varta agm battery launch

11.2005
VartaNEWS
Information bulletin for VARTA main distributors and stockists
HOT OFF THE PRESS
VARTA AGM BATTERY LAUNCH
VARTA is bringing its
market leading AGM
technology to the
aftermarket with a
range of premium
batteries under the
AGM Ultra Dynamic
label.
VARTA are the key player in
AGM technology batteries in
the European OEM market,
with more than 90 per cent
of the market. Shortly VARTA
distributors and stockists will
be able to meet the demands
of the UK aftermarket with
like for like replacement
product from December,
with the launch of our new
AGM Ultra dynamic battery.
Absorbent Glass Mat
technology
AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat)
technology uses special
micro-glass fibres inbetween the plates to fix the
electrolyte. This increases
the bonding of the active
plate material between the
plates and the electrolyte,
which substantially increases
the life span and electrical
performance of the battery. It
also enhances vibration
resistance and makes the
battery 100% spill proof.
navigation, at least 3500
watts is consumed.
Rolls-Royce, Bentley,
Mercedes…
At the upper end of the
scale, where up to 5000
watts is increasingly
common, luxury models like
the Maybach and Rolls
Royce Phantom have two
VARTA AGM batteries to
meet their needs, while cars
such as the Bentley
Continental GT and
Mercedes-Benz SL use a
VARTA calcium-silver battery
for starting and an AGM
battery for all auxiliary
requirements.
It’s not just the luxury end of
the market where AGM
batteries are being fitted; in
the ‘mass market’ sector,
AGM batteries are being
fitted as original equipment
on some new Audi A3, VW
Golf and Passat models,
depending on the electrical
demands of the vehicle.
Specialist applications
Even specialist vehicles are
now benefiting from this
development. Black cabs in
London and Mercedes E
Class taxis in Germany have
been fitted with AGM
batteries as OE for the past
year, and other applications
include ambulances, police
vehicles, delivery vans and
off roaders.
Features and benefits
Features of the range include
fitment flexibility – the AGM
battery is 100 per cent spill
and leak proof – far greater
resistance to high under
bonnet temperatures in
modern vehicles, higher
vibration resistance and the
ability to deep discharge.
The AGM Ultra dynamic is
fully sealed and totally
maintenance free, yet can be
recharged with a standard
charger with IU
characteristics. Although
prices are approximately
twice that of calcium-silver
products to the end-user,
VARTA AGM batteries have
been proven to offer three
times longer service and
cycle life.
The development of AGM
batteries has been driven by
the dramatic increase in the
number of electrical
consumers in modern cars,
particularly high-end
models. The average power
consumption in 1990 was
950 watts. Now, thanks to
electronic engine
management, ABS, air bags,
air conditioning, electric
seats, DVD and satellite
Turn to page 3 for Product News - New AGM types
Like for like
replacement a key
opportunity
This new battery does the
job a conventional battery
just cannot do, so when it
comes to fitting a new
battery on a vehicle
equipped with AGM as
original equipment, the
aftermarket must make sure
that a like for like
replacement is sourced. And
as we are the key OEM
supplier to the AGM market,
VARTA distributors and
stockists are in an ideal
position to take advantage of
this requirement.
We are launching two types
of AGM Ultra Dynamic
battery with 70Ah and 95Ah
ratings to provide 92 per
cent OEM coverage. They
will be available through the
VARTA distribution network
from December.
The new VARTA AGM
specifications and prices are
shown overleaf, and are also
listed in the new VARTA
catalogue.
PRODUCT NEWS - New AGM types
Overall dimensions in mm
ETN
Short Code
L
W
H
570 901 076
595 901 085
E39
G14
278
353
175
175
190
190
Cold start
performance
to EN
760
850
VARTA
retail
£217.16
£294.73
IMPORTANT - PRICE INCREASE ON ACID PACKS
Due to the decline in demand for acid packs coupled with a rise in costs from our supplier, we have no option but to
increase our price on acid packs. As of 1st December 2005, the VARTA list price for an acid pack will rise to £26.50 + VAT.
MARKET NEWS
LEAD PRICE
INCREASE HAS
FURTHER IMPACT
ON BATTERY
INDUSTRY
The price of lead has continued to
fluctuate during 2005 and after a brief
period of levelling off during the summer,
has increased to previously unknown
levels during the last quarter. The UK
battery market will already be very familiar
with increases in lead costs and with lead
now approaching a cost of 870€/tonne,
should be prepared for further price
movements in the near future.
GRAPH CHARTS LEAD PRICE DEVELOPMENT SINCE JANUARY 2002
RECOGNITION OF LONG SERVICE FOR VARTA
SALES MANAGERS
Longstanding VARTA customers in Scotland and the North will be familiar with our two Area Sales Managers who
recently achieved important landmarks in terms of service. John Aitken, responsible for Scotland, recently celebrated his
25th anniversary with us. John started his career in the automotive industry in the tyre trade, and joined VARTA in 1980.
Oliver Finnegan, Sales Manager for the North of England and Northern Ireland, has more than 30 years’ experience in the
automotive industry. Of these a significant 20 years have been devoted to supporting and developing customers in selling
and marketing the VARTA brand. Both have contributed significantly to the success of the Company during these years.
They are not however the only staff who have dedicated many years to VARTA; other VARTA staff currently clocking up
the years at VARTA include Peter Thornton, Stephen Jones, Debbie Foskett and Bob Wells (20, 15, 11 and 10 years
respectively).
IMPROVE YOUR VARTA BATTERY SALES
WITH OUR LATEST DIRECT MAILER
Direct mailing can be a convenient
and effective way of conveying
key brand messages to existing
and trade customers, but it is
often difficult and time-consuming
to put together a really effective
mailshot.
Guaranteed power and reliability
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY BATTERIES
The BLUE dynamic
Incorporating VARTA’s CALCIUM-SILVER technology and
rigorously tested against conventional products, the BLUE
dynamic consistently gives 20% longer life. This means
you can confidently tell your customers they are buying
the best battery on the market.
NTDA Quality test
8.9
9
8
Why stock anything else?
Supplied, filled and charged, with an 18 month shelf life, our
range of BLUE dynamic now covers more than 90% of the UK
parc and is constantly being redeveloped for all modern cars
– so you can now supply one range to suit all your
customers’ needs.
This is where we can help. Our existing set of 6
trade flyers have been refreshed to include the
new BLUE dynamic battery, and we have added
a brand new two-sided version, carrying the
slogan "Engineered for the next generation".
Each flyer carries a slightly different, but highly
relevant message for your local customer base.
Varta
6
Nearest
competitor
6.92
Th
e
N ca
o r
1 m
ch ak
oi er
ce s’
7
When tested in the recent NTDA Fast Fit Survey VARTA came
out on top as the Best Quality Brand on the market, way
ahead of all other makes. Why stock an inferior battery?
Simplify your battery stocking and offer the customer the
right battery for their car.
Varta CALCIUM-SILVER batteries are specially designed to cope better with an increased level of electrical consumers.
* Approximate power drain given in watts,
dependent on climate, level of usage, driving
conditions etc.
Engine Management System
180 Watts
Fuel Injection
60 Watts
Headlight Dip
150 Watts
Heated Wing Mirrors
30 Watts
Headlight Washers
60 Watts
Fog Lights
100 Watts
Windscreen Wipers
80 Watts
Rear Windscreen Wiper
50 Watts
Heated Washer Nozzles
40 Watts
Heated Rear Windscreen
120 Watts
Heater
80 Watts
Brake Lights
40 Watts
Telephone
8 Watts
Fog Lights
40 Watts
Engineered for the next generation.
Leading car makers demand leading components. This is why VARTA’s CALCIUM-SILVER
technology battery is the No1 choice with the top car manufacturers, who use VARTA for all
their latest models.
The new BLUE dynamic line up includes types and specifications which anticipate the
requirements of the future. This ensures the new and improved BLUE dynamic will stay the No1
choice for the next generation of cars.
And because the newly updated range is honed to the requirements of the UK
aftermarket, there’s a BLUE dynamic to fit the car makers’ older models too.
So whether it’s a brand new Golf GTi or a 10 year old Ford, you can be sure
that the VARTA BLUE dynamic is the best choice for your customers.
Amplifier
Engineered for
the modern car
Today’s modern cars are designed to
give the motorist the best possible
driving experience. Whether it is
better road performance, passenger
comfort or in car entertainment, the
drain on the system is considerable.
And VARTA’s team of battery
engineers have vigilantly stayed
ahead of this trend ensuring all your
customers’ electrical demands are
met.
200 Watts
Fuel Pump
60 Watts
Heated Seats
100 Watts
Radio- and CD Changer
60 Watts
Anti-locking Brake System
50 Watts
Electronic Stability Program
50 Watts
Engineered for life.
VB Automotive Batteries Ltd, Broadwater Park, North Orbital Road, Denham, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB9 5HR
Tel: 01895 838989/91/93 Fax: 01895 838981 Website: www.varta-automotive.co.uk
New two-sided colour flyer can be overprinted with your details.
Dual-branded with your logo and
contact details
We will print a set of flyers for you for a very nominal
fee, and overbrand them with your logo and contact
details. These will be professionally printed in full colour
on good quality, gloss paper and mailed to you within a
short lead time. Alternatively, a set of blank flyers can be
supplied free of charge.
As a prospective customer will often need to be drip fed
a series of persuasive messages before taking the
decision to switch supplier, we would recommend using
our trade flyer printing service to the full and mailing
different flyers in successive hits.
Engineered for peace of mind.
Motorists buy a new battery when their old one lets them down. Exactly the time when they
could do with the reassurance of a VARTA battery.
Contact your VARTA Area Sales Manager today to place
your order for flyers.
Engineered for longer life.
With a VARTA battery installed in their vehicle, you can reassure your customers that they
have the best battery on the market, engineered to keep on working long after other
batteries would fail. Tell your customers that buying a VARTA battery is excellent value in
the long run.
VARTA’s CALCIUM-SILVER technology batteries are engineered to give 20% extra life.
So simply by selling a superior product, you get a greater profit margin and increased
customer loyalty.
The quality and performance of VARTA batteries make them the best batteries on the market.
And your customers will come to trust your advice and turn to you for other purchases.
Keep your customers coming back. Sell VARTA and give your profits an extra boost.
We are your local Varta distributor. Call us now.
We are your local Varta distributor. Call us now.
Engineered for life.
And VARTA’s meticulous quality control system ensures that every one of their batteries is
made to the highest quality standards of German manufacturing expertise. Sell VARTA, and say
goodbye to the hassle of faulty returns. Total peace of mind for your customers and for you. e
Engineered for life.
Engineered for extremes.
A battery’s performance is under its greatest pressure when conditions are either at
extremes of cold and hot. And to prove that VARTA’s CALCIUM-SILVER technology batteries
outperform all others, they have been put to the test in the extremest of conditions.
VARTA’s rigorous testing programmes have taken them from the searing heat of the desert
to the frozen arctic. Even in these circumstances VARTA batteries have been engineered to
give a guaranteed 20% extra life.
Tell your customers that a VARTA battery will keep them going for longer, whatever the
weather. e your local Varta distributor. Call us now.
are your local Varta distributor. Call us now.
Engineered for life.
Engineered for Mercedes, Jaguar, BMW.
Engineered for profit.
In tests, VARTA’s revolutionary CALCIUM-SILVER technology has been proved to add
20% extra life to a battery.
VARTA’s CALCIUM-SILVER technology batteries are engineered to give 20% extra life and
added power. That’s why they are fitted as standard equipment by all the major motor
manufacturers.
Engineered for life.
Engineered for performance.
VARTA’s CALCIUM-SILVER technology batteries are fitted as original equipment to most leading
makes of vehicle, from the awesome Aston Martin Vantage to the nippy Mini Cooper.
Engineered to give 20% extra life and added power, they are perfect to run all the additional
systems housed on today’s modern vehicles.
VARTA engineers work very closely with the motor manufacturers, often creating a unique new
battery to meet the demands of a particular new model. And their replacement batteries
match the exact standards set by the motor manufacturers themselves.
So whenever a customer comes to you for a new battery, recommend VARTA, the best
battery for their vehicle.
VARTA’s CALCIUM-SILVER technology batteries are specially engineered to handle all the
power requirements of the modern vehicle. Not just starting the engine, but also running
all the systems like air-conditioning, engine management and in-car audio.
No other battery can match the power performance of a VARTA CALCIUM-SILVER battery.
In freezing conditions and in searing heat, the VARTA battery will deliver more power
or longer.
And VARTA’s CALCIUM-SILVER batteries are always marked with the EN performance rating.
So you know exactly what you are paying for.
Don’t sell your customers short, make sure they buy a VARTA battery.
We are your local Varta distributor. Call us now.
We are your local Varta distributor. Call us now.
Engineered for life.
Engineered for life.
Our set of six flyers, now updated to include the new BLUE dynamic.
TAKE THE VARTA BRAND MESSAGE TO THE
END USER THIS WINTER
The rules of good
communication
Ensure you have the latest
VARTA point of sale material
displayed in a prominent
position, and encourage
your trade customers to do
the same. Make it easy for
the end-user to be able to
associate your business
easily with batteries, so that
your name is the first to be
called to mind in the event
of battery failure. Ensure all
of your material is clean and
up-to-date, giving a
professional image to
customers and passers-by.
Try to keep messages at eye
level, and avoid clutter.
Remember that space is
good, and less is more.
Encourage your staff to use
the VARTA countermat as a
crib; this carries a list of all
the car manufacturers which
have VARTA batteries fitted
as OE – a very important
and persuasive message for
the end-user.
And, whilst we are sure this
doesn’t apply to the majority
VARTA distributors and
stockists – please remember
that a VARTA battery stand
is designed to carry VARTA
batteries only! If other
Engineered for Life
Innovative CALCIUM-SILVER technology batteries
Th
e
No car
1 c ma
ho ke
ic rs’
e
20% longer life, superior starting, unbeatable reliability
Fitted by all the top car makers:
Audi, Aston Martin, Bentley, BMW, Citroen, Fiat, Ford, Honda, Jaguar, Land Rover, McClaren,
Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Peugeot, Porsche, Saab, Seat, Skoda, Vauxhall, Volvo, VW
www.varta-automotive.co.uk
Use the VARTA counter mat as a sales crib
FREE CAR BATTERY
TESTING SERVICE
Free Battery
Check
Dealer adver tising templates
These advertisements are print-ready
and can be sent directly to your local
publication
1) Choose your size and cut out.
2) Add your required contact details and
send to the newspaper.
Free battery
Check
Free Battery
Check
Free Battery
Free Battery Check
Customer:
Registration no:
Check
Vehicle type:
Battery type:
Test date:
Dealer stamp
Test report
Free battery
Check
Visual check
Overall condition OK
Tester reading
Battery damaged / leaking
Terminals
Why wait for
a breakdown?
Format 2 columns, 94 x 142 mm
Contact your local
VARTA stockist today:
Why wait for a
breakdown?
Contact your
local VARTA
stockist today:
We will conduct a quick test on your battery, and give you a comprehensive report on its condition. If needed or requested, we can also perform a quick recharge, or simply replace your
battery for you.
Replacement car batteries from VARTA.
Engineered for longer life.
Acid level checked
o.k.
(only relevant for batteries
with removable vent plugs)
Topped up with
distilled water
Attach tester reading here if
available
A
Charge battery.
Battery requires recharging before a test can be performed.
B
Good battery.
Battery is in good condition, no further action required
C
Replace battery.
Battery requires immediate replacement.
Charge voltage
of alternator
o.k.
Exceeds recommended
level
Below recommended
level
VARTA´s range of CALCIUM-SILVER batteries will
keep working long after others fail.
Contact your local VARTA stockist today:
Case
Terminals cleaned
and greased
Results of battery testing device check:
Did you know that the most common causes of the 3.9 million breakdowns attended by the
AA in 2003 were battery failures – an alarming 15%.
Check
Why wait for
a breakdown?
Lid
Condition of battery
o.k.
connections / terminals
Why wait for a breakdown?
Avoid the hassle of a flat battery and give yourself some peace of mind by letting us test your
car battery for you – for free.
Free battery
Format 3 columns, 138 x 125 mm
Make the business of battery
buying easier for the
consumer, by keeping your
communication clear,
concise and consistent.
Avoid communicating on
other battery brands; the UK
battery industry is
characterised by a multitude
of brands, many having few
differentiating features
between them, so stick to a
strong brand name to make
the task of convincing the
customer much easier. And
of course, a battery is a
distress purchase, giving
you every opportunity to
sell-up, rather than initially
offering the cheapest and
most basic product you may
stock.
Format 1 column, 45 x 95 mm
With the
Meteorological Office
predicting the coldest
winter in Britain for at
least a decade VARTA
distributors and
stockists will no doubt
be gearing up for a
considerable surge in
battery failures this
winter. No better time
to increase your
competitive edge over
the other battery
outlets in your area by
reviewing your brand
communication.
20% longer life
Superior starting
Unbeatable reliability
100% maintenance free. Fit it and forget it.
Our price for replacement VARTA battery:
Varta ‘battery check’
kit for workshops
Why wait for a
Free
Battery Check
breakdown?
We performed a free test
on your car battery
Battery good
Battery may need
replacing soon
Battery needs replacing
as soon as possible
Your local VARTA stockist:
products are crammed into
the display as well this will
not only look
unprofessional, but create
confusion for the customer
and a sales opportunity may
be lost.
Easy as 1,2,3
If your counter staff need
assistance in selling VARTA,
please remind them of the 3
powerful and persuasive key
messages. These are our
unique selling propositions
and cannot be beaten by
any other battery brand:
Workshop Testing Kit
For those of you who are
supplying proactive and
marketing-aware garage
workshop environments,
please consider our new
workshop testing kit. We
have limited supplies of this
high quality kit to give away
to loyal VARTA garages on a
first come first served basis.
Unlike anything the UK
battery industry has seen
before, this professional kit
includes some valuable
tools for the workshop to
enable the motorist to
associate batteries with their
business when the time
comes for battery
replacement. The workshop
should use this throughout
the Autumn/Winter period.
Under the catch line "Why
wait for a breakdown", the
series of posters, leaflets,
dealer advertising templates
and mirror hangers reminds
drivers that the most
common causes of 3.9
million roadside breakdowns
attended by the AA in 2003
were battery failures.
Published by: VARTA AUTOMOTIVE BATTERIES LTD
Marketing Dept, Broadwater Park, North Orbital Road, Denham, Middx UB9 5HR
Tel: 01895 838991/93/89 Fax: 01895 838980
E-Mail [email protected] Website: www.varta-automotive.co.uk Trade customer site via website
VARTA is the car
makers No 1 choice
VARTA batteries are
engineered in Germany
VARTA batteries are
specially designed for
today’s modern cars
For more information about
the VARTA point-of-sale
package, including trade
flyers and the VARTA
workshop battery testing
kit, please contact your
VARTA Area Sales Manager
or VARTA main distributor
today.
VARTA in your local
news
In order to assist our
customers with their
marketing drive this
winter, we have also
recently supplied a press
release to your local
newspaper, which we
hope will be featured and
bring business directly to
your door – please look
out for it!