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NEW WHEEL TRIMS FOR 2008Enlarge Image
With spring just around the corner, many people will be thinking about doing a spring clean. A chance to tidy their homes, remove the winter blues and make a fresh start going forward.
The spring cleaning will not just be confined to the house. Many motorists will themselves be out their driveways cleaning away the dirt and mud from their cars, polishing the exterior and valeting the interior.
One simple yet effective way of lifting the appearance of any vehicle is to fit a stylish set of wheel trims. There are many motorists out there driving around with the odd missing wheel trim, discarded at the roadside. A new set of wheel trims is just the solution for restoring the look of the car.
The highly popular range of wheel trims from Ring Automotive has recently been updated.
Ring Automotive has introduced several new designer style wheel trims, which will add flair to any vehicle.
The range has been carefully compiled to cover all sectors of the market, with both Premium and Value wheel trims available.
The value wheel trims are manufactured from high impact ABS and come complete with adjustable retaining rings for a secure fit and will not rust. Available in both 13” and 14” these trims are great for sprucing up a vehicle.
The Ring Automotive Premium range of designs offer a touch more style, with chrome trim extras and an attractive gloss finish. The Graphite trim has a stylish gun metal finish.
Premium wheel trims are available in a wider size range than the value trims.
Both the Value and Premium trims packaging has been completely redesigned to present a bold, uniform style that is clear and informative, helping product sell themselves. The packs are smaller than standard trim packs, so delivering more profit from less space.
The range is supported by a new comprehensive catalogue and an informative full colour poster featuring the full range for quick and easy selection.
RING AUTOMOTIVE INSTALLS NEW LIGHT TUNNEL LABORATORYEnlarge Image
Leeds based Ring Automotive has announced that it has completed the installation of a new Light Tunnel Laboratory to assist with the development and testing of vehicle lamps and lighting.
When Ring Automotive entered the market in 1974, it set out to differentiate itself from the competition, through a commitment to value and quality.
Thirty years on Nick Cameron, Technical and Marketing Director, explains how this commitment to quality has led to a burgeoning OEM programme.
“The new £100,000 light tunnel laboratory is an extension of our already comprehensive test facilities. It will provide us with two distinctive advantages. Firstly it will compare and test the light output of our vehicle lighting and competitor products to establish performance benefits. Secondly and more significantly for our OE development programme, it is a facility for pioneering innovative new technologies.”
The state–of-the-art laboratory is equipped with the latest ProMetric CCD light imaging photometer. Where a traditional goniophotometer can only measure the light intensity and colour from the lamp one direction at a time, the new ProMetric photometer can measure millions of angles simultaneously. Localised light and colour difference can easily be detected. “From this incredible tool and the powerful supporting software not only can we analyse the results to ensure strict compliance to legal regulations, but also when developing new products, we have accurate information to make improvements,” explains Cameron. “The software also provides a ‘birds eye’ view of the on road beam pattern, which makes it easy to visualise the performance difference between lamps, to both the engineer and user alike.”
Nick Cameron explains “the technology was developed in partnership with our supplier putting Ring Automotive at the forefront of automotive lighting technology.”
OE has always been an important market sector for Ring Automotive. Lighting contracts already exist with the leading European 4x4 manufacturer, a global manufacturer of fork lift trucks and public transport fleets.” However, the new Light Tunnel Laboratory strengthens the company’s commitment to the OE sector. It represents an additional chapter for the company; One that secures Ring Automotive’s position as the leading vehicle lighting company in the UK market.
The light tunnel laboratory continues to move the company forward. It allows Ring Automotive to give aftermarket customers, access to the innovative technologies of tomorrow, way ahead of the competition.
“We are obviously proud of our new laboratory that we have been inviting customers to visit and see the new facility first hand. We welcome more to visit, so we can explain the work we are doing and what benefits they can expect to see themselves.” says Cameron.
In a market which is very competitive, Ring Automotive’s continued investment shows great signs, for a positive future.
CARAVANNING - A YOUNG PERSONS PERSUIT?Enlarge Image
Anyone who thinks the caravan and caravan holidays are a declining market should maybe think again. Caravanning is no longer the reserve of the older generation clogging the motorways during bank holidays.
Research by Ring Automotive has discovered that there is a quiet change occurring. Caravanning is more popular than ever. In 2007 the Caravan Club saw their membership reach an all time high of 365,048 members.*
What is surprising is that it is the younger generation who are becoming caravan enthusiasts.
The young generation of 20 something singles have discovered that owning or part-owning a caravan or motor caravan is a great way to indulge in their favourite hobbies, from mountain biking to surfing, and attending events from pop festivals to motor sports meetings.
According to Mintel’s report The British on Holiday at Home – UK, Leisure Intelligence December 2007*, retailers would be wise to target the under-35s. They are likely to spend more on towing products and trailer accessories to enjoy their outdoor leisure activities, compared to the older generation who are likely to already own such items.
In preparation for the towing season, Ring Automotive has conducted a comprehensive range review of all its towing products to ensure that it remains the leading manufacturer and supplier of caravan, trailer and tow bar accessories.
The company has introduced innovative new Smart and LED technology
Two new Smart Relays are now available that are compatible with all modern cars and their on board computer electrics. Also new are three 5 function LED rear light clusters. LED lighting not only provides a stylish exterior look, but reduces servicing time and costs. LED lights are also highly water resistant.
The company has also improved core product areas with wider range of trailer security locks and a comprehensive range of towing mirrors to suit all applications.
With spring and summer fast approaching, your customers can enjoy their holidays by fitting Ring Automotive Towing Accessories.
*Source: Caravan Club Web site, www.caravanclub.co.uk/About+us/The+Caravan+Club/Club+facts/Club+facts.html
*Source: Mintel Report – Car Accessories, Market Intelligence, February 2008. Publsihed by Mintel International Group Ltd, London, 2008
QUALITY POWER FOR QUALITY GEAREnlarge Image
The company, known for its electronics expertise, has launched a wide new range of multisockets for in-car power, designed to provide a classy solution to keeping all your gadgets working.
All are manufactured from scratchproof, shock-resistant ABS to match quality car interiors and all are compact enough to store out of sight when not in use.
Product manager Bhavesh Mistry said: “Cars are now such an integral part of our lifestyles that we expect them to offer all the conveniences of home when it comes to our gadgets. Our new range of Portable Power solutions means that you can charge your mobile phone, power the sat nav and keep the kids’ games powered up – all at the same time if necessary!”
The multisockets come at a range of price points to suit every pocket and a quality designed to match the top-range gadgets.
The full range is as follows:
· RMS1, RRP £4.99. This twin socket can be adjusted through 90 degrees to suit the car cigarette lighter positioning and features an LED “neon” ring for quick night time location.
· RMS2, RRP £7.99. This twin model has a battery analyser to display available battery power and a coiled cable for use away from the cigarette lighter. Each socket features an LED “neon” ring for quick night-time location.
· RMS3, RRP £8.99. Features all the properties of the RMS2 with a three 12v sockets.
· RMS4, RRP £9.99. This again contains all the features of the RMS2 but has four sockets, one of which can be used as a cigarette lighter socket.
· RMS5, £7.99. This highly popular USB charging socket can be used for MP3 players and mobile phones and has an LED power indicator.
· RMS6, RRP £9.99. This versatile multisocket adjusts for either two AA or two AAA rechargeable batteries and features bad battery detection.
· RMSB6, RRP £14.99. This model is the same as theRMS6 but comes complete with two AA rechargeable batteries.
· RMS7, RRP £10.99. This combines the features of both the RMS2 and RMS5, with both USB and twin 12v sockets.
· RMS9, RRP £11.99. This can-shaped design allows the triple 12v multisocket to sit snugly in the car’s cup holder. A battery analyser displays available power.
· RMS10, RRP £13.99. The ultimate multisocket features twin 12v sockets with twin USB charging sockets and battery analyser, in a can-shaped design.
FLEXIBLE NEW COMPRESSORSEnlarge Image
The cordless and rechargeable RAC800 is dual function compressor, as used for vehicle tyres, and inflator, generally used for leisure accessories. It also has a deflate function.
Product manager Donna Clarkson said: “Six per cent of all fatal motorway accidents are caused as a result of blowouts caused by under-inflated tyres.* Under inflated tyres also mean that your engine has to work harder, so more fuel is used and more CO2 emissions are produced**.
The RAC800, RRP £59.99, can inflate a tyre in under four minutes and an airbed in less than 30 seconds. It has a flexible air hose with tyre valve locking system and a 46cm air line.
The lead acid battery has circuit protection to prevent full discharge, helping to extend the life of the compressor. An LED battery charging indicator will remind the user when it does need charging which can be done either via a 230v transformer or a 12v cigarette lighter plug.
Other features include a pressure gauge in psi, kg/cm² and bar; a three-piece adapter kit for bikes, airbeds and other leisure accessories and a nylon storage bag with room for the compressor, accessories, 230v transformer and 12v DC chargers.
The RAC750 mains-powered rapid air compressor, RRP £59.99, is designed to inflate a car tyre in less than two minutes.
Designed for use at home, in the garage or on the drive, this compressor can be used without having to start the car engine to provide power. Used with an extension cable, it can be used to check tyre pressures on more than one vehicle without having to unplug and move the power supply each time.
In common with the RAC800, this compressor also comes with a three-piece adapter kit for bikes and leisure accessories; a pressure gauge in psi, kg/cm² and bar; a three-piece adapter kit for bikes and other leisure accessories and a storage bag.
* Source: RAC Foundation
** Source: Department for Transport
ARE YOU READY FOR DARK WINTER NIGHTS?Enlarge Image
As autumn leads towards darker evenings, a leading car lighting company is urging drivers to ensure their vehicles are safely seen.
Now the clocks have gone back, sunset will be at around
Ring Automotive, which has decades of experience of car lighting, believes some drivers can be caught out with faulty bulbs, especially if they only use their cars for commuting.
Bulb failure is the most common reason for headlights not working properly and drivers may not always realise they have a bulb out. Caroline Harding said: “Some drivers may have hardly used their lights in the summer so the problem doesn’t arise until suddenly it’s dark on the way home from work. Drivers should check their lights as part of their regular vehicle checks, in the same way as they check oil and tyres. Replacing a bulb is fairly simple but is absolutely essential for safety, both for the driver and for other road users.”
Yorkshire-based Ring Automotive has been a leading bulb supplier in the market for many years and produces millions of bulbs every year. As well as standard replacement bulbs, the company offers a range of high performance headlamp bulbs, all designed to improve visibility.
For example, Ring’s Ultra Xenon bulbs are up to 60 per cent brighter than conventional bulbs, providing better reflection from road markings and signs. The bulbs feature a precision-designed filament to direct as much light as possible into key areas. A combination of gases inside the bulbs helps prolong the life of the bulb and they are interchangeable with ordinary bulbs so there is no need for any additional wiring or switches.
MAKING LIGHTING MORE PROFITABLEEnlarge Image
19 June 2007
MAKING LIGHTING MORE PROFITABLE
Ring Automotive has come up with an idea to help motor factors make a higher level of profitability from its ever-popular auto bulbs range.
The Ring Lighting Profitability Centre is designed to boost sales and increase dramatically the unit profitability by up to 20 per cent by making the range more appealing and easier to understand for customers and encouraging them to trade up, for example turning a £5 standard bulb sale into a £20 performance bulb sale.
Ring Automotive’s Associate Director Marketing Caroline Harding said: “Our auto bulbs have always yielded excellent retail sales and margin and we have won many “Profit Maker of the Year” awards. Our performance halogens have come out with top marks in several independent tests and we believe few automotive products offer such earnings potential.
“However, we recognise that motor factors are under increasing economic pressure and that maximising profitability is essential in such a competitive market.”
Ring’s tried and tested Profitability Centre can be adapted to suit your premises and customer needs. Up-to-the-minute plannogram software can be used to provide a detailed layout plan; Ring will recommend the bulbs and provide a copy of its industry-leading free application guide and guide carrier to make self selection of bulbs even easier, plus re-order cards to ensure the right bulb is in the right location and to make ordering easier. The bespoke unit is then topped off with a free header board on how to upgrade to high performance headlight bulbs.
BRIGHT IDEAS FROM RING AUTOMOTIVEEnlarge Image
August 2007
Lighting specialist Ring Automotive has extended its highly popular Cyba-lite range of torches and lanterns with new products designed with the driver in mind.
New for summer 2007 are the latest alternative energy torches, headlights and handy lamps, including:
· The Cyba-lite Generator, RRP £10.99. This latest generation wind-up model features a dual LED light source with a focused long beam and flooding short beam. The torch weighs less than 100g and will provide light for up to six hours when fully charged up. Circuit protection prevents full discharge of the rechargable battery. The torch is compact enough to keep in the glovebox for whenever it’s needed.
· The Cyba-lite Solar, RRP £24.99. This compact solar-powered torch takes advantage of daylight to provide night light! It, too, has dual LED light sources with focused long beam and flooding short beam. Charged for 24 daylight hours, the torch offers up to nine hours’ light. Users can opt for batteries instead to power the torch, providing up to 100 hours’ light.
· The Touch Light, RRP £12.99 is ideal for workshops and garages with insufficient lighting. This LED touch light comes with three interchangeable fixing brackets: a hanging hook; magnetic plate; and double-sided adhesive pad. Three AAA batteries are included and the light offers up to 18 hours burn time. A translucent version has a RRP of £8.99.
· The Cyba-lite Auro Plus, RRP £17.99. This update on the popular Auro includes two AA batteries and a collimator lens to provide a focused beam pattern. The torch’s two operation modes allow for either constant light or there is a momentary on/off feature.
· The Cyba-lite Endurance Essentials Cap Light, RRP £6.99. This five LED cap light clips beneath the peak of a baseball cap or any other stiff-brimmed hat to provide up to 24 hours’ hands-free light.
Ring Automotive’s Associate Director Marketing Caroline Harding said: “Our Cyba-lite range is well known for its robustness and reliability. We have developed these new products to take account of customer feedback and to offer new solutions and ideas for lighting, both in the car and away from it.”
For nearest stockist ring 0113 213 7389.
LIGHTER CARBON FOOTPRINT FROM RING AUTOMOTIVEEnlarge Image
31 July 2007
The new range includes wind-up and solar-powered torches, designed to reflect the desire by many people to reduce their own personal carbon footprint. A donation will be made to the Woodland Trust for every torch sold in the eco-friendly range.
Ranging from a compact five-beam torch which clips securely under the visor of a baseball cap for hands-free use to a solar-powered torch, the new products are all part of the company’s well-established Cyba-lite range which offers a wide choice of sturdy and reliable torches and lanterns.
New for summer 2007 are:
· The Cyba-lite Generator, RRP £10.99. This latest generation wind-up model features a dual LED light source with a focused long beam and flooding short beam. The torch weighs less than 100g and will provide light for up to six hours when fully charged up. Circuit protection prevents full discharge of the rechargable battery.
· The Cyba-lite Solar, RRP £24.99. This compact solar-powered torch takes advantage of daylight to provide night light! It, too, has dual LED light sources with focused long beam and flooding short beam. Charged for 24 daylight hours, the torch offers up to nine hours’ light. Users can opt for batteries instead to power the torch, providing up to 100 hours’ light.
· The Cyba-lite Trek, RRP £19.99. Ring Automotive’s latest headlamp features a rear light for safety for anyone likely to be coming down off the mountains after dark. The front light includes a tilting mechanism and both lights can be set to flash mode for added visibility.
· The Cyba-lite ProSport, RRP £15.99. This lightweight headlamp features an aluminium fascia for added toughness and provides up to 88 hours’ light on its lowest setting. The light can be switched off in any mode.
· The Cyba-lite Backpacker, RRP £18.99. This compact and rugged aluminium lantern can be used as a traditional lantern or, thanks to a clever twist-off casing, hung upside down from a tent interior to provide a superior light source. The 158g lantern comes complete with karabiner and batteries and will run for up to 28 hours.
· The Cyba-lite Mini Wind-Up Lantern, RRP £19.99. This eco-friendly wind-up lantern features a convex reflector for improved light distribution and has both on and flashing modes. Winding for three minutes gives up to nine minutes’ light from the nine ultra-bright LEDs.
· The Cyba-lite Endurance Essentials Cap Light, RRP £6.99. This five LED cap light clips beneath the peak of a baseball cap or any other stiff-brimmed hat to provide up to 24 hours’ hands-free light.
Ring Automotive’s Associate Director Marketing Caroline Harding said: “Our Cyba-lite range is well known for its robustness and reliability. We have developed these new products to take account of customer feedback and to offer new solutions and ideas for lighting, whether for climbing or camping.”
For nearest stockist ring 0113 213 7389.
RING CHARGES AHEADEnlarge Image
31 July 2007
RING CHARGES AHEAD
Automotive specialist Ring has come up with two solutions for motorcyclists who find themselv
The Motorcycle Smart Charger 4 is designed specifically to get bikes up and running much faster than a conventional charger. Its 2amp/4amp charge rates allow for the optimal charge rate to be set.
The RSCX4, RRP £39.99, is ideal to fast charge bik
The RSCX1 Maintenance Charger, RRP £24.99 is d
Both the RSCX4 and RSCX1 are weatherproof, allowing for battery charging whatever the weather.
Product manager
GREAT GADGETS FOR EASY SUMMER LIVING FROM RING AUTOMOTIVEEnlarge Image
Whatever your plans are for the summer, electronics component specialist Ring Automotive has a gadget to make your life easier!
From charging your MP3 player in the car to camping in the back of beyond and from cooling down in a traffic jam to washing off sandy feet, Ring has the answer.
Ring Automotive is best known for its car lighting but the company has put its electronics expertise into designing a range of leisure accessories.
· If you are planning a long summer trip, especially with kids in the back, check out the E:Can inverter. Inverters are the in-car solution to providing mains power for a whole host of electronic gadgets, including laptops, TVs and mobile phones. A USB charging points means the E:Can can even be used to charge MP3 players. The E:Can is designed to sit in the car’s cup holder and has a recommended retail price of £39.99.
· Ring Automotive’s portable shower, RRP £19.99, is the same model as that used by Jeremy Clarkson in the episode which saw the Top Gear team driving to
· Those whose cars don’t boast air-con might want to cool down with a Ring Automotive Heater and Cooler Fan, RRP £16.99. The fan is fitted with a fused cigarette lighter plug and can be set to provide warm or cool air. The compact design features a hidden foldable handle to provide directional heating and defrosting and a 360° swivel base.
· The Cyba-lite Endurance Essentials Cap Light, RRP £6.99. This five LED cap light clips beneath the peak of a baseball cap or any other stiff-brimmed hat to provide up to 24 hours’ hands-free light. Small enough to fit in a pocket, it provides a handy emergency light source.
Ring Automotive offers a wide range of other leisure accessories, including in-car USB and battery chargers and air inflator/deflators which are ideal for airbeds, dinghies and toys.
For details of stockists, contact Ring Automotive on 0113 213 7389.
PROFESSIONAL SOLUTION TO AIR COMPRESSORSEnlarge Image
Automotive specialist Ring has launched a new heavy duty air compressor designed especially for professional use.
The heavy duty RAC900, RRP £69.99, is already being used by one of the major breakdown services thanks to its reliability and speed, which is up to three times faster than a standard compressor, taking just 90 seconds to inflate from flat to 35psi.
Ring Automotive product manager Donna Clarkson said: “Although we are only now releasing this product on to the wider market, it has already proved itself in the hands of breakdown professionals.”
The compressor comes with a flexible hose with an industrial-style brass nozzle, quick release inflator/deflator and large gradient pressure gauge. It has quick release 12v battery clips, thermal overload protection and a seven metre coiled airline hose.
Rubber-mounted feet provide stability and reduce vibration and a weatherproof on/off switch protects the compressor against the elements.
The compressor and its accessories come complete with a durable storage bag with carry handle.
For more information please contact Donna Clarkson at Ring Automotive on 0113 213 7352 or Sara Lamper at Sara Lamper PR on 01423 701147.
TRAVEL SOLUTIONS FROM RING AUTOMOTIVEEnlarge Image
Motoring accessory specialist Ring Automotive has launched its latest Travel Solutions catalogue with a host of new products designed to make life more comfortable for anyone out and about with their car.
The Travel Solutions range covers diverse products, from air compressors to cooler boxes and handy vacuum cleaners, and has been created to cater for both motoring and leisure needs.
Seven new products have been added to the range for 2007 in response to customer demand. They are:
· The RAC110 12v Air Inflator and Deflator, RRP £7.99. Designed to run from the vehicle cigarette lighter, this comes complete with three adapter nozzles and a storage bag and is ideal for inflating air beds, dinghies, toys and other leisure accessories.
· The RAC120 Rechargeable Air Inflator and Deflator, RRP £19.99. The rechargeable model allows cordless operation for those who want the freedom of being away from the car and the mains supply and recharges via a 240v transformer or the vehicle cigarette lighter plug.
· The RAC 150 Digital
· The RAC700 4x4 Air Compressor, RRP £39.99. This compressor, which comes complete with a three-piece adaptor kit, is ideal for 4x4 and standard tyres. The compressor features a gauge in psi, kg/cm² and bar and is fitted with a cigarette lighter plug.
· The RF100 Heater and Cooler Fan, RRP £16.99. Ideal for those whose cars do not have air conditioning, the fan is fitted with a fused cigarette lighter plug and can be set to provide warm or cool air. The compact design features a hidden foldable handle to provide directional heating and defrosting and a 360° swivel base.
· The RF200 Cooler Fan, RRP £9.99. This two-speed fan is ideal for car, van or caravan and has a suction cup for fixing to windows and smooth surfaces.
· The RS1 Shower, RRP £19.99. Camping away from washing facilities or returning to the car with filthy dogs need never be a problem again with the electrically pumped shower. The shower operates with four D cell batteries or from a 12v power source and has adjustable water flow, a storage bag, suction cup and shower holder.
Ring Automotive product manager
Other products in the range include a range of air compressors, travel coolers for food and drink, wet and dry vacuums, headlight beam adjusters and magnetic GB plates.
For more information please contact Donna Clarkson at Ring Automotive on 0113 213 7352 or Sara Lamper at Sara Lamper PR on 01423 701147.
