Global Growth, SID 212, and What’s Next for Tuners
At VIEZU, we’re committed to keeping our tuning network ahead of the curve by spotlighting the latest innovations in tuning tools and technologies. Recently, we sat down with Tomaso from Autotuner (a brand that’s rapidly growing on the global stage) to talk all things tuning. From major event appearances and product launches to protocol security and the future of tuning in an evolving world, this conversation offered valuable insight for any tuner using Autotuner tools today or considering them for the future.
Autotuner’s Expansion: More Than Just Tools
Autotuner has evolved significantly in recent years, expanding from a small team of just 15–20 people to a full-scale operation of over 50 staff across Luxembourg and Belgium. This growth isn’t just a reflection of product demand, it’s a sign of strategic investment in R&D, support infrastructure, and global outreach. Their headquarters in Luxembourg now handles logistics, sales, and administration, while much of their technical development and support is based in Belgium. This structure enables them to respond quickly to user needs and continue pushing forward with new solutions.
Events play a central role in that expansion strategy. Their recent appearance at the Auto Mechanika UK show marked their first official visit to the British market, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. Meeting existing users, partners, and new customers face-to-face allowed the team to gather valuable feedback and showcase the versatility of their platform. But the UK is only one part of the plan. Autotuner has a packed calendar, with upcoming appearances in Mexico, Paris, Las Vegas for SEMA, and Dubai before the year is out. With each new market comes a deeper understanding of local tuning needs, and opportunities to refine the toolset for wider appeal.
SID 212: A Careful Step Toward Secure Access
One of the biggest talking points in the tuning industry at the moment is access to SID 212 ECUs. These ECUs, commonly found in diesel-powered working vehicles, are in high demand for remapping. Autotuner hasn’t rushed to offer OBD or bench access out of the box. Instead, their approach requires a remote unlock service that involves sending the ECU to Autotuner’s Luxembourg HQ.
As Tomaso explained, the primary motivation is to protect the integrity of their R&D. Unlocking protocols require significant time and investment, and if released too openly, they risk being reverse-engineered by competitors or patched out by OEMs. By managing the process in-house, Autotuner can better control the lifecycle of the solution, preventing it from being short-lived. It also ensures the protocol is deployed safely, particularly for users working on critical vehicles that can’t afford prolonged downtime.
So, while an in-tool solution for SID 212 may arrive in the future, for now, the priority is maintaining security and reliability. Tuners can still work with SID 212 platforms via this remote process, and once unlocked, ECUs can be read and written using OBD for future work. It’s a strategic trade-off that prioritises longevity over instant convenience.
“The One”: A New Era in End-User Flashing
Another major milestone for Autotuner has been the launch of their new product, The One, a compact, intuitive device designed for private users and white-label reseller opportunities. Officially released in April 2025 following a preview at SEMA the previous year, The One has generated strong demand from tuners looking to expand into the retail sector with a simplified flashing tool that customers can use from home.
What makes The One stand out is its usability and flexibility. The companion app is designed for non-technical users, with a clear, guided interface. Meanwhile, tuners can brand the device as their own and use it to create a personalised flashing experience, from ECU reading to file upload and installation. It’s a scalable solution that allows professional tuners to extend their services to remote clients without needing hands-on workshop time.
The plan is to gradually migrate the OBD coverage of the main Autotuner tool into The One. This will take time, as each protocol needs to be adapted for safety and hardware compatibility. But development is already in motion, and new applications are expected to roll out steadily throughout the year. For tuners seeking to diversify their services and build their brand presence, The One offers a compelling new path.
Heavy Vehicles, Marine, and Agricultural: What’s Coming?
Currently, Autotuner’s core coverage focuses on cars and light commercial vehicles. That’s where market demand and tooling practicality align most closely. However, as Tomaso confirmed, there are plans to broaden compatibility over time. Marine, heavy trucks, and agricultural equipment are all on the radar, though development in these areas requires careful prioritisation and significant R&D effort.
Developing and testing protocols for new vehicle types isn’t just about technical know-how, it requires a deep understanding of market needs, hardware variances, and the usage scenarios of those vehicles. Autotuner’s approach is to expand with precision, not haste. So while we may not see heavy-duty vehicle support immediately, it’s clear that the company is listening to market feedback and is prepared to respond as opportunities arise.
The Bigger Picture: Electric Vehicles and Long-Term Relevance
A question that’s on many tuners’ minds is whether the industry will be impacted by the shift to electric vehicles (EVs). It’s a valid concern, but according to Tomaso, there’s still plenty of life in traditional tuning. The demand for tuning services remains strong globally, and in many markets, internal combustion engines will be in circulation for decades to come.
That said, Autotuner isn’t ignoring the EV space. While they haven’t made public announcements around electric vehicle solutions yet, Tomaso confirmed that the brand is closely monitoring the evolution of the EV landscape and intends to provide future tools that can support tuning, optimisation, and potentially diagnostics for these platforms. It’s a long-term vision, one that balances current opportunity with future readiness.
Final Thoughts
From secure ECU protocols and global expansion to end-user innovation and future-focused development, Autotuner is clearly committed to shaping the future of tuning, and doing it with strategic care. At VIEZU, we continue to support Autotuner tools, training, and file services for our dealer network, ensuring that our clients can access cutting-edge technology with the guidance and support they need to succeed.
If you’re already using Autotuner, or you’re exploring which tuning tools to invest in next, this is a company to keep watching. And with events like SEMA on the horizon, you can expect even more exciting news to come.
