           |
|
February 2000
|
Hella Introduces New Electronics Programme From Siemens
Initially, Hella's range of products will be extended by vehicle specific sensors, relays and HVAC motors although plans for the addition of further electronic products range are already in preparation. According to Hella, a programme of advertising in popular trade magazines is already underway with the whole product range featured in a colour brochure and in the new Hella Electrical and Electronics catalogue. (2/00) IFA Announces Supplier of the Year Award Winner
Pictured is Steven Fisher, Sales Director of Apec Braking (right), receiving the award certificate from Richard Stevens (left) and Alan Smith, Directors of the IFA. (2/00) BMW Launches CD-ROM for Young Learner Drivers
The CD-ROM has been produced as an extension to the original BMW Driver Awareness pack introduced in 1994 and is designed to complement driving lessons and theory training as part of the PSE/PHSE curriculum. Through simulations, students can explore the effects of adverse weather conditions and speed, of stopping distances on an experimental test track, and even experience the effects of incorrect eyesight on driving ability. BMW's new Driver Awareness CD-ROM is pictured. (2/00) Meritor Automotive Name 1999 Engineer of the Year Meritor Automotive has named Nigel Spurr as its 1999 Engineer of the Year, and Production Engineer Karl-Gustav Nybäck as Manufacturing Engineer of the Year. Meritor Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Larry D. Yost, presented the awards at a dinner banquet. Spurr, who works for the Light Vehicle Systems Access Control System Group in Birmingham, was honoured for his contributions to the visualization, design and development of an innovative door lock mechanism. Nybäck was praised for his part in the development of a flexible, modular and environmentally friendly manufacturing system for a new family of ductile iron housings at the Heavy Vehicle Systems axle unit in Lindesberg, Sweden. (2/00) Bluecol Brands has appointed Bob Shuttleworth to head up the sales operation of its range of Mo-Board motorised scooters. He joins the Basingstoke based company as UK Sales Manager from filter maker Filtrauto where he was Sales and Marketing Director for Northern Europe. Shuttleworth, pictured with part of the range, has the brief to further develop sales of Mo-Boards, initially in the automotive aftermarket, motorcycle and industrial sectors. (2/00)
Tenneco Warn of Safety Risk From Worn Shock Absorbers According to Tenneco
Automotive, new tests show that even cars with modern safety systems,
such as ESP (Electronic Stability Control) and ABS (Anti-Lock Braking
System) will seriously compromise road safety if they have worn shock
absorbers. The tests were carried out by the German Vehicle Inspection Agency (TÜV) and indicate that a new VW Beetle fitted with 50% worn shocks can have a braking distance of up to 6 metres longer than the same vehicle fitted with new Monroe Sensa-Trac shock absorbers. The longer braking distance is created when the ESP system tries to stabilise the vehicle. According Tenneco the same VW Beetle with worn shocks is also more difficult to control in a collision avoidance manoeuvre. It was found that during evasive manoeuvres or emergency braking, the wheels lost contact with the road - dramatically reducing braking efficiency and driver control. The company recommend that once vehicles are four years old or has covered over 40,000 miles the shock absorbers should be checked every 12,000 miles. Pictured are the test vehicles, one with 50% worn shock absorbers and one with new Monroe Sensa-Trac shocks. (2/00) Fister UK Appoints Sales Development Manager Fister UK, the wipers and accessories manufacturer, has announced a further change in its UK organisation as part of a strategy to build its presence in the UK aftermarket. Simon Tucker has been appointed Sales Development Manager. Reporting to Nick Farren, Sales and Marketing Director, he will be responsible for the development of retail sales, installer programmes and the company's UK marketing activities. Prior to joining Fister UK, Simon Tucker was Retail Sales Manager at Trico Distributors Gates where he was Retail Sales Manager. (2/00) |
Hella
and Siemens have agreed a co-operation for the exclusive distribution
of motor vehicle electrical and electronic parts for the independent
market.
The
Independent Motor Trade Factors Association (IFA) has announced that
Apec Braking of Bristol is the winner of its annual Supplier of the
Year Award. Runners-up were Luk Aftermarket-Service and in joint third
place were Arvin Replacement Products and Sachs Boge UK. 
BMW,
in association with BP Amoco, has introduced an interactive multimedia
resource for learner drivers which brings driving skills to life at
the click of a mouse. The Driver Awareness CD-ROM has been produced
to help students aged 16-18 to acquire knowledge of driving hazards
prior to venturing out onto the roads. It is offered free of charge
to all UK secondary schools.
