During AAPEX 2022 (November 1-3) at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas, Autosphere had an opportunity to meet with the First Brands team and take a look at the range of products available through the company’s multiple brands, which include Airtex and Carter fuel pumps, TRICO and ANCO wipers, Autolite sparkplugs; FRAM filters and StrongArm supports.
A new product announcement at the show were a range of StrongArm ProGlide Tailgate Assist products for tailgates on light trucks. Speaking with Brian Wiland, Product Manager, StrongArm currently has 10 SKUs available in this product line with three more planned for introduction fo the new Ford Maverick, Ranger and current Chevrolet Silverado. “Our SKUs provide coverage of approximately 35 million vehicles,” Wiland explained, representing a very significant chunk of the passenger vehicle market.
These gas-charged struts, which can be installed in 15 minutes or less and do not require and specialty tools, supplement the tailgate hinges to result in a smoother opening, reducing stress on the hinges and preventing damage to the tailgate. StrongArm also offers gas charged lift supports for hatchbacks and SUVs, as well as Powered Liftgate struts and universal lift supports.