ADDS VIN SEARCH FUNCTION TO INTEGRATED CATALOGUE

TRW Automotive Aftermarket’s new and improved integrated online catalogue now allows the user to find parts using a unique vehicle identifier and by market selection. This move will aid fast, accurate component identification and is in line with TRW’s objective of becoming a digital leader in its field.

The catalogue is easy to use. Anyone can identify a TRW part or system for a vehicle using a unique identifier. Anyone can access the market selection function. For example, a technician working on a French plate car in London can identify the parts for the vehicle by selecting ‘France’ from the market selector. The language would be set to EN by default because the internet protocol (IP) will identify that the technician is in London.

TRW’s Garage and Online Marketing Manager, Alexander Knorn explained: “In line with market demands, TRW has invested heavily to improve its digital capability over the past few years. With globalisation now the norm and geographical boundaries no longer a barrier to business, the internet is the most powerful global communication tool in existence and we are working hard to harness its powers.”

Users in Germany can now identify vehicles using a unique seven digit Kraftfahrtbundesamt (KBA) number issued by the German Federal Motor Transport Authority. The catalogue utilises Système d'Immatriculation des Véhicules (SIV) identifying codes to search French vehicles. Customers in the UK can search by typing in their registration plate. Other countries will have the option to search via Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or registration plate.

Alexander concluded: “Our integrated catalogue is now the main digital source of information for TRW’s ‘Corner Module’ – braking, steering & suspension parts and systems. Part identification is now faster and more accurate, meaning users avoid the inconvenience and expense of wrongly ordered goods. In addition, the market selection functionality creates a truly global marketplace.”