Cover Story: Monroe: Supplying intelligent suspensions

MONROE: SUPPLYING INTELLIGENT SUSPENSIONS

The suspension specialist is providing intelligent solutions for the new Mercedes-AMG SL-Class Roadsters

The much-anticipated 2022 Mercedes-AMG SLClass of luxury roadsters will feature two of the latest intelligent suspension technologies from Monroe’s Intelligent Suspension portfolio. The new models, representing the eighth generation of the iconic SL range, will be offered with Monroe’s CVSA2 semi-active suspension or integrated CVSA2/Kinetic suspension. Developed for supercars and ultimateperformance SUVs, Monroe says CVSA2 technology provides a superior ride experience in virtually all operating environments. The system, which will be standard equipment on SL 43 and 55 models, comprises lightweight semi-active dampers equipped with two externally mounted electro-hydraulic valves that independently control rebound and compression. Each damper is continuously adjusted by software monitoring multiple data points, including steering wheel angle, vehicle speed, acceleration, and body displacement. Monroe says the technology allows for a highly flexible tuning range between minimum and maximum damping levels, enabling exceptional comfort, handling, and stability. Available as an option on the SL 55 but as standard equipment on the range-topping SL 63, the CVSA2/Kinetic suspension combines all the benefits of CVSA2 technology with an innovative, active roll control system that reduces vehicle weight by eliminating the need for anti-roll bars. Together, Monroe says the systems provide exceptional traction, steering response, brake balance and comfort as well as front lifting functionality for increased ground clearance. In addition to the new SL-Class, CVSA2 technology has enjoyed considerable recent success on Mercedes-AMG models, including the G-Class SUV and the AMG GT Black Series. Many vehicle brands including Audi, BMW, Ford, Infiniti, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault, Seat, Skoda, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo offer models equipped with adaptive suspensions from the Monroe Intelligent Suspension product portfolio. To ensure Australian automotive service workshops and suspension specialists have access to the most advanced replacement shock absorbers that are completely compatible with Monroe manufactured Original Equipment electronic suspension systems, Monroe Intelligent Suspension – RideSense was launched in 2020 and continues to grow.

2022 Mercedes-AMG SL roadsters to offer Tenneco’s CVSA2 semi-active suspension or integrated CVSA2/Kinetic® suspension

Monroe Intelligent Suspension - RideSense shock absorbers connect directly to a vehicle’s Electronic Control Unit (ECU). The ECU sends the shock absorbers vehicle performance data, including acceleration, body displacement and steering angle. Each RideSense shock absorber then uses this data to adapt its compression and rebound force settings within ten milliseconds to provide superior handling, comfort, and vehicle safety by ensuring constant tyre to road contact. Featuring a host of Monroe leading-edge technologies including highly advanced valving, Monroe says these new shock absorbers ensure the continuation of an “as new” driving experience for motorists driving vehicles fitted with Monroe developed Original Equipment electronic suspension systems. Monroe also provides its industry leading five-year product warranty on all RideSense shock absorbers. To learn more about Tenneco’s latest advanced suspension technologies, Monroe invites you to visit www.monroeintelligentsuspension.com and https://bit.ly/MonroeCVSA2 and https://monroe.com.au/products/monroe-ridesense

Monroe supports driver safety and grows your suspension business

Monroe says it is committed to ensure your business can service and repair the very broad variety of makes and models on Australia’s roads by “providing the latest in ride performance technology, while also providing this country’s largest range of general passenger, commercial/ heavy duty, 4WD and SUV model ride performance replacement products.” An important vehicle safety factor that tends to be overlooked is the checking of worn shock absorbers. According to independently sourced market statistics, the current Australian industry standard for shock absorber replacement is eight out of every 100 vehicles serviced or inspected. Based on known shock absorber wear rates and national averages for annual distances travelled, it is clear from these suspension replacement statistics that not enough vehicles are being checked for shock absorber wear. If your workshop’s shock absorber replacement rate is low, then your customer’s vehicles may not be in the safest condition possible and you’re missing out on shock absorber replacement business. All too often, many customers only learn their shock absorbers need replacement when something has gone terribly wrong. By informing your customers of the increased emergency stopping distances, reduction of steering response and excessive tyre wear effects of worn shock absorbers, you are assisting them to make sensible and highly responsible vehicle maintenance decisions. Monroe says that when you select its products, you are selecting the peace of mind that comes with more than a century of engineering in every shock absorber, and a global manufacturer who backs their quality “Built To Last” promise with a fiveyear Monroe OE Spectrum range warranty that is unrivalled by any competing ride performance products. As most motorists rely on their mechanic’s opinion in relation to the replacement of shock absorbers, Monroe says your reputation for providing total customer care can only be enhanced with Monroe’s industry only five-year warranty, with every set of Monroe OE Spectrum shock absorbers fitted. Monroe says your business can make the most of its five-year warranty initiative by joining Monroe’s long term alliance program with repairers, suspension specialists and re-sellers across Australia, the Monroe Safety Specialist program. Monroe explains that its Safety Specialist Program enables any automotive workshop no matter what size, to become a direct part of Monroe’s national marketing strategy. Monroe Safety Specialists are listed on the Monroe Dealer Locator page located at www.monroe.com.au which is used by more than 20,000 consumers per month, which along with a dedicated freecall 1800 number, directs consumer enquiries to their closest suspension inspection and replacement expert. In addition to this, Monroe says it also supports suspension replacement business growth through equipment that increases productivity and assists technicians in testing worn shock absorbers. Monroe explains that the Monroe Shock Absorber Tester is an easy-to-use handheld high-tech tool that enables automotive technicians to test shock absorber wear on passenger and light commercial vehicles within seven minutes. The tool reportedly makes it easier to clearly identify an otherwise invisible danger to vehicles that you are servicing. Technicians can also Bluetooth-link the tester to print reports for their customers. To watch the instructional video on the Monroe Shock Absorber Tester, go to www.monroe.com. au/products/monroe-shock-absorber-tester.html Monroe also exclusively provides another important tool to assist workshops in increasing their suspension business, productivity rates and workplace safety: the Branick 7600 Strut Spring Compressor. This complete metal spring compressor is suitable for use across a vast range of simple and more difficult coil configurations, featuring a long handle that provides extra torque to make compression both easier and safer. It can be wall or trolley mounted and can safely handle the entire spring exchange requirements for most Australian workshops including Heavy Duty, Ford F-150, Toyota Hilux and FG Falcon models, without the need for additional adaptors. Whether it is the instructional training and tools that increase shock absorber inspection rates, the successful Monroe Safety Specialist program. or the industry’s only five-year OESpectrum range warranty, Monroe says it is dedicated to driver safety and supporting your business growth. Monroe invites you to become a Monroe Safety Specialist or find out more about Monroe’s workshop tools by contacting your Monroe Territory Manager or calling Monroe Australia’s customer service team on 1800 088 205. For more information, visit www.monroe.com.au