ArvinMeritor Decides to Retain Aftermarket Ride Control Business

After months of speculation surrounding the divestiture of its aftermarket Gabriel Ride Control business, ArvinMeritor, Inc. has had a change of heart and has decided to retain its commitment to develop its global ride control businesses and has formed a Ride Control business unit that will include the aftermarket business.
As an integral part of the company’s overall vehicle stability strategy, this will include design, manufacturing, and distribution of light-, medium- and heavy-duty original equipment and replacement shock absorbers and struts. The new organization will also include the 100-year old Gabriel light vehicle aftermarket business previously held in discontinued operations.
“As previously announced with our decision to sell the Emissions Technologies business, ArvinMeritor continues to sharpen its focus on core competencies which include chassis, drivetrain and aperture systems,” says chairman, CEO and president Charles G. “Chip” McClure. “By combining and leveraging our current ride control engineering, supply base and global operations we’re uniquely positioned to develop advanced vehicle stability solutions that our diverse original equipment and aftermarket customers will value.”
The move follows the divestiture of most of the companys aftermarket business over the past two years, including the Maremont exhaust and the Purolator filter businesses.
The newly combined Ride Control business will report into the company’s Light Vehicle Systems (LVS) business group. It will include LVS Ride Control, Gabriel de Venezuela, Gabriel de Colombia, Gabriel India, Gabriel Light Vehicle Aftermarket in North America and Europe, and Commercial Vehicle Systems Ride Control including recreational and industrial applications.
ArvinMeritor LVS president, Phil Martens added, “ArvinMeritor is also implementing an aggressive strategy in Asia which includes responding to an overwhelming demand for ride control capabilities. The proceeds from the Emissions Technologies sale will increase our ability to invest in the research and technology that will further enhance our ability to serve our global OEM and aftermarket customer needs.”