AFTERMARKET INTERNATIONAL 23-2 ENGLISH

AutoAméricas leaves a mark

Safe maintenance of monotube shock absorbers

Motorcycle safety: What do they need?

OUT FRONT

AAPEX isn’t too far and then AutoAmericas

2025

as well

Welcome to our Spring issue. The “once in a lifetime eclipse” has come and gone, the weather is great, and the aftermarket continues to be vibrant.

Case in point: We had our second AutoAmericas show in March. Despite it’s very young age, we attracted people from 38 countries. To be only two years old and have that worldwide reach was a very pleasant development. Next year, we again our in Miami, Wednesday-Thursday, February 19-20.

And coming up is AAPEX. We will again be exhibiting., booth number to be determined. The show is Tuesday-Thursday, November 5-7 at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas. We do four quarterly issues a year, with the first having hard copy distribution at AutoAmericas and the third at AAPEX. We hope to see you at either…better yet, both!

On a personal note, I want to mention that 2024 starts my third decade with this brand. In 2004 I began selling media for AFTERMARKET INTERNATIONAL, which was then owned by Adams Business Media. Adams later sold it to Keller International Publishing. Keller sold it to JABS Media LLC in January 2007 which I own. And I in turn sold the title to Latin Press Inc. in March 2022, while still retaining the publisher title.

Entering a third decade with the same brand is rare, especially in the media field. But it’s a testament to the strength of the AFTERMAKRET INTERNATIONAL brand, the continued interest of our readership and finally the support of our advertising base.

Thank you one and all!

See you in our third quarter issue, which will have bonus, hard copy distribution at AAPEX.

Brad Glazer, publisher Aftermarket International

It is a periodical publication owned by Latin Press, Inc.

Produced and distributed for Latin Press, Inc. by Latin Press Colombia and Latin Press USA

GENERAL MANAGEMENT

Max Jaramillo / Manuela Jaramillo

EDITOR IN-CHIEF

Duván Chaverra dchaverra@aftermarketinternational.com

EDITOR

Laura Restrepo C. lrestrepo@aftermarketinternational.com

PROJECT MANAGER

Andrés Caballero acaballero@aftermarketinternational.com

PUBLISHER

Brad Glazer bglazer@aftermar ketinternational.com

ACCOUNT MANAGERS MÉXICO

Sandra Camacho scamacho@aftermarketinternational.com

COLOMBIA Fabio Giraldo fgiraldo@aftermarketinternational.com

DATABASE MANAGER

Maria Eugenia Rave mrave@aftermarketinternational.com

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Fabio Franco ffranco@aftermarketinternational.com

LAYOUT AND DESIGN Jhonnatan Martínez jmartinez@aftermarketinternational.com

FRONT PAGE Latin Press

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The opinions expressed by the authors of the articles in this journal do not commit the publishing house.

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ISSN 2834-8885

Comments from the Editor

New journeys, new roads

In the world of journalism, every story is a journey. A journey that leads us to explore the farthest corners of human knowledge, to unravel mysteries, to give voice to the silenced and to capture the essence of life in printed words. It is this passion for storytelling that has driven me throughout my career, guiding me through a fascinating labyrinth of topics and experiences.

My love for storytelling knows no bounds. From the pages of a newspaper to the depths of the web, I have had the privilege of immersing myself in a variety of topics ranging from science to literature, culture and technology. Every story, every article, is an opportunity to learn something new, to share knowledge, and to inspire others with the wonders of the world around us.

When the opportunity to join Aftermarket International presented itself, I felt a burst of excitement and anticipation. It was more than just a job change; it was the realization of a longcherished dream. I even had to turn down other job offers in order to take this opportunity, because I knew that working here would be more than a job, it would be a passion.

My previous experience in journalism, digital marketing and content creation has prepared me for this new role as an editor at the magazine. I have learned to navigate the turbulent waters of the digital world, to build bridges between ideas and audiences, and to tell stories that resonate in the hearts and minds of readers.

It fills me with excitement to take this magazine to new heights of excellence and relevance, to see all the road ahead of us, to think about the stories we will tell together and the impact we will have on our readers and the world around us.

In short, my journey so far has been like driving down a winding road, full of unexpected twists and turns and changing landscapes. Every turn has been an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to discover new wonders along the way. Now, as I join Aftermarket International, I am excited to accelerate into the future, with the engine roaring and the wind blowing in my hair. Together, we will explore new horizons, travel unknown roads and leave an indelible mark on the asphalt that is journalism.

Laura Restrepo Editor

Features

6/AutoAméricas makes its mark in Miami

10/Monotube Bilstein overhaul with the Mangusta

Departments

3/Out Front

20/Business News

24/Supplier News

26/Trade Shows

14/CESVI studies motorcycle equipment to reduce accidents in Colombia

16/The Comfort Zone Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

ONLINE DIGITAL EDITION

Find information, contacts, links to industry associations, free literature from businesses that advertise in the publication, events, and downloadable issue archives dating to 2007 at aftermarketinternational.com

For advertising, contact Brad Glazer at 216 233-6943 bglazer@aftermarketinternational.com

Andrés Caballero +1 [305] 285 3133 Ext. 94 acaballero@aftermarketinternational.com

AutoAméricas makes its mark in Miami

The second version of AutoAméricas captivated the most important players in the auto parts market for Latin America, the Caribbean and South Florida, gathered on March 7 and 8 in Miami.

The 4,518 square meters of the Miami Airport Convention Center, where more than 40 brands of the industry exhibited, witnessed the steps to materialize new business opportunities and the building of lasting relationships between new customers and suppliers.

"Our second edition of the AutoAméricas Show showcases what we are doing in the city of Miami. We are pleased to announce that we are up 60% in total force base and had a good turnout, and we look forward to welcoming them back to Miami for the next edition in 2025" said Max Jaramillo, AutoAméricas Show Director.

For Ronnie Pool, Senior Territory Manager of Epicor's Automotive Division, one of the companies that returned as an exhibitor, this year he found not only more people exhibiting their products and services, but also more elements for people to interact with. Ronnie was in turn one of the speakers at the academic program in which he expounded on the pros and cons of managing one's own auto parts catalog or using a commercial alternative.

"I see the show growing. I hope it continues to do so. It is a very good opportunity for us to contact new customers in

the Caribbean," said Jaime Cabrera, president of Woodyard Wholesale Parts, which also returned to the exhibition pavilion.

One of the new participants was American Black Brake Parts, a brand of premium brake parts "designed for those for whom safety and quality is very important", as stated by the company itself, which assures that it is the ideal replacement for those who do not have enough money to buy the original part.

The experience for Lorena Santucci, representative of the brand, was very positive. "We were able to meet people from different parts of Latin America; potential customers for us. We are very happy to have participated," she said.

Knowledge inside and outside

"The auto parts sector is an important actor for international trade, since the updating and replacement of vehicle parts require timeliness and immediacy in their supply," said Francia Hernández, one of the speakers in charge of opening the AutoAméricas academic program with her lecture "Customs Challenges for Auto Parts Exports".

"In this sense, the Port of Miami plays a strategic role as it is the gateway for this type of merchandise to and from Latin America and the Caribbean," added Hernández, who was part of the delegation that visited the Port of Miami the day before the event began.

The support of the Colombian American Chamber of Commerce (CACC) was fundamental to the event. Its president, Ángela María Camacho, assured that the AutoAméricas Expo

and Congress is an event of great relevance for Miami.

The executive highlighted the commercial connections derived from this meeting, which, in her opinion, provides "a unique platform" to establish contacts, foster commercial relations and explore opportunities for collaboration.

"Miami, as a major international trade center, benefits greatly from these connections," she said.

AutoAmericas 2025 in Miami

In an effort to create travel efficiencies for attendees, the AutoAmericas Conference & Expo will be held February 19-20, 2025 at the MACC (Miami Airport Convention Center), which is convenient for those also attending the OAC Global Summit taking place February 20-21, 2025 at the University of Miami.

The two previous editions of AutoAméricas were held in early March. The February 2025 dates for both events have been confirmed by their respective organizations.

Max Jaramillo, Director of the AutoAmericas Show, highlighted that "by holding our event the same week as the OAC Global Summit, we maximize everyone's time and offer a greater incentive for automotive auto parts professionals to come to Miami, both from the United States and internationally."

Monotube Bilstein overhaul with the Mangusta

By Carlos Panzieri*

How to safely overhaul a monotube shock absorber closed with a snapring and without pressurization valve.

Introduction

Bilstein monotube shock absorbers are almost always closed with one or two snap-rings, and are not equipped with a pressurization valve: this makes their overhaul difficult and, considering the high internal pressure, extremely dangerous.

Mangusta

The Mangusta 98-970 (01) is a semi-automatic operating machine designed and produced in Italy by Emmetec to overhaul all types of shock absorber, which can cut, thread, weld, depressurize and pressurize in complete safety.

Let's see how to use the Mangusta to overhaul a Bilstein monotube shock absorber.

Preparation

1. Clean the shock absorber thoroughly.

2. Test it on the dyno to understand if it requires recalibration in addition to the overhaul.

3. Remove the dust-cover and wiper-seal.

The shock absorber dismantling

1. Fit the extension 99-978 or equivalent (02) onto the tip of the rod.

2. Fit the cylinder 99-977 or equivalent along the extension 99-978.

3. Lock the shock absorber with the rod upwards on the mandrel of the Mangusta.

4. Lower the pneumatic piston of the Mangusta until it presses on the shock absorber rod.

5. Adjust the hollow screw located on the pneumatic piston of the Mangusta, in order to press the shock absorber guide a couple of millimeters before its rod reaches the end of its compression stroke (03).

6. Keeping the rod and the guide pressed, use a sharp hook to remove the snap-ring that prevents the guide from coming out of the shock absorber body.

7. Raise the pneumatic piston allowing the rod to extend slowly, and to come out from the guide, as well as the oil and finally the gas separator too.

Recalibration

If you want to change the shock absorber damping, proceed as follows:

1. Clean all components and place them on a perfectly clean surface.

2. Being careful not to damage the rod, unscrew the nut that tightens the piston, disassemble it and arrange all the components on the work table

3. If you find a linear piston (04), you can intervene on the following parameters to modify the calibration:

a. to vary the calibration at low speeds (roll and pitch), change the diameter of the first shim (F or H) so that it leaves the by-pass more or less open.

b. to vary the calibration at medium and high speeds (pumping), adjust the number, thickness and diameter of the shims above the ones in contact with the piston.

4. If you find a digressive piston (05), you can intervene on the following parameters:

a. thickness of the first shim (G or I) which determines the preload of the shim-stack and therefore the digressiveness of the calibration.

b. number of calibrator passes (J) to change the calibration at low speeds.

c. number, thickness and diameter of the other shims to vary the calibration at medium and high speeds.

Into the Emmetec catalogue you can find all the shims and calibrators needed to carry out this work.

Closing of the shock absorber

1. Replace the separator o-ring (04-507 for 36mm pistons and 04-514 for 46mm pistons, both in HNBR) and lubricate it thoroughly.

2. If necessary, replace the shock absorber guide and sealing system.

3. Reassemble and tighten the piston assembly onto the rod

4. Replace the Teflon piston ring.

5. Reassemble the shock absorber body on the mandrel of the Mangusta.

6. Place the annular glass on the shock absorber body (see the green arrow in fig.08).

7. Insert the separator and the piston into the appropriate gas inlet of the Mangusta (06).

8. Insert the gas inlet onto the shock body.

9. Insert the extension onto the rod.

10. Lower the pneumatic piston until it touches the extension on the rod of the shock absorber.

11. Block the gas inlet on the shock absorber body with the appropriate bracket.

12. Insert the pressure gauge 99-119 between the gas inlet and the nitrogen pressure circuit, and pressurize the gas inletshock absorber body assembly (07). To find out the correct pressure for each shock absorber, contact Emmetec technicians.

13. Close the pressure gauge key and lower the rod pushing it into the shock absorber body with the piston pressing on the separator, which at the same time compresses the nitrogen below.

14. Remove the pressure gauge and the bracket, and lift the injector up until it locks into the seat of the pneumatic piston.

15. Insert the snap-ring into the shock absorber body, double checking that it is positioned correctly, so that when the pneumatic piston is released, the piston cannot escape. Remove the rod extension.

16. Insert on the tip of the rod the appropriate extension to protect the oil-seal into the guide, lubricate it and insert the guide along the rod.

17. Remove the extension protecting the oil seal, insert the one with the spacer used at the beginning and press the pneumatic cylinder until it lightly presses the rod.

18. Remove the snapring, lift the annular glass flush with the shock absorber, insert a little bit of oil, press the rod downwards, bleed any air bubbles and continue topping up the oil until the cylinder is filled. Press the rod until the guide is flush with the cylinder

and add more oil until it exceeds the level of the cylinder itself (08), press the rod and the guide in, and insert the snap-ring blocking the shock absorber.

19. Remove the excessing oil, lift the air piston, remove the shock absorber and dry it.

20. Refit the wiper-seal and its cover, and test it on the test bench to ensure that the calibration obtained is the desired one.

Para saber más:

For additional information:

• Visit www.emmetec.com, www.orpav.com or www.jadausa.com and ask to join a technical training.

*Technical consultant for Emmetec & Orpav panziericarlos@gmail.com

Imagen 07

Imagen 08

Scan to see the video

CESVI studies motorcycle equipment to reduce accidents in Colombia

New opportunities for motorcycle modification centers with equipment proposals from CESVI.

Considering the alarming accident rates involving motorcycles, CESVI, the Center for Experimentation and Road Safety in Colombia, evaluated the conditions of motorcycles and how they should be equipped for increased safety.

Thanks to their low cost and versatility, motorcycles are a quick solution for transportation and are the primary method of transportation in Colombia. By 2022, according to a report from RUNT (National Transit Registry), Colombia's automotive fleet consisted of 60% motorcycles, with the remaining 40% divided among cars, buses, dump trucks, trailers, and others.

In this context, the study aimed to evaluate the safety equipment of motorcycles sold in this country, primarily

focusing on lighting and brakes. Juan Gabriel Quiroga, the research coordinator at CESVI Colombia, expressed the goal as "contextualizing the motorcycling sector in terms of accident and mortality figures, referencing the main active safety systems that impact injury and death reduction worldwide, raising awareness among government entities about the current problem, and encouraging the adoption of actions and regulations for the commercialization of this type of vehicle, safeguarding the lives of motorcycle riders."

In analyzing the total motorcycles sold in 2023, CESVI discovered that 91.2% did not meet basic safety requirements. Compliance with suggested safety standards compared to total sales in that year increased by 7.8% compared to 2021, attributed to improvements in equipment.

So, how should motorcycles in Colombia be equipped? Here are CESVI's suggestions:

Motorcycles with engine displacement up to 125 cc:

• CBS brakes, a system where braking power is distributed to both wheels for stability but does not prevent wheel lock.

• Daytime running lights or LED position lights to improve visibility during daylight conditions.

• LED brake lights for increased visibility due to higher intensity compared to halogen lights.

Motorcycles with engine displacement greater than 125 cc: in addition to the above,

• ABS brakes to maintain motorcycle control and maneuver in emergency braking situations by preventing wheel lock.

• Rear disc brake.

The study represents an opportunity for specialized motorcycle modification workshops. Juan Gabriel Quiroga mentioned, "From the assembly of motorcycles, there is an opportunity in the implementation of new equipment and safety systems, which involves suppliers providing these elements to motorcycle factories. For example, a brake system supplier could provide ABS or CBS integration in their product. Similarly, lighting system manufacturers could integrate LED technologies." He also emphasized the role of the auto parts market in road safety.

Allowed modifications under Colombian regulations include changing color, appearance, or altering mechanics, as long as it improves performance and relevant modifications

are updated in the vehicle's registration.

The study concludes that, after analyzing various motorcycle brands and models, there was a 7.8% increase in compliance with suggested safety standards compared to total sales in 2023 compared to 2021. This increase, particularly notable in the 126 to 250 CC segment, is attributed to improvements in the original equipment of motorcycles.

However, CESVI emphasizes that even with the implementation of Resolution 20223040062115 from October 13, 2022, by the Ministry of Transport, which requires CBS or ABS brake systems depending on engine displacement, they will still suggest improvements in lighting systems.

Juan Carlos Ovalle, CESVI Colombia's research director, highlighted, "CESVI establishes a baseline based on motorcycle requirements entering the European market, which sets out active safety systems (ABS, CBS), preferably disc brakes on both wheels, with the possibility of reducing accidents by having these equipment."

It's important to note that while improvements in active safety equipment are crucial, they are not the only factor influencing accident reduction. Other aspects such as road conditions and, above all, human factors must be addressed to reduce the number of injured and deceased motorcyclists, as well as other vulnerable road users affected in motorcycle collisions.

The Comfort Zone Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

Keith Wray Snap-on® National Training Manager

From the early innovations to today's advanced technologies, comfort in vehicles has undergone a remarkable transformation. This article recounts the evolution of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning in different car models.

History of HVAC:

The definition of creature comforts: Things that contribute to bodily comfort and ease, as a hot meal, a comfortable bed, hot water, warmth, cool, etc.

I am very thankful to have two of those in my personal vehicles and my home. Air conditioning and even a factory heater, have not always been available in automobiles. Air conditioning in homes was not common until the 1960s. I lived in Houston long enough to learn about the debilitating heat and humidity. Before HVAC

became affordable for homeowners, the Houston population was around 596,000. With a home where you could escape the heat and humidity, the population soared to 1.3 million by the end of the ‘60’s.

It is also hard to believe that it wasn’t until 1962 that hot water-based heaters became standard on General Motors® vehicles. In fact, heaters were optional in the industry until the Motor Vehicle Safety Standards required a windshield defroster starting in 1968. The only way to do that was to make heaters a standard accessory on all cars.

In previous articles, I have mentioned my first vehicle was a 1951 Chevrolet® pickup. It did have A/C, a 250 model; open the 2-wing windows and go 50 MPH, or 80 KPH . Note that wing windows, also known as wing vents, went away by the 1980’s as automobile air-conditioning became more popular.

My old truck did not have a heater though. I kept an old quilt in it for longer trips. If I had a date in the winter, I would bring an extra quilt.

Our ancestors would heat up bricks and place them in the cab for a little warmth - I wish I would have thought of that for the ‘ole truck. Optional add on heaters include coal burning stoves, gasoline burning heaters, and heat exchangers around the exhaust were all used.

Packard® introduced a primitive form of air conditioning in 1939. Unfortunately, it did not work so well. First off, the evaporator and blower system took up half the trunk space. It did not have an adjustable thermostat; it was either on full blast or off. All the plumbing running from the engine to the trunk made it very inefficient. Oh, and the cost of the system was $274, with the starting price for the car was $1,099. $274 in today’s money would be $6,003!

During the ‘70’s nearly all new cars were being produced with air conditioning as standard equipment, except for Datsun®.

Other imports, I am sure would ship them with no A/C then the dealership would install as an option after someone purchased the vehicle. Being of low seniority at that time, the above mentioned and radio installs became my job. I did get good at A/C work because of it and I definitely learned how to charge auto air conditioning.

With today’s technology HVAC work can be one of the most profitable types of work a shop or a tech can do. However, it can also be highly subject to a comeback if not serviced thoroughly, and a comeback is the biggest “profit killer” there is. The only thing worse than a comeback is they don’t ever come back!

Case Study – 2014 Chrysler® 300:

Customer States: on hotter days the A/C does not work as well as it used to when it was new. The car has over 58,000 miles or 93,341 km. Another big hint perhaps, the A/C had been serviced at a discount repair shop.

Diagnostic Strategy

Should we check pressures & vent temperatures first?

It’s 80°F degrees or 27°C in the shop.

It’s 45°F or 7°C at the vent.

Low pressure = 60 PSI

High pressure = 230 PSI

Both low and high pressures are high, aren’t they? So, what could cause that?

It looks like the cause could be due to refrigerant overcharge or air in the system as there was some cooling at the vent, right? Remember the customer said it wasn’t cooling as good as it used to and had it serviced at “discount” place? I have a feeling that it was overcharged and probably still has another problem.

Today’s vehicles call for much more accuracy when charging an A/C system. That is because they require way less refrigerant than ever before. Any system using less than 24 oz., or 680 grams is considered a critical charge system with an accuracy level of as much as +/- 15 grams or +/- .5 oz. commonly considered tolerable. Many manufacturers of AC equipment push the limit and use economy scales that would only have +/-15 grams accuracy. Snap-on uses scales with a +/- 10-gram accuracy to ensure critical charge vehicles do not get overcharged resulting in a comeback, or a no comeback like in this case study.

Obviously, a complete evacuation and recharge of the car’s air-conditioner is step one.

Retest results

Low pressure = 42 PSI

High pressure = 185 PSI

Both pressures are where they should be

The temperature at the vent is only 3 degrees colder. Not bad, but I bet on a hot day it would not be as cold as it “used to be when it was new.” Could we have an air distribution problem?

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, let’s take a look at some below. Using a thermal imager with the A/C on max and the blend doors set on the dash vents, we grabbed this image showing the culprit.

Toward the bottom of the picture, we see two dash vents to the right of the steering wheel (see the green squares) and three defroster vents on top of the dash (see the green circles). There should be zero cold air hitting that hot windshield, right? The hot glass would warm that cold air up before it got the passengers. In fact, on hotter days this A/C would not get as cold as it used to when it was new.

Now, the blend door actuator is either bad or out of calibration - which is pretty common on certain OEMs. Let’s get a scan tool and see what we can do.

The screenshots below, from a Zeus+™, shows that there is a recalibration function that should solve the issue by making sure the blend door swings all the way closed in the dash vent position. If the calibration fails it indicates a bad actuator or something obstructing the door.

To finalize this case, a great habit to have with any HVAC repair is to replace the cabin air filter. Restricted air flow is always a common culprit of inefficient A/C.

[BUSINESS NEWS]

AROUND THE INDUSTRY

Aftermarket International, now available in China

International. For the first time in history, Aftermarket International magazine has been translated into Chinese and will be distributed in the Asian country. Until recently, our publication was available in English and Spanish.

At the beginning of this year, Latin Press Inc. and Xingang Culture signed a cooperation agreement for the publication and distribution of the magazine in China.

As Xingang Culture CEO Luo Yang said: "The automobile industry has the potential to become the pillar of the country's economy. Which is connected to the true meaning of the magazine.

This cooperation agreement promises to expand the horizons of the publication, reach more people, markets and bring knowledge to more places interested in the auto parts industry.

Check the latest issue of Aftermarket International in Chinese scanning the QR code.

Visteon Announces First Quarter 2024 Financial Results

United States. The end of the first four months of the year yielded different results compared to the financial statements of the company Visteon, located in the United States and operating in 17 countries.

Visteon reported net sales of $933,000,000 in the first quarter, compared to $967,000,000 in the prior year. The drop was mainly due to lower demand for semiconductors and less production of vehicles for customers. However, Visteon's sales outpaced customers' vehicle production by 2%,

driven by new products and electronics growth.

Gross margin was $119,000,000 USD and attributable net income was $42,000,000 USD, or $1.50 USD per diluted share. Adjusted EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) was $102,000,000 USD, an increase of $3,000,000 USD over the prior year, thanks to good operating performance and commercial and cost discipline.

Visteon gained $1,400,000,000

USD in new business in the quarter, cementing its position as a leader in cockpit digitization. These included prizes of more than $400,000,000 USD in displays for European commercial vehicles and German luxury vehicles, among others. They also diversified into adjacent markets with profits of more than $300,000,000 USD in commercial and two-wheelers.

Visteon's products were launched in 26 vehicle models across 14 OEMs in the first quarter. These product launches continue to lay the foundation for the company's continued superior performance in the marketplace. Key new launches include a digital cluster, a central audio infotainment display on the Ford Puma for Europe, a digital dashboard on the Honda electric vehicle for several Asian markets, including China, and a SmartCore program on Scania commercial vehicles.

Sachin Lawande, President and CEO of Visteon, says that the results for this first part of 2024 respond to the continuous effort and trend mapping: "Our first-quarter results highlight our continued progress in addressing the digitalization and electrification megatrends that are rapidly changing the automotive industry."

The automotive market in Argentina: highs and lows

Argentina. The auto parts sector experienced an increase in activity, while vehicle production registered a decrease in the first two months of the year.

The Association of Argentine Component Factories (AFAC), in its activity report on the auto parts sector, states that during the first two months of 2024 there was an increase in the level of market activity of 2.5% compared to the same period in 2023.

Likewise, the report states that all items linked to the automotive value chain showed increases during the first two months of the year, except for the sale of fuel, since the vehicles that are in circulation in the country are also decreasing.

Despite the economic uncertainty in the country, the supply of inputs is trending towards normality, as the automotive chain is highly dependent on exports. However, vehicle production decreased by 18.2% during the first two months of the year, representing a total of 60,134 units manufactured in the country.

This decrease is significant, since, for the same two months of 2023, 188,973 units were manufactured.

While exports of auto parts registered an increase of 12.0% compared to February 2023, a general increase is still evident

when compared to January of the same year, driven mainly by the large auto parts industries.

The country's new tariff regulations

However, on April 26 of this year, the Argentine government, through the Ministry of Economy, announced the country's new tariff regulations.

This is expected to lead to a significant drop in industry costs. This was explained by the Minister of Economy of Argentina, Luis Caputo: "We will launch a reduction in tariffs and taxes that will benefit this sector that currently has 10% of total industrial production and generates more than 75 thousand jobs (...) Tariffs on metal molds used by the automotive industry will go from 35% to 12.6%, while plastic injection molds will go from 24% to 12.6%."

Different industry players have spoken out against this decision, supporting the statement and pointing out the changes that are coming for the industry.

"The exemption from export duties improves competitiveness in foreign markets, allowing for the gain of productive scale and a virtuous circle on investment and employment," the AFAC said in its press release, adding that "it was incongruous to make efforts to locate auto parts with an average import tariff of 5.5%, while most of these tools had a tariff of 14/24/35%."

AROUND

Global Traction Motor Market to Reach $51.2 Billion by 2031 According to Straits Research

International. In the recent report, Straits Research outlines the growth of the global traction motor market

Electric motors are widely used and appreciated in various industries, making high-tech semiconductors, powerful magnets, and other components for their production readily available. In addition, the production and maintenance cost for railway traction motors has been reduced due to the numerous applications of these motors in locomotives, electric units, and heavy machinery in industrial and OEM settings.

In addition to other electric vehicles (such as electric milk carts, elevators, roller coasters, transporters, and trolleybuses), traction motors are also used in vehicles with electric drive systems (such as hybrid electric vehicles and battery-powered vehicles) and electric rail vehicles.

The rotational force generated by the traction motors is transferred to the wheels by the drive unit and axle. Traction motors are usually mounted on trucks where the wheels are located. Standout features include: low maintenance to keep dust out, complete sealing of the building to minimize noise, and high reliability achieved by welding the rotor rod and integrating the stator using highfrequency heating.

Low manufacturing and maintenance costs drive the market. According to Straits Research, the global traction motor market size was estimated at $15.87 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $51.2 billion by 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 13.9% during the forecast period (2023–2031).

This is because electric motors are popular and widely used in many different industries, making it easy to find the high-tech semiconductors, powerful magnets, and other parts

needed to produce them. The numerous applications of traction motors in locomotives, electric units, and heavy machinery in industrial and OEM settings have also decreased the cost of production and maintenance for railway traction motors.

The electrical and magnetic principles that govern the operation of these traction motors have also made them easier to build and assemble than other conventional power sources, resulting in lower production and maintenance costs. Therefore, the economic advantages of traction motor production and after-sales services are expected to drive the growth of the market in the coming years.

Traction motors are now an essential component of railway locomotives as a result. The popularity of subway locomotives, especially in urban areas, is also expected to increase the demand for traction motors during the forecast period.

Increased investment in research and development creates opportunities. The regional rail system will change significantly due to increased spending on research and development, which will open up many opportunities and improve product characteristics for various uses.

The railway traction motor market is growing due to a significant trend called research and development. The demand for electric motors will be supported by government initiatives to encourage their use. The market is expected to grow significantly due to increasing research and development spending and government initiatives.

In addition, the development and modernization of infrastructure being carried out by several countries around the world is impacting the performance of traction motor manufacturers. This improvement of the infrastructure and the upgrade of engines are complemented by the investments made by governments and various companies. Any changes in investments have a direct impact on business performance.

Regional Analysis:

The share in the Asia Pacific traction motor market is anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 14.3% during the forecast period. There are numerous major players and significant regional investments have been made in electric traction motors. The success of numerous companies operating in the Asia Pacific region, such as Hitachi, Hyundai, CRRC, and Toshiba, is driving expansion.

Deposits and wear also occur in modern diesel fuels

Germany. David Kaiser of Liqui Moly recommends additional additives for new fuels.

The new alternative fuels offer German customers a wider range at the fuel pumps. B10, XTL or HVO are more environmentally friendly diesel fuels.

David Kaiser, Head of Research and Development at LIQUI MOLY, explains what to consider before refuelling the new fuel variants.

Which vehicles can be refueled with these alternative fuels?

David Kaiser: "Any vehicle approved by the manufacturer. If there is a symbol with the mark XTL or B10 on the inside of the fuel filler cap, you can refuel without hesitation."

What are the differences with conventional diesel?

David Kaiser: "In practice, the new diesel variants perform no worse than the diesels available to date. Tests have proven it. Due to their synthetic nature, XTL and HVO are of even higher quality from a technical point of view, as they do not contain aromatics or other byproducts. (…) Compared to biodiesel or mineral oil diesel, this alternative fuel burns cleaner and is more resistant to aging."

B10, XTL, HVO: three abbreviations, but only two new fuel types. What exactly does that mean?

David Kaiser: "With the B10 diesel, the explanation is simple. Compared to the previous B7 diesel, which has a biodiesel content of seven percent, this is ten percent for B10. The remaining 93 and 90 percent are fossil diesel. In contrast to HVO, the fuel is still made from lightly processed natural materials. And this is where we come to the next abbreviation. HVO stands for Hydrotreated Vegetable Oils. They are made from wasted food or vegetable oil. XTL is short for

X-To-Liquid. The X represents any source of energy that liquephages. The starting material can be any raw material. And it is converted into paraffinic diesel in a synthetic production process."

Is the procedure always the same?

David Kaiser: "No, there are two different ones. In the Fischer-Tropsch process, fuels are produced from a syngas, which serves as the base. This is composed of hydrogen and carbon monoxide and can originally be biomass, coal, natural gas or green hydrogen and CO2 from the air. The additive gives the fuel its name: BTL is biomass to liquid. In the case of CTL, the C stands for coal, and in the case of gas, the fuel is called GTL when natural gas is used or e-fuel when hydrogen is used from electrolysis. The other process uses hydrogenated vegetable oils, HVO for short. It can be refueled in pure form or mixed with fossil diesel."

Are there more specific designations for these blends?

David Kaiser: "Yes. Depending on the HVO content, the fuel is called Climate Diesel 25, Climate Diesel 90 or HVO 100 or "Diesel C.A.R.E."

Are fuel additives from LIQUI MOLY no longer necessary?

David Kaiser: "30% less wear on technical components means less wear, but not without wear. In addition, residues and deposits are still produced during the combustion process, somewhat less than in the B7 diesel. To ensure that the engine runs as long as possible, we also recommend additives that clean and maintain the system when using the new fuel types; For example, the diesel engine system cleaner. Especially since the new types of diesel do not have the same lubricating properties as conventional fuels for compression-ignition engines. Our diesel additives can be safely used in B10 and XTL."

Finally, do you have any expert advice?

David Kaiser: "If you want to move from fossil diesel to HVO and XTL, it's advisable to clean the fuel system with additives. This eliminates existing deposits. If additives are then added to the tank periodically when filling the new fuel, combustion residues are avoided."

[SUPPLIER NEWS]

AROUND THE

Donna Hensley, appointed as Melett North America's new country manager

United States. Melett North America has announced the appointment of Donna Hensley as its new country manager, taking over from general manager Kenny Taylor, who established Melett's North American arm twelve years ago and is now retiring.

With more than a decade of experience within the company, Hensley emerges as the ideal successor, having worked closely with Taylor since the inception of Melett's North American operations.

"The announcement of Donna's new position marks an exciting chapter for Melett North America," said Taylor. "Her dedication, expertise and commitment to the company's success have been instrumental in advancing our mission and establishing Melett as a trusted leader in the turbocharger aftermarket. I am confident that under Donna's leadership, Melett will continue to thrive and exceed expectations."

Hensley brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having held a variety of positions within Melett over the past decade, including sales, customer service and filling in for the General Manager in Taylor's absence.

Her deep knowledge of the business and dedication to customer satisfaction make her the most suitable

Magna, reported financial results

Canada. The company launched their financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024.

Their sales increased 3% to US $11.0 billion, compared to a 2% rise in global light vehicle production. Also, there was a 3% increase from the first quarter of 2023, which compares to a 2% increase in global light vehicle production, including 2% and 11% higher production in North America and China, respectively, partially

candidate to lead Melett North America in its next phase of growth.

"I am honored and excited to take on this new challenge," said Hensley. "Working alongside Kenny has been an incredible journey, and I am grateful for the opportunity to build upon his legacy of excellence and wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement after an incredible career in the industry.”

"I am committed to upholding Melett’s reputation for delivering high-quality products and unparalleled customer service, and I look forward to driving continued success for our company and our customers."

Under Taylor's leadership, Melett North America has experienced remarkable growth, achieving double-digit sales growth annually. The company has expanded its product range, doubled its capacity and established itself as the trusted aftermarket brand for turbochargers and precision engineered parts in North America and Canada.

offset by 2% lower production in Europe.

In addition to higher global production, the sales benefitted from the launch of new programs and the acquisition of Veoneer Active Safety, while sales were negatively impacted by lower volumes in the Complete Vehicles segment and the net weakening of foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar.

"Our first quarter results exceeded our expectations for sales and earnings, excluding the impact of impairment charges. As a result of our continued focus on cost containment, customer recoveries and operational excellence, we are maintaining our Adjusted EBIT margin outlook range for 2024 and see continued progress on our planned margin expansion despite uncertainty of electrification volumes

and product mix in the industry”, Swamy Kotagiri, Magna’s Chief Executive Officer.

The adjusted EBIT increased to US $469 million in the first quarter of 2024 compared to US $449 million in the first quarter of 2023. The increase mainly reflected earnings on higher sales, including higher margins due to the impact of operational excellence and cost initiatives, productivity and efficiency improvements, including lower costs at certain previously underperforming facilities, higher net transactional foreign exchange gains and lower net warranty costs. These were partially offset by higher employee profit sharing and incentive compensation, higher net production input costs and decreased earnings on lower assembly sales.

General Motors announces closure of operations in Colombia and Ecuador

Colombia and Ecuador. The U.S. automaker announced the closure of both operations as part of its shift towards the production of next-generation vehicles.

As indicated by General Motors in the press release, manufacturing will cease at the Colmotores plant in Colombia as of Friday, April 26, while, in Ecuador, it will cease at the end of August of this year.

This decision puts around 800 workers in the line of fire at the manufacturing plant in Colombia.

According to its spokesman, the manufacturing plant in Colombia was operating at 9 percent of its capacity, General Motors said, while its operation in Ecuador was at 13 percent.

The plant's closure comes amid a 14-year decline in new vehicle sales in 2023 compared to 2022 in Colombia, according to a report released by two industry groups in January.

The spokesperson said the change is "to ensure that the company is better positioned to offer its most advanced vehicles and technologies to customers. The operations will

transition to a national merchandising model, supported by an exceptional customer experience and after-sales services."

This news directly affects the auto parts market as it means a considerable reduction in the market players in Latin America.

However, the company made it clear that, although they are withdrawing their operations from both countries, they will continue to have a presence through Chevrolet and its strong network of companies and businesses, such as GMICA-Isuzu, GM Financial and Chevyplan.

Schaeffler recognized as General Motors Top Global Supplier 2023

United States. General Motors recognizes Schaeffler as a Top Global Supplier of 2023. The award was presented during the recent General Motors event in Miami, Florida.

With this, the company has now been awarded this recognition four times. Selection criteria include company values, performance, innovation, culture and commitment to General Motors' goals.

"At Schaeffler, we are immensely proud of our continued collaboration with General Motors. This recognition underscores our commitment to innovation and excellence, driving us to exceed expectations in all aspects of our collaboration," said Jon Jameson, GM's senior vice president and global key account manager for Schaeffler.

"Receiving this prestigious award from General Motors is a testament to our relentless dedication to delivering outstanding quality and performance," said Klaus Rosenfeld, CEO of Schaeffler

AG. "We are honored to be recognized as one of the world's leading suppliers and look forward to further advancing our collaboration with GM in the pursuit of automotive excellence."

The International Congress of the Automotive Industry and its Parts 2024 took place in Bogota

Colombia.Bogota was the epicenter of automotive innovation with the XXI International Congress of the Automotive Industry and its Parts, an event that took place on April 25 of this year. This was a key meeting point for industry leaders and auto parts experts.

With a focus on sustainable mobility, e-commerce and road safety, the congress was a platform for the exchange of ideas and the formation of strategic collaborations. Influential leaders shared their insight into emerging trends in auto parts manufacturing, thus outlining the future of the automotive industry.

Some of the topics on the academic agenda were: road safety, sustainability, technological innovation, digital strength against fraud and public policy on vehicle safety in Colombia. In addition, opportunities for the Aftermarket in a disruptive market were explored and the growth potential of auto parts in the online channel was discussed.

Carlos Andrés Pineda Osorio, executive president of Asopartes Nacional, highlighted the importance of the event:

"A forum where participants in the automotive market of vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles and other means of transport meet, to discuss current trends and the future of the industry in Colombia."

He also recognized the value of this type of meeting to learn about and analyze market trends as a guild. "It is important to know the trends and where the sector is heading in aspects such as mobility, business, digital transformation, trademark forgery and product cataloguing. This congress represents an effort for our affiliates to understand the dynamics of work at the national and international level, the current direction of business, where the economy is headed, as well as the behavior of cars, motorcycles, bicycles and everything related to public regulation."

The congress was attended by manufacturers, importers and distributors of the automotive sector, as well as executives, government representatives and organizations involved in the production, distribution and consumption chain of auto parts.