IMI members connected to the Northamptonshire MA were treated to a comprehensive introduction to the VW group’s latest driver assist technology at the spectacular Volkswagen Group National Learning Centre in Milton Keynes in July.
VW provided three technical trainers for the evening, including Darren Chadwick, Richard Gibbs and Matthew Lacey, holding three sessions covering Lane Assist, Automatic Distance Control and Night Vision. The operation, component layout and the implications of each system for independent technicians and repairers were covered for each system and demonstrated on VW group vehicles in the training workshops at the facility.
This was an invaluable session, with attendees learning how to spot driver assist systems and how even minor maintenance, such as wheel alignments, can have a huge impact on safety systems that rely on directional calibrated equipment. With some of these systems already feeding into less prestigious vehicles ranges, it was made clear that awareness of these systems will become more an more vital for independent operators in the future.
Special thanks for the evening goes to VW group technical trainer Darren Chadwick, who approached the Northamptonshire MA to offer the event and co-ordinated activities on the evening.
Speaking after the event, Darren said:
“It was great to see a full house for the event here at Volkswagen UK National Learning Centre. This is the first time we have done an IMI lecture, and from the feedback we have received, it was enjoyed by all attendees. It was fantastic to get the opportunity to exhibit what we do here at Volkswagen Group to an audience from outside our usual network, and I think a lot of the guests were surprised at the amount of driver assistance systems available on our vehicles, and how much they contribute to the future of road safety.”
We look forward to further collaboration with VW in the future.