Sonnax exhibits at the 21st Performance Racing Industry Trade Show, Dec. 11-13, Orlando FL. Rick Willson and Gregg Nader of Sonnax met with new and long-time customers and friends, discussed performance product solutions and Sonnax’s latest performance products on display.
Web link: http://www.performanceracing.com/tradeshow/
Posted: December 23rd, 2008 under News.
APRA’s 1st European Workshop on Automatic Transmissions, Nov. 20-21, Stuttgart, Germany at the SI-EVENT-CENTER brought together respected OE and aftermarket industry experts to focus on current and future trends in Europe’s growing market for automatic transmission remanufacturing. It was noted that remanufacturing in Europe is growing quickly, and changing from the current market share of 90% manual and 10% automatic to a split of 33% manual, 33% automatic and 33% double clutch transmission in 5 to 10 years. Steve Jaussaud, VP Sales, Sonnax, addressed the group with a presentation on the importance of maintaining hydraulic integrity during the remanufacturing process. Other companies and contributors to the meeting included ZF Getriebe Gmbh, MPO Mosolf Power Train, Midland Automatic Transmission, Lubeguard and Superflow Technologies. Dr. William Henney (a well known technical consultant for AT remanufacturing) moderated the meeting and noted that “we now have a professional association where companies will work together in the transmission remanufacturing industry in Europe.”
Posted: December 10th, 2008 under News.
Sonnax displayed many of its newest products at the ATRA Powertrain Expo: Oct. 31 – Nov. 1, 2008 in Las Vegas, NV and also demonstrated valve body reaming and filtration technology. As part of Sonnax’s ongoing efforts to provide rebuilders with the latest technical information Bob Warnke, Sonnax VP of Tech Development, presented two technical seminars, including a program titled “Complai
nt-Cause-Correction ” which addressed diagnostics for AW55-50SN, JF506E, 5L40-E, Honda TCC/CPC control, AX4N/4S, 5R110W and 4R100 units. Gregg Nader, Sonnax Technical Specialist, spoke on “Fluid Contamination and The Dirty Secret.”
Posted: November 12th, 2008 under News.
On October 24, Sonnax hosted a visit from Vermont Governor Jim Douglas, who complimented Sonnax on its commitment to keeping jobs in Vermont and using resources from state agencies to grow its business.
(left to right) VT Governor Jim Douglas tours Sonnax with Ben Wallace (Sonnax VP, Supply Chain Management), Tommy Harmon (Sonnax President & CEO), Steve Jaussaud (Sonnax VP, Sales)
Gov. Douglas was impressed to learn how many times Sonnax employees had participated in lean systems training or projects (280) by the Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center (VMEC) with additional funding support from the Vermont Department of Economic Development. Gov. Douglas also learned about Sonnax’s “Green Initiatives,” which have allowed Sonnax to allocate funds more productively while benefitting the environment. In the past year Sonnax employees have reduced energy usage by 30% and cut dumpster pickups in half lessening landfill waste. The Governor then toured the nearby Sonnax Distribution and Technical Center (SDTC), during which time he spoke with Sonnax Engineer Jon LeClair about his service in Iraq with the Vermont National Guard.
Gov. Douglas applauded Sonnax for locating the SDTC in Vermont and keeping jobs here, rather than locating elsewhere as was previously considered. Sonnax employees were gratified that the Governor took the time to visit and see how companies like Sonnax contribute to the economic vitality of Vermont. The visit offered the opportunity to highlight how our tax dollars are being used in government-private cooperation to benefit the overall economy, generate jobs as well as support company stability.
Posted: November 7th, 2008 under News.
Sonnax is featured in Transmission Digest ’s October 2008 issue with an inside article and cover photograph of Sonnax products beneath the heading “Responding to Rebuilders.” Interviews with CEO Tommy Harmon and many others at Sonnax, speak to Sonnax’s role in developing unique products for transmission, valve body and torque converter rebuilders along with the development of our new product line areas, driveline and Power Train Savers . The company’s dedication to lean practices, along with its focus on teamwork and getting new product to market quickly are highlighted in the article’s interviews. Transmission Digest is issued monthly and has served the rebuilders, distributors, shop owners and suppliers of the automatic transmission aftermarket for many years.
For the complete article, click here .
Posted: October 24th, 2008 under News.
Aftermarket auto transmission components manufacturer Sonnax has standardized on SolidWorks(R) 3D CAD software to re-engineer worn out parts so they are as good or better than the original, Dassault Systemes SolidWorks Corp. (DS SolidWorks) announced today. Using SolidWorks, Sonnax engineers have become more productive and more creative in their design approaches than with 2D software.
Since 1978, Vermont-based Sonnax has been designing, manufacturing, and distributing replacement components for automatic transmissions, torque converters, drive shafts and related products worldwide for the passenger vehicle, racing and heavy-duty vehicle markets. Precision and durability are critical as its parts are used in rebuilt transmissions which often carry 100,000 mile warranties.
We get worn out parts that we reverse engineer to find out where the part failed," said Steve McAllister, a technical group manager in engineering at Sonnax. "SolidWorks lets us identify the original failure point and design it right out of the product."
For the complete article as it appeared in CBS MarketWatch, click here .
Posted: October 20th, 2008 under News.
Joseph Lombardi and Mike DeFelice, International Sales Representatives, Steve Jaussaud, VP Sales, Bob Warnke, VP Tech Development, and CEO Tommy Harmon met with many Sonnax customers and friends from around the world. They discussed the latest Sonnax valve body and torque converter products as well as the challenges due to the dramatic growth in automatic transmissions and emerging distribution networks in various international markets. In addition, Bob met with members of Sonnax’s EuroTASC Force for in-depth technical discussions of new applications, failure modes, complaints and possible product solutions.
Posted: October 7th, 2008 under News, Torque Converter, Transmission Specialties.
Sonnax presents valve body training and two seminar programs at the IAME/ATRA Seminar 2008 & Exhibition August 23-24 in Adelaide, Australia.
Bob Warnke, Sonnax VP Technical Development, demonstrated valve body inspection procedures including wet air and vacuum testing as well as techniques for reaming bores using U140E, F4A5, and ZF5HP19 valve bodies. Close to 180 Australian rebuilders, distributors and shop personnel attended Bob’s seminar presentations on “Valve Body Diagnostics and Service” and “Valve Body and Converter Control Issues”.
Sonnax appreciates the opportunity to share technical information and learn more about new applications and rebuilding concerns that rebuilders face in different parts of the world. We thank IAME/ATRA for their work in organizing and sponsoring the IAME/ATRA Seminar 2008 & Exhibition.
Posted: September 30th, 2008 under News, Transmission Specialties.
Sonnax Technical Specialist, Gregg Nader, demonstrates vacuum testing and reaming of bores on GM 5L40-E and VW 01M valve bodies to rebuilders from Moscow and outlying areas during the AutoTransTech sponsored seminar held in Moscow August 21-22, 2008. Many rebuilders, customers and shop owners stopped by the Sonnax booth during Exhibition AutoTransTech 2008, which followed the seminar, to meet with Gregg and Mike DeFelice, Sonnax International Sales Representative, and see samples of the latest Sonnax torque converter and valve body products and tools .
Sonnax wishes to thank AutoTransTech for their hard work in organizing the trade show and seminar program and for promoting the training of transmission and converter rebuilders in Russia and Eastern Europe. AutoTransTech is a full line distributor of Sonnax torque converter and transmission parts.
Posted: September 4th, 2008 under News, Torque Converter, Transmission Specialties.
During the PAACE Automechanika trade fair in Mexico City this past July 9-11, Sonnax hosted a technical seminar for nearly 650 interested customers and transmission rebuilders. Presented by Reese Blalock, former Technical Speaker with ATRA, and Joseph Lombardi, Director of International Sales at Sonnax, this years seminar focused on how to identify and solve common automatic transmission complaints.
The show itself was extremely well attended as was the Sonnax booth. A steady stream of customers, rebuilders and other interested visitors stopped by over the 3 days to see samples of the latest torque converter, Transmission Specialties®, Allison® replacement, Driveline and PowerTrain Saver® parts and to speak with Sonnax representatives Joseph Lombardi and Joan Kainz.
Posted: July 24th, 2008 under News, Torque Converter, Transmission Specialties.