batteries Archives - Page 31 of 41 - Tyrepress

Batteries

Posts

Conti Begins Series Production of Hybrid Vehicle Batteries

On September 24 Continental’s Powertrain Division held a celebration to mark the start of series production for its lithium-ion batteries for use in hybrid drive cars. The beginning of series production – which takes place following an investment of more than three million euros into developing manufacturing capacity at its factory in Nuremburg, Germany – is, says Conti, a world first.

“This underlines Continental’s claim that, by developing and manufacturing state-of-the-art drive technologies, it can contribute to a significant reduction in fuel consumption by vehicles in future and, consequently, to a reduction in CO2 emissions as well”, said Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann, CEO of Continental AG and head of the Powertrain Division.

25th September 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Morgan Electro Ceramics Provides TPMS Battery Solution

Morgan Electro Ceramics, a leading manufacturer of electro ceramic material solutions, has developed a “piezoelectric bimorph” suitable for use in automotive tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS). To you and me piezoelectric bimorph is a gizmo that enables TPMS manufacturers to design self-energising (battery-less) remote sensors that “accurately measure tyre pressure, with none of the lifetime and disposal issues associated with batteries,” according to the company.

Morgan’s energy-scavenging bimorphs are based on established piezoelectric technology, whereby the movement of the wheel and pressure of the tyre as it hits the ground causes the bimorph to bend and undergo stress, which is then transformed into electrical energy. The bimorphs generate enough electrical energy to power a wireless signal that transmits valuable data about the pressure in the tyre to an on-car receiver.

10th September 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

IBDA Forecasts Battery Price Increases

The Independent Battery Distributors Association is warning members to expect further increases in battery prices due to significant rises in material costs. Battery manufacturers have been adversely affected over the last few years by dramatic increases in the price of lead due to growing worldwide demand, particularly in Eastern Europe, China and India.

Warning of inevitable increases Godfrey Ferris, IBDA Secretary, explains: “Lead prices did fall earlier this year but are again on the rise and it is expected that this trend will persist. Whilst the current cost of $2,000per ton is still short of the $3,000 reached earlier this year, other factors have arisen that far outweigh this temporary respite.

8th September 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Tropical Battery to Distribute for Goodyear Jamaica

Goodyear Jamaica, which currently faces mounting losses on its island operations, has appointed Tropical Battery – a distributor of batteries, Castrol motor oils and other car care lubricants, brake pads and other automotive products – as its distributor in an effort to gain better local market positioning. Meanwhile, Goodyear will continue to operate its Caribbean marketing and administration from its Kingston office.

“(Tropical Battery’s) strong distribution structure, sales and service capabilities will significantly improve our customers’ overall brand experience,” states Steven Miller, Goodyear Jamaica’s general manager. “Tropical’s leadership team has a proven track record of success and is committed to growing the Goodyear brand across Jamaica.”

1st September 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

UK Batteries Launches Online Ordering System

UK Batteries has launched an online ordering service. As well as browsing the online product catalogue and ordering stock for delivery, the new system means customers can also access a real time invoicing facility and a product fitment guide.

After receiving a bespoke username and password from staff at the company’s Manchester headquarters, customers can log onto the www.ukbatteries.co.uk or www.platinumbatteries.com websites and access their own personal ordering portal.

15th August 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

MAM to Target Tyre Market With Appointment

MAM Software is aiming to target the tyre market following the company’s appointment of Graham Dunford as a new Senior Sales Manager for its Autopart ERP solution. Dunford will spearhead the company’s drive into the tyre market, with a focus on increasing its penetration of the retail, wholesale and fast-fit sectors.

MAM Software is reportedly the largest provider of distribution and retail ERP solutions into the automotive aftermarket and has already established a significant user base in the tyre, fast fit and repair sector. As well as supplying national chains such as Formula 1 Autocentres, Mr Clutch, Wilco Fastfit, LSUK and Just Car Clinics, MAM also supports several well-known regional tyre companies and exhaust distributors including CES, Goodtread and Cooper Brothers.

15th August 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Ener1 Gains 100% Share in Delphi JV Company

Developer and manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles, Ener1, has acquired the 19.5 per cent share in joint venture company EnerDel held by former joint venture partner Delphi Corporation. This share purchase gives Ener1 100 per cent ownership in EnerDel and brings along with it exclusive ownership of essential manufacturing and intellectual property assets from Delphi. The agreement was approved by US judge Robert Drain, who is overseeing Delphi’s efforts to emerge from bankruptcy.

14th August 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Solution Focused – Al Dobowi Group

International News

Formed in 1976, the Al Dobowi Group was established to serve the growing Middle East tyre management industry. From its Dubai base, Al Dobowi Group is now involved in a range of operations (from tyres to equipment) on four continents – they even produce specialized battery components at a factory in the UK. With over 1100 employees all round the world, and some very interesting expansion plans in the offing, Tyres & Accessories recently met with executive director Harjeev Kandhari and found out more about what these will mean for customers.

One of the first things Harjeev Kandhari mentioned in conversation with T&A was that group companies are increasingly focusing on solutions, rather than just products. When you consider the wide variety of related business areas Al Dobowi operates in, this corporate philosophy really makes sense. But in order to explain what this might mean for customers a little background information is required.

7th August 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Rudd Joins UK Batteries

UK Batteries has appointed Keith Rudd as its new product manager. As the fastest-growing independent battery distributor in today’s market, the Manchester-based company reports that it is always striving to make sure its product offering meets the needs of its customers and Rudd’s appointment is key to meeting that objective. Rudd’s appointment follows Bob Price’s recent decision to leave Exide and head to UK Batteries as its deputy managing director.

4th August 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

John Bean Unveils ‘Prism’ Mobile Alignment System

John Bean, a brand within Snap-on Equipment, has introduced the Visualiner Prism, a mobile wheel alignment system ideal for workshops with lift bays unsuitable for a full 3D alignment machine. Prism is a hybrid of Charge Coupled Device (CCD) and 3D alignment technology and enables a run-out compensation procedure to be undertaken to ensure precise wheel alignment.

Accurate wireless data communication is ensured through the use of Bluetooth technology, which provides uniform alignment readings on vehicles ranging from small cars through to vans. The system also features long-life rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, with sufficient power reserves to last three days, based on three to four alignment checks per day. Furthermore, the batteries are software-controlled, providing an early low power warning to prevent interruption of an alignment procedure.

1st August 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

New Grid Technology From Varta

Longer lifespan, greater reliability and far more accessible cold starting energy are all claimed as benefits of PowerFrame; a new battery grid technology being used in the Varta Trio range of car batteries. The application of PowerFrame technology in Varta Silver, Blue and Black Dynamic batteries has been made possible by the introduction of an advanced manufacturing process for the battery’s positive grid, with the high precision process ensuring consistent and stable grid quality.

23rd July 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Old Versus New

When it comes to the low rolling resistance debate, the gloves are off. This is particularly the case amongst the world’s leading tyre manufacturers, who each have their own brand of high-level tyre technology to offer, but are very much at odds about the benefits and theoretical pay-offs their tyres’ exhibit. In July’s Tyres & Accessories we examined Michelin’s argument that it’s all a question of technology. Or to put it another way, there needn’t be a pay-off between strong wet braking performance and low rolling resistance characteristics if you research and development department is sufficiently advanced. Until recently this concept had been taken as read, but Michelin’s various generations of Energy saver tyres claim to have out-teched this dichotomy.

Last month there was something of a disagreement between Michelin and Bridgestone with regard to the energy saving properties of their tyres. The “discussion” followed tyre test results in the French press, which found that there was “no significant difference” between fuel consumption results on the two manufacturer’s truck and bus tyres. This month Tyres & Accessories reports from the ContinentalSafetyExperience – a showcase of Conti’s latest technology including the chance to see the company’s response to the pay-off question in action. Continental was demonstrating its technologies as part of a ContiSafetyExperience event, which the company held at the OAMTC (Austrian AA equivalent) centre in Teesdorf, Austria.

21st July 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Bosch, Samsung to Form Hybrid Battery JV

Rising fuel costs have prepared fertile soil for hybrid vehicles to enter the motoring mainstream, and this in turn is creating an unprecedented demand for lithium-ion batteries, the fuel cell of choice for hybrids. To meet this anticipated surge in demand, Robert Bosch GmbH and Samsung SDI Co. Ltd. are establishing a development, manufacturing and sales joint venture. The new South Korea based company is to be named “SB LiMotive Co. Ltd.” and will start operations in September 2008.

Each company will hold a 50 per cent shareholding and be equally represented on the board of management and on the board of directors. The venture’s foundation is, adds Bosch, still subject to approval by antitrust authorities.

30th June 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Bridgestone US Retail Outlets Now Hybrid-Ready

Bridgestone’s BFS Retail & Commercial Operations, LLC (BFRC), owner and operator of the world’s largest number of automotive retail outlets, has announced that selected Firestone Complete Auto Care, Tires Plus, ExpertTire and Wheel Works centres in the US are now equipped for the servicing of hybrid vehicles.

“Almost 40 per cent of our stores are now approved to service hybrids,” said Darrell Rowe, BFRC manager of Education & Development. “We’re committed to providing our store teammates with the most current training and information available to ensure that our customers have a positive experience every time they visit one of our locations. In order to service hybrid vehicles, a store must complete a comprehensive training programme.”

24th June 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Uni Bull Celebrates 20-Year Anniversary

Banner Batteries (GB) is celebrating two decades’ manufacturing of its Uni Bull range of vehicle batteries. The battery, compatible with more than 900 vehicle models, boasts universality and versatility having become the first ever to possess two terminals – one for each side.

On release in 1988, the Uni Turbo range (as was the line’s initial name) offered what Banner call, “four post versatility”, meaning that the battery could be utilised in cars with right+/left- or left+/right- layouts. The battery was also suitable for standard fitting and bolt connections. 1997 saw Uni Turbo renamed Uni Bull, and was relaunched with patented Gortex leak protection. This trend of technical innovation continued in 2002, when the BannerAccusafe leak-proof system was introduced with an upgraded design, making the battery compatible with 900 DIN numbers. The Uni Bull secured a marketing coup with its new red casing, becoming known as “The Red One” on many an auto-parts retail outlet’s shelves.

24th June 2008/by Tyrepress Editors