Dorman releases more than 270 new solutions, including 135 first-to-the-aftermarket repair products

Rhea-AI Summary

Dorman Products (NASDAQ:DORM) announced the introduction of 279 new vehicle repair parts, with nearly half being first to the aftermarket. Key additions include an OE FIX™ crankcase vent valve for over 100,000 Audi and Volkswagen vehicles, reducing repair costs. The launch also features a steering wobble kit for Jeep Wranglers, enhancing steering performance. Dorman continues to expand into the heavy-duty market with a coolant sensor for Mack trucks. Additionally, they are innovating in emerging technologies, introducing a door handle repair kit for Tesla S vehicles.

Positive

• Launch of 279 new aftermarket repair parts enhancing product accessibility.
• Introduction of cost-saving OE FIX™ crankcase vent valve for Audi and Volkswagen, covering over 100,000 vehicles.
• New steering wobble kit for Jeep Wranglers improves steering performance.
• Expansion into heavy-duty market with an accurate coolant sensor for Mack trucks.
• Innovation in tech with a door handle repair kit for Tesla S vehicles.

Negative

• None.

COLMAR, Pa., Dec. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dorman Products, Inc. (NASDAQ:DORM) announced today the release of 279 new light-, medium- and heavy-duty vehicle repair parts and components, nearly half of which are first to the aftermarket, giving retailers, distributors, professional repair shops and vehicle owners greater access to the solutions they need.

New this month is a Dorman OE FIX™ engine crankcase vent valve, also known as a PCV assembly, for more than 100,000 Audi and Volkswagen vehicles in North America (264-927). The valve covers on popular Passat, Touareg, CC and Q7 vehicles with V6 engines have an integrated PCV valve. When the diaphragm rips, shops and consumers were previously forced to purchase an entire new valve cover assembly just to replace a small piece. This kit helps professionals and vehicle owners reduce their repair cost by directly replacing the failure-prone valve, and it includes a new valve cover gasket for a convenient, complete repair. It also expands on Dorman’s already industry-leading line of valve cover solutions, including an additional nine new valve covers being released this month.

Another new and improved solution this month is an OE FIX steering wobble kit for a decade’s worth of JK Jeep Wranglers, from 2007 to 2018 (SWS96305RD). Jeeps can experience an infamous "wobble" that is typically the result of a road shock that's transmitted directly through worn components in the original front suspension. This kit is designed to reduce the susceptibility of the Wrangler's solid front axle to this condition and help ensure more predictable and consistent steering performance. Dorman’s kit has a differentiated approach that includes three distinct fixes. First, key wear items are replaced with more durable solutions, including upgraded ball joints that boast an oversized ball and convenient grease fittings for easy service during routine lube jobs. Second, the kit includes a specially redesigned track bar that alters the steering geometry. And third, the kit includes a heavy-duty steering damper and quick-disconnect sway bar links for even better control and articulation when drivers go rock-crawling or mudding. Dorman previously released a similar kit for earlier TJ-model Jeeps.

Dorman also continues to grow and innovate in the heavy-duty market. New this month is an OE FIX coolant sensor for Mack refuse trucks (924-5516XD). The original equipment coolant level sensor on certain Macks may provide inaccurate data that sends the engine into limp mode, causing costly vehicle downtime. This OE FIX solution more consistently and accurately monitors coolant levels by using a magnetic float with a larger swept area and a stainless steel shaft potted with epoxy, helping drivers and fleet managers keep trucks running longer.

Dorman continues to accelerate growth and investments in the emerging technology landscape, based on its commitment to be a coverage leader in this area. Dorman currently covers more than 1 billion repair opportunities with its extensive lineup of emerging technology parts that span across complex electronics, EV/hybrid powertrain and non-powertrain categories. New this month is an OE FIX door handle repair kit for 2012-2021 Tesla S vehicles (601-650). The original equipment exterior door handle assembly on these popular electric vehicles can fail to present the handle when the weak internal paddle gear breaks or the microswitch wiring becomes damaged from constant flexing. This OE FIX exterior door handle repair kit features a stronger and longer-lasting stainless steel paddle gear, new microswitch, and the fasteners and O-rings required to make a complete repair that will help prevent future handle issues caused by the same failure-prone factory components.

Other new solutions this month include:

• 20 new upgraded coil springs designed to provide a 35 percent to 70 percent increase in load handling capacity, custom-engineered to improve ride quality, reduce driver fatigue, and improve handling on many pickup trucks, SUVs, RVs, plow trucks, vans and more.
• A new air suspension upfit kit for 2009 to 2014 Ford F-150s (949-044), an add-on solution designed to help compensate for a sagging suspension by providing additional support to maintain factory-like ride height and handling. The patent-pending solution includes air springs that feature a fail-safe design that includes a more substantial internal coil spring, and the kit includes all the components required for a complete, straightforward installation with no drilling, welding, or special tools required.

These are just a few of Dorman’s featured new product releases this month. To sign up to receive all of Dorman’s new product announcements directly every month, sign up at DormanProducts.com/signup. To learn more about Dorman, take the Dorman Virtual Tour at https://www.dormanproducts.com/Pages/tour/index.html.

Note: Vehicle-in-Operation (VIO) information in this press release is based on Dorman’s analysis of third-party reports.

Contacts

Marketing: Steve Gisondi, Vice President, Marketing, sgisondi@dormanproducts.com

Investor Relations: Michael P. Dickerson, Vice President, Investor Relations & Risk Management, mdickerson@dormanproducts.com

About Dorman Products

Dorman gives repair professionals, enthusiasts, and owners greater freedom to fix motor vehicles. For over 100 years, we have been driving new solutions, releasing tens of thousands of aftermarket replacement products engineered to save time and money, and increase convenience and reliability.

Founded and headquartered in the United States, we are a pioneering global organization offering an always-evolving catalog of products, covering cars, trucks, and specialty vehicles, from chassis to body, from underhood to undercarriage, and from hardware to complex electronics. See our full offering and learn more at DormanProducts.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations that involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors (many of which are outside of our control) which may cause actual events to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. For additional information concerning factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the information contained in this press release, please see Dorman’s prior press releases and filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including Dorman’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K and its subsequent SEC filings. Dorman is under no obligation to (and expressly disclaims any such obligation to) update any of the information in this press release if any forward-looking statement later turns out to be inaccurate whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

FAQ

What new products did Dorman Products announce in December 2022?

Dorman Products announced 279 new vehicle repair parts, including OE FIX™ solutions for Audi, Volkswagen, Jeep, Mack trucks, and Tesla S.

How does the new crankcase vent valve benefit vehicle owners?

The new crankcase vent valve allows for a cost-effective repair, preventing the need to purchase an entire valve cover assembly.

What improvements does the steering wobble kit offer for Jeep Wranglers?

The steering wobble kit provides enhanced steering performance by using upgraded components and design modifications.

What is the significance of Dorman's expansion into heavy-duty markets?

Dorman's expansion in heavy-duty markets, such as the new coolant sensor for Mack trucks, indicates increased focus on diverse vehicle needs.

What emerging technologies is Dorman investing in?

Dorman is focusing on emerging technologies by introducing products like the door handle repair kit for Tesla S vehicles.