The electronics revolution behind major improvements in auto economy, braking, stability and ride control has necessitated a techno-overhaul for the car battery to these functions.
Luxury car brands like Bentley, Mercedes-Benz and Rolls Royce were the first to turn to suppliers like VARTA for AGM (absorbent glass mat) batteries to cope with increased electrical and electronic consumption, and they have been swiftly followed by mainstream models like the Audi A3, VW Golf and Passat, not to mention London’s black cab (LTi) fleet.
VARTA are Europe’s only supplier of AGM technology batteries to the leading vehicle manufacturers to date, and have long been working with the carmakers in supporting their quest for increased efficiency and performance improvements to their vehicles.
At the 2006 Geneva Motor show a number of new models followed this trend, including the new VW Eos Cabrio VR6, which features two six volt AGM batteries from VARTA’S sister brand Optima to start the engine and raise and lower the steel folding roof.
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James Bond in his latest film was once again powered by VARTA in his Aston Martin DBS, and the story is the same with the Aston Martin V8 2-seater and the new Jaguar XK.
Other notable new models launched in 2006 with VARTA fitted were: Mercedes S Class, Volvo C80 convertible, Ford Focus convertible, Astra twin top, Corsa and Audi Q7.
VARTA now controls over 60 per cent of the OE vehicle market in western Europe. Our range of AGM replacement batteries launched earlier in 2006 under the AGM Ultra Dynamic label exactly mirrors the specification and quality of products supplied to the VMs as OE.
We are now part of the globally-based JCI Group, which will this year manufacture more than 110 million automotive batteries for global consumption at OE level and in the aftermarket.
At least 75 per cent of the top 20 best selling cars in the UK market have VARTA as OE, many of them calcium-silver batteries that bridge the gap between traditional lead acid and AGM battery technologies.
Changes at OE level quickly filter through to the aftermarket, and with the like for like replacement now an essential prerequisite for modern vehicles, it will not be long before the demand for replacement AGM batteries impacts on the motor factoring business.
The good news is that our VARTA stockist's and distributors already have a range of products available to meet this demand.
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