ACtion Magazine - January/February 2012 - (Page 20)

EU opens antitrust proceedings on 1234yf The European Commission has opened antitrust proceedings concerning agreements between Honeywell and DuPont for the development of a new refrigerant for air conditioning systems in cars. It is also investigating whether Honeywell may hold and abuse a dominant position over the refrigerant that has been announced as a suitable replacement for the existing global refrigerant, which no longer meets environmental-protection standards. The opening of proceedings means that the Commission will examine the case as a matter of priority. It does not prejudge the outcome of the investigation. A new refrigerant known as 1234yf, which is intended for use in future car air conditioning systems, was announced as a suitable global replacement for the previous refrigerant R-134a, which does not meet new EU rules as regards its global warming potential. The selection of 1234yf is the result of a process conducted under the auspices of the Society of Automotive Engineers, which represents the interests of all groups involved in the automotive sector. The Commission is investigating complaints alleging that Honeywell International Inc. and E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company have entered into anti-competitive arrangements as regards the development of the new generation of refrigerants. Specifically, the Commission will investigate whether joint development, licensing and production arrangements entered into between the two companies in relation to these refrigerants restrict competition on the markets. Such behavior may infringe Article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU and Article 53 of the EEA Agreement. The Commission is also examining whether Honeywell engaged in deceptive conduct during the evaluation of 1234yf between 2007 and 2009. It is claimed that Honeywell did not disclose its patents and patent applications while the refrigerant was being assessed and then failed to grant licenses on fair and reasonable (so called “FRAND”) terms. Such behavior may also infringe European competition rules. This investigation highlights the importance of ensuring that arrangements involving intellectual property contribute to innovation rather than holding it back. location. We have nearly doubled production every year for the past five years.” The new facility allows the company to assemble swash-plate and wobble-plate compressors on dedicated automated equipment. The company will now have the ability to produce QP7H15 wobble-plate compressors every 30 seconds, quadrupling the annual output. T/CCI has manufacturing sites in Ningbo, China and Decatur, Illinois for designing and manufacturing heavy duty compressors and clutches for the mobile air-conditioning and refrigeration industries. The company supplies product for the heavy and medium duty truck, military vehicle, specialty vehicle, bus, agricultural and construction equipment, and transport refrigeration markets. DENSO Corp consolidates aftermarket divisions Denso Corporation has announced the formation of a new aftermarket division, based at the company’s headquarters in Kariya, Aichi, Japan. The announcement was made at the recent AAPEX show. Until now, the company had 30 aftermarket companies worldwide; these companies will now be coordinated under one division. A spokesman for the new Denso Aftermarket Business Unit noted that it “establishes a structure where the aftermarket is operated as an independent business entity apart from our original equipment business.” TCCI Mfg/QUE Products opens new facility TCCI Manufacturing/QUE Products of Decatur, Illinois and Ningbo, China celebrated the grand opening of a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Ningbo. The move results from five years of company growth, creating a need for a larger facility to accommodate new compressor assembly and expanded validation capabilities. The new 14,000 sq. meter facility became fully operational in November and provides additional office and lab space for a larger staff. Vice President Richard Demirjian said, “We simply grew out of our current Industry Briefs • The National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) President Bill Kersten has announced plans for his retirement effective March, 2012. He will remain as president until next March to complete current projects. Trish Serratore, has been named his successor. • TTAC Parts Corporation of Mesquite, Texas, has announced that Wayne Malone has joined its inside sales and customer service team. Wayne brings over 23 years of mobile A/C experience to the job. • In November the Car Care Council Women’s Board presented a $2,500 scholarship to Michele Perez of Half Moon Bay, California. ❆ 20 Reader Reply No. 6 ACTION • January / February 2012 http://www.nostalgicairparts.com/ http://www.jeepair.com/ http://www.macsw.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=ACtion_Reader_Reply

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of ACtion Magazine - January/February 2012

ACtion Magazine - January/February 2012
Table of Contents
Outlook
Expansion Valve
Technically RELAY-ted
Under The Southern Cross
Leonard’s Law
Cooling Corner
Virtual View
News & Updates
Heating Up a Cooling Aftermarket
Refrigerant Oil: What You Can’t See Can Warm You
2011 Pioneer Award Honorees
Membershop Profile
Association News
Obituary
Quick Check
New Products & Services
Last Watch

ACtion Magazine - January/February 2012