Electronically controlled OE shock absorbers for Volkswagen Group

Greenwood, IN, November 8, 2023 – Electronically controlled shock absorbers from KYB Corporation have been adopted by Volkswagen Group to equip new Tiguan, Passat Variant, SKODA Superb and Kodiaq models with the new DCC Pro (Dynamics Chassis Control Pro). The introduction into the market is scheduled during the first quarter of 2024.

 

DCC Pro systems use double valve shock absorbers to independently control the extension and compression oscillations caused by the car body and the wheel movements while driving.

 

These valves react to road conditions and driving situations in a few milliseconds. The ECU activates the respective extension and compression solenoids to adjust independently the internal pressure of the shock absorber to suit road conditions and the driver’s preference (from comfortable to very sporty). The damping characteristics are automatically adjusted in a continuous way, which in conjunction with the full independence between extension and compression movements, brings the vehicle comfort and control to the highest level. This provides safe, dynamic manoeuvrability and an unprecedented ‘flying carpet’ ride experience.

 

KYB and the VW Group have been working together for several years, including the sporty Audi RS suspension, and since then have co-operated extensively for the VW brand. This new development is part of KYB’s policy to further strengthen its partnership with the German car manufacturer. The hard development and validation process engineered between KYB and Volkswagen teams has made it possible to offer this technology, which up to now was only imagined for the premium segments.

 

KYB will continue growing in advanced technologies that provide high added value to our customers in these challenging times for the Automotive sector.

 

KYB produces electronically controlled shock absorbers both in Asia and Europe, in its manufacturing facilities specifically built to be at the forefront of high technology shock absorber manufacturing.

 

KYB DCC Pro

 

New Director Named at KYB

Andy Castleman takes over as Director of Product and Marketing

 

Greenwood, IN, May 15, 2023 – As part of their commitment to growth, development and promoting from within, KYB Americas Corporation is pleased to announce the appointment of Andy Castleman to Director of Product and Marketing.

Andy joined KYB after a long career in the motorsports industry. During his time as Brand Manager at KYB, he has overseen the marketing, promotional and branding activities, and has provided valuable input on the market and KYB’s positioning. In his new position, Andy will continue to lead the marketing and promotional efforts, while overseeing KYB’s product offerings and product line expansions.

“Andy has proven industry knowledge and leadership abilities. His skills will be used to help provide focus on KYB’s goal to be the best supplier to our customers.” said KYB’s Executive Vice President Atsuo Matsunami.

“KYB is an excellent company with great products and a highly respected reputation. I’m proud to be named a steward of the brand and help guide its future growth.”  Castleman said.

Outside of KYB, Andy enjoys mountain biking, racing shifter karts, and restoring and riding vintage dirt bikes. He often annoys his wife by heat treating parts in her kitchen oven and rebuilding gearboxes on the living room coffee table.

KYB PROMO REWARDS PARTS PROS

Parts Professionals get rewarded for recommending and selling KYB products

 

Greenwood, IN, April 28, 2023 – Following up on the successful “Feeling is Believing” consumer rebate offer, KYB continues its 2023 National Promotion schedule with the launch of “Parts Pro Rewards”.

Beginning May 1st, Parts Professionals will have the opportunity to earn extra cash for selling sets of 4 KYB shocks, struts or mounts on the same invoice, or pairs of Strut-Plus or Truck Plus assemblies on the same invoice. KYB is one of the world’s largest shock & strut suppliers to new vehicle manufacturers and can be found on some of the most popular new cars, SUVs and trucks. KYB helps engineer how these vehicles perform when new and can help restore or improve their original designed performance.

“Recommending the correct shock or strut for a customer’s vehicle is an extremely important responsibility for a Parts Professional.” says newly appointed National Sales Manager Ryan Dickerman. “We want to recognize those Parts Pro’s that recommend KYB products. They recognize that KYB’s focus on restoring or improving a vehicles originally designed handling and control characteristics makes KYB the Completely Correct recommendation for their customers.”

Parts Pro Rewards allows Parts Professionals to earn prepaid Mastercard ® gift cards during the two-month promotional period. Parts Professionals can learn more about this promotion, register, and track their sales at www.kyb.com/rewards.

The “Parts Pro Rewards” promotion will run from May 1st through June 30th.

Multiple Employee Promotions Set for KYB

Sales, Product and Marketing Teams See New Leadership

 

Greenwood, IN, April 24, 2023 – A number of internal promotions are scheduled to be announced by KYB Americas in the coming weeks, including two newly created positions. KYB Americas Corporation is committed to the growth and development of our associates, which includes promoting from within whenever possible.

Ryan Dickerman, KYB’s East Region Sales Manager, has been promoted to KYB Americas Corporation National Sales Manager. This newly created position will allow Ryan to utilize his background and experience to guide the KYB Sales Teams in the East, Central and West Regions.

Ryan has been with KYB for nearly 16 years. He started as a Customer Service Representative in 2007 and has advanced through the organization. His KYB resume includes roles as Customer Service Manager, Territory Sales Manager and the most recently position of Regional Sales Manager. In that role, Ryan oversaw sales efforts in 23 states and Puerto Rico and managed 6 territorial managers.

“Ryan is a bright and energetic person that is highly regarded by customers and has earned the respect of the entire KYB organization. We look forward to Ryan leading our traditional sales team in the USA market.” says Business Director Mike Fiorito.

Ryan will report to Paul Kratzer, Director of Sales for Canada & USA. “Ryan will do a great job managing our sales team.” According to Kratzer. “Ryan’s past roles at KYB have prepared him to take on the next level of responsibilities. His commitment to our customers and associates will lead him to success.”

“I’m thrilled to continue my career with KYB and I look forward to exploring all this new role has to offer.” Dickerman says. When he’s not playing soccer or keeping in shape through CrossFit, he’s attending his children’s sporting events or following the NY Mets.

A replacement for the position of East Region Sales Manager has not yet been named.

More announcements regarding KYB promotions will be forthcoming.

Better Climate Challenge

KYB Americas Joins Department of Energy’s “Better Climate Challenge” Initiative

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced a commitment from over 90 companies and organizations to reduce their carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 through DOE’s Better Climate Challenge. This national public-private partnership calls on organizations across the country to set bold, portfolio-wide greenhouse gas reduction targets and share their innovative solutions and best practices with partners and across industries. Companies joining KYB as inaugural partners include automotive giants Nissan, Toyota, Ford Motor Company and General Motors.

“Companies across America are joining arms to lead the zero-carbon transition through smart, strategic climate solutions that slash building and factory emissions and significantly cut costs,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “With the help of DOE, the meaningful and measurable emissions reductions of the Better Climate Challenge will save American businesses billions of dollars, create good-paying jobs, and drive innovation that strengthens the entire U.S. economy.”

KYB’s facilities focus on sustainability practices that include less waste, lower energy usage, and increased recycling. Our Franklin, Indiana manufacturing facility was honored as the 2019 Industrial Plant of the Year for Waste Water Quality for reducing  waste water discharge 40% to the City of Franklin. It was presented by the Indiana Industrial Operators Association (IIOA) at its annual conference in front of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (DEM) commissioner. KYB Americas Corporation’s Jerry Reamer was named the 2019 Industrial Waste Water Operator of the Year at the same conference.

To learn more about the Better Climate Challenge visit the Challenge webpage.

KYB Renews Support for World Rallycross

World Championship winning squad KYB EKS JC and triple FIA World Rallycross Champion Johan Kristoffersson will join forces in an FIA World RX 2021 title bid. Kristoffersson joins Belgian Enzo Ide with both drivers using KYB shock absorbers and electronic power steering in the newest generation of Audi S1 EKS RX quattro.

“If you can’t beat him, join him – it’s as simple as that,” says KYB EKS JC Team Owner Mattias Ekström. “I have had many great battles with Johan and I think everyone can agree that he has a unique skill set, so, for me, he is a perfect fit for KYB EKS JC’s 2021 campaign to once again challenge the rest of the field for both the Team’s and Driver’s titles.”

The 32-year old Swede has 36 World RX podium finishes to his record, with 24 of those being wins. Kristoffersson has not only claimed three World Rallycross Champions’ titles (2017, 2018, 2020), but also three titles at Porsche Carrera Cup Scandinavia, two Scandinavian Touring Car Championship titles and one Superstars International Series title. He is currently top of the Extreme E leader board with teammate Molly Taylor, winning 2 rounds out of 2 for Rosberg Racing.

“First of all, I’m very pleased that I can do a full FIA World RX season. And to do it with a new team is like a new challenge for me” comments Johan Kristofferson. “KYB EKS JC know how to win races and championships and after the first two test days we see that we can learn and gain from each other. Joel Christoffersson and the whole team are very passionate and motivated to achieve the goal of me defending the Driver’s title and, together with Enzo, also the Team’s title”.

“Johan is the most successful World RX driver to date and I am very happy, that with support from Red Bull, Ravenol, KYB and Blåkläder we can have him in our team next to Enzo. His experience and knowledge will help us to develop further and also for Enzo this will be a great opportunity to learn from the very best. We will continue testing before the season and I am sure we will give a hard time to our competitors” says KYB EKS JC Team Manager Joel Christoffersson. “2021 for KYB EKS JC will be a very special year as we will run our cars in three championships – FIA World RX, Nitro Rallycross (USA) and RallyX Nordic.”

Consisting of 7 two-day events across Europe, WRX takes place on tracks that are a mix of rallying and circuit training. Drivers are equipped with RX Supercars with over 600bhp and the ability to accelerate from 0-60mph in less than two seconds. Regular updates regarding World RX can be found across KYB’s social media.

 

KYB Unveils New Road Testing App and Updated Website

KYB has recently launched a new road testing app and updated kyb.com. KYB is utilizing technology to achieve three objectives. First, train service professionals on how to determine if shocks should be replaced. Second, provide better information to consumers on the condition of the vehicle. Finally, help the consumer decide which replacement shock is the best choice for their needs.
The KYB Road Testing App helps service providers start a conversation about shocks and struts with their customer. Shocks and struts are an under sold category because technicians lack a good way to rate wear and service writers don’t have enough information or facts to recommend the sale with confidence. The app addresses those issues and can even send Vehicle Condition Reports directly to the customer’s phone or email address. The KYB Road Testing App can be downloaded at no charge and is available for Apple and Android devices
More consumers are researching auto parts before a purchase is made. To help consumers make better, more informed decisions, KYB has updated kyb.com to be more consumer friendly. The site includes new videos, simple graphic icons that describe the purpose of each product, electronic catalogs by product category, and 360-degree product images.
KYB Corporation is a $4.2 billion global hydraulics manufacturer with over 8,100 employees and sells its products in over 100 countries. The company is one of the world’s largest supplier of shocks and struts to vehicle manufacturers and has a full range of domestic and import shocks and struts for the aftermarket. For more information, log onto www.kyb.com.

Feel and Believe with KYB

KYB’s popular consumer rebate promotion, “Feeling is Believing” returns this fall. Running through August and September, “Feeling is Believing” offers the motorist a rebate up to $100 when they choose to maintain their vehicle with KYB products. For 2019, KYB is also proud to announce the addition of “Earn With KYB” to the promotion calendar. “Earn With KYB” gives service providers another great reason to recommend KYB products, they will earn $10 on every set of four KYB shocks or struts installed during August and September.

“Feeling is Believing” is designed to make it easier for motorists to feel the improvement to vehicle control and stability that KYB products provide. Motorists can earn $25 for purchasing sets of four KYB shocks, or two shocks and two struts. $50 can be earned for sets of four KYB struts, or two KYB Strut-Plus units with two shocks or struts. Finally, $100 cards will be mailed out for those consumers who purchase four KYB Strut-Plus units. For additional information, please visit www.kyb.com/save.

“Earn With KYB” is brand new, and can be coupled with “Feeling is Believing” to help ensure more vehicles on the road have the handling and control they are capable of. Service providers can log their sales online and at the conclusion of the promotion, they will be sent a Mastercard® gift card. Additional details for “Earn with KYB” can be found at KYB.com/earn. “Feeling is Believing” and “Earn With KYB” are open to consumers and service providers in the US and Canada.

“Feeling is Believing’ has become a recognized staple of our National Promotional Calendar, and while we still believe it is important to reward the motorist, we wanted to add an element to reward and recognize service professionals for supporting us.” stated KYB Director of Marketing and Product, Aaron Shaffer.

KYB Corporation is a $4.2 billion global hydraulics manufacturer with over 8,100 employees and sells its products in over 100 countries. The company is one of the world’s largest supplier of shocks and struts to vehicle manufacturers and has a full range of domestic and import shocks and struts for the aftermarket. For more information, log onto www.kyb.com.

KYB Americas Corp. Announces Expanded Truck/SUV Monotube Coverage

KYB Americas Corp. recently announced the expansion to its already robust coverage of the growing Truck, SUV and Crossover market.  The expansion includes growth in the twin-tube Excel-G and Strut-Plus lineups as well as additions to KYB’s popular monotube lines of Gas-a-Just and MonoMax

Inclusions to KYB’s already industry leading coverage for monotube shocks and struts include applications for half and three quarter ton domestic and import trucks and SUV applications as well.

“The growth of our coverage for the truck and SUV market in North America is vital to the overall success of the KYB brand”, KYB Product Manager Tim Oldiges commented “Listening to our customers is paramount to what we include in our product lineup when it comes to the truck market.  When we announce a coverage expansion, particularly in our Gas-a-Just or MonoMax lineups, it is our customers who have spoken up about the benefits of having an upgraded KYB unit to help the vehicle.  We feel strongly this recent expansion will provide increased sales for our distribution partners.”

KYB Corporation is a $4.2 billion global hydraulics manufacturer with over 8,100 employees and sells its products in over 100 countries. The company is one of the world’s largest supplier of shocks and struts to vehicle manufacturers and has a full range of domestic and import shocks and struts for the aftermarket. For more information, log onto www.kyb.com.

KYB Americas Corp. Launches New eCatalog

KYB Americas Corp. recently introduced a new shock & strut eCatalog that will make precise vehicle application lookups with ease. By utilizing advanced intuitive technology and newly applied data points, users will be able to zero in on correct product choices without the hassle of sifting through excessive vehicle variables.

In addition to more effective lookups, KYB’s new eCatalog also displays product purposes, key features and benefits, images and informative videos. Users will be able to make quick and accurate product selection choices. To help users identify correct strut choices, KYB is also adding 360 degree product images, standard tech bulletins, installation notes and product interchanges. The new KYB eCatalog is accessible form the home page at www.kyb.com

“We are always looking for ways to improve… and when it came to deciding on a direction for our new eCatalog, it was important to us that we create a more user-friendly way of navigating complicated part look-ups.”, KYB Technical Supervisor Troy Horn commented “We’re in an age that demands we better serve and better deliver information to all levels in the supply chain and the consumer.  We set out to create an eCatalog that would make it easy for anybody to look up our parts and be absolutely certain they have selected the part that will suit their needs.”

KYB Corporation is a $4.2 billion global hydraulics manufacturer with over 8,100 employees and sells its products in over 100 countries. The company is one of the world’s largest supplier of shocks and struts to vehicle manufacturers and has a full range of domestic and import shocks and struts for the aftermarket. For more information, log onto www.kyb.com.