September 2008

Elring "The Original": Adding Value in the Aftermarket Industry

Extended portfolio, new catalogs, and even better service

Committed to setting new standards, Elring unveiled a greatly expanded range of gaskets, gasket sets and service parts at this year's Automechanika trade show, as well as showcasing its high-performance service concept aimed at assisting customers with professional repairs and making the entire process of auto servicing more efficient. The approach taken by the company is centered around a trusted partnership with retailers and auto mechanics, the objective being to ensure fast, efficient and cost-effective mobility with a maximum of environmental awareness.

Intense activity at the Elring stand. Trade visitors could inform themselves on the extended product portfolio, the new cataloges for passenger and commercial vehicles as well as on sales promotions and training programmes. Not only the visitor feedbacks but also the high quality of the discussions were very satisfying.

In order to meet the ever-growing interest shown in Elring products and services at recent trade shows, the company greatly increased the size of its exhibition stand – this year's motto being "Ihr Erfolg: Das Original" (literally translated as Your Success: The Original) at Automechanika.

OEM cylinder head gaskets for next-generation servicing concepts
What is today recognized as a pioneering innovation in original-equipment manufacturing looks set to add real value to tomorrow's aftermarket industry. Working toward this goal, Elring also presented the third generation of its Metaloflex^® metal-layer cylinder-head gaskets, featuring meander, honeycomb and segment stopper technology. With the help of new stamping technology, the company is able to meet the more challenging demands made on today's gasket systems as a result of higher ignition and injection pressures and alternative fuels. In addition, ElringKlinger has developed a new material suitable for partial elastomer coating within the area of micro-sealing. Owing to its overall stability, this new coating material is particularly suited to the advanced performance specifications of modern vehicle engines. Today, the new sealing system is used in the majority of next-generation engines – which also means that it is making its way into the market for spare parts.

Specialty gasket concepts for exhaust tract and transmission

As legislation governing emission levels becomes increasingly strict, vehicle exhaust systems are having to adapt accordingly – making them ever more complex. Among the components now frequently deployed within this area are oxidation catalytic converters, particulate filters and SCR systems (for the selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides). ElringKlinger develops and produces specialty gaskets tailored precisely to the requirements of such applications, the emphasis being on solutions that are capable of withstanding operating temperatures of up to 1,000 °C. This portfolio includes connector components and high-temperature gaskets for diesel particulate filters as well as specialty gaskets for DeNO_x modules. R&D activities are also focused on new sealing concepts and materials for exhaust manifolds as well as turbo in- and outlets. In addition, specialty gaskets are being developed for newly launched dual-clutch transmission systems. In line with this year's overriding theme of the automotive show – Reduction of Fuel Consumption and Emissions – ElringKlinger presented its extensive range of products designed for exhaust tract applications.

Thermal and acoustic shielding systems

The emergence of highly compact charged engines (i.e. the growing trend towards "downsizing") has resulted in greater demand for thermal shielding of heat-sensitive components. In acquiring the SEVEX Group, ElringKlinger has advanced to become the second largest supplier of shielding systems for engines, underbodies and exhaust tracts, with the ability to offer all-embracing solutions centered around thermal and acoustic shielding systems for motor vehicles.

"All in one, one for all" – New catalogs and information material for fast and convenient access

To coincide with the significant expansion of its product portfolio, Elring has also introduced new promotional and information material. Publications launched in the run-up to Automechanika included new 6-language catalogs for passenger and commercial vehicles.

Both catalogs have been optimized in terms of handling and product search, the aim being to ensure faster and more convenient access to the information featured in the respective publications. For instance, the full range of cylinder head bolts (previously published in a separate catalog) has now been included within the main automobile and commercial vehicle catalogs. The two catalogs now also feature (previously published separately) the complete portfolio of oil seals (including assembly instructions, material specifications and size charts) and valve stem seals with size charts, as well as details of the company's sealing compounds with relevant product data, assembly instructions and recommendations for application. Additionally, the retail and industrial catalog, featuring the gasket portfolio and gasket materials, has been included. The "all in one, one for all" design makes the catalog simpler, faster and more reliable for retailers and mechanics in their day-to-day operations.

Each publication includes an extensive reference section for specific vehicle and engine series. And as an additional feature, the new commercial vehicle catalog has exploded drawings of numerous engines, showing the precise location of individual components.

Automechanika also saw the launch of Elring's latest 18-language electronic catalog of spare parts – E-KAT. Like the main catalog, it too includes Elring's full range of products: gaskets, gasket sets and service parts in OEM quality.

The extended range of product information also features a number of additional highlights such as "Tips from the Sealing Expert", a more extensive brochure dealing with engine damage and a reference booklet ("Original Equipment Competency") listing all the latest vehicle models from 2005 to 2007 that are fitted with Elring products.

Elring: the future-proof service brand of ElringKlinger AG
Elring spare parts are manufactured by ElringKlinger AG, a premier development partner and series supplier to the international vehicle industry, with a portfolio that includes cylinder-head and specialty gaskets as well as plastic housing modules and shielding components used in engines, transmissions and exhaust systems. This expertise provides the basis for future-proof OEM quality with best-in-class performance for vehicles and the environment. ElringKlinger was quick off the mark when it came to focusing its development efforts on areas that are of essential importance to the automotive industry: the reduction of fuel consumption and emissions as well as the use of alternative fuels. Its contribution includes newly developed high-performance gaskets, thermal shielding systems, bipolar plates for fuel cells and a pioneering diesel particulate filter system (under development). Benefiting from the company's expertise in original-equipment manufacturing, the Elring brand for replacement parts has been steadily expanding its global market position. With original Elring products in OEM quality, component retailers, auto mechanics and customers are guaranteed the smoothest of rides, while also protecting the environment.

Contacts:

ElringKlinger AG
Corporate Communication

Karl-Heinz App                                    
Phone: +49 7123 / 724-640
karl-heinz.app@elringklinger.de 

Kathrin Müller
Phone: +49 7123 / 724-639
kathrin.mueller@elringklinger.de