Tenneco Inc. introduces more than 150 new part numbers to Monroe

The recent introduction of 150 new part numbers to its Monroe® ride control product line means that Tenneco Inc. has added more than 700 ride control SKUs for domestic and foreign nameplate applications during the past five years. This explosion of new part numbers demonstrates the company's commitment to industry-leading coverage of the North American passenger car population.

"Our goal is to keep up and to keep ahead of the marketplace," says Mark Christiaanse, director of ride control product management, North American Aftermarket, Tenneco. "We want to be the first place customers go when they need a part, and we want to have every part a customer needs when they need a part."

The new Monroe part numbers, available in January 2008, include a variety of application-engineered Sensa-Trac® shocks and struts for domestic and foreign nameplate vehicles, Monroe Reflex® and Reflex Monotube shocks for light trucks, Monroe Quick-Strut® assemblies, Strut-Mate® strut mounting kits, and Max-Lift® gas-charged lift supports. The new parts will be included in the 2008 Monroe Master Ride Control Catalog and available for purchase online.

"Our ride control expansion over the past several years has reflected the increased diversification of the North American car parc," says Bill Dennie, director of ride control channel management, North American Aftermarket, Tenneco. "Monroe offers a truly international product line that addresses the unique ride and handling demands of most vehicle nameplates and models."

Monroe recently began producing Quick-Strut assemblies for Honda Accords and Civics, as well as Toyota Corollas — all newer applications that haven't had coverage in the past. The company also has added coverage for Dodge Neons and Intrepids, as per customer request. In past years, Tenneco has added more than 100 different quick strut applications to its catlog, making it one of the fastest growing product lines for the company.

This application-driven market strategy combines Monroe Sensa-Trac shock and strut designs with custom-tuned internal valving that delivers original equipment-style ride and handling. For example, Sensa-Trac shocks and struts in vehicles with a control-intensive OE ride are equipped with acceleration sensitive damping (ASD) valve technology and Monroe's patented tube design.

"We apply our OE expertise to the parts we are supplying on the aftermarket side," Christiaanse adds. "Part of the benefit of being a global OE supplier is that we can get coverage quicker, which means we can service our customers quicker."

In addition to the premium Sensa-Trac line, Tenneco offers Monroe Reflex shock absorbers for light trucks, vans and sport utility vehicles. These applications have a higher center of gravity and thus can benefit from enhanced damping to reduce body roll and brake dive. The company also offers Monroe Reflex Monotube shocks for light truck models that were originally equipped with monotube-style shock absorbers.

The Monroe Quick-Strut assembly is the first comprehensive, fully assembled replacement strut solution. Quick-Strut assemblies feature a replacement bearing plate, upper and lower spring isolators, upper spring seat, coil spring, boot kit, and premium application-engineered Monroe Sensa-Trac strut. Each assembly's spring rate and strut valving are carefully tuned to the vehicle's factory-specified ride and handling profile.

Monroe Strut-Mate mounting kits are direct-fit replacements designed to OE specifications that complement the ride control characteristics of Monroe struts. Strut-Mate mounting kits feature OE-style bearings, SAE-grade nuts and bolts, superior rubber- to-steel bonding and plated steel for long wear.

Max-Lift gas-charged lift supports are engineered to be exact replacements for worn original equipment units. Max-Lifts are used to lift and hold trunk lids, hatches, hoods, and glove boxes.

"Every year new vehicles are being released and old ones are being changed," says Christiaanse. "We need to release new parts just to keep up. It's shocking to think how fast you can far behind if you just stand still and don’t pursue growth or change. Right now, we have coverage on 98.1 percent of all vehicles on the road. And that means we can fix almost any problem that comes our way."

For more information regarding Monroe shocks and struts and other Tenneco products for the transportation aftermarket, visit the company's Web site.