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NOVEMBER 2021 AFTERMARKET 51 at DENSO Europe, observed: “Cabin filters have found a renewed importance in the fight against respiratory illnesses, as they make a major contribution towards protecting the occupants from these potential health threats. As a result, despite being traditionally considered as a seasonal product, the cabin filter has now become an all-year-round replacement requirement, particularly as using the HVAC system whatever the season, is finally being accepted as not only the best course of action for the well-being of the vehicle’s occupants, but also for the performance and longevity of the complete air conditioning system.” She continued: “The eight new additions consist of four standard and four carbon activated cabin air filters that cater for 581 applications linked to 34 OE part numbers for several Toyota and Lexus models. These include the Corolla E12 (2001-2008), the Yaris (1999-2000, 2011 -) and the Toyota C-HR (2016 -). The Lexus IS III (2013-) completes these latest range extensions, all of which are now available from DENSO Aftermarket distributors.” Fatiha added: “In order to provide the independent sector with the highly effective OE quality replacement components it needs, DENSO Aftermarket offers two types of cabin air filter; Standard Particle Filters and Combination Filters, which have an additional, activated charcoal layer located inside the filtration material.” For more details, visit: www.denso-am.co.uk Shift Commenting on the march of technology and its impact on filters, First Line’s Jon Roughly continued: “As technology continues to advance, First Line envisages a shift in the rise of pure electric vehicles, and these vehicles will no longer require air, oil or fuel filters and will only have a cabin filter fitted to provide comfort inside the vehicle. Currently, there is still a relatively small number of electric vehicles on the road compared to standard combustion engine vehicles, which requires scheduled replacements for the installed filters. However, we are seeing a rise of hybrid vehicles, some of these can only do a small range on the electric motor, typically less than 100 miles. These hybrid vehicles usually have a small conventional engine fitted and will still cover a large quantity of miles and therefore need to be serviced annually or to recommended service intervals as well.” MAHLE’s Jonathan Walker observed: “The mainstream debut of hybrid and full electric vehicles has changed the focus of where and what type of filtration is required and at first glance you would forecast a reduction in filtration requirements This may not be the case however, as all EVs still have significant filtration requirements. Electric vehicles create heat in the batteries that needs managing with complex cooling and filtration systems to deliver a safe, clean and reliable experience. Occupants still need protection from harmful airborne threats. The future for filtration is changing and becoming more complex as vehicles become more technology-driven and the changing face of a vehicle’s engine presents many opportunities for the filtration industry as a whole.” Expansion Meanwhile, UFI Filters recently launched a Heavy Duty range for the UK and Ireland aftermarket and also took on an extended warehouse in Tamworth with a further 12,000 square feet to house it, via a partnership with DB Schenker. It houses more than 400,000 parts covering 3,000 SKUs of which 725 are for heavy duty on-road and off-road applications. Karl Ridings, UFI Filters UK and Ireland Sales Director and General Manager UK and Ireland Aftermarket, commented: “The introduction of the Heavy Duty range represents an important milestone for UFI Filters’ presence in the UK, which has seen business more than double since the opening of the initial warehouse in 2017. Moreover, a double digit increase for the second consecutive year is projected.” Above: Awareness poster from Borg & Beck