AKRON, OH — Goodyear Engineered Products has introduced a universal heater hose system to help auto parts retailers and installers eliminate thousands of inventoried parts, while improving service, according to Todd Hechler, marketing manager for Goodyear automotive replacement products.
Goodyear E-Z Coil eliminates the need for carrying more than 200 molded heater hose SKUs, yet ensures solutions to customer needs every time.
“Auto parts outlets are selective in stocking parts to avoid slow inventory turns while generating strong cash flow,” said Hechler. “Sales are sacrificed, since less popular hoses with few vehicle applications are avoided.”
At the same time, Hechler said staff productivity is sacrificed as time is spent searching for the correct molded hose through storerooms and endless catalogues or calling around.
“E-Z Coil eliminates most hassles,” Hechler said, “including slow-moving inventory, delayed parts deliveries, lost sales, staff distractions and dissatisfied customers. At the same time, it expands hose applications with less inventory. Just as important, any worn hose found during routine service and inspection can be replaced immediately, increasing profit opportunities for the installer, while saving the car owner from a potential vehicle breakdown.”
Bendable metal coils are combined with straight heater hose to create hose configurations that meet more than 26,000 part applications. The coil slips over the straight hose, maintains up to a 90-degree bend and prevents the hose from kinking, allowing coolant fluids to flow as required. The coil can be straightened and re-bent multiple times.
“Automotive technicians and do-it-yourself repairers will find E-Z Coil very convenient and easy to install,” said Hechler, “and they’ll save time in locating the shaped hose they need. It’s truly a universal product.”
The award-winning, patented stainless-steel coil is available in three traditional heater hose sizes — 1/2 inch, 5/8 inch and 3/4 inch — and packaged in three ways: a boxed counter display, with 12 individually packaged coils; individually packaged coils for retail merchandising and E-Z Shape hose assembly packs with two coils and a 36-inch straight Goodyear heater hose.
Mainstream magazine Popular Mechanics chose the product for its prestigious “Editor’s Choice Award” from hundreds of other new products on display at the recent 2005 Automotive Aftermarket Parts Expo (AAPEX).
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