CLIMATE CHANGE IN FOCUS.

EFFECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Banner POWER FOR PREMIUM CARS

OEMS

EXPORT SUCCESSES IN THE ARAB WORLD AND TRADE FAIR DEBUT IN DUBAI

IN THE SUCCESS LANE

BOOK OF POWER, PRODUCT FINDER, CUSTOMER PORTAL& TECHNICAL ADVICE MANUAL

VALUE ADDED

www.bannerbatteries.com

Spring 2015

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A large part of the battery trade in Europe continues to rely on low temperatures, which cause batteries to fail. This is not surprising as some 55 per cent of drivers first replace their batteries after starting problems or a com­plete failure. This was confirmed by a survey of around 1,000 drivers completed by Banner in 2014 (see diagram).

However, in future battery retailers with busi­ness models based on minus temperatures are certain to find life increasingly difficult. 2014 is seen as the warmest year in Central Europe since temperatures records began and climatic scientists are unanimous in the opin­ion that the trend is clearly in the direction of higher temperatures. Moreover, parallel to the increase in temperatures, the potential service life of starter batteries is also on the rise and in order to avoid continual market volume losses, the battery branch must undertake a rethink. In times of climate change, more than ever before attractive customer service and detailed cus­tomer consulting constitute the key to success

and it is already the case that 30 per cent of drivers change their batteries upon the recom­mendation of workshops or car mechanics (see diagram). With the following Banner tips, you as the battery retailer can further sharpen the awareness of drivers regarding timely battery replacement:

Banner TIP 1: Battery testing as a chanceProvide drivers with information in the form of a receipt supplement, a driving wheel tag, or a personal discussion during every visit to the workshop regarding the health and charge status of the battery. Banner TIP 2: Point out the consequencesPoint out to drivers the consequences of battery failure such as limited business activities, missed appointments, or waiting for a breakdown service . Banner TIP 3: Professional and favourably pricedThe more complex the battery technology, the more difficult is installation. Workshops can therefore impress with professional and rea­sonable flat rate prices.

During the journey to becoming active battery salespersons, Banner is always at your side as a competent and reliable partner with a unique specialist retail concept. A total of fifteen sales organisations offer customised services and consulting and provide battery retailers with efficient changers and service devices. We assist you during the implementation of inno­vative business models that are independent of high and low temperatures and thus are certain to lead to success.

REASONS FOR CAR BATTERY CHANGES

Starting difficulties/battery problems 36.4 %

Workshop/car mechanic recommendation 29.2 %

Complete failure/functional inefficiency 18.7 %

Car/in-board computer indicates change 10.9 %

NEW CLIMATE, NEW BUSINESS MODELLOW TEMPERATURES PROVIDE THE IMPETUS FOR RETROFITTING BUSINESS WITH STARTER BATTERIES. HOWEVER, MILDER WINTERS ARE BECOMING INCREASINGLY FREQUENT AND ONLY THOSE BATTERY RETAILERS THAT RESPOND TO THIS CLIMATE TREND WILL CONTINUE TO ENJOY SUCCESS IN FUTURE.

“2014 IS SEEN AS THE WARMEST YEAR IN CENTRAL EUROPE SINCE SCIENTIFIC CLIMATE

MEASUREMENT BEGAN. ACCORDING TO CLIMATE MODEL CALCULATIONS, SUCH AVE-

RAGE TEMPERATURES ARE LIKELY TO BECOME INCREASINGLY FREQUENT.“

Austrian Central Office for Meteorology and Geodynamics

Dear Reader,

Our balance sheet for the financial year 2014/15, which closed in March, makes positive reading. This is due primarily to the long­term security offered by our OEM partnership with BMW and the intensive cooperation with VW.

We were also able to record a pleasing result in the retrofitting market, as after two years of stagna­tion sales have started to grow again, especially in Central Europe and the Middle East. Our success in the latter area has prompted us to intensify our involvement in the Arab World, in spite of the partly difficult geopolitical situation. For this reason, the beginning of June will see our debut at the largest international trade fair in the region, the Automechanika Dubai, where we will present our company and its products.

Naturally, the satisfaction created by these successes is dampened somewhat by the uncertainties in various international markets. For example, the decline of the rouble in recent months has hit our activities in Russia hard and a fresh phase of currency volatility in Europe has also forced us to alter our customer price lists at short intervals.

Our corporate focus regarding the further consolidation of Banner’s pioneering role in the start/stop battery field is naturally reflected in this edition of the “Post” with a look at the latest generation of our innovative Running Bull EFB battery. You can also discover how one can profit to an even greater extent from our customer services thanks to new IT possibilities and read about the conse­quences of climate change for battery servicing and customer advice.

Mag. Thomas Bawart Andreas BawartTechnical CEO Commercial CEO

CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS

EDITORIAL

*Rounded mean average values of the measured temperatures at the Austrian Met Office’s stations in Neusiedl am See (Burgen-land), Vienna inner city and Brunn am Gebirge (Lower Austria).

RISING AVERAGE TEMPERATURES

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

10.3˚C 11.4˚C 11.5˚C 11.2˚C 12.3˚C

Basis for the results: A survey completed in August 2014 of 1,012 Austrian and German car drivers aged between 18 and 69.

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What aCtually is CarBon? Carbon is a chemical element that is found in nature in a pure form (diamonds, graphite), or in compounds such as carbonates, carbon dioxide, oil, natural gas and coal. Carbon is able to form large molecules and represents the foundation stone for all life on Earth.

FACTBOXIt is not without reason that carbon is often mentioned in the same breath as the very lat­est high­tech applications. Owing to its light­ness and enormous strength, it is employed in a diversity of areas from motor sport and the aero­space industry, to offshore wind power farms ... and now in Banner batteries.

This is because lead­acid batteries profit to an equal extent from the exceptional conductivity and thermal characteristics of this high­tech material. Special carbon additives improve both the charging capacity and the cyclical resistance of lead­acid batteries and especially in the case of enhanced flooded batteries (EFB) for vehicles with a start/stop function can demonstrate their strengths to the full. The carbon particles

are bound into the negative active mass of the batteries during production and thus ensure the increased conductivity of the active mass and the enhanced current absorption capacity of the battery. The latter results in a considerable reduction in charging times. However, achieving these positive effects requires the use of the correct additive in the right battery and this is precisely the case with the high­tech additives in Banner’s Running Bull EFB batteries, which demonstrate outstanding results.

The use of carbon is further evidence of Banner’s innovative strength and its continuous develop­ment work, which is estimated by leading auto­motive manufacturers around the globe.

FULL CARBON POWER AHEADRUNNING BULL EFB BATTERY

HIGH-TECH CARBON ADDITIVES PROVIDE THE Banner RUNNING BULL EFB BATTERY WITH STILL MORE POWER AND MARKEDLY IMPROVED CHARGING CAPACITY AND CYCLE RESISTANCE.

Banner batteries really get modern vehicles with a start/stop function moving, as is clearly evidenced by the growing number of successful automotive manufacturers, who have opted for our battery solu­tions for their models. This fact also serves to verify that top quality and pioneering technology in com­bination with innovative strength and reliability have been the ingredients in Banner’s formula for success ever since the company was founded.

For the past eight years, the BMW Group has also belonged to Banner’s list of customers and within the scope of this continuing cooperation , vehicles with stop/start functions from the Bavarian premium automotive producer roll off the production line with Banner batteries under their bonnets. It should also be added that AGM batteries are employed in the vehicles using Efficient Dynamics Technology.

Banner AGM batteries are designed specifically for the interplay with today’s start/stop engines and provide the demanding electrical systems in modern vehicles with a reliable flow of power. We are proud to have the privilege of being able to continue to supply the BMW Group as a long­term partner with innovative battery solutions “Made in Austria”.

Banner PUTS THE POWER INTO PREMIUM CARS

BMW FIRST FITTING

OEM ORDER FOR AGM BATTERIES RENEWED.

© BMW AG

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IT’S WHAT’S INSIDE THAT COUNTSIT IS PRECISELY THE INNER LIFE OF BATTERIES THAT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE DURING COMMERCIAL VEHICLE USE.

A battery first shows its true face under the toughest conditions. Every single battery component , from lead as the basic raw material to the casing, has an impact upon quality and service life, which especially during the uncompromising use of commercial vehicles result in a decisive difference .

In particular, the various types of battery grid exert a major influence on the finished product. At pre­sent, four grid production processes are employed in the battery industry (see fact box) whereby each has its own individual characteristics .

For example, the productivity advantages of punched grids are far outweighed by their quality disadvantages such as limited charging capacity and cyclical resistance due to the lead­calcium alloy employed. Especially in the case of vehicles with a large number of power consumers and heavy cyclical loads, this can result in premature battery failure owing to acid stratification and charging problems, as the gassing voltage is far higher in the alloy used. Consequently, after deep charging the battery will never again be properly

fully charged and in addition, punched grids are relatively thin, which means that the plates are particularly prone to warping and thus irrepa­rable damage. In a worst­case scenario this can lead to battery failure following a short circuit.

Long-term experience combined with ground-breaking technology.At Banner, we have both recognised the demands made on batteries during commercial vehicle use and found a perfect solution to the disadvantages of the punched grid. For our batteries we utilise a book cast positive grid and a special hybrid design with a lead­antimony alloy, positive plate and a negative plate made from a lead­calcium alloy. This combination unites the outstanding mechanical characteristics, high cyclical resistance and low water consumption of a proven process with the easy charging of hybrid technology and thus makes our batteries a benchmark.

For these reasons leading OEMs such as Daimler, Caterpillar, Liebherr and Kässbohrer have long put their faith in Banner quality and technology.

GRID PRODUCTION PROCESSES AT A GLANCE

• Expanded Metal Positive and negative lead strip that has been rolled to a suitable thickness are combined to form a grid by slitting and expansion.

• Book Casting Grids are cast with various thicknesses, forms and lead alloys.

• Continuous Casting Grids are formed by applying liquid lead onto a rotating, cooled shaping roller.

• Punched Grid A grid is punched out of a rolled lead strip.

FACTBOX

TRUCK TECHNOLOGY/COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

This autumn, Banner’s new online information and order platform for Banner B2B customers will see the light of the digital world. Thanks to more efficient integration into the available Banner IT architecture, customers can now discover what they are seeking with greater speed and precision , and in addition the innovative web solution demonstrates a large number of useful features. In an initial step, the webshop will incorporate the starter battery range and be launched in the German-speaking sales countries.

The brand new Book of Power 2015 offers an elec-trifying overview of Banner’s diverse and innovative product range. This is a work of reference with over 200 pages packed full of useful information, as well as practical and classification lists for the entire Banner world on wheels from cars and commercial vehicles, to motor cycles, motor rollers, ATVs and tractor mowers.

DIGITAL POWER FOR CUSTOMERS

THE NEW BOOK OF POWER IS HERE!

Banner CUSTOMER PORTAL/WEBSHOP

THE Banner BOOK OF POWER 2015

THE NEW Banner CUSTOMER PORTAL AND WEBSHOP WILL PROVIDE PRACTICAL CUSTOMER ADVANTAGES.

OVER 200 PAGES OF Banner POWER TO MAKE CUSTOMER HEARTS BEAT FASTER.

NEW

Banner CustoMEr Portal FunCtions

• Accesswithcustomernumbervia www.bannerbatteries.com

• Highlymoderncustomerpricesperarticle

• Differingorderpossibilitiessuchasrapidarticlelogging, article searches, order updates

• Transparentorderprocedureandarchiving

• Informationandservicemodulessuchas technical data sheets

• Currentpromotionandproductnews

• AllocationofBannernumberstocustomerarticle numbers

FACTBOX

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The Banner Product Finder leads simply and easily to the perfect battery solution for your vehicle. During the current financial year 2015/16, the highly popular Product Finder will be adapted to TECDOC data sets, a format that with DVSE and TOPMOTIVE is used by the European market leaders in the field of catalogue and information systems in the areas of part retailing, car sales companies/workshops and the automotive industry . At present, the TECDOC format is offered for cars, small transporters , buses and trucks, and facilitates the visualisation of technical details such as the terminal version and circuit diagram, as well as the download of technical data sheets along with a recommendation for the optimum charger in the consumer and professional areas.

In addition, a range of numerous other innovations are in preparation such as a Banner app for battery classification and part identification, as well as a vehicle registration number enquiry for the search for a suitable replace­ment battery.

NEW Banner PRODUCT FINDER

PRODUCT FINDER

TECHNICAL ADVICE MANUAL AGS MARKET POSITIONING

According to the statistics of the German auto­mobile club ADAC, 40 per cent of breakdowns relate to defects in vehicle electrical systems and almost two­thirds of these to battery problems. In order that these difficulties are prevented in advance, Banner has prepared a free technical advice manual for drivers, which presents a whole range of useful information relating to battery topics in practical form. The manual deals with issues such as the most frequent causes of battery problems, tips for starting as­sistance, charging technology and battery in­stallation, as well as the fundamental design of a vehicle battery. Banner’s technical advice menu is ready for downloading at www.bannerbatteries.com under the Infocenter menu item.

Whether in a stacker or a lifting platform, a solar power or emergency energy supply system, indus­trial batteries are versatile power packs that keep everyday life on the move. Banner’s AGS (traction – device – stationary) battery product range is just as varied as the possible applications. Lead­acid batteries are provided with an optional filling system, electrolyte circulation and level indication for a diversity of challenges. Moreover, positive tubular plate batteries, fully insulated terminals and cell connections, as well as electrolyte­tight terminals guarantee top performance, energy density and reliability. Zero­maintenance, leak­proof gel or block batteries with liquid electrolyte also provide a favourably priced alternative to the classic drive battery.

A charging technology premiere With “Select”, Banner offers advanced, highly intelligent charging technology for industrial batteries for the first time. “Select” uses active inverter technology as a basis for charging processes, which furnish batteries with only the precise amount of energy that they can actually absorb. As a result, the battery is not heated up unnecessarily with positive effects for energy efficiency during the charging process and maximum battery life. In addition, the adjustment of the current to the battery prevents charging losses during the initial and post­charging phases.

TECHNICAL TIPS FROM THE PROFESSIONALS INDUSTRIAL POWER

Even quicker to the ideal battery.

THE NEW PRODUCT FINDER MEANS THAT THE IDEAL BATTERY CAN FOUND EVEN FASTER.

DOWNLOADS OF VALUABLE ADVICE FOR DRIVERS NOW AVAILABLE FOR FREE! RELIABILITY, POWER AND VERSATILITY ARE THE TOP QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS OF Banner INDUSTRIAL BATTERIES.

OVERVIEW OF THE TOPICS IN THE TECHNICAL ADVICE MANUAL

• TheadvantagesofBannerbatteries

• Reasonsforbatteryproblems• Recombinationbatteries• Batterychecks&guarantees• Bannerbatterydesign•Warninginstructionsforlead-acid

batteries• Batteryinstallation• Chargingtechnology• Startingassistance

FACTBOX

Only when a team feels happy can it provide top performance for the customer. For this rea­son, generation management plays a key role in successful cooperation amongst all age and em­ployee groups at Banner. The receipt of the 2014 “Linz Company of the Year” award is the best possible confirmation that we have adopted the right approach.

HealthIn the health area, special ergonomic training helps our employees to retain long­term fitness. In 2014/15, the Banner “Fit” health programme was focused on the “BULL” initiative, which dealt with addiction prevention, the recognition of addition problems and the correct response.

Knowledge Workplace training by internal coaches guar­antees the best possible induction of new employees , while the Banner Academy facilitates the continuous further training of managers from across the entire company group.

ValuesThe spring of 2015 also saw the completion of an employee survey as the basis for improve­ments in a diversity of company areas.

WorkSo­called job maps are prepared in every pro­duction department. These show the stresses and strains in the respective workstations and the starting­points for possible alleviations.

TEAMWORK UNLIMITED

GENERATION MANAGEMENT

GENERATION MANAGEMENT CREATES A MOTIVATING AND HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT FOR TOP Banner PERFORMANCE.

Highly intelligent charging technology

for industrial batteries

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Banner The Power ComPany Banner BüffelPosT

LEE QUINNEY IS THE UK’S NEW COUNTRY MANAGERBanner STAYS ON TRACK FOR SUCCESS IN GREAT BRITAIN.

At the beginning of the year, a highly respected and experienced specialist in the vehicle retail segment and the automotive industry took the wheel at Banner UK. In his function as a Country Manager, Lee

Quinney is responsible for strategic development in the British growth market and intends to position Banner as a successful supplier of complete solutions.

National Sales Manager Lee Quinney

For the past twenty years, Denmark and southern Sweden have been looked after by the Banner branch in Karlslunde, which since September 2013 has been managed by the passionate Bayern Munich fan and enthusiastic skier (preferably in the Austrianmountains)ReneRisom.

Owing to their outstanding quality, reliability and secure star-ting, Banner’s innovative products are highly popular among the Nordic specialist automotive workshops, car part retailers andwholesalers. Above all, the Power Bull and the RunningBull are the leading lights among the customers in the North.

Only those that never give up and constantly seek to improve can be successful. This applies equally to both the world of work and boxing. Accordingly, the successful, Polish professional light­middleweight, Sasun Karapetyan, steps into the ring with “Banner Batteries” written on his back. This is fully justified as Sasun packs just as much power in his fists as one finds in a first class Banner battery.

TWO DANISH DECADES FOR Banner

Banner PUNCH IN THE RING

Banner DENMARK IS 20

PEOPLE

Banner POLAND

As part of a school project at the Rudolf­Diesel­Fachschule in Nuremberg , Eduard Adler, Lorenz Wagner and Steffen Khavvam built an innovative suckling pig spit with a juicy power supply. The electri­city for the grill comes from two Banner Energy Bull batteries, which provide enough power to rotate the porker for five to six hours during outdoor barbecues.

THE Banner POWERED BARBECUE

BARBECUE WITH POWER THROUGH THE SUMMERFor the latest edition of the “Post”, we have not only put together an exciting array of articles, but have also found an appropriate postscript. We wish all our customers, partners and friends of the company a splendid summer with never­ending power!

INTERNATIONAL

Despite the political tensions in Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon the region, Banner has been able to achieve impressive export successes in the Arab World. This is due primarily to positive developments in the UAE, North Africa and the breakdown services in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. It is this upward trend that has prompted us to present the company’s innovative pro-duct and services programme to a specialist audience at the

Automechanika , which is the region’s largest automotive industry fair and will take place in June in Dubai.

The results were highly successful and the public interest enormous. In fact, we are already looking forward to numerous orders, projects and cooperation in the Arab growth market.

Export successes in the arab World and trade fair debut in Dubai.

GROWTHOASES

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Start Now.

www.bannerbatteries.com

IMPRESSUM: Medieninhaber, Herausgeber: Banner GmbH, 4021 Linz, Postfach 777, Salzburger Straße 298 Telefon +43/(0)732/3888­0, Fax DW­21399Für den Inhalt verantwortlich: Banner GmbH, Andreas Bawart. Alle Rechte vorbehalten. Nachdruck nur mit schrift licher Genehmigung. Verlagsort: Linz

THE POWER COMPANY

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