SUSPENSION & HANDLING
BOOST YOUR SUSPENSION KNOWLEDGE With Mark Larkham and Nolathane For more than three years, Nolathane and Mark Larkham have enhanced the suspension knowledge of in excess of 3000 industry members via the Nolathane Academy. The primary objective of the online learning portal is to improve the suspension category knowledge base at all levels of the industry; be it mechanics, apprentices, call centres, counter and field sales, purchasing through to category management.
KONI SHOCK ABSORBERS Available from Toperformance Products Toperformance Products is the sole Australian importer of KONI shock absorbers. It distributes KONI through a number of interstate distributors and directly to the trade in Victoria. Toperformance Products explains that KONI is “about people’s mobility.” It states KONI has been a pioneer in this field since 1857, providing leading, durable and experience-improving technology. It says KONI has established itself as the brand of choice for high quality products and has been producing telescopic shock absorbers since 1948. “KONI helps people move comfortably at whatever speed they desire, wherever they are. KONI is everywhere from passenger cars to trains to military and industrial applications,” Toperformance Products National Sales and Operations Manager, Glenn Clemann, said.
A big part of this initiative was the use of Mark Larkham, who has proven very effective for Nolathane since coming on board as the Technical Ambassador three years ago. “Try and find a better technical expert who can simplify and explain complex designs, terminology and the application of a product than Mark Larkham,” Nolathane Marketing Manager, Andrew Nolan, said. “The guy continues to be highly regarded firstly among motorsport fans but even more so among the industry where mechanics, parts interpreters and technicians are needing continual learning to support their careers.” The modules are short one-to-two-minute videos followed by a multiple-choice question and answer format. “We have certainly taken on board the time pressures of the market, so we have developed very short and to the point content that delivers the key information we wish those completing to retain. The first module ‘Introduction to Nolathane’ can be completed in 15 minutes, so we are not talking hours to complete,” Andrew said. “On successful completion, Nolathane proudly issues a personalised certificate that we hope becomes part of any individual’s key learning achievements.” For more information, visit www.nolathane.com.au/academy.php 24
Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine February 2021
“Being used in the most extreme conditions, including the dry Sahara desert and the freezing poles, proves that KONI dampers perform when tested. “As undisputed industry leaders, KONI’s technical capabilities and skills develop, manufacture, and sell high-quality and topperforming hydraulic shock absorbers and suspension systems. “KONI’s goal is to create the best experience for everyone on the move.” In the early fifties, KONI decided to play a more prominent role in motorsports in order to enhance the company’s reputation. In 1955, KONI participated for the first time in the Tulpenrally, a Dutch organised rally with international status. Rally was just the beginning and KONI soon after began its racing career, entering Formula 1.
In 1956, while at the famous Nordschleife in Germany, KONI assisted the Ferrari team in solving their suspension problems. The first Grand Prix that KONI officially participated in was in 1958 with Ferrari. After that, the business expanded quickly and in 1971, KONI achieved its first World Championship win, as Tyrrell Ford won the driver’s and constructor’s championship. Over time, KONI has not only improved ride control for rally cars and racing cars, but has also dedicated its expertise to improving the damping in various other commercial vehicles, and even for industrial projects like bridges. “Fast forward to today and KONI has a myriad of race driven achievements attributed to its name,” Glenn said. “KONI is also the industry leader in ‘value per kilometre’ dampers for heavy commercial applications and the damper of choice for anyone in the automotive aftermarket and racing scene who desires durability, adaptability and performance.” Toperformance has recently relocated to Dandenong South and welcomes any KONI enquiries. For more information, visit www.toperformance.com.au
