Raybestos Works to Address Tech Needs

(Akron/Tire Review) Raybestos says it has “completely re-engineered” its entire brake component product lines after conducting “months of extensive” research with service technicians across North America. As a result, Raybestos has launched a new strategy that “addresses the proliferation of both parts and vendors, which has become a major problem for distributors,” according to Jeff Stauffer, vice president of global marketing for Affinia, which produces and markets Raybestos products.

Stauffer said the research showed that “techs require a single line of hydraulics, two grades of rotors and three grades of friction.” To address that need, Raybestos launched its 1-2-3 Strategy to deliver the types of brake components techs say they need.

“The studies told us that a single line of hydraulics made to OE specs is all that is needed,” Stauffer said. “With rotors, most situations can be addressed with a basic professional grade of OE-equivalent products, but some applications, especially severe duty or premium vehicles, require an ultra premium product capable of outperforming OE.”

When it comes to brake friction, techs need to meet various price points. “In those cases, they need a standard grade product that will perform well, but that is modestly priced,” he said. “For the vast majority of the jobs they do, techs need a ‘OE or better’ product that comes complete with all the hardware to do a job. Finally, in certain situations, they want an advanced product capable of out performing OE – and that’s what we’re giving them.”

With the launch of the 1-2-3 strategy, the Raybestos friction line has been segmented into three grades – Professional Grade friction for “OE or better” needs, Advanced Technology friction for specific severe duty and performance applications, and Service Grade friction for budget-conscious customers.

Raybestos rotors are now offered in both Professional Grade and Advanced Technology lines. Raybestos also consolidated its two hydraulic lines into one Professional Grade line.