Kiekert Shows Latest Sidedoor Locking Systems At Shanghai Auto Show

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Apr 21, 2015, 11:50 ET

SHANGHAI, April 21, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Kiekert, the leading global developer of automotive locking systems, is featuring a wide range of latch technology for passenger cars, light trucks and commercial vehicles at this year's international auto show in Shanghai (April 22-29).

Kiekert's Beta latch platform is comparable to the size of a smartphone.

Products on display at Kiekert's 1,290-square-foot exhibit (Hall 6.2 / Booth D509) in Shanghai include an industry-first LED locking system and a new Beta latch platform especially designed for the Asia Pacific region. More product innovations at the Kiekert booth are latch modules, truck latches and electro-mechanical actuators for various applications, such as power sliding doors.

Kiekert's LED latch ensures an unique safety combined with attractive design options. Compared to conventional solutions, the warning light is built into the door latch and is visible to other motorists through the entire opening radius. The choice of color and brightness can be adapted to individual customer preferences.

Kiekert's Beta latch platform offers a wide range of applications: from sliding side doors to cargo doors. The Beta latch platform can be expanded to include numerous functions, such as an electric child safety, an electric opening mechanism and a modular power closing function. The platform represents the advancement of the company's successful Beta latch.

The Beta latch platform was developed and manufactured specifically for the Chinese market at Kiekert's plant in Changshu. The new generation of fully functional side door latch platforms combines robust quality and a compact package. The Beta latch platform already is a success with a large number of Chinese and global automakers. Kiekert already has orders for the product for the next several years.

"With China leading the growth markets we also are seeing increased demand for this product," said Dr. Karl Krause, chairman of the board of management of Kiekert AG. "With the latest generation of our Beta latch platform, we are meeting the demand by offering services that are right for the market and right for our customers, while fulfilling local design and technology needs."

Latch modules are an important part of Kiekert's product portfolio. Kiekert has control of producing the modules from design to process validation. The latch module consists of the latch, the inner door handle, the outer door handle plate including bearing bracket, as well as pre-assembled mechanical and electrical interfaces. These include Bowden cables, rod, outer door handle sensor, multi-functional adapter, security plate and glass run. Latch modules are pre-assembled, validated and pre-adjusted by Kiekert. The combination of individual components in a pre-tested latch module minimizes assembly times for carmakers thus reducing cost.

Actuators are another key component in the Kiekert product portfolio. The actuators with their flexible electrical and mechanical connections, open up a wide range of applications in the vehicle for numerous comfort and safety features. They include fueling valves, head restraints and glove boxes. Kiekert provides the right actuators for any application.

Kiekert has reduced the weight of its locking systems over the last two vehicle generations by 40-50 percent while retaining the same functionality. As a result Kiekert has incorporated lightweight materials, new production processes and a higher degree of functional integration while at the same time reducing packaging space. Within the last vehicle generation alone, the automotive supplier has achieved weight savings of 1-3 kilograms per vehicle.

Kiekert is looking forward to welcoming members of the international media at its Booth D509 in Hall 6.2 at the Shanghai show.

Note to Editors: Images associated with this press release are available at: http://www.kiekert.com/en/press/press-releases/details/kiekert-shows-latest-sidedoor-locking-systems-at-shanghai-auto-show

About Kiekert AG – www.kiekert.com

Kiekert has had a presence in China with R&D and product development centers in Changshu, in the Jiangshu providence, since 2008. Due to the increasing demand for locking systems, Kiekert has more than doubled its production in China since 2012. Kiekert AG, founded in 1857, is the worldwide market leader in automotive locking systems for the global automotive industry. With 5,100 employees in nine countries as well as six development, six production and two sales centers, Kiekert develops, produces and sells tailor-made solutions for its customers. Kiekert's turnover for the 2014 business year was 680 million euros.

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SOURCE Kiekert