The start-stop batteries Exide Technologies developed for original equipment customers are now available in the aftermarket. This new replacement range, unveiled at the Automechanika show in Frankfurt, Germany, includes all the features from Exide’s current original equipment generation and is said to offer “significant performance gains.”
The latest battery range from Exide will be launched at next week’s Automechanika Frankfurt show, and the manufacturer says its Premium Carbon Boost battery will recharge up to 1.5 times faster than typical conventional batteries. Carbon Boost was first introduced on Exide’s Start-Stop AGM and EFB batteries following years of intense research and experimentation involving carbon additives, and the line-up to be shown at Automechanika is the first application of this technology to conventional batteries.
Exide Technologies’ Vernon automotive lead battery recycling plant in the US state of California has stood idle since March 2014, when the company was denied an extension to comply with a new air quality regulation (District Rule 1420.1 from the South Coast Air Quality Management District, or AQMD) that requires the plant’s furnaces to operate under continuous negative pressure from 10 April. Mothballing the facility saw 20 salaries employees and 104 hourly workers receiving temporary layoff notices. The company has now released a statement regarding the board’s approval of new orders and Exide’s plans in relation to the Vernon facility.
Exide has launched the 12/7 Battery Charger, a unit it says is specifically designed to always achieve 100 per cent charge, even in extreme weather. The 12/7 works for all types and sizes of 12v batteries, including those for cars, motorcycles, boats and caravans. The unit is aimed at both consumers and professionals.
Federal-Mogul Corporation has appointed Andrew Bevington as managing director, Vehicle Component Solutions UK & Ireland. Bevington previously worked at EXIDE technologies, where he has honed his skills and expertise over the last five years. During this time he has developed a number of key relationships in becoming a well-known figure in the marketplace, and is relishing the opportunity to apply his insight to the continued delivery of excellence for Federal-Mogul’s established distributor customers.
On 10 June, Exide Technologies filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the US. This is the second time it has done so since the Millennium; in April 2002 the stored electrical solutions company also submitted a Chapter 11 application in the District of Delaware. Exide says it took this step to “facilitate the financial and operational restructuring necessary to strengthen its balance sheet and its business to position the company for future success.” It also says it intends to “become more aggressive in reducing costs, taking actions with respect to underperforming business segments and focusing on the most attractive areas for future growth.” Only the company’s operations in the United States are affected by the filing, and Exide Technologies confirms that it plans to “operate globally without interruption during the reorganisation.”
Johnson Controls has released a new battery aimed at the replacement market and particularly at Japanese and Korean compact cars. The Blue Dynamic has been developed specifically with models such as the Honda Jazz and Hyundai Atos in mind, according to the company. More than 20% (250,000 cars) of those model types across the EU are registered in the UK.
Exide Technologies has announced the continued sponsorship of Henning Solberg in the World Rally Championship. The company’s Norwegian subsidiary has sponsored Solberg since 1993 and this sponsorship was broadened to include Exide’s entire European Transportation organisation several years ago. As part of the company’s sponsorship, Exide Technologies provides the with Exide batteries for its vehicles. Solberg and co-driver Cato Menkerud will again sport Exide logos on their uniforms and car.
Exide has appointed a new national sales manager. Effective February 8, this position rests in the hands of Heath Ghent, who, according to the battery supplier, brings with him a wealth of experience. Ghent’s previous roles include senior sales and marketing positions in a variety of companies, including Aggreko Ltd and Air Products PLC, servicing customers in a wide cross section of market sectors.
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.
(Tire Review) Other MEMA board officers include Vice chairman – Terry R. McCormack, president and director, Affinia Group; Vice chairman – James S. McElya, CEO, president and director, Cooper Standard Automotive; and Treasurer – Eugene E. Ezzell, chairman and CEO, Mikronite Automotive Technologies. Al Stecklein, group president, worldwide aftermarket division, Gates Corp., will remain on the board as immediate past chairman.
New members of the board are Terry Keating, CEO and chairman, Accuride Corp.; Gordon Ulsh, president, CEO and director, Exide Technologies; and Dennis Welvaert, president, global automotive aftermarket, Dayco Products.
Exide Technologies has made some technological improvements to its premium lines of endurance and higher starting power batteries. Both ranges now have a heat-sealed, double lid which prevents tampering and controls spillage, for improved safety. The batteries also have a central venting system that safely manages the escape of any gases, while an internal labyrinth controls acid spills. The battery’s charge level can easily be seen from the state-of-charge indicator.
Exide Technologies has boosted its successful Experience partnership and incentive scheme with a range of exciting new rewards. Dozens of amazing experiences have been added to the loyalty programme including unforgettable opportunities to fly with the Red Arrows, become James Bond for a day or sail in an America’s Cup class race.
The Experience programme also offers a wide choice of extreme sports including powerboat driving, scuba diving with sharks, whitewater rafting and bungee jumping.
Exide has launched a new range of high-performance batteries, which it says benefit from Exmet technology, a feature designed to boost engine starting power and battery life.
The X-tra EXpanded METal technology means the battery contains grids of lead, calcium and tin alloys which are said to enhance starting power by as much as 30 per cent. In addition Exide says it produces lower water consumption, eliminating the need for topping-up.
Battery manufacturer Exide has introduced a loyalty programme, called the Exide Experience, to coincide with the introduction of its new range of batteries.
Exide customers can exchange loyalty points earned on sales of batteries for any one of more than 300 experiences. The more active and adventurous can opt for astronaut training, driving a Ferrari, flying a Tiger Moth, powerboat racing, gliding or white water rafting, to name but a few.
If this all sounds too strenuous and taxing, there are gentler alternatives, including dolphin watching, a luxury spa break or Feng Shui lessons.
Exide’s marketing manager described the Exide Experience as “our best-ever incentive programme”, adding: “The scheme is unrivalled in the industry and is one which we believe will surpass all our customers’ expectations.”
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