mchastek
04-01-2005, 04:52 PM
The idea of upgrading the performance of a vehicle by swapping out computer chips is becoming more of a reality. Tuners used to rely on wrenches and other tools to upgrade their cars, but that practice is slowly becoming outdated.
As vehicles get more and more complex, the tools required (such as a laptop computer) to modify various components are less likely to be found in a typical owner's garage. On top of that, if an owner makes a mistake, these computer components can be costly to replace.
Since many of the performance upgrades require electronics work, many owners are turning to cosmetic upgrades, such as wheels, body kits, spoilers, etc.
To read a digest on this topic from Automotive Digest, please visit: http://www.automotivedigest.com/view_art.asp?articlesID=15107
How will this impact the aftermarket industry?
As vehicles get more and more complex, the tools required (such as a laptop computer) to modify various components are less likely to be found in a typical owner's garage. On top of that, if an owner makes a mistake, these computer components can be costly to replace.
Since many of the performance upgrades require electronics work, many owners are turning to cosmetic upgrades, such as wheels, body kits, spoilers, etc.
To read a digest on this topic from Automotive Digest, please visit: http://www.automotivedigest.com/view_art.asp?articlesID=15107
How will this impact the aftermarket industry?