Automotive Business Review September | Seite 20

cover feature ™ A Champion wiper blade offering for all applications The threat of poor visibility can be dramatically reduced for road users in South Africa, thanks to a wide range of technologically-advanced Champion wiper blades that are manufactured by global powertrain and vehicle safety technology leader Federal-Mogul. C hampion recently introduced its latest innovation in world-class wiper blade technology in the form of the new Aerovantage hybrid wiper blades, which boast the combined features and benefits of both conventional and flat blades. federal-mogul Federal-Mogul marketing director Hea th Stow states that the blades have an articulate plastic frame with conventional hook-type connection, come in sizes from 35 cm to 65 cm and click into place with a pre-fitted connector system to make wiper replacement easy. The Aerovantage hybrid wiper blades include steel substructure supporting twin spring flexors and rubber wiping elements which allows it to perform in the toughest heavy- The range is designed to fit modern vehicle windscreens for outstanding wipe quality and improved aerodynamics, as less blade area is exposed to wind force, which leads to a reduction in lift and wind noise. The aerodynamic shape acts as an air spoiler for improved wiper performance and the curved or bowed flexor shape equalises pressure along the blade to optimise contact with the windscreen. In addition, Champion has also introduced the Aerovantage plastic rear screen blades, which offers state-of-the-art wiper manufacturing technology. Stow notes that the blade has been specifically designed to match the individual design of the vehicle’s original rear screen wiper blade, and is guaranteed to be a high quality replacement wiper. “The key features of the Aerovantage rear screen blade include; high quality design and easy fitment. duty environments. It also offers outstanding resistance to corrosion, temperature extremes and UV radiation, he notes. The blade matches or exceeds original equipment specifications and has superior wiper quality. The Aerovantage rear screen blades are fitted as original equipment by a number of | words in action 18 internationally-recognised automotive manufacturers,” he continues. The recently-launched range of Champion Easyvision flat and conventional wiper blades are another value-addition to the local market, as they are compatible with 95 percent of all vehicles in the country, thanks to an innovative ‘retro-clip’ system that allows flat blades to replace conventional blades. “Flat blades provide a more uniform contact with windscreens, with evenly distributed pressure along the length of the wiper, thanks to tensioned steel spring flexors and a symmetrical spoiler, which responds to changing wind force to maintain a constant wiping performance,” explains Stow. An added benefit of this rebranded range is that two new flat blade designs have been introduced to allow the replacement of conventional blades through a patented ‘Multi Clip’ system, which connects seven popular wiper arms. The Champion Easyvision flat blade wipers only use 15 references, in order to ensure that the range covers 95 percent of vehicles on the road. Although flat blade wipers are more effective, they are also more costly, and Stow points out that Federal-Mogul has enhanced the design of the Champion Easyvision conventional blade range to offer motorists a more cost-effective, yet highly-reliable alternative. september 2014