McHENRY, Ill. – As sales of import vehicles continue to outpace domestics, Raybestos brand chassis parts – a member of the Affinia family of brands – is launching a new sales and marketing strategy to address the growing demand for import replacement parts. 
“Our focused, integrated import chassis marketing support will help Raybestos chassis customers better meet expanding import sales,” said Jeff Stauffer, senior vice president, global marketing, Affinia Brake and Chassis. “Service and repair technicians want import parts that match OE form, fit and function. They want to purchase from a global supplier that has the coverage, availability and quality required to service today’s import vehicles.”
He added that changes will be made to the look and feel of the packaging for import parts, and an aggressive marketing campaign aimed at stores and technicians will build increased awareness for the Raybestos chassis import product offering.
In addition, Affinia representatives will be able to utilize the smart stock program to help WDs and stores better manage their import chassis parts inventory. A dedicated import chassis catalog also will be made available, Affinia said.
“Raybestos chassis parts are first-to-market on all the top-selling import applications, said Stauffer. “This provides our customers the instant coverage they need to remain competitive and service their growing customer base.”
Examples of this broad-based coverage include:
· 2008-2012 Honda Accord
P/N 401-2289 – Tie
Rod End (Inner)*
P/N 401-2286 – Tie
Rod End (Left Outer)
P/N 401-2287 – Tie
Rod End (Right Outer)
· 2012 Hyundai Elantra
P/N 505-1380 – Ball Joint*
· 2010-2012 Nissan Altima
P/N 545-1781 –
Sway Bar Link (Left)
P/N 545-1782 –
Sway Bar Link (Right)
· 2007-2012 Toyota Tundra
P/N 507-1681 –
Control Arm (Right Lower)*
P/N 507-1682 –
Control Arm (Left Lower)
P/N 502-1262 –
Control Arm (Right Upper)
P/N 502-1261 –
Control Arm (Left Upper)
· 2012-2013 VW Beetle
P/N 520-1505 – Strut Mount*
· 2009-2013 VW Tiguan
P/N 565-1362 – Control Arm Bushing (Lower)*
To date, Affinia notes that more than 8,420 chassis applications for model years 2012-2013 have been added for 58 vehicle makes and more than 280 models. Those applications include: ball joints, tie rod ends, sway bar links, control arm assemblies, idler arms, strut assemblies and alignment products. More than 54 percent of current 2012-2013 listings apply to popular import vehicles, according to Affinia.
Raybestos chassis designs are driven by the technology of the vehicle and match the applied science of today’s Japanese, Korean and European carmakers to help restore original ride quality and steering performance, the company said.
CNC machining ensures each part is dimensionally perfect and matches the specific technology of that vehicle, according to Affinia. Ball and socket designs match each application for built-in strength and durability; patented designs are checked physically and electronically to maintain precise alignment tolerances.
High strength steel forgings and cold-formed, heat-treated studs ensure stability, Affinia adds. Precision-machined, polished full ball studs ensure full contact, which reduces wear and endplay, and one-piece metal bearing designs deliver high load capacity and zero side-to-side endplay, the company says.
Permanently attached polyurethane dust boots are purgeable for consistent, long-lasting performance. According to Affinia, protective coatings prevent corrosion for the longest possible service life. The synthetic componentry is resistant to gasoline, oil, brake fluid, battery acid and road level ozone.
If any Raybestos Professional Grade import chassis part ever fails within the first two years, the cost of the part, plus the expense of the labor, will be refunded, Affinia said.
