Conti sweeps into wiper-blade aftermarket

Frankfurt, Germany – Continental is now offering wiper blades for the spare parts market, the German group has announced.

Branded Aquactrl, the wiper blades are now on the market and fit 95% of all cars in Europe, said a 16 July release

The addition to a product range, which also includes windshield and headlight washer systems, was a “logical step,” said Peter Wagner, independent aftermarket vice president and managing director of Continental Aftermarket GmbH.

“We’re leveraging our extensive know-how and our expertise in rubber products to offer garages and drivers another spare part in OE quality,” explained Wagner.

Wiper blades, he added, are just the first step in a plan to move into more areas of the automotive aftermarket.

The wiper blades are made by a well-known OE manufacturer that also supplies leading European car makers, continued Continental, without identifying the company.

“The Aquactrl wipers are manufactured by a partner in Mexico in accordance with our strict quality specifications,” a Continental spokesman said in a written reply to ERJ’s enquiry.

Asked if ContiTech has any input, the spokesman said the wipers “are based on the broad knowledge spectrum of the technology company Continental and on our experience in the aftermarket.”

The products, he added, are now available in all European markets, except the UK and Ireland, and are being exclusively sold in the aftermarket.

Aquactrl wiper blades consist of a single continuous metal spine with a bonded rubber strip. This, said Continental, makes them especially durable. A special coating reduces noise, and they are claimed to be easy to install.

According to Continental, the design optimally distributes pressure across all lengths and on any windshield. A patented spoiler presses the blades against the windshield even at high speeds and with strong wind resistance.