Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems has injected more speed, accuracy, and convenience into the B2Bendix.com ecommerce platform for aftermarket. The developer and manufacturer of active safety, air management, and braking system technologies said it "is now even better equipped to help customers and partners provide the right parts quickly and easily, keeping North America’s trucks and their drivers rolling safely."
Products range from brakes and steering gears to tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensors and advanced driver assistance system components (ADAS). B2Bendix.com features high-resolution, 360-degree views of more than 9,000 Bendix products, kits, and related service items. It delivers streamlined product searches, accelerated ordering, online warranty and core services, and the opportunity to readily verify genuine parts.
“When we launched B2Bendix last year, we knew it would change some long-standing ways that people interact with Bendix when it comes to ordering and delivering aftermarket parts,” said Marylou Hornung, director of sales operations for Bendix. “It was a big step taken in direct response to requests for more online options—and the enhancements we’ve implemented since then reflect a continuous emphasis on listening to what our customers need and providing them with even greater usability, more information, and vital resources.”
Speeding up downtime
Vehicle downtime directly impacts the bottom line, so several B2Bendix.com improvements are aimed at minimizing the time it takes to get the right repair information or locate the correct part. There’s a new Bendix Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) search, for example, as well as a section where site visitors can download select software packages for the SmarTire TPMS or the Bendix Wingman Fusion system radar. Bendix has also made it easier to find the right part more quickly by making it possible to search for partial part numbers and compare up to four products at a time.
“This way, if a customer is looking for a relay valve, they can compare characteristics like crack pressure and body configurations or easily see the differences between a new and remanufactured product, side-by-side,” Hornung said.
B2Bendix.com also now provides logged-in customers with up-to-date product availability on any order before it’s placed, allowing them to plan for partial orders and follow-ups. It’s also easier to find nearby authorized Bendix dealers and distributors using embedded maps functionality, and to report issues for addressing through a web ticketing system.
Power tools for partners
Dealers and distributors also now have the capability to add their own part numbers to B2Bendix.com’s searchable catalog, again making things simpler for their teams and customers, and saving them the trouble of finding the Bendix number. Bendix channel partners will also find a more robust offering of data and part characteristics now available through the OptiCat OnDemand customer portal. Additionally, B2Bendix.com can now handle and track returns through the system without requiring a phone call.
B2Bendix.com’s Brake Application Form enables logged-in OEM customers to reach out to Bendix for engineering assistance to help select the correct air disc brake or drum brake for their new application. A Bendix engineer reviews the application and provides the Bendix-rated pad and drum part numbers.
“The site’s ease of use has helped its continuous growth and popularity, and we’re working on even more enhancements, including simplified core returns, warranty improvements, search functionality improvements, and continuously strengthened cross-reference accuracy,” Hornung said. “Whatever it takes to support the companies, teams, and people who never stop working to keep the men and women behind the wheel safe, Bendix is there with solutions and support—quickly, easily, and accurately.”
Bendix also expands availability of remanufactured BA-921 Air Compressor
Delivering long life and air system protection, genuine Bendix remanufactured BA-921 compressors for Detroit Diesel 2007 EPA and 2010 EPA DD13 and DD15 engines are now available for sale in the commercial vehicle aftermarket. Along with greater access to this key component, authorized Bendix dealers and distributors will have the advantage of being able to consolidate purchases, expand their offerings, and provide even more one-stop shopping convenience for customers.
The company remanufactures foundation drum brake shoes, valves, air dryers, compressors, steering gears, and electronics.
“The BA-921 is one of the most popular compressors on the road today, and now it’s easier than ever to replace with a genuine Bendix remanufactured version, which means you’re getting original equipment manufacturer (OEM) quality and reliability, along with a competitive price,” said Richard Nagel, Bendix director, marketing and customer solutions—Aftermarket and Air Supply. “Factor in Bendix’s more than 45 years as a remanufacturing leader and 24-month warranty, and you’re looking at an incredibly dependable means of reducing replacement costs, extending vehicle life, and reducing total cost of ownership for fleets and owner-operators.”
