Federal-Mogul boosting Champion wiper products in Europe

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (July 21)—Federal-Mogul Corp. is attempting to bolster its Champion wiper products through the introduction of new technology and full-system offerings. The manufacturer has won it first original equipment contract for its new flat blade wiper for a Volkswagen A.G. vehicle. This fall Federal-Mogul plans to introduce its Champion Aerovantage blade into the European aftermarket for conventional wiper fitments. Federal-Mogul hopes to gain market share in the European replacement market by raising the technology of its products there, said Joseph Fellicelli, senior vice president of the company's worldwide aftermarket operations. Federal-Mogul also is collaborating with two motor and linkage producers on the continent in the hopes of forming a pact to provide total wiper systems, Fellicelli said. Conversations with a third supplier of motors and linkages could lead to a global pact, he said.