Strong Partners for a Healthy Climate

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Stuttgart, December 21, 2011—Driven by performance: That is the motto of MAHLE Aftermarket. Now, the motto applies not only to the fast, reliable supply of the brands MAHLE Original, Knecht, Metal Leve, Clevite und Perfect Circle, but also to ACxpert, the air conditioning service equipment family from Behr Service. In other words: aftermarket customers can now purchase their workshop equipment for the fully automatic air conditioning check via MAHLE Aftermarket worldwide.

MAHLE Aftermarket and Behr Service. Both names have stood for a consistent customer orientation for many years. Behr Service has long-term development experience and comprehensive know-how in the area of air conditioning service equipment, as well as spare parts for engine cooling and air conditioning; MAHLE Aftermarket is an esteemed partner of retailers, workshops, and engine repair shops worldwide. The expertise of both companies has now been convincingly merged in a cooperation for air conditioning service units. This results in clear benefits for aftermarket customers: They receive top quality in terms of products and service. And in return, by providing air conditioning service for both the established R-134a refrigerant and the new HFO-1234yf refrigerant, they can also offer excellent service to their customers.

The safe variant: two A/C units for two refrigerants

High-level throughput for daily operation in professional workshops: this was the objective in the development of the Behr ACxpert 1000a and ACxpert 2000yf service units. Whereas the ACexpert 1000a is designed to enable a rapid, inexpensive exchange of the established refrigerant R-134a, the innovative ACxpert 2000yf was developed in close cooperation with reputable vehicle manufacturers specifically for the new refrigerant HFO-1234yf.

Why the simultaneous introduction of two devices? The motive was simple: Although the refrigerant R-134a is no longer permitted in vehicles with a type approval on or after January 1, 2011, all air conditioning systems in the current vehicle population can still be serviced with R-134a. Workshops will therefore need to pursue a two-track strategy in the future: in addition to the new technology, the current technology will need to be provided for at least 20 years.

Both air conditioning service units enable fully automatic A/C service: refrigerant evacuation and recycling, automatic separation as well as refilling of the refrigerant and oil, vacuum and pressure checks for leak testing, an integrated flushing function, and—with the ACxpert 2000yf—a well-engineered, certified safety concept for HFO-1234yf, with its “mild” flammability classification. In addition, both units offer several practical features: a compact, robust design, easy and intuitive touchscreen operation, clearly visible operating status display, a large pressure gauge to enable process control from a distance, as well as an integrated flushing function for optionally available external flushing equipment.

MAHLE AftermarketService expertise right from the start

The sale of the A/C service units via MAHLE Aftermarket’s strong international market presence marks the beginning of a long-term partnership. The overall concept includes comprehensive technical instructions on purchasing and regular maintenance by a certified service partner, as well as the demand-based supply of spare parts and rapid answers to technical queries. Familiar contact persons from the MAHLE Aftermarket sales staff will to continue be available, with support from experienced service equipment experts from Behr. The best prerequisites are now in place for a strong, sustainable cooperation for the environment.

The MAHLE Group is one of the 30 largest companies in the automotive supply industry worldwide. With its two business units Engine Systems and Components and Filtration and Engine Peripherals, MAHLE ranks among the top three systems suppliers worldwide for piston systems, cylinder components, as well as valve train, air management, and liquid management systems. The Industry business unit bundles the MAHLE Group's industrial activities. These include the areas of large engines, industrial filtration, as well as cooling and air-conditioning systems. The Aftermarket business unit serves the independent spare parts market with MAHLE products in OE quality. In 2010, the MAHLE Group achieved sales of approximately EUR 5.3 billion (USD 7 billion); more than 47,000 employees work at over 100 production plants and eight research and development centers.