Automechanika: Johnson Controls presents the new role for the battery

At Automechanika 2016, which will be held from 13 to 17 September in Frankfurt, Johnson Controls will provide detailed information on service solutions and on the complete range of VARTA  products. Along with a deep insight in the developments of the automotive industry visitors will get a better understanding of the new role of the battery and the opportunities for the independent aftermarket at stand E10 in hall 4.1.

Johnson Controls estimates that by 2020 75 per cent of all new vehicles in Europe will feature start-stop technology – serving tightening government fuel economy and carbon emission reduction targets. In EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) Johnson Controls sells 66 percent of the batteries as replacement batteries.  In Europe the company sees first start-stop cars entering the workshops for battery exchange. In four years almost every 3rd car that could enter a workshop will have a start-stop function, which means that workshops will have to service an increasing amount of start-stop vehicles.  “VARTA showcases innovative products and service solutions that support our partners to become experts and trusted advisers for the new start-stop battery technology and to increase satisfaction of their customers”, says Francisco Cecena, Marketing Director EMEA. With the Silver Dynamic AGM battery, VARTA offers the most advanced technology to support the high energy demands of start-stop vehicles.

Visitors to the booth will experience the new role of the car battery and which opportunities will arise for workshops. Drivers need more and more assistance in dealing with their batteries, therefore, Johnson Controls presents the VARTA Battery Test-Check Program; a solution that helps workshops to provide a better service to their customers. “Most drivers see vehicle batteries as a repair part. Due to the enhanced role of modern batteries it makes more sense to see batteries as a service opportunity”, explains Cecena. “A battery check keeps customers on the road and loyal to the workshop. Car drivers search for peace of mind and feel well-advised as they rely on a properly functioning battery”, describes Cecena. To support customers to better serve the increasing amount of start-stop vehicles entering the workshops VARTA is launching a new portal to provide independent aftermarket workshops with trainings and detailed guidelines to better serve and install batteries and to manage the increasing complexity. “If workshops extend their function as battery expert and as a provider of professional battery service they can provide additional benefits to their customers”, Cecena is confident.

Requirements on batteries for heavy commercial vehicles are also constantly growing. ‘”With more and more numerous load and auxiliary devices in today’s trucks batteries have to perform even better”, explains Cecena.

Also, truck drivers need more assistance in dealing with their batteries to get the most out of their trucks. “We present products and battery services that reduce downtimes and support our partners to become battery experts and trusted advisers. This will increase retention and loyalty of fleet owners and truck drivers”, Cecena adds.