Press
Releases
Merchandise/POS |
|
Kayaba Boosts OE Supplies to Renault |
August, 2003 |
Kayaba, the world's largest producer of shock absorbers, is supplying
the front and rear shock absorbers for the stylish new Renault Mégane
Coupé Cabriolet (CC) as original equipment (OE). The latest model
to join the Mégane line-up, the CC will be launched in the near
future, and is unique in featuring an electronic folding glass roof,
the first in its class.
Kayaba is the world's largest OE supplier of shock absorbers, and now has a
23% market share. It already supplies components on a worldwide basis for other
models in the new Mégane range, which was introduced earlier this year.
This latest design of shock absorbers will now be used in 50% of Renaults built
in France, Spain, Turkey, Mexico and Brazil, and sold worldwide.
The front shock absorber is built into a McPherson strut, and is the
first time Renault has used a 'knuckle' with a locator instead of a lower
bracket; it also features a built-in safety spring seat. The locator
is welded using resistance welding, and all versions incorporate a hydraulic
rebound stop. The rear shock absorber is a bitube design. The internal
workings employ a new system of valves to reduce noise, and a flexiblock
on the upper ring to facilitate variable axial and longitudinal stiffness.
With both front and rear components, new materials have been used to
reduce friction and provide increased thermal stability, while the weight
has been reduced as much as possible.
Hajime Sato, General Manager of Kayaba (Europe) says: "Supplying such a mainstream
manufacturer as Renault is great news for the Kayaba brand. We are at the forefront
of technological development, both of OE and aftermarket components, and means
we can meet the needs of both the vehicle manufacturers and the motorist in
terms of design, ride comfort and handling."
 |
|