Remanufacturing is a superior option to both non-genuine and OEM new replacement parts; cost, quality and the environment being just the start...
Round and round we go... The circular economy goes the extra mile by being less harmful to the environment and your wallet but Rob Marshall looks at other benefits that remanufacturing offers It is good not to be wasteful. While car manufacturers tempt their customers to replace their new car every few years, the inconvenient truth is that keeping an older vehicle running, instead of scrapping it prematurely, is far better for the environment and, very often, owners' wallets. Vast sections of the aftermarket have realised this for decades. Carwood considers that, because the average motorcar is not only increasing in age but also sophistication, often the only viable way to ensure a supply of high-quality spare parts throughout its lifetime is via remanufacturing.
With increasing pressures to reduce their corporate CO2 emissions, Vehicle Manufacturers (VMs) also realise the advantages that remanufacturing brings, although the financial benefits are not lost on them. Toyota First states that, aside from the environmental advantages, its remanufactured parts offer higher profit margins, costing between 20 and 40% less than a new component. Distrigo, the multi-brand parts distribution network from Stellantis (formed earlier this year with the merger of PSA Group and FCA), reaffirms that the cost savings can be up to 40%. Its Re New remanufactured parts include brake callipers, DPFs, air conditioning compressors, engines, transmissions, radiators, turbochargers and fuel injection components. The scheme has been expanded recently to include electrical items, such as multimedia units, ECUs and instrument clusters.
A problem of definition
ZF's remanufacturing component range is also vast and, compared to new parts, its remanufacturing programme saves between 50-90% of raw materials and offers a 90% energy saving. Carwood reveals similar figures in its considerable remanufacturing portfolio, which covers fuel systems to rotating electrics: it says that remanufacturing saves up to 70% of the resources and consumes approximately 85% less energy.
Despite remanufacturing appearing to be a win-win, it has taken considerable time and debate to define. For example, a remanufactured item is clearly different from a used item that has been cleaned, or simply repaired. The overall accepted definition of a remanufactured part is one that fulfils a function, at least equivalent to that of the original part, and is restored from existing core with standardised industrial processes in line with specific technical specifications. It also is given the same warranty as a new part.
From a consumer viewpoint, Carwood admits that, while there is still a lack of awareness of the potential benefits and the essential differences between used, reconditioned and repaired products, there is a growing acceptance that we
While this formal definition is useful, it contains some vagueness. Yet, 'Standardised industrial processes' must differ between component groups: remanufacturing a starter motor is, clearly, a very different proposition to remanufacturing a
REMANUFACTURING
Shaftec, another well-established remanufacturing company, agrees and expounds: "Remanufacturing is the way forward on many levels: it is better for the environment, as it uses less energy and raw materials; it is a more financially efficient solution and is often the only way to keep older vehicles on the road - essential in markets with ageing vehicle parcs."
cannot afford to keep using and disposing of valuable natural resources.
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