Date: August 2003

Kayaba, the world’s largest producer of shock absorbers, is supplying the front and rear shock absorbers for the stylish new Renault Mégane Coupé Cabriolet (CC) as original equipment (OE). The latest model to join the Mégane line-up, the CC will be launched in the near future, and is unique in featuring an electronic folding glass roof, the first in its class.

Kayaba is the world’s largest OE supplier of shock absorbers, and now has a 23% market share. It already supplies components on a worldwide basis for other models in the new Mégane range, which was introduced earlier this year. This latest design of shock absorbers will now be used in 50% of Renaults built in France, Spain, Turkey, Mexico and Brazil, and sold worldwide.

The front shock absorber is built into a MacPherson strut, and is the first time Renault has used a ‘knuckle’ with a locator instead of a lower bracket; it also features a built-in safety spring seat. The locator is welded using resistance welding, and all versions incorporate a hydraulic rebound stop.

The rear shock absorber is a bitube design. The internal workings employ a new system of valves to reduce noise, and a flexiblock on the upper ring to facilitate variable axial and longitudinal stiffness.

With both front and rear components, new materials have been used to reduce friction and provide increased thermal stability, while the weight has been reduced as much as possible.

Hajime Sato, General Manager of Kayaba (Europe) says: "Supplying such a mainstream manufacturer as Renault is great news for the Kayaba brand. We are at the forefront of technological development, both of OE and aftermarket components, and means we can meet the needs of both the vehicle manufacturers and the motorist in terms of design, ride comfort and handling."

As well as Renault, Kayaba supplies numerous other OE manufacturers including Alfa Romeo, Ford, Lexus, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot, Subaru, Toyota and Volkswagen.

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Kayaba Industry Company Ltd is Japan’s leading hydraulics manufacturer with a revenue of approximately $1.8 billion. 60% of sales are from automotive shock absorbers, and it is the world’s largest supplier of shock absorbers to vehicle manufacturers, with a 23% market share. Of the 55 million pieces manufactured each year, around 8 million are destined for the aftermarket, where worldwide it has an 8% share. In key European markets - notably France, Germany, UK, Italy and Spain, Kayaba has an aftermarket share of around 15%.

Ref: KYB11/2003