TRW Automotive -- Leading the Aftermarket

TRW Automotive Aftermarket is a leading provider of high-quality replacement parts, service and technical support for both Independent Aftermarket (IAM) and Vehicle Manufacturers Service (VMS). Drawing from the original equipment (OE) strengths of TRW’s braking, steering and suspension programs, the business leads Europe in chassis systems for the aftermarket, and also offers specialist programs in specific markets.

"The original equipment (OE) strengths of our well-known, TRW-branded braking and steering and suspension programs have secured our chassis leading position in the European aftermarket."
-- Francois Augnet, vice president for TRW Automotive Aftermarket in Europe and Asia Pacific, TRW Automotive

Europe: No 1. in Chassis

TRW has dedicated aftermarket manufacturing facilities across Europe, focusing on its core capabilities in chassis systems. The aftermarket business employs approximately 1,000 employees in 14 sites across Europe.

Europe: No. 1 in Braking

TRW is the market leader in Europe for braking, with more than 90 percent of the independent aftermarket program manufactured in-house. Offering the first-ever range of heavy-metal-free friction products in the European IAM, well ahead of pending Euro ECE R90 legislation, the program covers more than 96 percent of the vehicle parc, and includes:

• Friction: pads, discs, shoes and drums
• Hydraulics: master cylinders, wheel cylinders, new and remanufactured calipers, hoses, repair kits, brake fluids and cleaners and tools

An Enhanced Steering & Suspension (S&S) Program for Europe

Our unrivaled range of premium-quality steering and suspension products is TRW-branded.  Manufactured to exacting TRW safety standards, our S&S program is unmatched in quality in the IAM.

Our enhanced range of more than 1,700 part numbers includes:

• The highest-quality remanufactured steering racks in the aftermarket
• Linkage parts, including wishbones and control arms, track rods and track rod ends, suspension ball joints, stabilizer links, bushes and bellows

Heavy Commercial Vehicle Programmes – S&S and pads

TRW’s HCV programs for steering and suspension and pads utilize the company’s expertise in the design, development and manufacture of original equipment (OE) commercial steering and braking systems. All parts are manufactured to TRW’s OE standards and rigorously tested from conception until production to meet the tough quality requirements of the HCV market. Both programs are fully supported with market-leading catalogues, designed to meet market demands to simplify the search for references.

Building Blocks for Success:

• Manufacturing
• Original Equipment
• Id (automotive diagnostic service solution)
• Range Coverage
• Chassis Systems
• Added-value support and services

Manufacturing

Manufacturing is at the heart of TRW Automotive Aftermarket’s business. The business philosophy is to ensure the best possible control of the sourcing of products and, by making more than 90 percent of its braking range for the independent aftermarket in-house, the business can be assured of quality, breadth of range and reliability of delivery.

With continuous investment in manufacturing facilities, and on-going research and development into product programs and market requirements, TRW remains totally committed to its cause.

Original Equipment

TRW Automotive Aftermarket is an integral part of a leading global supplier.  It manufactures products within OE manufacturing facilities in Europe, as well as from within dedicated aftermarket factories. Product quality is guaranteed, and the business can be first-to-market by drawing upon its OE knowledge.

Range Coverage

TRW Automotive Aftermarket has comprehensive braking and steering and suspension programs:

• 96 percent parc coverage for braking
• 90 percent parc coverage for steering and suspension

The business has a first-to-market policy for new product introduction across its product ranges.

Recent range developments include:

• Launch of heavy commercial vehicle steering and suspension, to complement HCV brake pads
• Launch of shock absorbers
• Launch of TRW’s easy brake tool, which works with TRW’s Electric Park Brake technology

The business is currently developing plans to introduce TRW’s strength in occupant safety systems through its aftermarket organization – initially in the vehicle manufacturer service sector. The aftermarket portfolio will reflect TRW’s OE leadership in safety systems.

Chassis Systems

TRW is an original equipment leader in active safety systems – braking, steering, suspension and vehicle dynamic control. The aftermarket is the leading chassis systems business in Europe, bringing together its braking program and steering and suspension products under the TRW umbrella – all in distinctive TRW-branded packaging.

TRW Automotive Aftermarket is the only business to manufacture all braking products in-house – covering discs, friction, hydraulics and calipers.

TRW leads the world in OE steering and suspension, and the aftermarket business draws directly from this position to put together the best possible program for the aftermarket. The whole range is based on original equipment technical specifications and distinctive styling, such as TRW-branded rubber and bottom caps, color-coded clamping rings, OE plating and fitting accessories.

Added-value Support

With manufacturing and OE credibility at the center of its business, the aftermarket focuses on ensuring that TRW is the right partner for its customer network. This involves providing a comprehensive package of support – from technical information and training through to added value services, marketing materials and market-leading catalogues.

TRW produces e-newsletters that provide customers with the latest information on range extensions and technical information, all from a central database. The business has made significant investments in databases with a dramatic improvement to its TecDoc platform.

TRW’s workshop concept, TRW Auto Service, enables customers to choose the most appropriate support packages for their garages across Europe. www.trwautoservice.com

TRW is also involved with the development of training packages for garages, as one of the five partners in the Exponentia initiative. www.exponentia.org

TRW is committed to offering the best support possible to ensure the success of customers’ businesses in a challenging and ever-changing market.