SPRING 2016
BÜFFELPOST Banner – TOP IN EUROPE
SUSTAINABILITY.
POWER UNDER THE SYMBOL OF RESPONSIBILITY
HONOURED INTERNATIONAL PRIZES FOR Banner
bannerbatteries.com
GUIDE
START/STOP BATTERIES READ & REGISTER
Banner NEW
CUSTOMER PORTAL & BRAND IMAGE
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Banner
Dear Readers, In the 2015/16 financial year Banner achieved record results with regard to both starter battery sales and sales revenues. All in all, we sold 4.1 million starter batteries and thus 300,000 more than in the previous year. This quantitative high is reflected by sizeable sales revenues growth of EUR 19 million to a total of EUR 258 million. This pleasing rise was due primarily to the delivery of EFB batteries to Volkswagen. However, the positive aftermarket situation in Europe and increased sales in the Middle and Far East, as well as the industrial battery business area also represented significant con tributory factors. At this point, we would simply like to express our thanks for with out you this success would have been impossible. Moreover, not only the positive business trend, but also international test victories and awards for Banner represent clear evidence that we are on the right path. For example, our Power Bull battery not only won the TESTFAKTA comparative test in Sweden, but we also received the respected IAAF Award and were nominated for the Daimler S upplier Award 2015. In addition, Banner batteries achieved an outstanding third place in the 2016 “auto, motor und sport” readers’ poll and the new Banner Accucharger was already able to capture a “recommen ded” rating from GTÜ Deutschland GmbH and “Auto Bild” Germany.
START NOW! IAAF AWARD FOR Banner UK
THE BEST CAME AT YEAR-END 2015 ended on a genuine high with the capture of the prestigious IAAF Award.
In order to secure our continued success in future, we have updated both our brand image and our lines of communication, and these latest developments are described in this edition of our magazine. The topics of sustainability and environmental protection also constitute a special Banner priority, and we recently summarised our efforts in these areas in a Sustainability Report, extracts from which are included in this publication. We look to the future with great optimism and have implemen ted every conceivable measure in order to support your business activities in the best possible manner. We look forward to meeting some of you in person at the Automechanika Frankfurt in September and your continuing membership of our satisfied clientele.
Thomas Bawart Technical CEO
Andreas Bawart Commercial CEO
From l. to r.: Wendy Williamson (IAAF CEO), Lee Quinney (Banner Country Manager), John Inverdale (presenter)
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successful year closed with a brilliant climax in the shape of Banner’s receipt of the CV Supplier of Excellence Award. The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) presented this coveted honour during an awards ceremony held at the ICC in Birmingham, UK. More than thirty companies vied for the 2015 prize, which attracted a record number of nominations. However, it was the Banner Country Manager, Lee Quinney, who walked off with the trophy. Lee Quinney: “Without any doubt, the IAAF Awards number among the most prestigious in the branch. Therefore, we are naturally delighted that we came out on top in the “CV Supplier of Excellence” category. In recent months, the entire Banner Team has worked tirelessly to push the company’s ambitious development strategy forwards and therefore, the award must be seen as recognition of the hard work, endeavour and enthusiasm that it has displayed.”
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THE POWER COMPANY
DAIMLER SUPPLIER AWARD 2015
Banner NOMINATED FOR THE DAIMLER SUPPLIER AWARD During the nomination process for its 2015 Supplier Awards, Daimler AG selected Banner as one of its top three suppliers in the Quality Category.
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anner was nominated for an award in the Quality Category as one of only three suppliers worldwide and the company’s Technical CEO, Thomas Bawart, was present at the presentation ceremony in the Mercedes Center in Stuttgart, which he described as: “A very special honour”. He went on to say that: “This nomination is confirmation of our adopted strategy for success and underlines the importance of partnerships with innovative companies such as Daimler.” On 25 February 2016, the German automotive group Daimler honoured its best international partners of the past year with the 2015 Supplier Awards. The motto, “Setting the pace. On the fast lane” mirrored Daimler’s claim to be an industry pacemaker. At present, Banner is supplying Daimler with commercial vehicle batteries from the Buffalo Bull SHD PROfessional range
The proud winners of the 2015 Daimler Supplier Awards. Thomas Bawart (Banner) is in the back row on the right (Source: Daimler AG)
in the 170Ah performance class and Running Bull AGM Backup series support batteries in the
14Ah performance class for installation in the Mercedes Actros.
READER SURVEYS 2016
AUTO BILD AND AUTO, MOTOR UND SPORT VOTE Banner ONTO THE WINNERS’ PODIUM Banner takes two third places in the 2016 readers’ polls!
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n mid-April, “Auto Bild” Germany published the results of its extensive 2016 reader survey and Banner was able to defend its sensational third ranking of the previous year with regard to the “Service Life” criterion in the Best Batteries Category. Roughly 60,000 readers of the popular trade magazine gave their assessments in a total of 24 categories. A readers’ poll held by the German magazine “auto, motor und sport” also saw Banner triumph over a large section of the strong competition in the BEST BRAND survey. In the Batteries Category, Banner achieved an excellent third place in the responses to the question, “Which company’s products convince you most?” This result is further proof that we have not only climbed onto the winner’s podium in Germany as far as our current sales figures are concerned,
but also number among the best and strongest batteries in the brand recognition ratings. Heartfelt thanks are due to the readers “Auto Bild” and
“auto, motor und sport” for their faith in Banner batteries.
Banner batteries again in the winner’s circle
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Banner
SUSTAINABILITY
SUSTAINABILITY IN THE FAST LANE For the family-owned Banner company success goes hand-in-hand with responsibility. Accordingly, the manner in which it combines sustainability and 4 environmental protection is exemplified to perfection by the virtually 100 per cent recycling of lead-acid batteries and an overview of the most important facts contained in Banner’s Sustainability Report is provided below.
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ustainability and environmental protection have been part of Banner’s corporate philosophy for many years and are implemented using a wealth of measures in a range of areas. These are summarised for the first time in the recently published Banner Sustain ability Report, which offers an overview of all the efforts made in the name of entrepreneurial responsibility. CLIMATE AND RESOURCE PROTECTION For example, through its innovative EFB and AGM technologies, Banner supports both fuel savings and a reduction in CO2 levels. In the 2014/15 financial year, with the help of micro-hybrid drives Banner contributed to the saving of 35 million litres of fuel and hence a cut of up to 85,000t of CO2 emissions. Moreover, by the financial year 2020/21, these savings are set to double! Financial year Fuel savings CO2-reduction
2014/15 35m/l 85,000t
2020/21 78m/l 189,300t
QUALITY AS A SUSTAINABILITY FACTOR Banner products are manufactured on the basis of the strictest quality criteria, in order to ensure the effective protection of our planet‘s re sources. Furthermore, the company’s claims to quality are mirrored by
ISO 9001:2008 and ISO/TS 16949:2009 certification, as well as particularly small percentages of product complaints and rejects. FUTURE-ORIENTED SERVICES Banner’s offer of short- and long-term industrial battery rentals also serves to conserve resources. The latest charging and battery technologies help our customers to operate in a manner that cuts both energy consumption and emissions. Moreover, our spare part service prevents wear, offers security and guarantees reliability. A CLOSED RECYCLING LOOP The manufacture of lead-acid batteries is characterised by an unbeatable recycling loop with a quota of reused material of nearly 100 per cent, which no other product is able to surpass. In the past 20 years, together with the Starter Battery Environmental Forum (UFS), Banner has collected some fifteen million used vehicle batteries in Austria alone. These were subsequently subjected to professional recycling with the result that roughly 98 per cent of the lead used in our production process derives from recycling. In addition, 80 per cent of the material employed during in-house battery casing manufacture consists of recycled polypropylene and the sulphuric acid collected from the used batteries is processed into sodium sulphate, which is an important ingredient in washing powder and glass.
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THE POWER COMPANY
START GREEN
WITH Banner START/STOP BATTERIES:
SAVINGS OF 35 MILLION LITRES OF FUEL PER YEAR SAVINGS OF 85,000 TONNES OF CO2 PER YEAR 100% USED BATTERY RECYCLING SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION Banner
RECYCLING LOOP RECYCLINGKREISLAUF Production Produktion
Sammeln & Collection recycling Recycling
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Neubatterie New battery use Nutzung
Altbatterie Used batteries
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Banner SUSTAINABILITY AT A GLANCE • Innovative EFB and AGM technologies save fuel and CO2 • Top product quality conserves resources • Sustainable customer services range • Closed recycling loop for lead-acid batteries • Autonomous water supply of the main location in Linz/Leonding • 100% electricity supply from renewable energy sources since 2015 • Zero electricity-related CO2 emissions since 2015 • New dry filter systems that reduce lead dust emissions to one-tenth of the statutory limit • Waste avoidance in production and sensitisation of the workforce • Furtherance of low-emission transports by train and ship • A focus on occupational safety and health care • Commitment to human and equal rights • Measures aimed at improving the work climate • Basic and further employee training
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Banner
Banner ACCUCHARGER
A “RECOMMENDED” RATING FOR Banner’s NEW ACCUCHARGER The Banner 3A Accucharger impresses in the GTÜ and “Auto Bild” Germany comparative test.
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he new Banner Accucharger 3A only came onto the market in the autumn of 2015, but has already received a top grading. In the latest comparative test held by GTÜ Deutschland GmbH and “Auto Bild” Germany, the device convinced the expert jury right down the line and was awarded a “recommended” rating. TOP MARKS FOR OPERATION The Banner Accucharger 3A immediately took third place among the eight devices tested and in the Operation Category outscored all the other products. This result underlines the high degree of practicality provided by the Banner charger to end consumers. TOP MARKS FOR THE CHARGING PROCESS AND SAFETY The most important single criterion in the Functional Range Category was the quality of the charging and charge retention processes offered by the device. This is because a precise, multi-stage charging program guarantees the
longest possible functional life of a starter battery. The Banner Accucharger 3A was again awarded the top number of points in this regard, as well as with respect to all the checks of safety relevance such as short circuit resistance and reverse polarity protection. CONVINCING QUALITY Furthermore, the Banner charger convinced the testers during their quality check and was allocated the highest part-evaluation. For example, the cold test at minus 20°C was passed with flying colours and last, but not least, the Accucharger also received top marks for its overall optical appearance and haptic impression. Naturally enough, Andreas Bawart, Banner’s commercial CEO was delighted by these results: “We are very pleased with the excellent ratings allocated to our new Banner Accucharger for end users by the GTÜ. We only entered this market segment with a branded device in the autumn of 2015, but nonetheless have managed to capture a place on the podium in this important, independent comparative test straight away.”
FACTBOX FOUR TYPES FOR EVERY REQUIREMENT
The Banner Accucharger is available in four differing capacity versions with 2A for motorcycles or car retention charging, 3A for small cars and charge retention, 6A for cars and 10A for large cars, SUVs and small vans. Quad, snowmobile, tractor mower and motorboat batteries can also be charged to perfection, and the Banner Accucharger is virtually predestined for convertibles that spend the winter in the garage. The chargers are suitable for conventional, EFB, AGM and GEL 12V batteries.
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THE POWER COMPANY
Banner GUIDE
THE CORRECT READING-IN AND REGISTRATION OF START/STOP BATTERIES What one should look out for when reading-in and registering start/stop batteries in modern vehicles.
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n combination with the increased energy requirement derived from comfort features such as seat heating, navigation systems, etc. frequent shutdowns and restarts confront start/stop batteries with major challenges. For this reason, automotive manufacturers have developed intelligent battery management systems (BMS) that monitor the battery by means of sensors. Should the battery no longer provide the desired performance, a “defect battery” warning is registered in the system and indicates that an exchange is required. During this process, care must be taken that the replacement battery offers technological standards and performance data equal to those of its predecessor: • Valve-regulated web, or absorbent glass mat (AGM) batteries may only be substituted for batteries using the same technology. • Enhanced flooded batteries (EFB) may only be substituted for a new EFB or AGM battery. During the exchange process, the BMS has to be informed of the installation of the new
battery, otherwise the vehicle’s computer will report errors and the eventuality exists that the comfort features will no longer function. In particular, this is the case in vehicles from Audi, BMW, VW, Mazda and Mercedes, which are fitted with battery management systems (please see the FACTBOX). In such situations, the Banner Battery Service Tool (BBST) provides valuable assistance, as it facilitates the configuration of batteries in vehicles with BMS by reading out and erasing standard and special manufacturer codes. The BBST can even program the battery energy management code (BEM) in Audi models, which as opposed to other makes always require a coding during battery changes. Consequently, battery exchanges can be carried out efficiently and be registered without any functional restrictions. The BBST possesses a system check that examines the complete charging system including the battery and the dynamo, and contains an integrated product finder for the identification of the ideal replacement battery.
AN IMPORTANT NOTE: In order to prevent code erasure during battery changes, the vehicle’s electrical system must be supplied with electrical power from an external source such as the Banner Memory Saver. This Memory Saver can also be used simultaneously for voltage bridging without any problems, as both devices are combined smoothly by means of an integrated adapter.
FACTBOX The following vehicles require the teach-in of the new battery via the Banner Battery Service Tool (BBST): Manufacturer Vehicle with Audi Electrical system energy management BMW Intelligent battery sensor Mazda Start/stop system Mercedes No voltage retention during battery changes VW Battery energy management
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Banner
Banner BRAND
NEW BRAND IMAGE In April 2016, Banner launched a new visual image for its products, website, trade fair exhibits, vehicles, POS and many other advertising materials.
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ith its products and services, Banner represents a byword for top quality and pioneering innovation. Therefore, in order to do justice to this reputation, it is a matter of course that Banner products are subject to continuous further development, as only thus can they continue to represent the state of the art. However, even the very best items are of little use when they do not find their way to the end consumer and consequently top products also require a perfect market image.
An initial example of the new brand design is the current edition of “Büffelpost”, which you are reading at present. As a strong brand ambassador, the unmistakeable buffalo has been retained along with the Banner logo, albeit with slight alterations. This is because the Banner buffalo is a learned, graphic leitmotif, which is the object of a great deal of both partner and customer sympathy. Moreover, as the personification of dynamism and energy it scores additionally due to a high recognition level.
At Banner this image is subject to scrutiny at regular intervals and in 2015 this process came round again. The Banner brand image was placed under the microscope and subsequently subjected to a thorough update, the realisation of which commenced in April 2016 and is scheduled for completion by mid-2017.
We have also kept the slogan “The Power Company”, which conveys selfconfidence like no other. “Power” is representative of all of Banner’s products and services, while “Company” communicates the strength of the Banner enterprise internally with regard to its employees and suppliers, and externally to the trade, the automotive industry and consumers.
The aim of this optical and conceptual fine-tuning is the optimisation of the Banner brand image in line with the company’s long-term, corporate strategy and foresees a considered evolution rather than a drastic revolution. To this end, tried and tested, familiar and popular key elements of the Banner brand have been adopted and developed further.
In order to provide the latter with additional, orientational assistance at the POS, Banner will continue to rely heavily on the colour red, but has added a new design element to its labels in the shape of a differentiation space. Using the colours black, silver and gold, this mirrors Banner’s “good, better, best” product strategy and offers supplementary room for detailed information concerning the respective product.
Previous brand image
NEW brand image
Logotype
Logotype
Logo
Logo
www.bannerbatterien.com START/STOP
höchste Startkraft höchste Auslaufsicherheit höchste Lebensdauer absolut wartungsfrei
RUNNING BULL AGM
maximum cold cranking absolutely leak proof extended life absolutely maintenance-free
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ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT
bannerbatterien.com
Frontetikette Running Bull_210x80.indd 1
Labelling
36116021001_RB_AGM_FRONT_210x100mm.indd 1
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Labelling
AGM
ABSORBENT GLASS MAT
3X
LONGLIFE DURABILITY
3X
CYCLE LIFE
THE POWER COMPANY 13.04.16 07:35
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THE POWER COMPANY
PEOPLE
A NEW BRANCH MANAGER IN HUNGARY László Rajnavölgyi-Rausch recently became responsible for Banner Hungary.
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n a manner of speaking, I have inherited a branch that is already on a solid footing. This is evidenced by the popularity of the Banner brand and our market presence in Hungary”, is how László Rajnavölgyi-Rausch sees his new appointment. He brings to the post experience in multi-level sales and distribution, as well as the management of Austrian and German branches. The basis for Banner Hungary’s success is provided by excellent product quality and the competence and customerorientation of its employees. Therefore, the new branch manager is to focus on the cultivation of the partner contacts established
over many years and the obtainment of new customers. “My objective is to modify our sales network to match the constant changes in customer requirements, in order that in future even more drivers opt for our products and use our services portfolio.” László RajnavölgyiRausch likes to spend his leisuretime with his wife and son.
László Rajnavölgyi-Rausch has been managing Banner Hungary since April
THE NEW SWISS NATIONAL SALES MANAGER Jürgen Leibinn looks for success under the motto: challenge, cultivate and celebrate!
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he new National Sales Manager for Switzerland, Jürgen Leibinn can not only rely on more than thirty years of experience in the automotive sector, but also over 15 years spent in managerial positions at car importation companies. Qualifications that represent the perfect prerequisites for the guidance of Banner Switzerland into a successful future. A trained car mechanic with a Swiss diploma in sales management (BA), Jürgen Leibinn plans to cultivate and expand activities in the key accounter segment of the Swiss market. Equally,
he intends to keep his door open for his colleagues because: “My task also involves the pinpointing and initiation of internal optimisation measures and raising the efficiency of the Swiss team.” What the passionate motorcycling fan likes most about Banner is its obligation to quality and the fact that in a family-owned firm people count.
Jürgen Leibinn has more than 30 years of branch experience
www.ban nerb
atterien.c om
A.T.U & Banner CELEBRATE 15 YEARS TOGETHER
2.5 MILLIONTH BATTERY JUBILEE
EHRENU
UNGER
In 2015 A.T.U celebrated 15 years of successful partnership with Banner!
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.T.U Autoteile Unger and Banner enjoy a close partnership that stretches back to 2001. Accordingly, on 29 January 2016, the Banner CEO, Andreas Bawart, and Sales Manager, Franz A. Märzinger, presented the company with an honorary diploma as recognition of 15 years of loyalty and impressive sales of 2.5 million starter batteries. Peter Unger founded the company in 1985 and today A.T.U. is the leader in the German automotive service sector. The company has its headquarters in Weiden in the Oberpfalz (Upper Palatinate) and operates over 600 branches in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Its workforce of roughly 10,000 provides annual sales revenues in excess of a billion euros. A.T.U’s formula for success is based on a convincing combination of a professional workshop for every vehicle make and an integrated specialist market for drivers. The company attaches special importance to quality and service and this is the reason why Banner products have been a fixed part of the A.T.U range for the past fifteen years. Banner would like to express its thanks for this long-term cooperation and looks forward to the next fifteen years of perfect partnership with A.T.U Autoteile Unger.
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UNDE FÜ 15 2.5 MIO JAHRE TREUER STARTER A.T.U. AU B TOTEILE ATTERIEN
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Andreas Bawart, Christian Rötzer (A.T.U), Jochen Haag (A.T.U) and Thomas Bawart
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INTERNATIONAL
FRESH MOMENTUM IN THE MIDDLE EAST Iran and Saudi Arabia represent growth markets with major potential for Banner power.
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t present, roughly ten million vehicles are under way on Iran’s roads and owing to the economic sanctions and the resultant difficulties in obtaining imports from Europe and the USA; Asian battery manufacturers have flooded the country with their products. At the same time, the percentage of cars from Europe (primarily from Germany) has continued to rise and with it the potential for Banner products. For example, our customer Arya Tamin, which trades with car spares and batteries, currently sells some 300,000 batteries yearly and a major, initial order for Banner batteries is already fixed and should be delivered within six months.
Export Manager Thomas Ostrovsky: “The sanctions have not been fully removed, but at least have been clearly loosened. Consequently, numerous companies are pushing into the market and in certain areas a gold rush atmosphere is tangible.”
which is a standard required by Saudi customs and excise.” The batteries were already checked by Banner and certification followed immediately.
A first delivery to Saudi Arabia (KSA) took place in March and consisted of around 1,400 Banner batteries. These were ordered by our customer, Al Majdouie Motors, a car parts trader, which in this segment, numbers among the country’s most important companies. Thomas Ostrovsky: “In order to be able to make deliveries to FSA, the batteries had to possess SASO certification,
Banner AT THE CEMAT IN HANOVER Our skiing hut proved to be a magnet for visitors to this top, international fair. The popular Banner skiing hut was once again a highlight for visitors to the CeMat, the world’s leading intra-logistics and supply chain management, which took place in Hanover from 31 May to 3 June 2016. There was particularly large public interest in the SELECT chargers and the new HF Basic chargers for cleaning machines, rehabilitation equipment and golf trolleys. Above all, the new products impressed due to their optimum charging behaviour, various features, good price-performance ratio and their versatile range of applications, which includes all conventional, AGM and GEL batteries
THE AUTOMECHANIKA IN FRANKFURT IS CALLING! When the automotive branch gathers in the metropolis on the River Main in September, Banner will naturally also be there and we look forward to seeing you.
B The Banner alpine hut, which every year is a visitor magnet at the Automechanika
anner will be exhibiting at this top, international automotive fair for equipment, parts, accessories, management and services from 13 to 17 September 2016. As is the case every year, apart from Banner, Frankfurt will attract some 4,600 exhibitors from more than 70 countries, as well as roughly 140,000 specialist visitors from over 170 nations, who will be seeking comprehensive information about the automotive
technologies of the future. The fair is an indispensable meeting-point for the branch’s decision-makers, which is the reason why Banner also uses this opportunity to present its innovative products and services to an interested, expert audience. The focus of the 2016 fair is on connectivity, digitalisation, service and the mobility of tomorrow, which are precisely the topics that currently concern the automotive branch most.
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THE POWER COMPANY
INNOVATION FROM BYGONE DAYS
AN E-CAR FROM 1899 POWERED BY Banner In cooperation with the Vienna Museum of Technology, Banner has sponsored the restoration of the Egger Lohner Mylord Coupé to its original condition.
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anner has assumed the sponsorship of an automotive innovation dating from the end of the 19th century. The Egger Lohner Mylord Coupé came from the Lohner works in Vienna, which started the production of pioneering vehicles in 1897. The Lohner models consisted of highly innovative e-cars and the C 14 Mylord Cou-
pé was restored to its original glory thanks to Banner funding and is now delighting visitors to the Vienna Museum of Technology. This legendary car was an absolute sensation when it appeared at the 1st International Motor Wagon Exhibition (the precursor of the IAA) in 1899 and won a prize along with victory in a competitive race.
The Egger Lohner Mylord Coupé from 1899
BannAIR
BULL POWER REACHES FOR THE SKY! All the greatest pilots started young and Oliver Fenz from Stegersbach in Burgenland, Austria may be yet another.
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liver has been an enthusiastic model plane flyer since he was five and he can pilot winged aircraft, e-impeller jets and helicopters, naturally using Banner bull power. We wish this up- and-coming, high flyer all the best and will keep our fingers crossed that his wish to become a professional jet pilot comes true.
SUMMER GREETINGS
FULL POWER AHEAD! At the end of the current edition of “Büffelpost”, we would like to wish all Banner’s customers, partners and friends a power-packed start to the warm season the year.
Oliver Fenz with his model plane
... 12 Banner INSIDE: BMW, VW, AUDI, PORSCHE, MERCEDES, SEAT, ASTON MARTIN, SUZUKI,Banner
IMPRINT: Media owner, publisher: Banner GmbH, 4021 Linz, Postfach 777, Salzburger Strasse 298 Responsible for the contents: Banner GmbH, Andreas Bawart. All rights reserved. Reprints only allowed with written permission. Place of publication: Linz
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