Date: October 2003

Following its success in the UK, Kayaba Europe is extending its existing product range of KYB branded shock absorbers, protection kits and suspension mounting kits in France and Germany, with the launch of K-Flex replacement coil springs.

The new product category - which was pioneered and developed in Britain - includes applications for a wide range of cars and light commercial vehicles (LCVs) - from Ford Escort to Range Rover, BMW 3 series to Renault Traffic van, chassis cab or minibus, and Skoda Felicia to Vauxhall/Opel Vectra.

KYB K-Flex coil springs are all manufactured to original equipment (OE) specification, and go through 10 critical stages of manufacture, which many aftermarket suppliers do not follow in order to save money and manufacturing time. There are numerous different spring shapes and wire diameters, and are available in ‘normal’ or ‘heavy duty’ for front and rear axles, according to the vehicle’s original specification. The K-Flex range also includes the tapered wire type of spring.

The new product line is supported by a 120 page catalogue, detailing the coil springs appropriate for each make, model and year of manufacture. It also includes advice on coil spring types, replacement and safety hints.

Commented Mr Hajime Sato, General Manager of Kayaba Europe: "We are committed to developing Kayaba into becoming Europe’s leading vehicle suspension specialist, complete with a portfolio of world class suspension products under the KYB brand.

"The marketing of coil springs in the UK has proved very successful, and the launch into France and Germany will further consolidate our product development plans in these countries. It will also provide our distributors and their installer customers in these markets with a one-stop suspension solution, and we believe that by offering world class components at competitive prices, backed-up by the best level of personal service, everyone benefits."

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• Kayaba is the world’s largest supplier of shock absorbers to vehicle manufacturers, and offers four principal shock absorber types to the European aftermarket: Excel-G, Super, Gas-A-Just, and Ultra SR.

Ref: KYB17/2003