Brand Introduces More Than 350 Direct-Fit Units Over 2-Year Period; California OBD II Coverage Grows by 20 Million Applications in 2006
Las Vegas, NV - Tenneco Inc. (NYSE: TEN) will continue to aggressively expand its line of Walker direct-fit replacement catalytic converters with more than 150 new SKUs in 2007. The brand has added more than 200 direct-fit converters, including California OBD II units covering more than 20 million registered applications, in 2006.
Walker direct-fit catalytic converters provide an exact, original equipment-style fit for trouble-free installation. Each unit features a high-quality stainless steel body, OE-style flanges and brackets, meticulously engineered pipe routing, heat-shielded pipe, and structural brace for enhanced strength and durability.
"The converter category is one of the most promising opportunities for exhaust distributors and service providers," said Frank Murkowski, marketing manager, North American emission control, Tenneco. "The key for shops is to partner with a brand that offers all of the coverage they need to capture these installation opportunities; and that means a supplier that covers both domestic and foreign-nameplate vehicles."
Industry research indicates that sales of replacement converters and performance components are growing at a faster rate than other exhaust categories. This trend is expected to continue as the population of vehicles not covered by OE emission warranties grows over the next several years, according to Murkowski.
"As other vehicle systems - most notably engines and transmissions - continue to become more durable, the average age of a passenger car, light truck or SUV will rise," he said. "That means more opportunities for the service shop to replace converters and other key components. And when that opportunity arises, the consumer will likely demand a reliable, OE-style replacement that will help prevent a repeat MIL light or failed tailpipe test."
Tenneco's line of Walker Ultra OBD II converters for California feature increased catalyst loading and enhanced NoX (nitrogen oxides) reduction capability. These premium units are also appropriate for many non-California vehicles that need enhanced NoX reduction to pass government-mandated tailpipe tests.
Standard Walker replacement converters are covered by a 25,000-mile emissions warranty and five-year/50,000-mile structural integrity warranty. Walker Ultra converters come with 50,000-mile emissions and five-year/50,000-mile structural integrity coverage. (Visit www.walkerexhaust.com for warranty details).
For additional information regarding Walker catalytic converters and other emission control products, please visit www.walkerexhaust.com, contact your Walker exhaust supplier or call (734) 384-7833.
Tenneco Inc. is a $4.4 billion manufacturing company with headquarters in Lake Forest, Illinois, and approximately 19,000 employees worldwide. Tenneco is one of the world's largest designers, manufacturers and marketers of emission control and ride control products and systems for the automotive original equipment market and the aftermarket. Tenneco markets its products principally under the Monroe®, Walker®, Gillet® and Clevite® Elastomer brand names. Among its products are Sensa-Trac® and Monroe Reflex® shocks and struts, Rancho® suspension systems and shock absorbers, Walker® Quiet-Flow® mufflers, DynoMax® performance exhaust products, and Clevite® Elastomer noise, vibration and harshness control components.
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