For Improved Ride (NAPSA)—With the ever-growing popularity of import vehicles, leading replacement-parts manufacturers and established North American brands are developing technologies that help enhance the unique characteristics of these cars, light trucks and SUVs. The Problem One key engineering battleground is ride control, where many import models’ “tight,” control-intensive steering and sus- pension systems can lead to increased ride harshness in some driving situations. “There has traditionally been a trade-off between control and comfort in many import vehicles, especially those with lighterweight chassis components and low-profile tires,” said Bill Dennie, director of ride control channel management for global shock and strut manufacturer Tenneco Inc. “There’s no doubt that consumers love the way these vehicles handle but they also complain about the ride being too harsh in manysituations.” An Answer To eliminate this compromise, Tenneco’s Monroe brand recently introduced a broad new line of highly advanced shocks and struts for import vehicles. The new Monroe OESpectrum units feature a “Twin Technology Active Control System” that accentuates control while isolating impact-related noise, vibration and harshness before they are transmitted into the passenger compartment. Many import owners prefer shocks/struts that eliminate harshness while providing a “tight” ride. This emphasis on maintaining and improving the performance of import models is a logical response to the increasingly global face of the North American vehicle population, Denniesaid. “With the growth of foreign nameplates, we’re leveraging our global engineering resources to deliver products that address the unique demands of import vehicles,” he said. “What consumers might not realize is that we have long provided original equipment parts on many Asian and Euro- pean models.” The combination of OE manufacturing experience, import-specific technologies and tried-andtrue North American brands can provide an important additional benefit: convenience. Monroe products, for example, are available through thousands of parts stores and service shops. Learn More For more information on ride control products for import vehicles, visit www.monroe.com.
