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Are Your Parts Partners Tech Leaders?

Feb 20, 2014 carparts, innovations, repair

Are Your Parts Partners Tech Leaders?

According to Tenneco, the ever-accelerating pace of innovation can be both a challenge and an opportunity for aftermarket service providers, depending on the strength of their supplier relationships. Alex Gelbcke, VP and General Manager, Europe & Africa aftermarket for Tenneco, says that it is becoming increasingly important to partner with parts manufacturers whose own engineers are driving the development of these new Original Equipment (OE) technologies.

“It is easy to become intimidated by some of the very complex systems found on today’s models, much less think about what’s coming in the next five years,” he said. “But workshops relying on suppliers that are leaders both at the OE and aftermarket levels have a significant advantage over the long term. They will have access to the best technologies, as well as in-depth training and other technical support to help diagnose and repair these new vehicle systems.”


The company explains that its own Monroe product lines offer excellent examples of this OE-aftermarket synergy. Having proven itself as one of the premier suppliers of original equipment ride control and steering and suspension technologies, Tenneco believes it is ideally positioned to help workshops quickly and effectively diagnose and repair these products and systems when they enter the aftermarket replacement cycle.
Just some of the key breakthroughs achieved by the company's engineers  - and which will, in all likelihood, become standard features of future vehicles – include:

  • Continuously Variable Semi-Active Suspension (CVSA) – A system that instantaneously adjusts shock absorber damping characteristics to road conditions and a wide range of vehicle dynamics, including speed, turning, cornering and driver inputs.
  • Active Suspension Car (ACOCAR) – A fully active suspension system that  controls pitch, roll and heave for superior handling, safety and comfort. The system is energized by actuators with two electronic valves and hydraulic pumps.

According to Gelbcke: “In the case of each of these technologies, Tenneco’s Monroe brands will leverage our OE advantage to help workshops, fitment centers and retail customers address the corresponding diagnostic and service opportunities within the aftermarket. By choosing Monroe, customers can be certain they are installing true OE-quality replacement solutions that will meet the requirements of the vehicle as well as the demands of the consumer.”

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