Range Update
In our November Update, you’ll find Splash Panels (11577 & 11578) for the rear of the Nissan X-Trail and the Renault Koleos.
As often seen in todays market these models share the same platform.
The Alliance between Nissan and Renault dates back to 1999. Nissan had seen some financial difficulties and Renault came to the rescue. In turn Nissan purchased a part of Mitsubishi in 2016.
Currently the alliance Renault, Nissan, Mitsubishi is in the top 3 of the OEM’s.
Splash Panels play a significant role in relation to the braking system of a car. Their primary function is not to directly enhance the braking performance, but the product ensures that no dirt enters the brake system and also helps as a heat protector for other parts of the car. The active ABS range consists of over 520 articles.
Order in October!
Don’t let the rain drive you crazy or brake your plans! This October, we’ve got you covered – literally. Every shipment from the 21st until the 25th of October contains an exclusive ABS umbrella! Make sure to get yours while supplies last!
Price change
How Freight Costs are driving up Prices
As you know, at ABS we are always committed to delivering the best value and service to our partners. Like many others, we were also hoping for more stable market conditions in 2024, but unfortunately, this is still not the case.
The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, as well as the global energy crisis, have placed significant upward pressure on costs across multiple sectors. Transport and freight costs in Asia remain our biggest challenge, and unfortunately, we have little control over them.
Since May 2024, these costs have been rising steadily. In July 2024, the SCFI (Shanghai Containerized Freight Index) reached 5,000 USD, representing a 400% increase compared to container prices at the beginning of the year. In addition to the overall demand and supply imbalance driving up prices, instability in the Middle East is affecting the Suez Canal, forcing vessels to take longer and more expensive detours around Africa for safety reasons.
Rising energy costs
Rising energy costs are worsening the situation, pushing supply chain expenses even higher. General inflation continues to impact the cost of goods and services worldwide, creating an environment where operating costs are rising faster than anticipated.
Given these challenges regarding transport, energy, and overall supply chain costs, we are forced to implement a price increase of 3.4% starting November 1, 2024. This adjustments is necessary to maintain the high level of service and value that you expect from us.
For now, we will continue to monitor the situation closely and take appropriate action when needed.
Range Update
In this month’s update you will find a wheel bearing for the Opel Karl ( 201846).
The Karl replaced the Agila in 2015 and production of the Karl itself ended in 2019. It was built on the same platform as the Chevrolet Spark and was sold in the UK as Vauxhall Viva.
The Karl was named after Adam Opel’s eldest son.
The Opel family started their business in sewing machines and later moved on to the production of bicycles.
Adam Opel never lived to see the automobiles built by the company he founded. He died in 1895. His will set up a new organization for the company, in which his widow Sophie held the primary interest and his two eldest sons had lesser shares.
Range Update
In this Month’s update you will find a brake master cylinder ( 41151) for the 7the generation Toyota Hilux. This iconic pickup is currently on its eight generation. It has been in production since 1968 and has earned a reputation for being robust or even nearly indestructible.
The television program “Top Gear” put a Hilux on top of a high building which was set for demolition with explosives. After they freed the car from the debris it would still start. Subsequently they set fire to the car, drove it in to the sea and after all that abuse it could still be repaired using simple hand tools and would still start.
Although the Hilux is still in production it has been replaced in the North American market with the Tacoma. The wagon version of the car is sold under the name 4Runner. The seventh generation shares the chassis with the Toyota Fortuner.
Range Update
In this month’s Range Update you will find Wheel Speed Sensors (33007 & 33008) for the Ford Transit and E-transit. These items are for the 2014 generation of this van. The series started out in 1953 as the Taunus Transit but officially the first generation Ford Transit van was built in 1965. The current series Ford Transit of which production started in 2014 is the fourth generation of this famous van.
In some EU markets it has been (or still is) the number one selling van. Worldwide it ranks at number two with 8.4 million units sold. The Volkswagen Transporter holds first place with 12.4 million units sold. Ford also hold third place with 8.3 million units of the US Ford E series van (1961-present).
Range Update
In the range update of this month you will find a brake caliper (423461 / 423462) for the Iconic Land Rover Defender. This particular part can be fitted to the 90, 110 and 130 models. The original Defender was created in 1983 and is a redesign of the original Land Rover. One of the noticeable changes in this redesign of its predecessor the Series III is the addition of coil springs instead of leaf springs. Coil springs offered both better ride quality and improved axle articulation.
Adding a lockable centre differential to the transfer case gave the Defender permanent (on-road) four-wheel-drive capability. Both changes were derived from the Range Rover, and the interiors were also modernised. Some models of this generation of the Land Rover Defender remained in production until 2020 when it was replaced with an all new design.