Automechanika Frankfurt 2014 Exclusive Overview – Interview with Schaeffler Representative

LuK, INA and FAG brands, members of Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket, are well known in the car servicing aftermarket. The company’s products are associated with high quality, integrated offer and high technologies. During the Automechanika Frankfurt 2014 exhibition the Info-Parts representatives visited Schaeffler stand. Daniil Dramshev from Scheffler Ukraine, LLC, who is UA and MD Regional Sales Manager, provided responses to our questions.

Info-Parts: Tell us, please, what are the 2014 key events for Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket?

Schaeffler: One of the most important events for Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket is participation in Automechanika Frankfurt 2014 exhibition. We believe, this event is an excellent platform for demonstrating the latest developments and bestselling products, discussion of key trends and building partnerships.

Another important event for Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket is association of activities with the division of Ruville within the project called One Sales. Some customers have already been able to appreciate benefits of such association, and official project presentation took place at the Schaeffler stand within Automechanika Frankfurt 2014 exhibition.

Info-Parts: What will be the outcomes of One Sales project for the consumer?

Schaeffler: The project provides for integration of sales activities by LuK, INA and FAG brands with sales of Ruville division product. Everybody will benefit from implementation of this project. In the nearest time each customer of the company will have one contact person in the central sales office of each local market for all four brands that will be a big step towards the customer.

As a result, the consumer will get wider range and coverage expansion will strengthen Ruville brand. Greater market coverage and optimized product range will allow to improve the competitive advantages and customer service quality.

Info-Parts: What are the products the company presents in 2014 at Automechanika Frankfurt exhibition? Are there any novelties, what are their advantages?

Schaeffler: Among the new products presented by Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket at 2014 Automechanika Frankfurt exhibition, it is necessary to note the repair solutions of LuK RepSet DMF, containing dual-mass flywheel and clutch kit, as well as the LuK RepSet 2CT. Regarding the latter product, we actively conduct technical seminars where we train how to properly replace the dual dry clutch.

For engine driven accessory drive-gear servicing Schaeffler offers a novelty – INA FEAD KIT. These kits consist of components requiring periodic replacement: wedge belt, tension and run-around roller, as well as all the accompanying elements. For gearshift mechanism repair and maintenance the relevant repair kits under the brand INA are presented. They contain all the necessary equipment for servicing, including detailed manuals.

In FAG product range, we present the new repair kit for French cars. This is one-piece hub assembly. The feature of this repair kit is that the bearing outer ring is fixed on the brake disc.

Info-Parts: Which product groups from the range of LuK, INA and FAG are the most popular in the CIS market?

Schaeffler: The first-priority and the most popular products at the moment are LuK Clutch repair kits and spare parts kits. This may be explained by the fact that Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket offers integrated solutions that greatly simplify the garages work.

The repair kits to replace the dual dry clutch RepSet 2CT gradually become more and more popular, as it is not secret that the target car park is operated on the territory of CIS market. Schaeffler has great prospects for these products and invites anybody who wants to the technical trainings regarding double dry clutch.

Under the INA brand we currently develop very actively the INA KIT repair kits. One of the main reasons for their popularity is the ability to implement high-quality repair with minimal time spending. It is very convenient to work with INA sets and their wide range and quality of components lead to great demand.

Info-Parts:What may Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket provide for garages except for premium quality spare parts?

Schaeffler: Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket offers to the partners a list tools in demand for work. The range Schaeffler special tools has a unique means for spare parts mounting. For instance, a special press to mount the commercial vehicles bearings. By using this tool, the bearings steering knuckles may be replaced separately and this save up to 50% of the time spent on repairs.

When dealing with Schaeffler products the great importance has knowledge and practical skills. We pay special attention to technical support and trainings of individual and garages workers. On this occasion we restart well-known project RepXpert, which now will be developed jointly with Schaeffler brands by the companies. Now the project exists in 10 languages, and by the end of the year an updated version will be released in German and English. In 2015 we plan to release the Russian version also.

RepXpert contains all technical information on the product, its applicability, detailed mounting instructions, video demos and much more. RepXpert is a powerful tool for garages workers, vendors and everyone who works in Automotive Aftermarket segment.

www.schaeffler-aftermarket.com