Chrysler 2012 Annual Report Download - page 79

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Shock Absorbers
The business line recorded revenues of €354 million for 2012, a 13% decrease over the previous year (-9%
at constant exchange rates). The reduction was primarily attributable to lower business volumes in Brazil and
Poland, which were partially offset by a modest pickup in the U.S. associated with new products for Chrysler.
Principal new product developments during 2012 related to the Full Displacement technology currently used
on the Fiat Viaggio and several Mitsubishi models, as well as the Power Shock technology (which offers
enhanced comfort and stability at an attractive price) that will be used on a new Fiat model in Brazil beginning
in 2013. Development also continued on regenerative shock absorbers and weight reduction through the use
of alternative materials.
Electronic Systems
Revenues totaled €875 million for the year, an increase of 21% over the prior year driven by significant growth for
“telematic and body” products for external customers (principally Ecotax telepass units for Società Autostrade).
There was also an increase in business volumes with Chrysler (HFM, Blue&Me 500), PSA (RT6, RT6FF and
SMEG A9 radio navigation systems) and Daimler (Car2go for the Smart).
Innovation projects included development of the integrated electronic xenon bulb (Fine X) and a new infotainment
system for BMW.
Exhaust Systems
Revenues for 2012 totaled €598 million, down 14% over the prior year. The decrease was attributable to the
overall contraction in demand in the business line’s core markets.
On the innovation front, the business line continued its focus on reductions in CO2 emissions (through lighter
systems and exhaust heat recovery solutions) and other activities related to future emissions standards,
including NOX Storage Catalyst (NSC) and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology for application on
diesel engines and softscanning technology for application on Euro 6 gasoline engines.
After Market
Revenues totaled €340 million for 2012, up 2% over the previous year. Growth in the U.S. and Mercosur
was partially offset by decreases in Europe. There were increases for the COFAP line and the Behr Hella
thermal line. Volumes for rotary motors, batteries and brakes were down over the prior year, while lighting
was substantially flat.
Plastic Components and Modules
Revenues totaled €419 million for 2012, down 20% over the previous year. The decrease was attributable to
the overall contraction in demand in the business line’s core markets.
Commercial
Performance
by Segment
Report on
Operations