New Wiper Blade Technology from Valeo

Valeo have announced a number of new technologies in the wiper systems sector.

Firstly, the company has developed a Reversing Front Wiper System in which the motor is totally electronically controlled in order to enhance visual and acoustic comfort through the management of wiper speeds and by guaranteeing the high reliability of wiping angles. Performance is also enhanced by the addition of self-diagnostic functions which enable high-precision wiping that is adapted to constant variations in driving and climatic conditions.

Also new is a range of ultra-flat wiper arms and blades designed to be in keeping with the specific brand identities of vehicle manufacturers and current trends in car design. According to Valeo, benefits of the new blades include greater styling freedom, enhanced integration into the vehicle design, minimum windshield height and improved aerodynamic and aero-acoustic performance. The new arms and blades incorporate simple and ergonomic wiper arm-blade attachments to facilitate assembly and disassembly, a single piece from the arm head to the blade attachment and an innovative wiper arm-blade linkage with a new compression module.

Other new technologies announced by Valeo include a wiper system with a rain sensor and a linear rear wiper system. (10/99)

Bosch Rapiterm Glow Plug System

Bosch’s new Rapiterm glow plug system is claimed to allow diesel drivers to start up immediately, even at temperatures below zero. The new sheathed type glow plug is made of a composite ceramic material which reaches the temperature required to start up in only one second - faster than any other glow plug. Thanks to its high duty temperature of approx. 1200 degrees Celsius, it also ensures quiet engine running, good driveability, low emissions and low fuel consumption during the warm up phase. The exact control of preheating, post-heating and intermediate heating is assumed - together with the engine management system - by a compact glow-control unit.

In addition, the new glow plugs are claimed to achieve a significantly longer service life than conventional plugs thanks to the oxidation resistance of the composite ceramic material. In many cases, says Bosch, Rapiterm glow plugs, with more than 30,000 cold starts, in many cases last longer than the diesel engines themselves. (10/99)

Drumfire Added to Radiomobile’s Car Audio Range

Car audio equipment supplier Radiomobile has launched Drumfire, a new 100w bass-boosting, ultra compact, sealed subwoofer enclosure which is designed to fit into any sized boot and which can be connected to most car stereo systems. The enclosure’s symmetrical load design is just one of several features on the Drumfire which retails at £89.95 and incorporates a built-in stereo power amplifier with electronic crossover, short and thermal protection circuits, soft power on, input gain control and RCA input. The enclosure has a frequency range of 20-120 Hz and measures 395 mm x 215mm x 222mm. (10/99)

New Flex Pipe Technology from Arvin

Exhaust manufacturer Arvin Replacement Products has redesigned and developed a new and improved flex pipe for exhaust assembly following research work into flex pipe failures. The flex pipe has been developed following 24 months research at the company’s technical centre in Blackpool together with the company’s OE supply partner.

Flex pipes are most commonly found within the front pipe assembly of an exhaust system, their function being to absorb any engine vibration before it reaches the silencer box where excessive vibration could cause fracture. According to Arvin, a number of improvements have been made to overcome key design issues and to give greater product strength and durability.

When required during handling, transportation and storage, the new flex pipe is encased in a cardboard tube which extends the full length of the flex pipe, across the collars. The protective tube is secured by a plastic tie for easy removal.

The new improved flex pipe carries a two year manufacturer’s guarantee and has been introduced into the Arvin Replacement Products exhaust range at no extra cost to the consumer (10/99)

Polco with Flashing Phone Holder

Andover based accessory distributor Polco Products has launched a new mobile phone holder which flashes when the phone rings. The Alert mobile phone holder incorporates two l.e.d warning lights fitted to the holder’s base as well as adjustable arms for keeping the phone in place and can be fitted either to a vehicle’s dashboard or air vent using the supplied spring clips and self-adhesive pads.

The Alert (rrp £6.72) is one of three holders in the new range which also includes the fully adjustable Gripper mobile phone holder (£4.72) as well as the Mini (£2.16) which is ideal for small phones. (10/99)

New Ignition Module Range from Ring Automotive

A new range of high quality, beryllium-free ignition modules is being launched by Ring Automotive. The range, which utilises red copper instead of toxic beryllium, includes 56 part numbers, providing coverage for all popular applications and is covered by a five year warranty. (10/99)

Proton Accessory Range for Extra Styling

A new concept version of Proton’s 1.8 litre Evolution 16V coupé has been developed by Proton Direct, the company’s flagship dealership in Coventry to show owners how to transform their cars using styling accessories. The gold-wheeled special launches a range of more adventurous styling accessories designed to graphically demonstrate what is possible with a Coupé Evolution and other proton models. Modifications include a one-piece hoop rear spoiler, lower double-contoured side skirts, revised rear valance and bonnet vents.

The concept model is also fitted with a roof mounted ‘sting’ radio antenna as well as 15 inch twin-spoke Speedline alloy wheels.

The UK importer of Proton cars intends to establish its own dealership in Coventry as a performance centre to showcase future product enhancements. Proton Direct is also working on other concepts for the Compact three door hatchback and Persona four and five door models. (10/99)

New Kinetic Suspension System from Monroe

Tenneco Automotive-Monroe is introducing a new technology suspension system called Kinetic that reduces the potential of all vehicles, including sport utility vehicles, to roll over in conditions ranging from high speed motorways to rough off-road terrain. The new technology significantly reduces the roll angle in vehicle cornering, improving both on and off-road control, safety and drive performance.

The Kinetic system uses proprietary and patented interconnections between the vehicle’s springs, combined with actuators to automatically maintain near equal load pressure on the wheels at all times.

When a vehicle with conventional springs drives over uneven terrain or even a small bump or ‘pot hole’ at high speed, the weight of the vehicle carried by the wheel results in a loss of stability and comfort. However, when Kinetic is fitted, the support and roll stabilisation system recognises and smoothes out any imbalances - combining passive interconnections between the wheels and the front and rear stabilisation systems to ensure the vehicle load remains nearly constant (as though on smooth flat ground) throughout the manoeuvre.

According to Tenneco, key benefits of the Kinetic suspension system include;

1) Increased road holding - Kinetic systems give up to a 40% increase in roll resistance without loss of comfort

2) Up to a 50% improvement in ride quality

3) Cost-effective performance - Kinetic systems achieve comparable performance to an active (electronically controlled) springing suspension without the prohibitive costs, complexity and power consumption.

4) Improved off-road performance - Kinetic systems provide far ;less weight transfer on uneven surfaces which improves road-handling, comfort and also reduces damage to roads. Vehicles equipped with Kinetic operating in 2WD, can often out-perform conventionally sprung vehicles in 4WD.

5) Greater stability and hence greater safety (10/99)

Mintex Brake Pad and Disc Range Extensions

BBA Friction has introduced a number of extensions to its range of brake pads and brake discs. New brake pads include parts for Lexus, Lancia, Alfa Romeo, BMW, Suzuki, Hyundai, Toyota and Mercedes models whilst over 100 new brake disc part numbers have been introduced covering a wide range of European, American and Japanese vehicles (10/99)

Ice Blue Accessory Lamps from Ring Automotive

The latest in lighting accessories from Ring Automotive are the company’s new Ice Blue accessory lamps which have been designed to reflect the major changes in the car lighting market in recent years, not only with the advent of gas discharge lighting, but also in terms of the latest styling, designed to fit into modern, plastic bumpers and retro chrome finishes.

Gas discharge technology offers a number of lighting and safety benefits and will be seen on an increasing number of vehicles over the coming years. However, swapping to gas discharge means changing the car’s entire lighting system which would not only be expensive but also, for most motorists, completely impractical. Ring Automotive’s Ice Blue lighting range aims to help drivers achieve the distinctive look offered by gas discharge lighting at a fraction of the cost thanks to new technology which utilises free-form and multi-surface reflectors as well as blue glass lenses and reflectors.

Ice Blue lamps are all E-approved and are available in oval or slimline rectangular styles, designed to sit neatly into modern bumpers. The casings come in two finishes - black or retro-style chrome (10/99)

New Micro-DE Fog Lamps for VW Lupo

At the Frankfurt Motor Show Hella introduced a new vehicle-adapted retrofit kit for the VW Lupo - the compact auxiliary fog lamp Micro-DE. This fog lamp projects the light of the H3 halogen bulb onto the road using a profiled glass lens with a light exposure of just 40 millimetres. In combination with the projection principle, the lens provides precise light distribution with a wide light carpet in front of the vehicle. This prevents stray light which otherwise would dazzle the driver.

Meanwhile, a black ring around the glass lens makes sure the lamp is integrated in the front apron of the VW Lupo in a discreet manner whilst specially developed retention components allow simple and precise mounting.

Additional Micro-DE sets, including kits for the VW Golf IV and the VW New Beetle, are already being prepared. (10/99)

Innovative Wiper Blade from Bosch

Bosch has announced the introduction of an innovative new range of wiper blades. In contrast to conventional wiper blades with articulated sections, the new wiper blade element is pressed on to the window with just two pre-curved spring rails. In addition to its elegant styling, the new blade offers improved wiping quality due to the even distribution of pressure. The spoiler-type shape of the wiper blade ensures clear vision even when driving at higher speeds.

The flat-bar wiper blade is only about half as high as conventional wiper blades. Thanks to the flat structure without articulated sections, air does not flow through the wiper blade - this means a considerable reduction in wind noise.

Further advantages of the new wiper blade include the fact that it takes up a minimum of visual space and that the wiper arm can be easily hidden behind the engine hood. In winter, the flat-bar wiper blade outperforms conventional wiper blades because snow and ice cannot build up on the articulated sections.

The first car to feature the new wiper blade is the Mercedes CL-Coupé. (10/99)