The product offering for Raybestos brand brakes has been completely re-engineered based on months of extensive research with repair technicians.
“We conducted both qualitative and quantitative research to understand precisely what techs want and need from a brake supplier,” says Jeff Stauffer, vice president of global marketing for Affinia. “As a result, we are launching our Raybestos brand 1-2-3 strategy – a program that also addresses the proliferation of both parts and vendors, which has become a major problem for distributors.”
The research revealed that techs require a single line of hydraulics, two grades of rotors and three grades of friction.
“The studies told us that a single line of hydraulics made to OE specs is all that is needed,” says Stauffer. “With rotors, most situations can be addressed with a basic professional grade of OE-equivalent products, but some applications, especially severe duty or premium vehicles, require an ultra premium product capable of outperforming OE,
Stauffer indicates the studies showed friction to be more complex. “Sometimes techs have to meet a specific price point for a value-conscious customer. In those cases, they need a standard grade product that will perform well, but that is modestly priced. For the vast majority of the jobs they do, they need an ‘OE or better’ product that comes complete with all the hardware to do a job. Finally, in certain situations, they want an advanced product capable of out performing OE, and that’s what we’re giving them.”
With the launch of the new Raybestos brand 1-2-3 strategy, all technicians’ needs can be filled now with a single grade of hydraulics, two grades of rotors and three grades of friction – all in the Raybestos brand. The friction line is segmented into three grades that reflect the needs described by technicians. The core offering, Professional Grade friction, provides “OE or better” quality and coverage and comes complete with all required hardware, the company said.
This principle grade of OE-equivalent friction is augmented by two complementary offerings – Advanced Technology friction, which is designed for specific severe duty and performance applications and Service Grade friction, which is priced to help technicians meet the needs of their budget-conscious customers.
Raybestos brand rotors are offered in both Professional Grade and Advanced Technology lines. Professional Grade rotors give techs the broadest coverage for almost every vehicle in operation; including the latest models. Right out of the box, they provide performance that matches that of the original vehicle parts, the company said.
Advanced Technology rotors have a machine finish that exceeds what is offered by most OE suppliers and other aftermarket lines, the company said. While economy rotors can exceed a 120 RA rating, these rotors have an RA finish that averages between 40 and 60 – providing a smooth surface that cannot be achieved in shops on brake lathes, the company said.
In addition, Advance Technology rotors feature a corrosion-resistant coating. They are ready to install out of the box and are backed by a No Turn Guarantee. Raybestos brand consolidated its two hydraulic lines into one Professional Grade line. The new line features noise reduction technology and form, fit and function that match OE, the company said.
Raybestos brand brakes are produced by the Affinia Under Vehicle Group, a manufacturer of braking systems and components for the automotive industry. The line includes brake drums, rotors, pads, shoes and hydraulic parts.
For more information, visit http://www.raybestos.com/.
