LKQ Euro Car Parts and Autowave unlock key programming service

LKQ Euro Car Parts has announced an exciting new partnership with Autowave – one of Europe’s leading automotive locksmith distributors – to support independent garages in providing key cutting, programming and cloning services to their customers.

Under the agreement, customers will be able to access Autowave’s equipment and the LKQ Academy’s training to help meet the growing demand for efficient, high-quality replacement keys.

This includes an accessible key programming starter kit that covers 85% of the UK car parc, developed by the Workshop Solutions team at LKQ Euro Car Parts, in collaboration with Autowave.

The kit includes a full suite of devices for key cutting, programming and cloning, including the XHorse Dolphin XP005L (Dolphin II), an automatic key-cutting machine ideal for fast, accurate key cutting. It features self-calibration, a vast key database and free online updates.

The kit also includes the OBDStar Key Master G3, the latest advanced key programming tool supporting cars, marine and motorcycle applications, and the XHorse Key Tool Max Pro, which offers key programming and transponder functions.

Meanwhile, LKQ Euro Car Parts also provides Autowave module cloning and airbag reset tools, including the OBDStar P50 Airbag Crash Data Tool for reading and clearing airbag crash data, and the OBDStar DC706 Module Cloning Tool for duplicating ECMs, BCMs and TCMs – ideal for complex repairs. The OBDStar Key Master DP Plus professional tool for key programming car, marine and motorcycle applications is also available.

Complementary training is also available through the LKQ Academy to ensure that technicians can use tools competently and confidently. This includes hands-on sessions for teaching key programming for individual brands and airbag system resets. Additionally, technicians will learn how to clone ECMs, BCMs and TCMs.

The training will also show technicians how to maximise return on investment and emphasise the importance of software updates.

“Key programming can be a highly profitable revenue stream”

Lee Chapman, head of support and LKQ Academy, said: “Key programming has traditionally been the domain of highly specialist locksmiths, leaving garages reliant on bringing in external diagnostics experts with advanced tools and skills they didn’t have in-house.

“This partnership with Autowave removes these barriers, making it cost-effective and straightforward for garages to open up key programming as a new – and highly profitable – revenue stream of their own.”

Ravi Kotecha, CEO at Autowave, added: “We’ve collaborated closely with tool manufacturers to bring a quality range to the industry, creating an opportunity for technicians to explore a new, profitable market. The devices included in the range for LKQ Euro Car Parts customers have been carefully selected for their reliability and popularity, ensuring that garages can deliver a top-quality service to motorists, first time, every time.

“We are delighted to work alongside LKQ Euro Car Parts, a long-time champion of the independent workshop. By partnering with the national distributor to offer comprehensive training, alongside our advanced programming products, this is a fantastic opportunity for savvy technicians to explore.”