CTEK NEWS JULY 2011. PAGE01. CTEK announces. Autumn / Winter cash back
promotion. Get Ready for AGM with MXS 10. During September, CTEK will ...
CTEK NEWS July 2011
CTEK announces Autumn / Winter cash back promotion During September, CTEK will launch a new cashback promotion on the award-winning MXS 3.6. The promotion, which runs from 1st October 2011 until 31st December 2011, offers CTEK consumers £5 cashback when they purchase a MXS 3.6. By simply filling in a redemption form, available from participating stockists and sending it directly to CTEK, along with proof of purchase, your customers will be sent a cashback cheque. To support stockists with this promotion, CTEK has created a cardboard, counter top display unit that can hold 6 CTEK MXS 3.6 units and comes supplied with a stock of cashback promotional leaflets and a leaflet holder. For further information on this promotion or to request a display unit contact your CTEK distributor.
Get Ready for AGM with MXS 10 CTEK has launched the powerful 10A MXS10 – an all round charger for larger batteries and professionals that includes all the advanced battery care features found in CTEK ‘New Generation’ chargers with the added bonus of a special programme for the emerging AGM (absorbed glass mat) technology. Key features include battery diagnosis to show if a battery can receive and retain a charge, a special reconditioning function that CTEK NEWS JULY 2011
restores deeply discharged batteries, unique maintenance charging and an optional temperature sensor for perfect charging regardless of weather conditions. A useful function is the ‘power supply’ mode that allows battery disconnection without the vehicle losing important memory settings. A practical and easy to understand display allows the complete charging process to be followed. With an SRP of £138.99 the MXS10 is a great value choice. PAGE01
CTEK NEWS July 2011
CTEK Launches the MXTS 70 – the ultimate workshop charger CTEK has launched the MXTS 70, a powerful 12V and 24V, battery charger to meet the demands that complex vehicle technology and battery chemistries are placing on workshops. With the increased requirement for workshops to undertake flash programming, in 12V mode the MXTS 70 can support the battery during ECU procedures by supplying up to 70A of clean and constant charge, protecting against damage to ECU’s and disruption to the diagnostic process.
CTEK retains top spot at Auto Express Awards 2011 CTEK is celebrating after taking home the Auto Express ‘Best Battery Charger’ award for the third year running. Recognised for its build quality and charging & maintenance features the CTEK MXS 3.6 beat off stiff competition to retain its crown. Held in Birmingham, the Auto Express Awards are the most prestigious in the automotive calendar with companies attending from around Europe.
The powerful 8-stage charger provides optimum charging in the shortest possible time, and selectable modes for specific battery types (Wet/flooded, Calcium, Gel, and AGM) ensure that a safe, fast charge is delivered to exactly meet the needs of the individual battery chemistry. Peter White, UK Sales and Marketing Manager, CTEK commented “The MXTS 70 offers the professional technician the only complete solution to effective battery management in the workshop. The unit uniquely combines the CTEK 8 step battery recovery, charging and maintenance programme with dedicated programmes for all battery types including the newest AGM technology plus, a state of the art high power battery support function. The technician no longer needs to consider separate tools for charging and battery support, with the CTEK MXTS 70 they can be sure of maximum capability to quickly and safely recover, charge and support all lead-acid battery types on-vehicle during service or software flashing”. This IP 20 rated charger requires no specialist knowledge for use, comes with a two year warranty and has an SRP £999.99 + VAT. CTEK NEWS JULY 2011
Peter White, UK Sales and Marketing Manager, CTEK commented: “This year we have seen an influx of new entries into this category and we are absolutely delighted to win this highly prestigious accolade once again. The award is testament to the unique multi-stage charging characteristics of the product that are incorporated across our entire range of smart chargers.”
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CTEK NEWS July 2011
Honda racing team update… You will recall from the April newsletter that CTEK is sponsoring the Honda Racing Team as they contest the 2011 British Touring Car Championship (BTCC); the agreement sees CTEK branding on the car for the entire season of thrilling action and the race workshop employing CTEK chargers for battery charging and diagnostic support. At the time of going to press, Honda Racing Team ace Matt Neal was heading the charge for the 2011 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship, nine points clear at the head of the drivers’ standings with the championship at its halfway point while Honda team mate Gordon Shedden was third in the standings. Honda was also leading the manufacturer and team competitions. Peter White from CTEK said “The sponsorship is proving a great opportunity for CTEK to be associated with a winning brand, the fact that our chargers are being used in the Honda workshop means that we are also contributing in a practical way to the performance of the cars on the track.”
The Lead Acid Battery A vehicle battery is basically a chemical accumulator which stores electrical energy generated by the vehicle when the engine is running or a standalone battery charger. A typical vehicle battery consists of a number of series connected cells, all housed in a robust case. Each cell comprises of a cell pack with interleaved positive and negative plates and has a nominal voltage of 2V. All the cells are connected together internally to form a single output via the battery posts mounted on the outside if the case. A typical 12V car battery consists of 6 cell elements giving a 12V nominal voltage. The cells are enclosed and sealed with a one piece cover which is provided with an opening for filling the cells with electrolyte. In addition a venting arrangement is provided to allow the cells to breathe. There are certain types of lead acid battery characterised by the way in which the electrolyte is stored: • Wet-cell – electrolyte is a liquid solution made up of 35% sulphuric acid and 65% water which causes a chemical reaction that produce electrons. In a wet-cell battery the battery cells are filled with this solution. • Calcium – The introduction of calcium alloys in the plates is a development that can reduce fluid loss and self-discharge. Battery cells are still filled with a solution (so the battery is effectively still a wet battery) however, the calcium alloys mean that the battery can be
CTEK NEWS JULY 2011
sealed for life and never need topping up.
SALES HINTS & TIPS
• Gel – A sealed battery type. The electrolyte is solidified to a gel mass by the addition of silicic acid to form sulphuric acid. The acid contained in the electrolyte increases the charge / discharge cycle capacity and therefore offers favourable conditions for recharging after deep discharge (common in leisure batteries). The solid electrolyte means there is no possibility of acid spillage. • AGM – Another sealed battery type. The absorbent glass mat (AGM) battery has electrolyte which is solidified by an absorbent glass fleece material. This acts as a separator between the electrodes and absorbs the free electrolyte keeping it in a liquid rather than a gel form. In this way the acid is more readily available to the plates allowing faster reactions – perfect for start-stop technology. This construction is very robust and able to withstand severe shock and vibration; the cells will not leak even if the case is cracked. Hopefully we haven’t blinded you with too much science! The good news for you is that whilst it is good to have the knowledge about the different battery types, with CTEK you don’t need to worry if the charger you are recommending can cope with the particular battery type. All CTEK chargers use patented technology to recognise the characteristics of individual battery chemistries and will revive, charge, condition and maintain any of them superbly.
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