Demand for camera calibrations surges at A1 ADAS Group
A1 ADAS Group has reported a surge in demand for 360-degree surround-view camera calibrations.
Its dedicated Norwich-based site is now carrying out these calibrations daily for dealers, bodyshops and repairers across the UK.
Demand is being driven by the rapid uptake of vehicles fitted with these 360-degree camera systems across brands such as BYD, MG, Omoda, Jaecoo, and Nissan.
Iain Molloy, managing director at A1 ADAS Group, said: “Demand at our dedicated ADAS centre has risen sharply. In October, our in-house technicians completed 80%t more 360-degree camera calibrations than they did in April.
“We’re moving quickly to meet demand and have recently appointed another IMI ADAS AOM230 qualified technician to work exclusively on 360-degree camera calibrations.”
Correct processes
Calibrating 360 surround-view cameras to OEM standards requires a level workshop with controlled lighting and enough space for precise mat placement. The area needed varies greatly between makes and models. A Nissan Leaf typically requires a clear working area of 24 sqm, and this increases to nearly 100 sqm for some BYD models.
Molloy said: “Very few workshops, including those within dealer networks, have a spare 100 sqm to deal with the calibration requirements of some newer models. They’re sending vehicles hundreds of miles to us because, to be compliant with OEM standards, ADAS calibration must be carried out to the letter.”
However, some workshops are attempting 360 camera calibrations in unsuitable areas and signing off jobs having not followed OEM procedures.
Molloy concluded: “Our message to the trade is simple; you hold overall responsibility for the vehicle’s ADAS system when it leaves the workshop, so validate your environment, follow OEM processes, and evidence the result.
“You must be able to do it right, and prove it. If you don’t have the required space and correct environment to meet OEM standards, protect your business and your customers by sending vehicles to a dedicated ADAS centre.”
