How to Purchase GDS Smart or KDS 2.0 as an Independent Workshop in Europe

If you are an independent workshop (aftermarket/AM) user in Europe looking to purchase or already using GDS Smart or KDS 2.0, this article covers everything you need to know:

• 1. Where to submit your purchase inquiry
• 2. How the purchase and license activation process works
• 3. Where to get help while using your diagnostic tool
• 4. Quick Reference — Contact by Situation
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Eligibility — Who Can Use This Process?

Under the European SERMI (Security-related Repair and Maintenance Information) framework, independent operators across Europe — including the EU, EEA, and the United Kingdom — are entitled to access manufacturer diagnostic systems.

1. Where to Submit Your Purchase Inquiry

To purchase GDS Smart or KDS 2.0, you must contact the GIT Europe Sales Team directly via email.

• Sales & Purchase Inquiries: gite.sales@gitauto.com

When contacting the sales team, please have your business registration documents and SERMI certification (if applicable) ready, as GIT Europe will verify your eligibility as a legitimate independent operator. Please explicitly state that you are an independent repairer (AM) in your inquiry.

Alternatively, you can submit your purchase inquiry directly through our Help Center by using this Purchase Inquiry Ticket Form.

2. Purchase and License Activation Process

The purchase of GDS Smart or KDS 2.0 follows a straightforward 4-step process managed entirely by GIT Europe:

Step 1 — Inquiry Reception

Contact gite.sales@gitauto.com with your purchase intent. The GIT Europe team will respond with product information, pricing, and request any necessary business documentation to confirm your eligibility.

Step 2 — Customer Order

Once your eligibility is confirmed and you have selected your products, you will finalize your customer order with the GIT Europe sales team and complete the payment process.

Step 3 — Order Dispatch

GIT Europe processes the hardware order and ships the GDS Smart or KDS 2.0 diagnostic device directly to your workshop. You will receive order confirmation and shipment tracking details.

Step 4 — License Activation

Upon delivery, GIT Europe will issue and activate your official software license. This license is required to operate the diagnostic system and access vehicle data. You will receive your unique license credentials and initial setup instructions.

3. Support While Using Your Diagnostic Tool

Once your GDS Smart or KDS 2.0 is set up and operational, most after-sales support — including technical issues, license renewals, and hardware repairs — is managed by the GIT Europe Support Team. For security-related functions such as Key Coding and ECU Upgrades, specific regional contacts apply (see below).

• Technical & After-Sales Support: gite.support@gitauto.com

Security-related Functions (SERMI) Support

For inquiries specifically related to security-related functions (which require a valid SERMI certification), please contact the designated regional headquarters (HME / KEU) or GIT Europe support as follows:

4. Quick Reference — Contact by Situation

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy GDS Smart or KDS 2.0 directly from this Help Center?

No. Direct purchase through the GIT Help Center is not available. All aftermarket purchase requests in Europe must be sent to the GIT Europe Sales Team (gite.sales@gitauto.com).

What is SERMI and how does it affect me?

SERMI (Security-related Repair and Maintenance Information) is a European regulatory framework originating from Regulation (EU) 2018/858 and Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/1244. It ensures that independent automotive operators across Europe — including the EU, EEA member states, and the United Kingdom — can access security-related vehicle repair information and diagnostic functions that were previously limited to authorized dealer networks. This framework is why AM users in Europe are eligible to purchase and use official manufacturer diagnostic tools like GDS Smart and KDS 2.0.

Do I need SERMI certification to use all features?

SERMI certification is required to access the full range of diagnostic capabilities. Certain security-related functions — such as Key Coding PIN code retrieval and ECU software upgrades — are only available to users who hold a valid SERMI certification. With SERMI, you will have access to the same comprehensive feature set as authorized dealer-level operators. For more information on obtaining SERMI certification, please consult your national accreditation body. For specific contact details by function and brand, see the Security-related Functions (SERMI) Support section above.

Is this process available outside of Europe?

No. In other regions, GDS Smart and KDS 2.0 are available exclusively to Hyundai/Kia authorized dealerships and their approved sub-dealers. The European AM purchasing pathway exists due to European regulations (including EU law and equivalent frameworks adopted in the UK and EEA) on repair information access.

How do I renew my software license?

Software license renewals are managed by the GIT Europe Support Team. Before your license expires, email gite.support@gitauto.com to request a renewal.

Where do I get help if my diagnostic tool is not working properly?

For all technical inquiries, including software errors, connection problems, update failures, or hardware malfunctions, please contact the GIT Europe Support Team (gite.support@gitauto.com) directly.

Eligibility — Who Can Use This Process?

This purchasing process applies to independent workshops and aftermarket operators located in Europe who meet the following conditions:

• Registered as a legitimate automotive repair business in an EU/EEA member state or the United Kingdom
• Compliant with applicable SERMI certification requirements (where security-related access is needed)
• Not currently part of the authorized Hyundai/Kia dealer network

Note: In regions outside Europe, GDS Smart and KDS 2.0 are available exclusively to Hyundai/Kia authorized dealerships and their sub-dealers.