GUADALAJARA, JAL.- Keeping a tractor-trailer moving depends on more than just having cargo and a driver. Behind every kilometer lies a chain of components, maintenance, and spare parts availability that can make the difference between continuing the route or taking a unit to the repair shop.
Under this premise, Converto SPs , a company dedicated to the distribution of tractor parts and lubricants, brought together in Guadalajara customers, carriers and representatives of Fleetguard , Continental , Grote , Meritor , Horton , PrimeBlue , STEMCO and Castrol , among others, during the meeting “Connections that drive the road” , in which the brands shared solutions and technologies for different components of the tractor and trailer.
The meeting had three objectives: to celebrate the relationship with the brands that have supported the company, to learn about the innovations they are bringing to market, and to strengthen technical connections and relationships among the participants.
In a scenario that the company itself recognizes as complex for the industry, Converto SPs is heading towards its 40th anniversary , while observing signs of recovery in the market.
“As we all know, the industry has experienced a bit of a decline. It has been complicated. The last few years haven’t been the best, but we are still in this recovery phase,” said Xavier Hernández, CEO of Converto SPs.
The operation enters the conversation
The brands’ presentations addressed topics ranging from unit availability and maintenance intervals to safety and the potential cost of a vehicle being out of service for a fleet.
Fleetguard addressed filtration as a way to protect equipment investments against challenges such as unscheduled downtime, increasingly demanding maintenance intervals, more advanced engine technology, and the need to maximize unit availability.
The brand presented filtration technologies that aim to extend maintenance intervals, retain contaminant particles, and increase filter efficiency throughout their lifespan.
For his part, Iván Carrillo, Sales Manager of Continental , presented part of the ContiTech portfolio for heavy vehicles, which includes airbags, engine belts, tensioners and hoses.
The company paid special attention to product availability. Carrillo explained that maintaining the correct part number and the necessary quantities presents a challenge due to fluctuations in demand.
The manufacturer also brought up the total cost of ownership , noting that a lower-priced part can later involve replacements, further visits to the workshop, downtime, and even roadside assistance.
In lighting and security systems, Grote presented part of its offering for tractor-trailers and trailers, in addition to some of its recent launches.
These include an LED headlight for the Freightliner M2, as well as a rechargeable mini-beacon. The company emphasized that its products comply with applicable regulations in Mexico, the United States, and Canada, a key factor for fleets with cross-border operations.
Meritor , represented by Osvaldo Mendoza, addressed components such as axles, brakes, brake pads, automatic adjusters, and suspension elements.
During his presentation, he pointed out that the drum brake maintains a relevant presence in the configurations used in Mexico , so part of his portfolio focuses on components associated with this system.
In cooling systems, Horton presented fan clutch technologies focused on decreasing unnecessary activations and reducing fuel consumption.
The company also showcased pre-assembled kits designed to reduce repair times and installation errors, as well as remanufactured alternatives aimed at returning units to operation more quickly.
PrimeBlue focused its participation on solutions related to automotive urea and aftertreatment systems, while STEMCO and Castrol were also among the brands participating in the event.
The presentations gave way to a question and answer session in which the attendees themselves brought the conversation to the real operating conditions.
The meeting also addressed the real-world conditions under which the units operate. Overloading, route type, and operational characteristics can accelerate the wear of components such as airbags and shock absorbers , so their performance depends not only on the part’s specifications but also on how and where the vehicle operates.
In this scenario, the challenge for the tractor parts market is to keep up with the demands of an operation that seeks to keep units available, reduce interventions and obtain greater performance from each component.
“I believe the challenge remains to always offer quality products that make the operational side of each company more efficient with greater performance at the best possible cost,” Hernández said.
After the presentations and technical exchange, “Connections that drive the path” gave way to a more relaxed part of the day.
Comment and follow us on LinkedIn: @Karina Quintero / @GrupoT21
