TRW Automotive plans to use this year’s AAPEX show, Nov. 5-7 in Las Vegas, as a platform to announce the launch of an all-makes premium chassis program into the North American aftermarket.
According to TRW, this move will further support its position as the global leader in automotive safety. Ranking among the world’s largest Original Equipment (OE) chassis systems providers, the business supplies all major vehicle manufacturers and holds leading positions in all of its primary product categories.
The initial offering of 2,600 part numbers covers more than 94 percent of the North American market demand. By the end of 2013, TRW says the program will have grown to more than 3,000 parts representing 96 percent coverage. With a strong focus on European and Asian Pacific references, the program consists of control arms; inner tie rods; stabilizer links; ball joints; tie rod ends and assemblies; idler and pitman arms and bushings.
“The North American chassis market has remained relatively static for some time; it’s ready for an alternative premium offer," said Mark Thorpe, TRW’s product group manager, TRW Aftermarket North America. "With TRW’s OE expertise in the box, this program provides a viable alternative to the existing components in the market.”
According to TRW, major differentiators of the program include the offer of low-friction plastic seat technology and the inclusion in the product box of all installation hardware and fitting instructions, to save the installer time and avoid fitment error. In addition, the program is supported by the highest-quality sales and marketing material and is backed by full technical support, the company states.
Thorpe continued, “We are committed to product excellence and not only is TRW’s chassis program tested to TRW’s own exacting OE standards, the business goes the extra mile by insisting on extra endurance and environmental tests. This commitment, combined with our experience in OE safety systems, allows us to offer quality aftermarket parts that deliver outstanding performance and comfort. With TRW at the forefront of automotive technological developments, we are able to cater to the vehicles of tomorrow.”
Building on its relationships with the vehicle manufacturers, the program is being manufactured to exacting OE standards by TRW at its leading global manufacturing facilities across North America, Europe and Asia Pacific.
