With demand for electronic components such as sensors and control units increasing rapidly, parts specialist MEYLE has highlighted how it is at the forefront of meeting aftermarket demand and how using its components can provide workshops with a profitable business boost.

MEYLE says that there are three mega trends in automotive development at present, automated driving, energy efficiency and vehicle digitization. This has caused the number of electronic assistance systems, comfort packages and electronic systems in the drivetrain and exhaust gas system to climb sharply. All these vehicle components need to be able to communicate seamlessly with each other to ensure efficient vehicle function, while they also generate enormous amounts of data. This will only increase as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems develop.

Dominik Overmann, Head of the Electronics product team at MEYLE, says, “From 2022, 30 additional assistance systems will be required by law in all new vehicles registered in the EU, which will further increase the amount of electronic components in vehicles. That’s why we at MEYLE have been systematically and continuously expanding our electronics portfolio for several years. We’ve managed to launch around 1,600 new electronic parts in recent years and will accelerate our efforts, with plans to nearly double our portfolio this year.”

Dominik stresses the importance of correct parts identification. He comments, “Electronic components don’t just need to fit physically like other spare parts, you also need to have the right connector and cable length. To ensure seamless function, the sensor signals, resistors, voltage and current consumption also need to correspond to the specifications in question. Installing the wrong parts may lead to malfunctions that could possibly damage the vehicle, resulting in longer and repeat visits to the workshop.” He adds, “Our engineers and application data managers work hand in hand even in the development stage for new products. For example, if two sensors are identical in terms of their specifications and only differ in the colour of the connector, we will combine them.”

Dominik points out that the product management, engineers and application data managers at MEYLE work closely in order to guarantee high product and data quality. Using in-depth knowledge they optimise the range and define stringent standards for all electronic components in full accordance with OE specifications.

Dominik gives an example of the benefits this brings, “A variety of exhaust temperature sensors in our competitors’ ranges have up to three different product numbers. MEYLE can combine all of these to create a single item without compromising the specifications. For our customers, it allows for optimized storage with fewer items and a higher rate of turnover, without compromising on quality.” He goes on, “Another unique selling point is our new MEYLE ABS sensor repair kit. Through our close collaboration with workshops, we were able to develop a solution that allows customers to replace the sensor ring and the associated ABS sensor quickly and inexpensively without the need to switch out the wheel hub. MEYLE is the first manufacturer in the market to offer this complete solution.”