TO:

All Subaru Retailers

FROM:

Subaru of America, Inc.
Service Department

DATE:

August 6, 2013

SUBJECT:

GR8 Battery and Electrical Testing Upgrade Package.

Subaru of America has partnered with Midtronics to develop a new battery testing and charging package for
all Subaru retailers. The package includes a new Subaru specific GR8 battery tester, a vehicle
communication module, and an upgrade for our current EXP1000 handheld tester.
This exciting new package will allow Subaru retailers to more accurately test and diagnose vehicle battery,
charging and starting systems. This includes the new Automatic Start/Stop System battery on the upcoming
Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid.
The new GR8 will replace the previously required Midtronics GR1 battery charger, which has been in service
for over 8 years and has been discontinued. Warranty claim submissions will continue to accept the GR1
test results until December 31, 2013. Beginning with 2014, only test results completed using either the GR8
or the updated EXP1000 will be accepted. Another feature of the new system is that all test results will be
stored in the BMIS cloud database for future retrieval if needed.
All Subaru of America retailers will be automatically shipped the new GR8 battery and electrical system
upgrade package beginning the end of August 2013. The cost of the package will be $4,268 plus applicable
taxes and shipping. At the request of the National Dealer Advisory Board, we will be delaying the billing until
January 2014. Subaru of America Inc. will provide the financing for the cost of this equipment because we
realize this is a significant capital expenditure for your business. We will begin billing each retailer beginning
on your January 2014 parts statement in 18 equal monthly interest free payments ($237.12 plus taxes and
shipping). These equal monthly payments will be about $275 depending on state and local taxes.
In addition, the package also includes 1 year of the Midtronics online battery maintenance system, BMIS
and a 3 year warranty on the GR8 unit. Subsequent years of the BMIS will be billed annually to dealer’s
parts statement (current cost $312 per year).
Please review the attached brochure explaining the features of the new system. There is also a ROI
calculator that will help you understand how quickly this unit can pay for itself with additional battery sales.
Based on the ROI calculator, it should take only about 8 months for the GR8 battery charger to pay for itself.
This new battery charging device should be a huge money maker for your service operations. We also
believe that this highly advanced equipment will enhance the Subaru service experience for our customers.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email me (gpal@subaru.com) or call (856-488-8792).
Sincerely,

Gary Palanjian
Vice President, Parts and Service

GR8-1100 EST Battery Diagnostic Station
Combining state-of-the-art Midtronics electrical system
diagnostic testing with automation to provide technicianindependent testing.
Features:
n Dynamic Conductance Technology combined with advanced
charge control to provide fast and accurate results
n Multiple diagnostic/charging algorithms including Start-Stop,
Hybrid and AGM/spiral batteries
n MOSFET Soft Switch Charging Technology allows more precise
control of charging voltage and current
n Diagnostic charging mode quickly and efficiently assesses the
condition of batteries and only charges the good ones
n Power Supply Mode maintains battery state of charge during
vehicle reflash programming and/or extensive service work
n Recovery charge mode helps recover hard to charge batteries
n Top-off charging lets you trickle charge batteries when desired
n Integrated temperature sensor in charge cables improves safety and
diagnostic charging capabilities
n Quick connect removable cables for maximum service flexibility
Includes integrated EST/Electrical System Test Kit
for advanced starting and charging system testing:
Standardizes dealer diagnostics process to help control alternator
warranty costs
n BMIS-enabled capabilities include WiFi-delivered software updates
n CVG module for automated VIN capture, in-vehicle verification, and
rev detection during system test
n Automated charging system test – vehicle loads are simulated by
the GR8, not technician-activated
n Promotes first-visit service resolution for greater customer satisfaction
n Interactive test routine – follow simple menu-driven instructions
n

Capabilities
Multiple test formats
• Battery test
• Starter test
• Standard alternator test
• Advanced pattern recognition
alternator test via Digital Signal
Processing (DSP)
• Test by make and model with
known alternator rating
Diagnostic data saved to data card
in GR8 control module

See the results you could realize —
Download a user-specific
ROI Calculator by
Clicking here

EXP-1000S Update
This update increases the functionality of your existing EXP-1000S:
EXP Add-on WiFi module and CVG module:
n

n

n

n

EXP WiFi module supports new BMIS capabilities,
including automated software updates and archived
battery test results (no more faded test printouts)
Multiple diagnostic/charging algorithms including
Start-Stop, Hybrid and AGM/spiral batteries
CVG module for automated VIN capture, in-vehicle
verification, and rev detection during system test
Diagnostic data saved to data card in EXP-1000S

BMIS | Battery Management Information System
1 Centralized collection of data from
The BMIS battery and electrical mangement
performed battery and electrical
reporting system is designed to provide:

2

testing from multiple sources

3
4

Web-based reports for review
Automatic software updates for
test equipment in the field

Test data analysis

Midtronics Battery Management Information System (BMIS) is a
fully customizable, web-based data analysis and reporting service
designed to make your equipment, staff, and processes more
profitable and effective.

EXP-1000S
GR-8 EST

Local WiFi
Network

BMIS
Server

BMIS
Web Services

Increase sales
Increase focus on preventative maintenance testing to drive sales
and offer proactive customer service
Analyze test results
Promotes battery sales by identifying opportunities to replace
batteries and supports computer-based test results history file
Monitor and update tools
Track the usage of all tools in the shop and update tool software
wirelessly
Print test reults
Print archived tests, customer results and customized
coupons from local printers via BMIS Client portals
Future integration with the Subaru Warranty Claims System

BMIS
Client

Watch for a notification email prior to launch with full BMIS
access, username and password information