THE PRODUCT RANGE OF GLACIER VANDERVELL WILL BE INTEGRATED INTO THE BRANDS MAHLE ORIGINAL AND PERFECT CIRCLE – IN FAVOUR OF A CLEARLY DEFINED BRAND PORTFOLIO.

FROM GLACIER VANDERVELL …
The thin-walled bearing “Thin Wall”, the sputter bearing with significantly increased seizing resistance, the TriMetal bearing in innovative material combination: 3 technologies with which Glacier Vandervell used to set trends in the bearing market. This secured a technological advantage that succeeded again and again not only in the international automotive industry, but also in the racing stables of Formula 1 who put their trust in the high-quality products of the brand. Since the beginning of last year, the brand Glacier Vandervell has become part of the MAHLE group – and its product programme will be integrated into the two brands MAHLE Original and Perfect Circle.

… TO MAHLE ORIGINAL AND PERFECT CIRCLE
In plain English: the brand Glacier Vandervell will cease to exist in 2009. However, its technological know-how will be preserved as well as the complete range of specially coated bearings in original equipment quality for commercial vehicles (Renault Trucks, Iveco, Scania, Volvo) and passenger cars – now just as part of the MAHLE Original and Perfect Circle programmes. The quality of the bearings will remain just the same – only the part numbers will be converted to the MAHLE system and the packaging design will be adapted to the MAHLE Look.

EXTENDED PROGRAMME – IDENTICAL FOR BOTH BRANDS
Former customers of Glacier Vandervell will benefit now from the full programme and the well established brand image of the brands MAHLE Original and Perfect Circle. MAHLE Original sells high-volume applications such as for Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Volkswagen, Daimler and MAN. The programme from Perfect Circle includes pistons, cylinder liners and, of course, piston rings – and valves will be added soon. The product portfolio of the two brands MAHLE Original and Perfect Circle will be completely identical in quality and design – only the packaging will come with different lettering.

WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT: CHANGE OF THE PRODUCT MARKINGS
The bearings of the brand Glacier Vandervell had the marking “VP” (for Vandervell Products) up to now. This marking will be replaced gradually with the familiar MAHLE . In the transitional phase, in which bearings made by Glacier Vandervell are still entering the market, it is possible that bearings with “VP” markings are shipped in MAHLE Original or Perfect Circle packaging.

THE FINAL OUTCOME: A COMPREHENSIVE PRODUCT RANGE IN UNCOMPROMISING QUALITY
There should be nothing in the way of a smooth transition from Glacier Vandervell into MAHLE Original and Perfect Circle. Trade, workshops and engine repairers benefit now from 2 strong brands that include both bearings and a comprehensive programme of assemblies, pistons, cylinder liners, piston rings and valves.