Aftermarket has today unveiled two major web based developments which will aid both distributors and garages in 2015 and beyond.

This news supports TRW’s objective of becoming a major and growing force on the global digital landscape.

‘Tech Corner’ is a free, online technical information hub to help installers repair and replace TRW parts safely. This regularly-updated website is packed with how-to guides, short video demonstrations and tutorials to support installers as they work with TRW components. The business has also announced that its upgraded European parts catalogue is now live on the TRW Aftermarket main portal: www.trwaftermarket.com.

“The web is the most valuable and powerful communication tool we have as it allows for ‘Glocalization’ - global thinking with the ability to react on a local level. We need to manage it carefully and harness its powers to maximise the benefits,” explained Ben Smart, TRW’s marketing services manager, global Parts & Service.

“In this digital age, the aftermarket as a whole needs to further embrace the web space in order to react quickly to the changing requirements of the market. Ever increasing technological development drives the need for an increased flow of knowledge into the aftermarket.

“To ensure we are properly prepared to deal with this and to meet the raised expectation of the audience, the web is pivotal as it enables the quick, mass communication of reactive content and rich informative technical data.”

Accessed via the TRW website, Tech Corner is easy to use and passes on expert guidance for a wide range of TRW parts with simple-to-understand instructions – making it the perfect companion for any installer.

The on-line parts catalogue supports a quick search interface which allows the user to search by vehicle manufacturer, model, type and product group, as well as by TRW, EAN, OE and Cross reference numbers. An advanced results page allows the user to customise a selection via additional attributes, drilling down to the precise part required. The catalogue interface has been designed to allow for a fast and easy search with the minimum of clicks. It is currently available in: English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish and Turkish.

As part of a continuous improvement strategy, further developments to both communication tools are planned in the coming months.

Ben added: “The availability of reliable and up to date web-based data and technical information is paramount to the future success of the aftermarket.” “As a global leader in the design, development and manufacture of safety critical, OE quality braking, steering & suspension parts and systems, under the ‘Corner Module’ banner, we take this responsibility very seriously. We have invested heavily in this area and will continue to do so in the months and years ahead.”