BROADVIEW, Ill. – Following the release and subsequent success of the Aerotwin OE bracketless wiper blades and the ICON premium aftermarket bracketless wiper blade developed by Bosch, the auto parts manufacturer has developed several new OE-style wiper arm connector types for bracketless blades.

The ICON blade features a patented bracketless design, aerodynamic wind spoiler and dual rubber compound, and offers 91 percent coverage of vehicles in operation 1995 and newer in the United States and Canada.

"To help eliminate confusion and promote foolproof installation of ICON bracketless blades on these new wiper arm connector types, Bosch has developed the new 'ICON OE Solutions' interface on ICON bracketless blades, featuring a unique mounting system for OE top lock and side lock applications," said Tom Vasis, group product manager, wiping systems for Bosch.

This interface, which makes ICON wiper blades especially easy to install on these connector types, is designed to:
·    Assure the optimal mounting point for best performance;
·    Be easy to install and intuitive;
·    Provide an attractive, clean look when installed; and
·    Minimize part numbers for simplicity.

Providing a clean appearance, optimal mounting point and outstanding performance, Bosch says the ICON OE Solutions interface blades allow seven part numbers of ICON OE Solution style blades equipped with the interface to replace 17 Bosch Aerotwin and nine ICON OE style sets. This provides premium ICON bracketless wiper blades for vehicles equipped with unique connector systems, as well as ICON wiper blades for traditional wiper arm connector systems, ensuring simple installation while at the same time reducing inventory requirements.

"We've also simplified things for our trade partners by consolidating ICON OE SKUs, reducing the number of blades they need to stock for optimum coverage. This actually reduces a total of 33 OE style ICON and Aerotwin blade SKUs to just 14 ICON blades with the 'ICON OE Solutions' interface, while traditional standard ICON blades, representing 17 SKUs, remain unchanged," Vasis said.

"The 'ICON OE Solutions' interface mounting system is a win-win for motorists, distributors and service specialists. With no adapters to install, this system is simple and totally intuitive. Side lock connectors, for instance, are inserted in an easy one-step process. For top lock connectors, the wiper blade adapter top cover is simply removed and the connector snaps into place. It couldn't be easier, and no tools are required," he added.