2 firms to compete with ultra-premium wiper blades

LAS VEGAS (Nov. 15)—Premium-priced wiper blades produced by Jamak Fabrication Inc. and Trico Products Corp. will go head-to-head in the automotive aftermarket. Jamak is touting its single-edge silicone blades it began producing in January for Texaco´s Xpress Lubes oil change service centers, while Trico will launch a revamped Teflon blade Dec. 1. Silicone product maker Jamak contends the Havoline blades, in addition to their quality performance, last two to three times as long as organic blades thanks to their resistance not only to Ozone and ultra-violet rays, but also to extreme heat and cold. Trico insists wiper performance is key with its Teflon blades. Its agreement with DuPont gives it alone license to use "the most slippery substance in the world." The companies discussed their products at the recent Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week 2000 trade show in Las Vegas.