ASA – stands for the German Association of Manufacturers and Importers of Automotive Service Equipment. The Association safeguards the interests of workshop equipment providers. With their products and services, our members ensure that workshops, tyre shops and inspection agencies are in a position to inspect and service vehicles in an environmentally friendly and efficient manner.

The product portfolio of our nearly 100 members ranges from exhaust extraction systems through tyre changers and wheel balancers for tyre service, automotive lifts and diagnostic tools up to software systems and networking standards for efficient automotive service in the digital age. At the same time, our members guarantee the quality, efficiency and safety of their products. Our Association represents more than 85 percent of workshop equipment providers operating in Germany and is consequently one of the largest associations of workshop equipment providers in the world.

What We Do – Advocacy Work

ASA advocates the interests of its member companies. The purpose of the Association is to safeguard and promote the interests of its members – in particular to represent common interests in economy, politics and society at national and international levels. In one single association ASA represents a wide variety of product ranges with their most diverse technical requirements as to standards and quality. Consequently all the different sections benefit from interaction under one umbrella.

Consultants at European Level

Our committed and versatile co-operation in EGEA (European Garage Equipment Association) ensures our Association‘s constant presence at European level and its involvement not only in domestic but also in European legislation. Hence we are an important point of contact and consultant for relevant policy makers.

Co-operation with Other Associations

Common tasks can be effectively implemented only by networking with other associations. Modern ways of co-operation with partners are an essential approach for successfully developing and implementing targets. This is why we seek constant, intense exchange with other associations, organisations, industries and authorities.

Spheres of Action

ASA co-operates with national European associations both directly and through the European umbrella organisation EGEA. Members of the individual ASA sections are sought-after experts, acting as technical consultants for domestic and European legislation and regulations regarding automotive service and the aftermarket. All members of our Association are involved in decision- and policy-making processes through their co-operation in our different committees (ASA council, ASA board, ASA sections, and meeting of ASA members). The unique structure of our Association guarantees the neutrality of specialist expertise and promotes the high standing among decision makers in politics, authorities and other associations.

How We Work

The actual work of the Association takes place in the individual sections. Here, experts from all members develop proposals for solutions in subjects relevant for the Association.

With the added support and expertise of the honorary members of the sections, ASA will continue to focus on Europe and drive forward the harmonisation of guide-lines and test procedures in the automotive repair market.

Our Sections

• Extraction systems
• Brake / Suspension Testers
• Diagnostic tools and emission analysers
• Automotive lifting equipment
• A/C service equipment
• Tyre & wheel service equipment and wheel aligners
• Software and services
• Business to business (b2b)/ Smart Services

What We Tackle / Important Projects of the Association

The development of safety and quality standards for workshop equipment and the elaboration of suitable testing procedures for new vehicle technologies are part of ASA‘s core skills. The following examples show our range of activities.

At National Level

Together with the German Metrology Institute (PTB) we financed and implemented a research project in which particle mass was measured using scattered light, also proving the correlation with existing opacity. Furthermore we were involved in revising the brake tester directive and in introducing the standardised asanetwork livestream interface, which is a single interface for use with all tools and machines in the workshop.

Also, we elaborated an industry agreement regarding automotive lifts in co-operation with the German Federation for Motor Trades and Repairs (ZDK), the German Academy for the Automotive Industry (TAK) and relevant employers’ liability insurance organisations.

In addition, the Association is actively involved in public studies of the transport sector and/or supports their implementation with its technical expertise.

At European Level

Through the umbrella organisation EGEA (European Garage Equipment Association) in Brussels, of which ASA is a founding member, the European Union addresses ASA to seek our technical expertise for all directives and regulations regarding automotive service and the aftermarket. This means that we can actively participate as technical consultants and experts in the elaboration of national legislation and regulations.

ASA advocates the highest technical standards for workshop equipment across Europe and – through dedicated committees (e.g. the German Employers’ Liability Insurance DGUV) – promotes the health and safety of workshop staff.

Why Join Us

Membership in the German ASA allows you to

• exert influence over political decisions
• implement objectives and pursue interests together with partners
• receive first-hand information about latest technical and political developments
• be better perceived by the public
• benefit from latest market data for strategic decisions
• be part of the German ASA‘s media presence
• benefit from expert support when expanding into new foreign markets
• signal through the use of the ASA label that your products/services stand for the highest technical standards, quality, efficiency and safety

How to Join Us

All domestic and foreign manufacturers and importers of automotive workshop equipment are allowed to become ordinary members on the condition the major share of their turn-over originates from this sector. Companies offering services around workshop equipment can become associate members. Member companies must be able to submit proof of their registered office in Germany. To join, a written application for membership must be addressed to the ASA head office. The ASA board will then decide on the membership application with a 2/3 majority vote. Every member is allowed to co-operate in the sections. The costs of the ASA Association are covered by annual contributions. You will find all information about the Association and membership on our website:

www.asa-verband.de; geschaeftsstelle@asa-verband.de