LAS VEGAS, Nov. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- "Making consumers happy" means
there's more to choosing the best replacement climate control products than
the lowest price. Today's higher-revving, hotter-running passenger
applications require attention to detail; specifically, original equipment
(OE) specifications that deliver the performance consumers expect. Visteon
Corporation (NYSE: VC) will show the importance of OE-quality parts in their
booth (Booth 825) during the AAPEX show in Las Vegas, Nevada, Nov. 3 through
7, 2003.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20001201/DEF008LOGO )
"There's simply too much at stake for the installer to take chances on a
no-name product that might only deliver a fraction of the performance
specified by the vehicle manufacturer," said John Moyer, director, Aftermarket
Climate Control Customer Business Group, Visteon. "On initial inspection the
part might appear to be similar to the OE component, but what's on the inside
can be vastly different."
Visteon engineers recently disassembled several replacement compressors to
identify potential performance and service life issues. Among the problems
found were flaking tin plate coating, which could cause premature compressor
failure; older-style, less durable graphite piston rings; an outdated clutch
facing design that can't be replaced; inconsistent bearing stop, a common
precursor to noise and wear; and out-of-tolerance mounting bosses, which can
lead to misalignment and related center-seam leakage or premature piston and
cylinder wall wear.
Similar internal design and construction issues can be found in a variety
of radiators now available in the automotive service industry, according to
Moyer. "It's not uncommon to come across radiators that offer 20 percent
fewer tubes and fins than OE-quality replacement units," he said. "That
represents a huge compromise in terms of heat rejection performance when those
radiators are put into service."
Each Visteon replacement radiator is engineered and built to meet the OE-
established heat rejection specifications for each application. Visteon
engineers apply the company's proven systems expertise to identify and achieve
the appropriate performance standards for each replacement unit. As a result,
the company's replacement radiators incorporate a full range of design
enhancements, including radiator tubes with internal dimples that help
maximize the swirling action of the coolant for enhanced heat transfer, and
extra fin-surface louvers to increase radiating surface area.
"Our benchmark is OE quality. This includes OE quality material and
manufacturing techniques," Moyer said. "Our strategy is to provide an OE
quality product at a competitive price that provides real value to our loyal
customers."
Aftermarket distributors are also seeing an increasing need for OE quality
condensers, which are key to the air conditioning (A/C) systems. Considering
the average condenser in a well-maintained A/C system has a life span of about
6 to 7 years, having the right parts available for distributors and installers
is key for profitability. Visteon's condenser features multiple tubes running
to a manifold using a multi-port tube with brazed fins for more heat transfer
per inch. Visteon designs, engineers and manufactures condensers, compressors
and other air conditioning components for leading global automakers -- all
engineered to meet OE specifications. These same quality driven
specifications can be found in new and remanufactured condensers and
compressors.
Visteon Corporation is a leading full-service supplier that delivers
consumer-driven technology solutions to automotive manufacturers worldwide and
through multiple channels within the global automotive aftermarket. Visteon
has about 75,000 employees and a global delivery system of more than 180
technical, manufacturing, sales and service facilities located in 25
countries.
SOURCE Visteon Corporation
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Related links:
http://www.visteon.com
Photo Notes:
NewsCom:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20001201/DEF008LOGO
PRN Photo Desk, +1-888-776-6555 or +1-212-782-2840
CONTACT:
Robin Pannecouk, +1-313-755-9121,
rpanneco@visteon.com , or Jim Fisher, +1-313-755-0635,
jfishe89@visteon.com , both of Visteon Corporation
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