Nissens sees opportunity in AC
AC is one of the industry’s constants, according to Nissens Automotive’s Jan Zieleskiewicz because, he argues, irrespective of a vehicle’s means of propulsion, it will remain a standard feature for years to come, which makes it an important ongoing business opportunity.
Today, rather than simply looking at the AC as the system that keeps the interior cool and the occupants comfortable, the reality is that it is now integral to the thermal management of the entire vehicle.
Technology is shifting to the point where the energy created in the AC system, whether it is cooling or heating, is now also being utilised elsewhere in the vehicle to increase performance, range and efficiency of the engine or battery pack.
Therefore, the annual service and maintenance of the AC system must become a necessity, because if it does not work or is underperforming, it is not just a comfort issue, but it will have significant repercussions and, at best, reduce the efficiency of the vehicle’s other systems, or, at worst, cause it to break down.
With this reality in focus, the opportunities for you are obvious, but so too is the need for a reliable AC partner. I believe this is where Nissens, a veteran in the field of thermal management systems, steps in with our replacement parts programme and expertise.
Although as stated previously, AC is now an ever present feature, there is a difference in the technology the systems use, which is often dependent on the vehicle’s powertrain. Whereas a traditional combustion engine powered vehicle will have a normal AC system, an advanced hybrid or full EV is likely to utilise a heat pump system. This means workshops need to understand these two technologies:
- Normal AC system: This is straightforward in terms of market perception, but when used in NEVs, in addition to cooling the occupants, it also has the important role of cooling down the battery pack should it get too hot. The service and maintenance of the AC system is crucial to the performance and range of the specific vehicle. So, if the performance of the AC system goes down, the range and capacity of the battery pack will be impacted too. It will not be able to maintain the optimal temperature of the battery pack and, therefore, performance and range will be lost.
- The heat pump AC system: This is more complicated because, in most cases, there are 10 times as many tubes to consider, due to the fact that the flow of the refrigerant is directed in the most efficient way of cooling or heating the vehicle. The heat pump controls the entire thermal management of the vehicle. So, if the heat pump does not work properly – condenser fan not working, leaks, lack of refrigerant or too much refrigerant – the car will not function properly and give an error message to the driver, informing them that it needs attention. In some cases, it will even stop the car and need to be taken to a workshop.
Nissens’ range
Our range of AC system parts has been designed to suit a variety of segments, from passenger cars to heavy-duty vehicles, and cover all types of drivetrains. With nine main product lines and more than 4,000 parts, catering for over 16,000 reference numbers, it provides for up to 93% of EU car parc coverage in some lines.
This allows you to supply customers with components for most European vehicles, manufactured to genuine Nissens quality standards, which ensures they are both reliable and easy to install. The purpose behind developing such a range is to streamline the repair process and, ultimately, boost the owner’s satisfaction through the optimum performance of the AC system.
Nissens condensers: Engineered to withstand harsh conditions
At the heart of every AC system lies the condenser, a critical heat exchanger that significantly impacts the system’s overall operation and longevity. Our condensers have been designed, engineered and tested to deliver excellent performance and withstand the harsh conditions of the road.
Their meticulous design includes a selection of raw materials and construction types, including the specific density of tubes and fins. Combined with rigorous testing, including wind tunnel simulations, corrosion tests in the salt chamber, as well as burst and vibration tests, this ensures that our condensers boost longevity and performance.
Another advantage for you comes with our packaging (left). We ensure safe delivery and the inclusion of all necessary installation parts, like bolts or O-rings. This helps with installation, making a practical difference.
In summary, should you choose to partner with us, you will have access to quality components, for current and future technologies, and be supported with true thermal management expertise.
