AFTERMARKET SUPER SHOW
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Automechanika, the aftermarkets bi-annual showpiece, had something for everyone.
1 'I here were over 2,800 trade stands at Automechanika with products ranging from car seat covers to transmission parts for trucks. Many of the exhibitors in Frankfurt, Germany, not only showed their latest wares; they also sought importers to various countries.
One such company was Israel-based BG International which displayed a coolant cleaner and recycler. This unit separates ethylene glycol from water allowing the antifreeze to be reused, preventing disposal problems and saving the cost of new antifreeze.
Connections are via a tee piece into the heater hose at the bottom of the radiator and the pressure cap on the top. Extra corrosion inhibitors, anti-foaming and acid neutralisers can be added if required before the antifreeze is reused. The system works on 110 or 12V and should cost around £5,000.
Environmental pressures were very evident in the paint sector. ICI launched Aquabase, a water-borne refinish paint for cars. By using an air drying machine inside a normal spray booth drying times are not increased, says the company. HVIA) spray guns can be used to apply the paint. A CV version is not yet on the cards.
UK trials
On the CV side Herberts went one better. Its water-based CV refinish paints have been used on the Continent for some time. At the show it announced that trials with these paints were to begin in the UK.
Edwin Trisk, which makes infra-red arches for car refinishing, showed its latest Boothmaster control module, The company is working on a system designed to dry a truck cab in 12 minutes.
One company seeking an agent in the UK, Finntest, displayed an electronically controlled version of the wheel nut tightening machine, Nutrunner. It also produces a delay tester for air brakes. This unit times the delay between the brake pedal being hit and the pressure in the chamber reaching 75% of full pressure. It then measures the pressure fall down to 10% of the maximum. Readings can either be via the digital display or a print-out showing pressure against time in 50 millisecond intervals.
claimed to cost around 20% less than the Hunger counterpart. A full range is available from Kindermann's UK agent except an on-vehicle CV disc skimmer which should be available next year.
There was several stands exhibiting CV brake drums from manufacturers based as widely apart as India and Germany, many of whom are without UK representation. Fahrzeugbedarf, for instance, lists drums for vehicles ranging from Unimogs to Macks. Roadlink, which imports the France Tambor range of drums into the UK, also showed the latest addition to its range, Koni shock absorbers for trucks, trailers and buses.
High Precision Machining of Oldbury, West Midlands, displayed its range of brake discs which include many commercial applications up to 7.5 tonnes. W Kellett of Sheffield showed the trailer axle parts which it distributes to over 150 outlets in the UK. Availability is said to be high with .41.5m of stock. Kellett claims prices are on a par with OE or as much as 30% below that level.
Danish exhaust system manufacturer Diriex is setting up its own UK marketing arm for its CV products.
Replacement transmission parts were much in evidence at Automechanika with companies such as CEI and Euroricambi from Italy. CEI make some OE parts for Iveco and non-OE for Volvo, Scania and Daf. In addition Euroricambi make parts to fit, among other, Rockwell, Fuller, Eaton and Mercedes-Benz transmissions. These are marketed in the UK through Avon Transmission.
Steering parts
Two companies at the show targeted specific vehicle manufacturers. Hamburgbased Paul Bernhardt markets engine, clutch, transmission and steering parts to fit Mercedes-Benz vehicles. These are claimed to be typically between 40 and 50% below OE prices. While not available in the UK yet, the company is looking for an agent.
The aptly named Swedish Lorry Parts of TuHinge, Sweden, is negotiating with potential importers for its range of gaskets, cams and followers, shackle pins and bushes and prop shaft bearings for Volvos. Parts are priced typically between 20 and 30% lower than OE: they should be available in the UK within six to eight months.