Aftermarket September 2022

SEPTEMBER 2022 AFTERMARKET 43 www.aftermarketonline.net Looking at a BMW and Mini control arm in the range, Stefan observed: “We changed almost everything. It starts with the reinforced body because the OE is sheet metal. When the ball joint wears out or when the bushing runs out, you always have to change the whole control arm.That's why we have chosen to make it out of forged aluminium, where the lifetime is three times longer. You don't have a problem with corrosion. This also brings other advantages. We make sure that the bushings can be changed individually.” However, the trick is in how they look to keep the car’s previous feel while improving the performance of the individual part. “We do not want to turn a comfortable car into a racing car,” noted Stefan. “We want to keep the comfort, making sure that the driving experience is exactly the same. Looking at bushings, Stefan said: “Some people might say, when you fill up the space or change the design, it gets stronger, but that's not the case. What they don't see is that we also adapt the rubber mixtures to make sure that the comfort will be on the same level.” Engineering With MEYLE HD, there are a series of engineering steps that are taken when it is decided that a product is going to get the HD treatment. First comes identification, where the need for a product type to join the HD is recognised. “There is not one single source,” said Stefan, “it's not just the engineering guys sitting here thinking.” The company researches the market, seeing if there is a need. Next comes definition. “We try on the road we go to the laboratory on the testing machine and try to find root causes.” Then comes the engineering process, which then results in a prototype. Once the prototype is ready and has made the leap to series production and we can say, that's the one we believe in and this is the perfect solution for us, we launch the product.” According to Stefan, the staff is personally invested in what they do: “The thing is we are mechanics in our spare time and this is important. We don't have just managers here. We live cars.That's certainly one of the reasons why MEYLE HD has some meat to it.” Acceptance We asked Stefan about the early response from garages back in 2002. Did they embrace it very greatly early only did it take time to build up? “It did not take us 20 years to become successful, “laughed Stefan, “but when you introduce a new brand to the market, and especially anotherspecification on a product line, it can take a little time. Infact, it took us around two years to see HD accepted. This was to be expected, as mechanics andgarages are very loyal once they find a part or brand which works for them. Let's saythey are rarely open to change, especially when it comes to steering/suspension and braking.” Luckily it went well: “It turned out that very quickly they said ‘oh wow, this is a perfect fit. It works very well; I don't have to take any kind of extra steps during the repair’. So, the acceptance was there from the first moment they tried them.” Of course, it’s not just about the garages, ultimately there is also the car owner. Did Stefan think that it helps with a garage’s customers when they can say we've got a Right: Stefan Bachmann higher quality part here that we can fit? “You always have to ask yourself a question, he replied, “do you want to replace a part only once in two years? This is what we want. HD is also something whichmeans sustainable and long-lasting.” Pointing towards a specific example, Stefan said: “Our control arm is designed and engineered so that you can change the bushings and ball joint separately, so you don't have to buy the whole unit for £500.” Celebration On how MEYLE will be marking 20 years of HD, Stefan commented: “We of course are celebrating.” One of the ways the company is highlighting the anniversary is via a new marketing campaign that puts the spotlight on the real people behind the kit in the box: “It features our employees, engineers and product managers, such as myself and my colleagues. They are all real MEYLE staff, there are no models.” The company is sharing this via its social media presence on LinkedIn, Instagram and other platforms. All of this will come together as part of MEYLE’s offering at Automechanika Frankfurt from 13-17 September. “We are going to have an awesome display at the show.” He added: “Let's say we're going to open a new century for HD. Something new is coming, and you won’t want to miss it.” For more information, visit: www.meyle.com/en/products-1/meyle-hd/ The magic here is very simple, use a bigger ball and better grease ”