Mann+Hummel unveils filters
Mann+Hummel Group introduced the Mann-Filter FreciousPlus line of cabin air filters for the North American market.
Available in the coming months through commercial retail and distribution channels across the U.S., the line of cabin air filters features advanced technologies that trap and bind allergens, preventing the growth of bacteria, molds and fungi, the company said.
The filter features a biofunctional layer with polyphenol—an active substance found in many plants—to capture more than 98 percent of free-floating allergens and up to 97 percent of hazardous particulate matter, the company said. It also has an antimicrobial agent that blocks the proliferation of allergy-triggering bacteria and molds.
The filter contains activated carbon granulate to eliminate odors, such as ozone, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide.
“Cabin air filtration is a severely underserviced wear item that service personnel can address with drivers to provide added peace of mind,” said Kevin O'Dowd, global director of product and brand marketing for the automotive aftermarket for Mann+Hummel Purolator Filters L.L.C.
For more information: mann-hummel.com.
ContiTech debuts Elite branding
Continental A.G.'s ContiTech division has introduced the Elite brand to identify Continental's aftermarket products that include automotive parts, heavy-duty truck parts, power sports and outdoor power equipment products as well as all of its aftermarket timing products, hoses and related accessories.
The branding will use the Continental corporate colors with a registered Elite logo and will be customized for each particular product line and component kit.
Continental Elite automotive parts include Poly-V belts with Quiet Channel Technology, hose, timing belts, timing belt kits, tensioners/ idlers, de-couplers and a selection of tools and accessories.
The Continental Elite heavy-duty truck parts include belts, hose, hydraulic hose and tensioners with Accu-Drive Technology. The power sports parts include belts with Carbon Fiber Technology and the outdoor power equipment product offerings include belts with Insta-Power Tech-nology.
“The products will not change from what was offered with Veyance Technologies (acquired by Continental earlier this year),” said Tom Lee, Continental's marketing manager for North American aftermarket products. “It's just a new branding for our products that will be available to the automotive and heavy duty aftermarkets in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
“The sale of the business to Continental has expanded our expertise in products, design and knowledge. We will continue to offer marketing and R&D support as well as catalog and application support. Our products will continue to provide a compatible OE match—fit, form and function.”
For more information: www.continental-elite.com.
ContiTech expands timing belt kits
Continental A.G.'s ContiTech division has introduced to the North American market an expanded offering of timing belt kits.
“This expanded offering of Elite branded kits will provide customized solutions for the warehouse distributor, professional repair technician and consumer,” said Tom Lee, Continental's marketing manager for North American aftermarket products. “Our portfolio will expand from two to four lines and provide the market with import and domestic solutions for early and late model vehicles.”
The tiered line of Elite timing belt kits will be available in January and include:
c Elite Pro Series Plus kit with OE quality components, water pump, cam and balance shaft seals, and The Pro Series Guarantee;
c Elite Pro Series kit with OE quality components, water pump and The Pro Series Guarantee;
c Elite Series kit with water pump; and
c Elite kit without water pump.
Continental Elite Pro and Pro Series Plus timing belt kits include all the synchronous parts needed to do a timing belt repair quickly and efficiently, the company said, so professional repair technicians need only one box to do the entire job.
“In addition, with more than 550 belt kits to choose from, we offer the widest program coverage in the market and a new guarantee program that matches the manufacturer's service interval up to 100,000 miles,” Mr. Lee said.
The kits are available for domestic and import applications. For additional information: www.thequietbelt.com.
GearWrench enters power tools market
Apex Tool Group L.L.C. has entered the power tools market with the introduction of its GearWrench 80 Series air impact wrenches for professional automotive repair and light industrial applications.
The series includes a 3/8-inch drive air-impact wrench (SKU 88030); a 1/2-inch-drive air impact wrench (SKU 88050) and a 3/4-inch-drive air-impact wrench (SKU 88070). GearWrench also will be offering an 81 Series deluxe version of the impact tools.
The impact wrenches feature a variable speed trigger, a high-efficiency air motor and almost 100-ft.-lb. more max torque than other air-impact wrenches, the company said.
The tools come with a one-year warranty and 60-day risk-free trial.
For more information: www.Gear-Wrench.com.
GearWrench adds tools, extensions
Apex Tool Group has added several products to its GearWrench tool line:
c Impact extension sets to reach tight spots, including a four-piece 3/8-inch drive impact extension set with 3-, 6-, 10- and 15-inch extensions (SKU 84926N) and a four-piece 1/2-inch drive impact extension set with 3-, 5-, 10- and 15-inch extensions (SKU 84950N)
Each extension is made from impact grade chrome molybdenum alloy steel for strength and durability and has a manganese phosphate coating for corrosion resistance, the company said. All impact extensions feature high-visibility laser-etched markings for size identification.
The standard impact extensions can be used with a pin and O-ring retention system to securely lock the extension to the impact gun, Apex said.
Each new product is covered by the GearWrench Lifetime Warranty.
c Two affordable wrenches to its electronic torque wrench line—a 3/8-inch wrench 7.4-99.6 ft.-lb. (SKU 85076) and 1/2-inch wrench 25.1-250.8 ft.-lb. (SKU 85077).
“The new models are easy to use and include some additional features, such as a vibrating handle that signals when the target torque level is reached so users can let off immediately for more accurate readings,” said Jim Stewart, product manager for GearWrench.
The wrenches feature a “Target Torque Alert,” which can be set to give a warning as the target torque setting is approached to avoid over-torqueing a fastener.
They also can measure in foot-pounds, inch-pounds or Newton meters, according to the company.
The torque wrenches come in a blow-molded case and are covered under a limited one-year warranty.
c A 43-piece 1/4-inch drive multi-function ratchet set (SKU 81020) that includes: a drive compact multi-function ratchet, long multi-function ratchet, 4.25-inch drive extension, 10-piece, 1/4-inch socket set, 30-piece screwdriver bit box set and a vacuum-formed storage tray that will fit in a 2-inch tool drawer.
“The new set contains both our compact and long multi-function ratchets, plus accessory pieces that allow automotive technicians enhanced access to hard-to-reach fasteners,” said Mr. Stewart. “The 1/4-inch drive compact ratchet is a convenient size for common tasks while the long ratchet provides extra reach when techs need it most.”
c Additional six-point impact socket sets: 25-piece 3/8-inch drive SAE standard and deep (SKU 84919N); 29-piece 3/8-inch drive metric (SKU 84925N); 39-piece 1/2-inch drive standard and deep (SKU 84947N); 39-piece 1/2-inch drive metric standard and deep (SKU 84948N); 27-piece 1/2-inch drive SAE and metric deep (SKU 84949N); seven-piece 3/8-inch SAE deep universal (SKU 84923N); 10-piece 3/8-inch metric deep universal (SKU 84924N); 10-piece 1/2-inch SAE deep universal (SKU 84943N); and 10-piece 1/2-inch metric deep universal (SKU 84945N).
The sockets feature impact grade chrome molybdenum alloy steel for strength and durability; corrosion-resistant coating; laser-etched and secondary hard-stamp markings for size identification; and Surface Drive technology to prevent the rounding of fasteners, the company said.
Select standard and deep sockets feature a parallel neck-down design, providing increased access in tight spaces. Universal impact sockets are available in either standard or deep styles for additional access.
Each set is covered by the GearWrench Lifetime Warranty.
c Four micrometer torque wrenches (1/4-, 3/8-, 1/2- and 3/4-inch sizes) expanding the number of models available in its current product line to six. The 1/4- through 1/2-inch drive models feature knurled anodized handles for comfort and control with the midpoint of each handle marked for maximum accuracy; pull adjustment collar for changing torque settings; newly designed teardrop head, sealed to keep out dirt, with a 32-tooth ratchet mechanism for strength and access, the company said. All models have two scales—a primary U.S. scale in ft./lbs. or in./lbs. and a secondary metric scale in Nm—stamped on the beam and thimble collar for durability and visibility.
For more information: www.Gear--Wrench.com.
Wix Filters unveils packaging, partner
Affinia Group Inc.'s Wix Filters business has unveiled redesigned packaging for its automotive filters and a partnership with Microban International Ltd. in its air filter products.
Previously, WIX's packaging offered an array of treatments and formats, making it a bit of a challenge for consumers and distributors, the company said. The new approach aims to simplify the shopping experience so customers can get exactly what they need more quickly and without any hassle.
“This is an exciting time at Wix,” said Jennifer Gibson, brand manager for Wix Filters. “To be able to present a strong, unified visual representation of our brand is integral for future success. We love the clean, focused look, and think it will resonate better with our customers...”
“We understand that time is precious and, when you consider point of sale, it's important to be as clear and concise as possible,” Ms. Gibson said.
“No one wants to linger in a store because they can't find what they need when the options are right in front of them. This new packaging strategy aims to reduce or even eliminate those concerns.”
Beginning in the first quarter of 2016, Wix cabin air filters will feature lifetime Microban product protection to prevent odor-causing bacteria, mold and mildew, the company announced.
The cabin air filter protection features continuous Microban's Aegis Technology, which works to inhibit the growth of microbes by utilizing a charge disruption mode of action.
The broad spectrum antimicrobial has a rapid mode of action that allows it to reduce microbial loads quickly on treated substrates, the company said. As a result, this technology works to keep the air inside vehicles cleaner and fresher.
Beginning next year, the lifetime Microban product protection will span all of Wix's light-duty cabin air filters for automotive and light-truck applications.
For more information: www.wixfilters.com.