Providing customers educational information on shocks and struts

Farmington Hills, Mich. - Gabriel® (Ride Control, LLC), the inventor and industry leader in automotive ride control technology, announces its new educational interactive Point of Purchase displays, which invite consumers to learn about ride control. The display simulates realistic traveling characteristics encountered by shocks in everyday use. It is designed to provide customers understandable and useful information on shock absorbers and struts and their important role in automotive comfort and safety.

Featuring technically accurate but easy to understand information on how shocks and struts affect a vehicles stopping capabilities, the interactive displays also include additional signs that indicate worn or failed ride control. The Point of Purchase displays are due to be tested in partnership with a major retail store - 300 outlets across the US will be participating in the test.

The innovative display becomes animated when the handle is turned, spinning a "road" on which the wheels are resting. Whenever the wheels hit a pothole in the road, the bad shock wheel falls into the hole, while the good shock glides across the pothole. This illustrates the damping characteristic of a functioning shock. The Gabriel display takes great care to simulate realistic, authentic road conditions and traveling characteristics so true comparisons can be between between worn and new shocks.
The new Point of Purchase displays also provide details on how stopping distance is affected by bad shocks.

"Our overall intent is to show people how ride control works, so they can understand what failing shocks and struts are actually doing to their vehicle," said Jonathon Gore, Marketing Director at Gabriel. "The display will really immerse people in the sound, feelings and sights of ride control."

About Ride Control, LLC
Ride Control, LLC operates in both the aftermarket and original equipment manufacturer (commercial, industrial and recreational vehicle) segments under the brand names Gabriel® (U.S. and Canada) and GRC® (Mexico). The company offered the worlds first automotive shock absorber, "The Snubber," in 1907, and continues to be a leader in the design, engineering, development and production of ride control technology in North America today.

Ride Control, LLC has approximately 1,500 employees in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The company maintains engineering, design, manufacturing, warehouse, sales and management offices throughout North America including Farmington Hills, Michigan; Chickasha, Oklahoma; and Queretaro, Mexico. For additional information, please visit www.gabriel.com.