most frequent gas used in service?” The cost of the update kit is also expected to be approx £800*, an additional expense which could be avoided. Once a unit is converted you cannot go back, so you will still need to purchase an R134a machine to cater for the existing market.

* Estimated figure