SAF-Holland at Automechanika 2024: digital and sustainable concepts for trucks and trailers

Together with the Swedish subsidiary Haldex, a manufacturer of brake systems and air suspension solutions, trailer chassis expert SAF-Holland will present some of its outstanding products at a joint stand at Automechanika in Frankfurt from September 10 to 14, 2024. The latest aftermarket solutions for commercial vehicles have been announced. Three developments are particularly in focus: Haldex's brake caliper remanufacturing program, the SH I.Q. portal for digital services, and NFC technology for quick identification of spare parts. The second brand Sauer Quality Parts will also be presented with its range of spare parts for trucks and trailers.

As the company from Lower Franconia reports, it intends to focus entirely on the themes of sustainability, digital transformation, and efficiency for the commercial vehicle industry at its booth with its practical solutions. This includes, for example, the reconditioning of brake calipers as a method for reusing used components, which the company has now also included in its program through its Haldex brand.

"With the Haldex Refurbish Program, we are setting new standards in sustainable spare parts supply and actively contributing to resource conservation,"

says Manuel Balles, Vice President Aftermarket Europe, Middle East, and Africa at SAF-Holland. Additional current topics for the Frankfurt trade fair include the introduction of new technologies and smart solutions aimed at relieving spare parts trade, fleet operators, and workshops. However, the classic area of high-quality spare parts for trucks and trailers will also be sufficiently considered at the booth in Hall 6 according to the announcement. Finally, such components can contribute to a longer lifespan of trucks and trailers.

Environmentally Friendly: Refurbishing Brake Calipers

With its brake caliper reconditioning program, Haldex is introducing a method for reusing used commercial vehicle components. As reported on PROFI Werkstatt, trailer axle specialist BPW similarly adopted brake caliper remanufacturing into its business concept a few months ago as a resource-conserving approach to trailer components, with the refurbished parts intended for reuse in older trailers.

In this process, worn-out elements, in this case, brake calipers, are professionally refurbished and essentially restored for a second life. The refurbishment typically involves replacing non-usable and particularly safety-relevant components with new ones, while still well-preserved parts, such as the housing, are reused as much as possible. SAF-Holland is also convinced of the cost-saving, resource-saving, and emission-reducing benefits of this method:

"This approach saves valuable resources and significantly reduces CO2 emissions. In times of increasing environmental regulations and a growing awareness of sustainability, this program represents a significant step towards more eco-friendly mobility,"

it states. Another main topic is the gradually pervasive digitalization in all areas:

Quick and Efficient: Online Portal SH I.Q.

The SH I.Q. portal represents SAF-Holland's second main focus at this year’s Automechanika. It is the company's online platform that provides access to various digital offerings. The provider calls the solution "Intelligent Quality." The interface includes, for example, the electronic spare parts catalog Parts on Demand (PoD) with a smart search function. Registered users can quickly find data, documents, and information on the sought-after spare parts. According to SAF-Holland, this function brings a significant amount of time savings to workshops and fleet operators in optimized spare parts supply.

NFC Technology for Parts Identification

The technology of Near Field Communication (NFC) as a wireless data exchange method is also apparently increasingly used in the mobility sector. SAF-Holland has been using the method for the past year for its SH Connect App to facilitate the identification of components during maintenance. Furthermore, tire expert Continental has developed a tool based on this that simplifies commercial vehicle inspection via an app.

SAF-Holland plans to present this NFC method for quick spare parts identification at Automechanika. The data is read out in seconds via NFC chips integrated into the products. An NFC-enabled smartphone or tablet is all that is needed as a working tool. SAF-Holland: "This facilitates the work of spare parts dealers, fleets, and workshops, minimizes errors, and shortens vehicle downtime."

Wide Range of Spare Parts

With its Haldex brand as one of the leading brake system manufacturers and the aftermarket sub-brand Sauer Quality Parts, SAF-Holland can offer an impressive range of high-quality and reliable spare parts for commercial vehicles, as well as services for dealers, workshops, and logistics companies. The portfolio, which includes over 500 spare parts, lists, for example, wear parts for brakes and air suspensions, air tanks, landing legs, lubricants, or steel rims—reportedly suitable for all common manufacturers.