TRP was once again a hot topic of discussion at the latest NASTF Vehicle Security Meeting in Palm Springs.
I did a presentation for the group and others presented some excellent material. You can read about it here:
http://www.nastfenews.org/
Representatives from Mercedes were asked to update us on the current status of TRP parts as well as give us an idea about the 722.9 valve bodies and TCU repair kits.
Although they were given ample notice about the meeting nobody from Mercedes participated. We even went as far as sending a text message after the meeting started with call in details but it was simply ignored.
At this point I will begin writing letters again and re-double my efforts with industry to try to come to a sort of resolution.
It has been a very difficult time for me since there are lots of shops outside of our small circle of Mercedes specialists who simply don’t get it and don’t see a problem.
They dismiss this issue as simply a high line manufacturer choosing to screw its customers. Since they are not directly affected they just blow off the issue and do little to back me up.
Well it will hit them all like a ton of bricks very soon. You see it didn’t take long for other manufacturers to realize the value of controling the parts, the software, and the delivery of software to the parts.
Just call them security related, lock them to the vehicles…..you get the rest.
Read all about it here:
http://www.sandyblogs.com/techlink/feb2010techlink.pdf
Robert Beckmann
President
Beckmann Technologies, Inc.
BlueLink Diagnostic Solutions, Inc.
In 2006 California legislature passed what is known as the Migden bill. This bill promoted by consumer advocates in California, namely AAA and the California Association of Locksmiths (I believe) to allow a security professional access to data from the manufacturers in order to make a key for a stranded motorist.
It had bi-partisan support and with few exceptions it has been quite successful.
In order to provide the infrastructure (database etc) NASTF became involved and with the cooperation of ALOA (Associated Locksmiths of America) a policy namely the Secure Data Release Model was developed for the industry.
During the development of the SDRM document certain automotive repair facilities suggested that they too should be allowed to participate in order to provide their customers a "full service" experience.
Mr. Jim Garrido (Mobile Diagnostic Group) was one of the principle supporters of this language, and such the text was modified to include vehicle service professionals.
Also around this time 2008 (about when I got involved with the Vehicle Security Committee) it was becoming apparent due to the MB TRP policy that in order to protect the security of their vehicles AND provide an avenue for the aftermarket to have access to these parts Mercedes agreed to investigate the possibility of using the SDRM as a means of having traceability on the sales of TRP parts.
A pilot project was started to allow purchase of the ESM (shifters) through the startekinfo website.
During this year BlueLink and LMV did as much as possible to promote the model but found that it simply did not make sense for a customer to go through the process for only the one part.
Few people signed up and over the course of the year I believe less than 10 ESM's were sold. I spent a few months discussing the issue with Mercedes and they finally agreed to expand the offering of parts to all but a few.
It should only be a matter of time for all but the keys to be added to the ordering process. But under some circumstances for 2008 and newer vehicles you can submit an emergency key request to help your customer.
See startekinfo website for details. Don't ever expect to be able to order keys but there may be some movement in this area read below.
LSID process:
The process to sign up is very easy. The only confusion has been the mention of a bond requirement. You only need a bond if you would like to get an LSID for one of your employees.
You as the business owner simply need a copy of the declarations page from you insurance policy. Your $375 fee covers the application, background check, and two years.
After that it is $150/year. Get a copy of the application here:
http://www.aloa.org/NASTFSDRMDocs/
http://www.aloa.org/NASTFSDRMDocs/LSIDRegistryApplicationAndUserAgreement.pdf
Those who do wish to attempt to get parts using this process are encouraged to read and be educated as much as you can.
Don't expect the parts guy or even the dealer parts manager to have a clue about any of this you will need to educate them.
I suggest you take copies of the Mercedes bulletins (take extras so you can leave them with your parts guy).
If you continue to meet resistance and are unable to acquire the parts you need feel free to contact me at Beckmann Technologies, Inc. and we can discuss options.
Log your complaints here!
Recently there has been a continued increase in applications and in order to better serve the entire industry it was decided to move the administration of the LSID database over to ASA/NASTF.
Should not impact the process in any way except the fees have gone up. You can read about that here:
http://www.asashop.org/ASA/Press_Releases/2011_Releases/2011_asa28.aspx
So why does this all this matter? Why would this matter at all to someone who does not face the issues of security parts?
Because this is a much more complicated and ever expanding issue. If certain aspects of these restrictions are not addressed allowing the aftermarket a clear path to access to these parts more and more parts will become off limits damaging our businesses.
Other manufacturers such as Mazda have moved in this direction, others sure to follow.
This is especially important in the upcoming fight related to a provision in the Migden bill allowing certain European automakers, namely BMW, Mercedes, and VW a permanent exemption to making security data available to security professionals.
This exemption is to expire this year and all data for 2013 model year and newer vehicles will need to be made available by the manufacturers. You see this is for keys AND any other security related components including the 722.9 transmission coding data.
Last year BMW attempted to get the exemption made permanent which will affect all of the Euros who choose to create keys in a non-dealer facility but we were able to turn this back with the help of AAIA, AAA, and the various locksmith associations. I am convinced that unless we are proactive BMW will again attempt to circumvent this consumer protection and strengthen this anti-competitive business policy in the coming months.
Robert Beckmann
President
Beckmann Technologies, Inc.
BlueLink Diagnostic Solutions, Inc.
The last two years have been very difficult for many of you. Most of you are aware of the policy adopted by Mercedes-Benz regarding theft related parts.
Mercedes has recently announced that it will be making many of the TRP parts available to you, the ISP. We were also told that the 722.9 plates will be added as soon as the supply problems are addressed.
Although the process seems very complicated it is designed to protect the security of the vehicle.
Mercedes has offered a workable solution to achieve the goal of maintaining the security AND allow you to serve your customers.
You will probably need to help educate the parts department at your local dealer. Print out the ordering process document so you can easily explain the process. The link is below.
I will also take some time at this year's LMV training program to discuss the process and answer some of your questions.
Regards,
Robert Beckmann
