Airtex reflects on 2022 as an innovative year
One of the world’s largest automotive pump manufacturers, Airtex, has reflected on last year, when it succeeded in expanding its ranges, increased its supply of quality aftermarket products and even launched an innovative part.
Established more than 85 years ago in 1935, Airtex is a dedicated original equipment (OE) manufacturer, with its European technology and manufacturing centre paying testament to its commitment to quality.
Based in Zaragoza, Spain (between Barcelona and Madrid), the fully ISO certified 13,000 sqm plant employs almost 150 staff and has the capacity to produce in excess of five million water pumps every year. Its aftermarket range encompasses fuel pumps, water pumps and water pump kits, which include a Dayco OE belt.
Innovation
After six years of development, 6,500 testing hours, 50 prototypes and 120 hydraulic tests, one of Airtex’s most notable successes in 2022 was its Electro-hydraulic Control Flow (ECF) water pump, which is an aftermarket alternative to the OE version that is used for 1.6 and 2.0-litre VAG engines from 2012 onwards, which now total more than nine million vehicles across Europe.
Using a similar technology, previously only available from the OE manufacturer, the water pump varies flow rate according to the requirements of the engine, which results in improved engine warm up times, leading to gains in fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
However, the pump uses Airtex’s own patented SWITCH ECF technology to vary the flow rate, without infringing the original patent, making the company the first manufacturer to offer a true replacement to the OE water pump, with matching ECF technology.
The Airtex ECF pump (reference 1978) is available as a single water pump unit, or as part of the increasingly popular water pump kit programme, with reference WPK-197801, which includes the water pump, timing belt, tensioner and pulley.
Range extension
Airtex was also dedicated to expanding its aftermarket offering in 2022, with references added to its water pump, fuel pump and timing belt kit ranges.
Water pumps
Airtex introduced a host of new water pump references, including 2129, which covers Renault, Nissan, Dacia and Mercedes Benz, as well as 2096 for BMW X5, X6, 5 and 7 Series.
Fuel pumps
New fuel pump references were also added, such as E10850M, covering Citroën C’Elysée and Peugeot 208 and E10849M for Audi A3, Seat Leon and Volkswagen Golf VII.
Timing Belt Kits
The final range Airtex expanded in 2022 was its timing belt kits, which are becoming increasingly popular with technicians, so WPK-212901 for Renault, Nissan and Dacia models and WPK-207901 for a host of Volvos including S60 II, S90 II, XC60 I and XC90 II were therefore welcome additions.
To ensure its customers have access to the replacement solutions they need, from a reliable brand that allows them to fit quality parts with confidence, Airtex will continue to add to its comprehensive product ranges during 2023.
Group Brand & Marketing Manager (Europe), Sam Robinson, said: “With more than 20 new references launched and more in the pipeline, the continual development by our skilled product management and engineering teams highlights our commitment to delivering the very latest products to the market, maintaining maximum vehicle coverage and sales opportunities for our distributors. As water pump technology becomes more advanced, our dedicated R&D facility allows us to stay ahead of the curve and bring true Airtex innovations and expertise to the aftermarket.”