How do you see the vehicle market developing in Europe?
The overall trend across Europe, is for an increase in the sales of smaller vehicles that are fitted with drum brake systems.
This is partly due to consumer trends being dictated by economic factors and partly due to an increasing focus on lowering emissions. But it is also down to Government initiatives that are being introduced in many countries – to subsidize the purchase of new vehicles in return for scrapping older models.
In areas without scrappage programmes, we see an aging car parc as drivers retain vehicles longer than anticipated.
As an aftermarket supplier, this means that the drum brake system remains an important part in our product portfolio.
How do you think this will affect the aftermarket?
I think the greater influx of smaller vehicles together with an aging car parc presents a huge opportunity for the aftermarket. Smaller vehicles tend to use drum brakes because they are cheaper to produce. Older vehicles use them because this was the general method of braking at the time they were produced. We therefore have to follow demand for this part.
How does TRW intend to support this demand?
Historically, TRW has had a large presence in OE drum brakes. In fact, we were pioneers of the pre-assembled kit (TRW Superkit). As such, we are keen to maintain our market position and are constantly looking at ways of further improving the service to our customers. Our aim is to have the most comprehensive range on the market and always be first to market.
Which replacement parts does TRW offer for the Drum Brake?
Currently we offer the following options:
- TRW branded individual components: Brake Shoes, Wheel Cylinders and Shoe Fitting Kits
- The TRW Brake Kit: The above components can be purchased under one reference, packed in one box. The advantage here is that there is no need to cross reference which parts fit together on the vehicle. Customers only have to select one reference.
- The TRW Superkit: contains all the pre-assembled components AND the adjuster.
What are the benefits of the TRW Superkit?
- The parts are pre-assembled. This saves time in fitting the product to the vehicle and ensures parts are assembled correctly
- All necessary replacement parts within one unit
- Eliminates risk of non fitting parts
- Simplifies ordering, as only one part has to be found for the vehicle instead of four
- All incremental adjusters are temperature controlled with the Thermoclip
- 100% End of Line test for the assembled parts