Gabriel Shock Absorbers, SA Celebrates 75 years
This year marks the 75th anniversary of Gabriel shock absorbers in South Africa. Gabriel holds about 65% of the SA aftermarket. Gabriel was originally imported into SA in 1935 when Harold H James was appointed the sole Gabriel agent.
By 1960 about 48 000 units were sold annually and in 1962 a manufacturing plant was set up with a target to produce 120 000 units annually.
In the same year Gabriel SA received its first OE contract for the Chrysler Valiant and eight years later won its first export contract.
Gabriel has introduced a number of world-first designs that were subsequently manufactured in plants worldwide. It was also the first shock absorber company to advertise on TV.
Control Instruments Automotive, the JSE-listed subsidiary, now holds the manufacturing and distribution rights to the Gabriel products.
Sean Staley, Gabriel brand manager, said the company is ISO 14001, ISO9000 and TS standards approved. “This puts us in good standing with the requirements of the pending Consumer Protection Act (CPA) which is aimed at protecting the consumer,” he said.
“Much of the CPA legislation is already adhered to in terms of the Gabriel’s internal safety, quality control and warranty standards.”
“Safety has always been a key issue in the manufacture of Gabriel products and the CPA will protect the consumer from unscrupulous suppliers and private products,” he said.
“We are also in the process of introducing a warranty call centre and care line for our retail partners which will have direct benefits across the complete Gabriel distribution and supply channels.”
FURTHER INFORMATION: Charles Smith
TEL: (011) 781-6190
FAX: (011) 326-4760
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
web: www.csa.co.za
OR
AT: Gabriel: Sean Staley
Control Instruments Automotive TEL: +27 (0) 11 627-2500
FAX: +27 (0) 86 682 8498
Email : This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Web : www.ci-automotive.com
