BM Catalysts stole a march on the competition at Equip Auto with the launch of a new range of selective catalytic reduction exhaust components.
There are just 14 part numbers in the range to start with, as SCR technology on cars is still in the very early stages of deployment, but demand will increase when Euro 6 emissions standards for cars are introduced in 2014 and the range will grow.
BM’s Mark Blinston doesn’t expect significant sales of the new products for around three years, but this is no problem for the company he says.
“A company like ours needs to show a willingness to innovate and to keep on pushing forward with developments. It’s something that we can very unique with.
“Some of the problems with UK distribution is that it’s reactive. We want to be proactive.”
As with the existing range of DPFs, Blinston says BM will be able to offer replacement SCR at around 40 to 50% less than the OE supplier.
The cost per unit is lower than for a DPF, but as more cars use the technology it could become a part that fails more often. While DPFs can be regenerated if they are caught before they entirely clog up, SCRs will fail outright.
Models initially covered by the new range include models in the Audi A4, A5, A7, A6, A8, Q5 and Q7 ranges, the Mazda CX-7, Mercedes E-, G- and ML-Class, Seat Alhambra, and Volkswagen Crafter, Passat, Sharan and Touareg.
Blinston is one of the biggest fans of Equip Auto amongst British companies at the show. With UK distribution at a very mature stage, it is in the export arena where the business is experiencing its growth.
“We have to keep the momentum going. We got a lot of activity from the last Equip Auto and Automechanika, so we have to keep that going.”
Eastern European markets are developing well, says Blinston, as well as Benelux, while BM also sends in small amounts to Australia and New Zealand.
Italy, Spain and, of course, France are significant generators of revenue for BM which now sees exports account for 50% of its turnover.
In 2011 the company had eight distribution points in France, while it now has 40. Compared with last year, DPF sales in the country are also up 81% in the third quarter.
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