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July 1999
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Delphi Launch New Battery Range
The new battery uses Delphi’s calcium/calcium technology to provide high power, high durability and sealed-for life, maintenance-free operation. Manufactured in France for sale throughout the world, the battery is available in 17 part numbers which cover 95% of the European car parc. Pricing is aimed to be very competitive, thereby targeting the price sensitive end of the market and complementing Delphi’s existing range of very high performance, premium quality batteries. (7/99) Tenneco Automotive Launches Sensa-Trac Safe-Tech System
Using Position Sensitive Damping (PSD) technology, the Safe-tech system is designed to provide the right grip in every driving situation, regardless of road and driving style. Safe-tech also provides faster shock absorber reaction to road changes with maximum tyre to road contact, whatever the conditions. Sensa-Trac offers the same key benefits as the original Sensa-Trac but with improved performance and safety standards, namely:
Liquid Cooled Alternator from Bosch Reduces Noise for BMW The new liquid-cooled alternator from Bosch has been launched into series production of BMW’s 5 and 7 series vehicles with V8 and V12 engines. Developed jointly by Bosch and BMW, the new alternator is designed to deliver higher power outputs and reduced noise levels compared to traditional air-cooled alternators. It is capable of delivering 150 amps without he need for cooling fans and, to further reduce noise, is encapsulated into a single unit within the engine block, which also decreases magnetic interference. Meanwhile, liquid-cooling smoothes out possible temperature peaks within the alternator when the vehicle is stationery with a hot engine. As a result, constant temperatures are maintained, reducing component stress and lengthening the life of the unit. Furthermore, the new alternator does not require either carbon brushes or collector rings, reducing the number of parts susceptible to wear and increasing reliability. (7/99)
Parts supplier Motaquip has unveiled a new packaging design for its entire range of aftermarket products as part of its new brand support and development programme. In addition, new catalogues have been introduced with merchandise and point of sale material all undergoing a revamp. (7/99) LuK Introduces CARM The latest innovation from LuK is CARM (Centrally Actuated Release Mechanism) which aims to bring lower pedal effort and increased reliability to the owners of top selling marques such as Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Ford, Mercedes Benz, Renault, Saab, Seat, Vauxhall/Opel and Volkswagen.
LuK’s Technical Advisors warn garages that as with the clutch, the Centrally Actuated Release Mechanism is subject to wear and tear which is not always apparent. If the CARM is not replaced when a clutch replacement is carried out, the customer will risk an unnecessary return visit the garage because a fault was not detected within the unit. The Centrally Actuated Release mechanism is a non-repairable part and should therefore be renewed at every clutch replacement. (7/99) New A1 Motor Stores Catalogue Now Available The A1 Motor Stores "Specialised Motoring and Leisure Catalogue, issue 4" is now available from all A1 stores nationwide. The new issue consists of over 100 full colour pages of aftermarket auto accessories and is divided into colour coded sections ranging from performance products to tools and leisure. In addition he catalogue incorporates a number of promotional actions including competitions and money-off vouchers. (7/99) Sachs Clutch Cables Go Right Handed
Sachs Boge marketing manager Jerry Banks commented: "The range of OE manufacture includes self-adjusting clutch cables and we aim to cover a wide variety of European, Japanese and Asian models. We’ll also be offering a complementary range of hydraulic clutch actuation systems, including master cylinders, slave cylinders and concentric slave cylinders". (7/99) Varta Launches Silver Dynamic Car Battery Varta is claiming a breakthrough in maintenance-free car battery technology with their new Silver Dynamic range of batteries offering up to 20% longer service life than conventional products and reliable starting even at very low and very high temperatures, a fact which has led to Varta’s new product already being accepted as an OE fitment for Audi, BMW, Citroen, Ford, Peugeot, Saab and Volvo. According to Varta the innovative silver alloy used in the Silver Dynamic range has reduced water consumption to around four times less than the required standard, resulting in an absolutely maintenance-free battery and guaranteeing high levels of reliability, even with the extended service levels now being adopted by most car manufacturers.
A newly developed grid geometry and construction with centrally mounted thicker plates is used in the Silver Dynamic battery. Together with the use of microporous envelope separators, his provides more robust and increased durability, exceptional charge acceptance (three times faster than conventional products), more resistance to stop/start usage, more resistance to cyclic loading, protection against short circuits and a longer service life. Engineers at Varta have also improved safety standards with the adoption of a new lid design. This features an integrated labyrinth and flame arrestor to prevent acid escaping even when the battery is tilted at an extreme angle for a short period. The design also incorporates an ergonomically shaped handle for easy installation and detachable terminal pole covers to prevent short circuits. (7/99) Gemini Computerised Battery System Introduced TwinPower Europe (Ltd, a fully owned subsidiary of the Hong Kong based Glory Win International Group, has launched their new Gemini Twin power intelligent computerised battery system. The battery consists of two specialised batteries, one starter and one auxiliary with a microprocessor based electronic controller sealed in the container. The batteries act in unison to optimise engine starting, then electronically separate so that the auxiliary battery powers the accessories even when the engine is switched off. This means that even if the accessories flatten the auxiliary battery, the controller protects the starter battery, ensuring that the engine will start. When the engine is running, the controller works in charge protective mode to ensure that both batteries are fully recharged as quickly as possible without the risk of overcharging. The Gemini TwinPower needs no special wiring and is ideally suitable for applications with high auxiliary loads such as taxis, utility vehicles, emergency vehicles and leisure/recreation vehicles. (7/99)
Delphi has introduced a new shock absorber catalogue which, for the first time covers all Delphi brands including the premium quality de Carbon monotube gas ranges for luxury and high performance vehicles and Delphi’s hydraulic shock absorbers, now known as the Hydro product line. The new catalogue includes more than 1,200 references and all products are supplied with a two year unlimited mileage warranty (7/99) New Lucas Test Equipment Modules LucasVarity has introduced new test equipment modules for the Lucas laser 2000 for VW, Audi and SEAT which have further increased the equipment’s testing abilities. On these vehicle makes, the modules can diagnose faults on air conditioning, automatic gear box, alarm, dashboard control, navigation control, radio and central locking systems. Lucas has developed the module for testing climate control systems as a result of customer demand within the aftermarket. The new module will enable a service engineer using Lucas’s Laser 2000 to carry out work such as getting fault code readings and operating the climate control systems. The Laser 2000’s flexibility means that these can be tested while the engineer is experiencing the conditions inside the car. Manufacturers recommend that climate control systems, which have become increasingly sophisticated, are tested as part of the annual service. "Drivers are supposed to run their air conditioning systems frequently but many forget," says Shaun Garret, test equipment manager at Lucas Aftermarket Operations. "This means that the summer is a busy time for garages as faults occur when drivers switch on dormant systems. With these items being fitted to many new cars as standard, the new modules, which cover most popular makes, will soon become indispensable". (7/99) Bosch Development in Intelligent Lighting Technology Bosch has announced developments in the area of intelligent lighting with the introduction of a new headlamp with Adaptive Light Distribution technology. Designed to produce optimum light for a variety of road conditions and driving situations, the new technology will provide drivers with greatly increased visibility, even illuminating around corners. The system is designed to increase driver safety by enabling additional reaction and stopping time with the aim of reducing accidents. Furthermore, adaptive lighting technology provides additional driver comfort, with a significant reduction in eye-strain and fatigue, especially on long journeys. Key to the success of adaptive lighting is its ability to automatically produce selective road surface illumination, such as wide spread light patterns for slow or city driving and concentrated light patterns for faster or motorway driving. This is achieved using technology that utilises a series of individual bulbs and a large number of small, individual reflectors within the headlamp assembly. The resultant unit, when combined with existing navigation sensors, can provide an appropriate light beam for each situation. The shape of the light beam can be altered automatically, without additional driver input, within parameters determined by the Advanced Frontlight System (AFS) EC research project. Currently Bosch is testing its prototype in anticipation of new legislation and further recommendations will be made during 1999. (7/99) Synthetic Oil for Fuel Efficient Engines In
conjunction with the development of fuel efficient engine
technology, Morris Lubricants of Shrewsbury has
introduced Multilife 5W-30, a fully synthetic SAE 5W-30
motor oil specifically developed or use in fuel efficient
multi-valve engines. Multilife 5W-30 is claimed to offer outstanding film strength for exceptional anti-wear performance, protecting critical valve rain components such as camshafts and cam followers. Excellent fluidity at low temperatures is claimed to enhance oil flow during cold start-up for optimum protection, while stability at the top end of the temperature range ensures good turbocharger protection. Compatible with catalytic converters, Multilife 5W-30 meets ACEA A1-96, B1-96 specification requirements and also the latest Ford specification for engine oils suitable for Zetec and Zeta, 16 and 24 valve engines (7/99) New Bulb Rage from Motaquip Motaquip has launched a range of 79 new bulbs called MQ-Max Performance which is being introduced in four individual sub-ranges designed o cater for the differing demands of the market. The MQ-Max Power range includes two types of bulb, both of which provide up to 30% more light on the road, owing to the addition of Xenon gas. Furthermore, revised filament geometry optimises the focus of the light into the road, making objects easier to recognise at a distance. Meanwhile, a blue glass filter has been added to the four different types of MQ-Max Blue bulbs, offering clear vision and distinctive blue effect of gas discharge bulbs at a fraction of the cost. The third type of bulb is the MQ-Max Extreme range which is available in three types of bulb. An amber filter fitted to this range helps to reduce glare in poor driving conditions such as fog and heavy rain, aiding safety by improving vision for both the car owner and other drivers on the road. Finally, the MQ-Max Sport offers the crystal-white light particularly popular with rally drivers for the effective clear vision it provides. (7/99) Monroe Shocks and Walker Exhausts now on CD
New Disc Pad References for Ferodo Ferodo has introduced a wide variety of new disc pad references both for recently introduced cars and older models. Both front and rear pads are now available for the BMW ‘E39’ 5 series from September 1995 onwards;the Audi A3, Skoda Octavia and various VW Golf Mk4 variants share the same front pad which also applies to the Mitsubishi Carisma and Volvo S40/V40. Front and rear sets are also on sale for the Chrysler Neon 2.0 LX Meanwhile, front pads are now in stock for the Alfa Romeo 145/146 Twinspark & 156, Chrysler Neon, Citroen Xantia 3.0 and XM TD & 3.0, Fiat Punto and Punto van, all Ford Escorts and Escort vans (excluding XR3i/RS), the Land Rover Freelander, Nissan Primera 2.0SR, Peugeot 605 3.0, Renault Espace and Grand Espace, all Rolls Royce models from 1965 to 1998, Toyota Starlet (from 1989 onwards), the Carina E2.0GTi and MR2 2.0, and the VW Caravelle and Transporter T4/Eurovan Rear pads, included I the latest range additions, cater for the "people carriers/MPVs" offered by Citroen, Fiat and Peugeot – the Synergie, Ulysse and 806 respectively. There are also references for the Mitsubishi Shogun since 1987, Toyota Landcruiser 4.2 of 1990 onwards, Volvo 760/940/960 and the Ford Maverick/Nissan Terrano II twins. (7/99) Bosch Launches Aftermarket Brake Programme
The range is backed up with a comprehensive support package including POS material, a complete friction and hydraulics catalogue and national advertising initiatives. (7/99) New CD Version of Brembo Brake Catalogue Copies of Brembo’s new CD version of its brake disc and drum catalogue are now available from GP Automotive. The interactive guide contains more than 2,500 references and over 1,000 brake disc and drum technical drawings as well as a helpful fitting times guide, fitting drawings as well as relevant tightening torques. Copies of the Brembo catalogue CD can be obtained from GP Automotive on 01562 67610. (7/99) |
Delphi Aftermarket
Europe has launched a new range of batteries specifically
designed for the aftermarket. The Delphi Standard will be
supplied with a two year warranty and will also be
available for own-branding by other retail and
aftermarket businesses.
Tenneco Automotive has
announced the launch of a major new range of shock
absorbers for aftermarket fitment – the Monroe
Sensa-Trac Safe-Tech System, an intelligent shock
absorber that offers the benefits of electronic
suspension but at a fraction of the cost and without the
complexity of electronics.
Motaquip
Unveils New Corporate Packaging
The CARM keeps
cool by its location in the bellhousing steering clear of
debris such as grit and water and ensuring automatic
compensation for driven late wear. Also, as the CARM
obtains a high level of efficiency, a lower hysteresis
can be used and there is a reduction in weight by
eliminating the need for a Cross-Shaft or Release Fork.
It maintains increased durability from secure fittings
with the securing bolts not being subject to tensile
forces due to hydraulic loads.
Sachs Boge has
announced the launch of right-hand-drive clutch cables in
Britain this summer and is aiming to provide a full
programme of clutch actuation systems for all popular
vehicles on British roads by the end of the year. This
follows the successful launch in Europe last year of
Sachs’ LHD clutch cable programme.
In addition, the new
product provides 30% more cold starting performance,
enabling the engine to start even on the coldest days, a
major benefit where cars are not garaged in winter.
New
Delphi Shock Absorber Catalogue
The oil features a low
viscosity formula which offers improvements in engine
efficiency, power output and fuel economy when compared
to conventional engine oils.
Tenneco Automotive have
announced that they have produced a CD containing the
contents of their Monroe shock absorbers and Walker
exhausts product catalogues. Containing the latest
vehicle applications for all Monroe and Walker products,
the CD follows exactly the same format as the traditional
printed catalogues for the two brands, which will
continue to be available (7/99)
Bosch has
announced that it is launching a comprehensive
aftermarket brake programme in the UK. With over 4,500 OE
quality components including discs, drums, friction and
hydraulics as well as other accessories, the range covers
95% of the UK vehicle parc and includes European Asian
and American vehicles.