As a result, Raybestos has launched a new strategy that “addresses the proliferation of both parts and vendors, which has become a major problem for distributors,” according to Jeff Stauffer, vice president of global marketing for Affinia, which produces and markets Raybestos products.
Stauffer said the research showed that “techs require a single line of hydraulics, two grades of rotors and three grades of friction.” To address that need, Raybestos launched its 1-2-3 Strategy to deliver the types of brake components techs say they need.
“The studies told us that a single line of hydraulics made to OE specs is all that is needed,” Stauffer said. “With rotors, most situations can be addressed with a basic professional grade of OE-equivalent products, but some applications, especially severe duty or premium vehicles, require an ultra-premium product capable of outperforming OE.”
When it comes to brake friction, techs need to meet various price points. “In those cases, they need a standard grade product that will perform well, but that is modestly priced,” he said. “For the vast majority of the jobs they do, techs need a ‘OE or better’ product that comes complete with all the hardware to do a job. Finally, in certain situations, they want an advanced product capable of out performing OE – and that’s what we’re giving them.”
With the launch of the 1-2-3 strategy, the Raybestos friction line has been segmented into three grades – Professional Grade friction for “OE or better” needs, Advanced Technology friction for specific severe duty and performance applications, and Service Grade friction for budget-conscious customers.
Raybestos rotors are now offered in both Professional Grade and Advanced Technology lines. Raybestos also consolidated its two hydraulic lines into one Professional Grade line.
