Gates EuroGrip® Flexible Couplings And Decoupler Pulleys Enhance Engine Efficiency

Gates Corporation today announced the introduction of a new coupling technology, called EuroGrip®, to the Automotive Aftermarket. Gates originally designed, engineered and produced this new technology for European OEMs as a power transmission product to drive accessories in compact engine compartments.

Using Gates proven synchronous belt technology, the EuroGrip® Flexible Coupling is designed to transmit torque to drive engine accessories, such as the alternator, power steering pump or air conditioning compressor, and to damp vibrations between two connected shafts. With engine technology trends increasingly shaped by fuel economy, emission controls and package reductions, Gates EuroGrip® coupling offers a light weight, compact design with outstanding NVH characteristics (Noise, Vibration and Harshness).

“This technology is already in use on over a million vehicles in Europe,” said Tom Trojan, Marketing Manager, Gates Automotive Aftermarket. “As with many engine parts, drive system components are considered wear items and should be inspected beginning at 30,000 miles. When the Decoupler Pulley is worn, the load on the drive system will increase, causing noise and vibration and reducing the life span of the associated drive components. By replacing these parts together when wear is detected, added repair costs can be avoided.”

Gates is currently the only manufacturer in the Aftermarket offering the EuroGrip® coupling. Current application coverage is for Volkswagen and Volvo, but the company expects usage to increase in the U.S. as many of the same engines utilizing the EuroGrip® coupling in Europe are also used in North America. These high-quality OE Exact replacement parts guarantee a perfect fit every time.

About Gates

Gates Corporation ( gates.com ) is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of industrial and automotive products, systems and component with operations in 33 countries. Gates maintains sales and marketing operations in every major industrial and automotive market, including North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle East. Gates is part of the Industrial & Automotive group of Tomkins plc, a global engineering group listed on both the London (TOMK) and New York (TKS) stock exchanges, and with revenue of $4.2 billion in 2009. Tomkins plc has over 25,000 employees worldwide and enjoys strong market positions and technical leadership across all of its business activities and owns some of the best-known brands in their respective markets.