Innovation & leadership

Research and development

Today, the design and manufacture of shock absorbers is a high technology, precision industry with a heavy emphasis on research and development. Gabriel has a long history of dedication to research and development – from the first telescopic shock absorber patented in the USA in 1907, to our now famous Gabriel shock absorber and strut range.

Gabriel South Africa has its own research and engineering facilities where prototypes are tested under laboratory as well as actual operating conditions, in order to develop products specific to the South African environment.

Gabriel introduces country's shock absorber first!

“2 Year, Unlimited Km Extended Warranty Option”

Gabriel has officially launched its “2 year Unlimited Kilometer Warranty Program” for workshops and fitment centers nationally.

Following extensive planning, and a successful pilot program in partnership with 100 stores over the past few months, Gabriel is confident that this program will not only add value to the consumer but also to the Retail stores.

Sean Staley, executive manager, marketing, Control Instruments-Automotive says

the pilot results have exceeded all expectations.  

This he says this is confirmation of the trust that workshops and fitment centers have in the Gabriel brand and product, being locally designed

and manufactured to meet South Africa's unique road conditions.

“Our target was to sell 2 extended warrantees for every 10 shocks. During the pilot and within the first few weeks this target was doubled,” he says.

“The pilot stores are seeing the benefits of the campaign and have enthusiastically embraced it. This is especially true in view of the upcoming festive season where vehicle safety is important and shocks play a crucial role.”

“Gabriel strives to be first to market in creating and developing retail growth programs  and this offering is another example of our forward-thinking initiatives and commitment to supporting our retail customers growth under the SafeZone 2.6 umbrella,” he says.

In planning these programs the customer's needs are always at the forefront of our thinking, making the process as easy as possible and involving customers in their development,” says Staley.

In July, Gabriel launched the country's first suspension and shock testing unit developed for the local market which links to the South African Car Parc and full Gabriel parts list.

“This solution was complemented by the launch of the country's first mobile inflatable shock testing station to test vehicles free of charge. This is to highlight the need for shock replacements as well as guiding customers into Fitment centers and workshops nationally. Both projects are providing significant revenue benefits to our retail partners showing up to 30% sales growth.” Says Staley.

The most notable growth program that has been running since January is the SafeZone Micro Marketing promotion whereby outlets have seen monthly unit growth figures of between 50% and in certain cases as much as  300% by working with our marketing team.

For 2013, we are committed to continuing with more initiatives directed at the retail market and assisting our current and future Gabriel outlets to increase sales whilst promoting Shock Absorber and Vehicle Safety.

Manufacturing, quality assurance and testing

Gabriel SA’s consumer friendly three-year warranty system was a first of its kind. The warranty is valid for a period of three years, irrespective of mileage, on all passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles with a load capacity of 1000 kg and under, applying to products that have become

faulty as a result of manufacture and/or materials used*.

Gabriel South Africa is ISO 14001, ISO9000 and TS quality rated. ISO is an international quality management system that rates and monitors business processes and continually reviews these in order to facilitate continual improvement.

Gabriel SA is also a member of the National Association of Automotive Component & Allied Manufacturers, a dynamic forum to formulate

policies and take actions that benefit the SA industry as a whole.

The forum is also involved in discussions with government on the formulation of policy recommendations concerning the automotive industry,

trade agreements, fiscal matters, transport, standards, BBBEE and other legislative issues.

*Warranties may vary depending on export country.