SAE International seeks input on CO2 as a referigerant
In response to a recent press statement from Germany that CO2 is the "right" automotive air-conditioning refrigerant, SAE International President Frank O. Klegon invites all automobile manufacturers to join in an industry collaborative effort to fully evaluate CO2 in such use. He said SAE International has unquestioned expertise in the research, analysis, and application of a variety of automotive refrigerants. In the past decade, more than 10 major SAE Cooperative Research Program (CRP) projects have provided forums for subject matter experts from around the industry to meet, discuss, and agree on advantages and disadvantages of various alternative refrigerants, as well as the management of accompanying risks. "The implementation of CO2 as an automotive refrigerant is not without technical challenges," said Klegon. The U.S. EPA has published its concerns regarding the use of CO2 as a mobile air conditioning refrigerant for passenger cars. The full EPA report can be accessed here. OEMs wishing to join a new SAE CRP to further investigate CO2 should contact Gary Pollak at 1-724-772-7196 or gary@sae.org.
Parker acquires Indian hydraulics business
Parker Hannifin Corp. announced in mid-July that it had acquired the hydraulics manufacturing division of PIX Transmissions Ltd. based in Nagpur, India. PIX manufactures a range of hydraulic and industrial hose, hose assemblies, and fittings primarily used in general engineering, marine, agriculture, mining, construction, and HVAC markets. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The acquired business has annual sales of approximately $13 million, employs 470 people, and includes a recently upgraded $25 million manufacturing plant in Nagpur. The division will be integrated into Parker's Fluid Connectors Group, and sales will be reported as part of the International Industrial Segment. “The acquisition of the PIX hose and fittings business will allow us to solidify our position in India, which is a strategically important growth market, while establishing an important base to support growth in the region,” said Bob Bond, President of Parker's Fluid Connectors Group.
EU adopts two regulations on truck safety
The European Union in April adopted two regulations designed to enhance the safety of trucks with a gross vehicle weight exceeding 3500 kg and buses with more than eight passenger seats, according to InterRegs, an online resource for global vehicle safety and emissions regulations. One specifies the technical requirements and test procedures for advanced emergency braking systems (AEBS) that detect the possibility of a collision with a preceding vehicle; warn the driver by a combination of optical, acoustic, or haptic signals; and if the driver takes no action, automatically apply the vehicle’s brakes. The regulation also specifies two levels of performance to be achieved by AEBS. Fitment of AEBS meeting the "level 1" performance requirements becomes mandatory from Nov. 1, 2013 for new types of vehicles and from Nov. 1, 2015 for all new vehicles. The compliance dates for "level 2" are Nov. 1, 2016 for new types of vehicles and Nov. 1, 2018 for all new vehicles. The other regulation specifies the technical requirements and test procedures for lane departure warning systems (LDWS) that detect unintentional drift of the vehicle out of its travel lane and warn the driver by a combination of optical, acoustic, or haptic signals. Fitment LDWS becomes mandatory from Nov. 15, 2013 for new types of vehicles and from Nov. 1, 2015 for all new vehicles. Both regulations contain a list of specific vehicle types, such as urban buses and off-road vehicles, that are exempt. "New types of vehicles" are models being launched for the first time, and "new vehicles" are new vehicles being registered for the first time.
SAE launches A/C conformance program and database
In response to industry and consumer requests, SAE International has developed a new program to provide conformance measures for the mobile air-conditioning (MAC) industry. Overseen by SAE International's Interior Climate Control Standards Committee, the program offers a procedure for certifying compliance with appropriate SAE International technical standards. It can be used by MAC manufacturers, along with testing facilities and providers of technical training. While certification of any product is voluntary, suppliers or manufacturers that advertise their products as certified to an SAE International “J” standard are required to follow the procedures established by the respective program (the organization has similar conformance programs addressing engine power ratings). In this case, the certification is designed to raise the level of confidence and to assure consumers of MAC components, equipment, and technician training programs that the providers are following and meeting the expected performance criteria set by SAE International standards. The program is governed by SAE J2911—“Procedure for Certification that Requirements for Mobile Air Conditioning System Components, Service Equipment, and Service Technician Training Meet SAE J Standards,” a revised version of which was issued in January. MAC industry suppliers may register for the program at http://macdb.sae.org/. The SAE MAC Manufacturer Database website also provides information about companies that have submitted claims of conformance. For more information, contact SAE conformance program manager Gary Pollak at gary@sae.org.
Takata to purchase defense safety businesses
Takata Corp. recently entered an agreement for the purchase of the BAE Systems Safety Products Inc. and Schroth Safety Products GmbH businesses from BAE Systems for cash consideration of approximately $32 million. The businesses include operations in Pompano Beach, FL, and Arnsberg, Germany, and employ about 150 people who design and manufacture occupant restraints and safety products used across commercial and defense ground and aerospace platforms. The purchase of the Safety Products and Schroth businesses is expected to close during the first quarter of 2012. Takata’s technology portfolio focuses on safety restraint systems, airbags, safety electronics, interior trim, and special fabrics and textile materials.
Magna Seating expands into bus, light train sectors
Magna International Inc.’s Magna Seating operating unit has acquired the assets and business of Vogelsitze GmbH in Karlsruhe-Stupferich, Germany, a company that specializes in the development and production of seats for the bus and light train industries. Sales for 2011 are expected to be about EUR19 million. The acquisition expands Magna Seating’s global footprint, strengthens its position in the German market, and enhances its product portfolio. Vogelsitze’s current production customers include MAN, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Bombardier, VDL, and GAZ. The company also has licensed a number of its patents to other bus seat manufacturers worldwide. No additional details regarding the transaction are being disclosed.
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