KAPICO, Federal-Mogul Motorparts launch test promotion for Ferodo taxi brake pads and discs
 | KAPICO, Federal-Mogul Motorparts launch test promotion for Ferodo taxi brake pads and discs | 194 KB | Download |
 Preview | Ferodo brake pads and discs are ideal for the taxi industry. | 54.2 KB | Download |
 Preview | Ferodo has designed brake pads and discs specifically for Toyota Quantum minibus taxis. | 74.58 KB | Download |
 Preview | Select taxi operators are partaking in a trial of Ferodo brake pads and discs, fitted by KAPICO. | 70.33 KB | Download |
 Preview | The KAPICO and Federal-Mogul team at the Johannesburg fitment centre. | 79.23 KB | Download |
7 July 2017: KAPICO South Africa will provide free fitment of Ferodo brake pads and discs, in addition to any top-up or changeouts of brake fluid required, all supplied by Federal-Mogul Motorparts. Feedback gathered from the ten selected taxi operators in terms of driveability and comfort and safety levels, in addition to testing of the used Ferodo brake pads and discs in terms of wear characteristics, is expected to deliver tangible results on the applicability of these products for the South African taxi industry.
The Ferodo brake pads and discs have been designed specifically for Toyota Quantum minibus taxis, which transport millions of commuters across South Africa on a daily basis. Extensive field testing conducted as part of the initial development of the new pad and disc range revealed the dangerously poor conditions of a number of brake systems in taxis on the road every day, which poses a serious safety risk to daily commuters should these systems fail.
The particular innovation behind the Ferodo taxi brake pads and discs is a specially-formulated solvent to replace the industry-standard heavy metals used in traditional taxi brake pads. This results in improved pad and disc wear, which translates into less downtime for taxi drivers, while improving the overall performance of the brake system. An additional environmental benefit is that, by replacing these heavy metals with the new solvent, the Ferodo taxi brake pads and discs eliminate emissions of major pollutants such as copper and other particles.
Salman Ahmed, DGM Commercial at KAPICO South Africa, explains that the Kuwait-based multinational has had a long-standing relationship with Federal-Mogul Motorparts for the past seven years, based on the entire Federal-Mogul product range. The company focuses on wholesale automotive products in South Africa, targeting the taxi business from the Auto1 fitment centre, which is part of its local retail operation.
Apart from its Johannesburg head office, KAPICO also has branches in Durban, Cape Town, Pretoria, and Polokwane. “We plan to open a branch in Bloemfontein as well, and are in the process of finalising suitable premises,” Ahmed reveals. In addition to South Africa, the multinational is also present in six other countries.
“Our relationship with Federal-Mogul Motorparts is based on the mutual synergies we can exploit between our businesses. This allows the former to sell more products from Federal-Mogul’s extensive range, while it gives us access to products and brands unavailable to us before, thereby benefiting our customers and the industry at large,” Ahmed explains. He points to the Champion range of aftermarket products, encompassing filters and wiper blades.
With a sizeable portion of its business derived from the Federal-Mogul Motorparts stable, Ahmed reveals that the two companies have partnered on promotional campaigns before, though nothing on the scale and duration of the Ferodo taxi brake pad and disc campaign. “The campaign aims to raise awareness in the local industry about our taxi industry-specific brake components. It also signals our commitment to improving health and safety standards in the industry by application of the latest technological developments,” Tommy van Olst, Technical Manager, Middle East & Africa, Federal-Mogul Motorparts, comments.
Select KAPICO taxi customers will have Ferodo brake pads and discs fitted free of charge at the Johannesburg fitment centre, which includes brake-fluid checks. The parts will be replaced after a month’s use and sent for testing, which is anticipated to provide invaluable data on the products’ performance in real-world South African operating conditions.
About Federal-Mogul
Federal-Mogul Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: FDML) is a leading global supplier of products and services to the world’s manufacturers and servicers of vehicles and equipment in the automotive, light, medium- and heavy-duty commercial, marine, rail, aerospace, power generation and industrial markets. The company’s products and services enable improved fuel economy, reduced emissions, and enhanced vehicle safety.
Federal-Mogul operates two independent business divisions, each with a Chief Executive Officer reporting to Federal-Mogul’s Board of Directors.
Federal-Mogul Motorparts sells and distributes a broad portfolio of products through more than
**20 of the world’s most recognised brands in the global vehicle aftermarket, while also serving original equipment vehicle manufacturers. The company’s aftermarket brands include BERU®* ignition systems; Champion® spark plugs, wipers and filters; AE®, FP Diesel®, Goetze®, Glyco®, Nüral® and Payen® engine products; MOOG® steering and suspension parts; and Ferodo®, Wagner®, Beral®, Necto®, Duron®, Jurid®, Stop® and Abex® brake products.
Federal-Mogul Powertrain designs and manufactures original equipment powertrain components and systems protection products for automotive, heavy-duty, industrial and transport applications.
Federal-Mogul was founded in Detroit in 1899, and maintains its worldwide headquarters in Southfield, Michigan. The company employs nearly 50 000 people in 34 countries. For more information, please visit www.FMMotorparts.com.