GASTONIA, N.C. — WIX Filters, a member of the Affinia Group family of brands, developed 414 new part numbers in 2009, shattering its previous high mark of nearly 100 new filters developed in 2008.
“Creating more than 730 new product numbers in the past 24 months, WIX engineers and product development professionals have really pushed the envelope in filtration design and performance,” said Patrick Enniss, product development manager for WIX Filters, who oversaw the new production of 130 premium light duty filters, 247 premium heavy duty filters and 37 opening price point filters this year.
“The past two years we’ve continued our emphasis on foreign nameplate applications and moved further into emerging markets including filtration for electricity generating wind turbines,” Enniss added. “In recognizing our core customer needs and 70-year history, our new product introductions retain our commitment to engineering and manufacturing parts for all makes and models and a focus on the heavy duty industry.”
WIX Filters has always placed a top priority on the development of premium heavy duty filters. The 225 new premium heavy duty filters released by WIX in 2009 include oil, air, cabin air, fuel and hydraulic filters for Caterpillar, Kenworth, Freightliner, Mack, Cummins, John Deere, Komatsu and New Holland, among other brands.
Filters for foreign nameplate applications lead the new premium light duty filter list in 2009, with more than 100 new air, oil, cabin air and fuel filter product numbers, including oil filters for the 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara, air filters for the 2009 Honda Fit and Accord, and oil, air and cabin air filters for the Kia Spectra, Borrego and Sorento. New filters were also developed for Mazda, Nissan, Hyundai, BMW, Porsche, Audi, Mercedes and Volkswagen, among other brands.
WIX Filters is continually adding new part numbers to its online catalog. Customers can find filters for their vehicle by using the filter look-up tool at www.wixfilters.com.