Taiwan Touts Innovative Products At Taipei AMPA 2005

At the recent 2005 Taipei International Auto/Motorcycle Parts & Accessories Show (Taipei AMPA '05), one of the clearest statements made was of the rapid transformation made by Taiwan's auto parts and accessory industry in recent years. Local manufacturers showcased cutting-edge products at the show, attesting to their R&D prowess and ability to join technology, manufacturing, and industrial design expertise in the creation of some of the industry's most innovative items.

The huge number of innovative products displayed this year also underscored Taipei AMPA's transformation from an aftermarket (AM) supermarket to the place to source the newest auto products and find out where the industry is going. This change reflects the structural transformation of the local auto-parts industry from its concentration on commodity parts to the offering of high-end goods sold with an emphasis on quality, design, and technical sophistication rather than on pricing, as in the past.

Roof-Mounted Multimedia Systems

Among the new products on display was a height-adjustable roof-mounted in-car multimedia (DVD/VCD/CD/MP3/CD-R/CD-RW compatible) entertainment system from Equus International Corp. The integrated multimedia system comes in 7-inch and 10.2-inch widescreen versions.

Equus president and CEO Duke Chen says that the new system has a patented height-adjustable screen that can flip down and be easily height adjusted with the push of a button, allowing greater viewing comfort.

According to Chen, the height-adjustable screen also has safety benefits, since the screen can be positioned to not obstruct the rearview mirror view. The screen also has a torque release mechanism that will release the screen in the event of a collision. In addition, the height-adjustable screen can easily be adjusted to a proper angle so all rear-row passengers of a seven-seated car or van can watch the show.

Other traits of the innovative multimedia system include a remote control, touch screen-control functions, and wireless headphones. Equus claims to be the largest maker of touch-screen in-car multimedia systems in Taiwan. The company also supplies such systems to automakers in mainland China.

Equus is also one of the top-three auto-gauge and advanced automotive computer analysis systems provider in North America. At AMPA 2005, the company also demonstrated its latest CAN/OBD2 dual-system integrated computer-data analyzer, which can pick up all car computer data within 15 seconds and let technicians know where problem have occurred. In the past, Chen says, gun-type computer analyzers have replaced the large unwieldy instruments used in the past. These new models are also more precise and efficient than the older types.

Wireless Safety

Another new item on show was a wireless tire pressure/temperature monitoring system (WTPMS) developed by CQS Electrical Products Inc., a manufacturer of automobile and motorcycle parts.

The innovative system features a dashboard-mounted liquid crystal display (LCD) with several function buttons. The LCD display can also be swapped for a more economical light-emitting diode (LED) display or super twisted nematic (STN)-LCD display. The unit is powered by the in-car cigarette-lighter plug and has a built-in wireless signal transmission from four sensors mounted on the wheel rims. The display has a built-in siren to alert the driver, and the backlight of the LCD display turns from green to red when the pressure or temperature is beyond normal range. The display indicates tire's condition simultaneously or interchangeably, according to the display type.

CQS president Patrick Peng says that his company's WTPMS can simultaneously monitor the pressure and temperature of all four tires to avert accident-causing blowouts, extend tire life and increase fuel efficiency. Other features include real-time activation of both visual and audible warning signals to indicate abnormal tire conditions, compatibility with all kinds of wheel rims, and a user-friendly digital receiver interface that learns transmitter ID codes during transmitter assembly and/or routine maintenance.

Peng claims that his company's WTPMS adopts advanced sensor chips developed by big international IC design companies, micro control unit (MCU) developed by Atmel, and military-grade lithium-ion batteries for the transmitters. The battery life is guaranteed for five to 10 years. The LCD display also has a spare slot for GPS data expansion.

Peng says that the WTPMS is a just a debut model. His company aims eventually to provide total WTPMS solutions for automakers or aftermarket parts brands worldwide. CQS is also an original equipment (OE) supplier of seat-suspension mechanisms to leading global agriculture machine maker John Deere and aluminum casting parts to big international auto and motorcycle makers.

Powering Up

The technology gains made by Taiwan's auto parts industry were also vividly seen in the 2.2L automotive engine displayed by China Engine Corp.

Aaron Lin, general manager of China Engine's business development and planning division, says that his company plans to start mass production of a 2.0L engine (developed on the same platform used for the 2.2L model) later this year, while the 2.2L version will be adopted by a local automaker on a minivan model next year.

China Engine's new model adopts an engine management system (EMS) developed by Delphi of the U.S and turbo technology provided by a French partner. Lin says his company will focus on niche markets for mainly non-passenger sport utility vehicles (SUVs), minivans, and commercial vehicles. The 2.2L natural aspired engine can generate around 153 horsepower, while the turbo version delivers about 180 horsepower, enough to power an SUV or minivan. In addition, the new engine's emission levels meet the fourth-stage emission standards in Europe.

China Engine also showcased some other niche products at the show, including a 250cc high-end go-cart engine, which can power agricultural machinery and other types of recreational vehicle as well. The company also has developed a 500cc motorcycle engine in both single- and twin-cylinder versions, generating 35 horsepower. The engine is expected to enter mass production in late 2006. Lin says that the 500cc powered two-wheeler (PTW)/all-terrain vehicle (ATV) engine will help the local PTW line overcome technical bottlenecks faced in the development of power sources.

Staying Cool

Pro Rolling Enterprise Co., Ltd. Demonstrated its Coolmax car-seat mat, billed by the company as the ultimate solution for all-weather driver and passenger comfort.

Pro Rolling president Lowen Peng says that the Coolmax seat mat is made with a newly developed temperature-adjusting fabric that provides maximum ventilation and heat release. The overall effect provides users with cooler- and drier-feeling fabric in summer as well as warmer backing in winter. In addition to its temperature-adjusting function, the Coolmax mat is peel-resistant, odor-free, anti-fungal and anti-dust mite, and easy to install.

Peng says that the ventilation effect of the Coolmax mat is enhanced by a sponge material. He claims that the mat is between 15 and 20 degrees cooler than general PV and leather seat covers or mats, assuming in-cabin temperatures of about 60 degrees. Even after extended sitting, he says, the surface temperature of the Coolmax remains fairly constant.

Pro Rolling has set up a mat-production plant in Malaysia, where the hot climate creates a huge demand for car cooling solutions. The company is also developing sales through both automakers and hypermarkets.

Chip-Sensing Security System

Another innovation in car security segment is the world's first chip-sensing type security system, the UFO 580, developed by Hong Yang World Science Co., Ltd.

Rebecca Huang, manger of Hong Yang, a leading car and home security system maker, says that the UFO-580 has a control unit and a remote controller with built-in high-sensitivity chipsets and can handle real-time two-way communications. The control unit of the UFO-580 integrates a tri-band (GSM 900, 1800 and 1900) communication module that acts like a platform for safety and convenience.

UFO-580 can identify a person with a chip remote controller to a distance of about four to five meters and automatically switch on/off the car alarm system. If your car is broken into or stolen, the control unit will call the owner's cell phone. The owner can transmit a warning to the thief by cell phone to the car's built-in speaker. If the remote controller's battery is out, your car simply calls your cell phone to deactivate the alarm. The UFO-580 can be compatible with all kinds of original car-alarm systems.

LED Instrument Panel

Shinex Electronic Industries Inc., a 30-year veteran of the commercial air-conditioning business, diversified into auto-electronics sector last year by setting up an electronics division with a Japanese LCD module company. The company demonstrated a series of full-LED instrument panels for cars and PTWs at AMPA this year.

One of the company's latest products is an LED instrument panel developed for a local automaker. The panel displays driving information and symbols, including speed, RPM, oil/water temperatures, door/trunk condition, and manual brake, with backlit LEDs. In addition, the instrument panel integrates an LED heads-up display (HUD) with configurable-data display. Shinex has also developed several instrument panels for PTWs and in-cabin roof lights with LED lighting sources.

Albert Lin, project manager for Shinex's sales department, says that LED instrument panels are still expensive, but prices are expected to fall as production volumes rise. Most auto and PTW makers are therefore adopting such high-tech products on specialty models to promote sales volume. Lin also predicts that LED lighting will become much more common in cars in the near future.

Tuning Specialists

Fu Bu Auto Parts Co., Ltd. Maker of D2 high-performance tuning shock absorbers, unveiled the company's latest inverted-tube shock absorbers at the show.

Fu Bu chairman Liao Chih-hsien says that the inverted-tube shock absorbers were first used on big-displacement chopper motorcycles to strengthen their durability, and latter on racing cars to withstand high impact forces while maintaining steering stability. Liao says that the inverted-tube shock absorbers have a stronger cylinder structure and are therefore more durable and deliver better damping performance. They are also very suited to the powerful and heavy car models today.

Liao says that Fu Bu is the first local maker of high-end inverted tube shock absorbers by overcoming difficult technical and cost-control challenges. The chairman explains that all of the 60-some parts of the inverted-tube shock absorbers have to be developed from scratch.

Fu Bu has started exporting the inverted-tube shock absorbers to the U.S., Canada, and Japan. The D2 is a well-known brand in many major tuning-part market.

We're Top Co., maker of WAT-brand high-end tuning parts, demonstrated a series of custom-developed tuning products at AMPA 2005, including turbo chargers, high-end shock absorbers, hand-made manifolds, exhaust systems, and adjuster rods.

WAT general manager Shih Po-yuan claims that his company's core competiveness lies in custom-development of tuning parts to meet customer requirements, whether in upgrading horsepower performance, enhancing steering, or strengthening braking force.

"To WAT, every car is alive, has its own characteristics and styles, and needs special individual treatment to achieve the best performances, " Shih claims. "Meeting those special needs is where our core competitiveness lies." As an experienced car racer, Shih knows a lot about car tuning. His company sponsors a car racing team, on which one vehicle set a 0-400 meter acceleration record time of 10.791 second with end-speed of 245 kilometer per hour. WAT now employs a Japanese technical expert and the company plans to upgrade a Nissan 350Z sport car to a 1, 000-horsepower monster to show off the company's technical strength.

World's Smallest Integrated Buggy Engine

Standard Motor Corp. (SMC), a major PTW/ATV exporter in Taiwan, demonstrated a luxury buggy model at AMPA this year. The buggy was powered by an engine with a differential, continuous variable transmission (CVT), and reverse gear settings, making it the world's smallest all-integrated power plant of its kind.

"The principle of the integrated buggy engine is simple, " says SMC vice president James Kuo, "but the development and manufacturing are too difficult and costly for general makers." SMC's buggy models are packed with luxury features, including four-wheel automobile-type independent suspension, integrated car-like instrument panel, racing steering wheel, and aerodynamic body kits. The buggy model is EC homologation approved, so it can be operated on regular roads in Europe. SMC also plans to push a two-seat luxury buggy by the end of the year.

DIY Motorcycle

Keen Precision Industries Inc., a major maker and exporter of PTWs and ATVs, showcased an innovative mini-motorcycle, the Badboy CX. The company's president Michael Wu claims that the Badboy CX is the world's first do-it-yourself (DIY) motorcycle model that can be assembled/dissembled within few minutes by a mature user without any safety worry.

The Badboy CX adopts a modularization design allowing for easy and fool-proof assembly/disassembly. The design makes future upgrading a snap.

The Badboy CX provides a same way for young people to learn how a motorcycle works. The modular design also makes maintenance a breeze, since defective parts can easily be swapped out for new parts. "The part number of every Badboy CX is posted on our website, " Wu says. "Consumers can easily order the needed parts online for pick-up from a regional dealer."

Keen Precision plans to set up parts warehouses around the world in cooperation with overseas dealers. This operational model, Wu says, will boost dealer and distributor profit margins to about 40%. In addition, with the support of an e-commerce platform, Kee Precision is developing sales through hypermarket chains, catalog sales companies, and TV commercial channels.

The Badboy CX is approved by DOT, EPA and ECC safety standards, and its engines (six displacements from 50cc to 125cc) have passed third-stage emission standards in Europe.