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Charging Ahead
Auto Parts & Accessories
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| The latest car lights from Alliance Industrial Co Ltd include (from left) a model with ionizer, a rechargeable pop-up version and a twin-eye rechargeable light |
New creations from Hong Kong-based suppliers of auto parts and accessories bring positive implications for vehicle efficiency, safety, reliability and convenience
No motor vehicle can travel far without a properly charged battery. Fortunately, Hong Kong manufacturers such as Asia Bright Industrial (HK) Co Ltd can help.
A maker of chargers for lead-acid batteries, Asia Bright serves global markets, notably the UK, Germany, Spain, Australia and the US. Its engineering and production teams can turn out up to a million electronics items a year.
"Some people need quality battery chargers, not inferior, cheaper ones," says Marketing Manager Eric Chow. "Most of our battery chargers have an intelligent operating process."
Few show more 'intelligence' than the sleek and nicely curved model BFD-1212, a charger with a built-in LCD voltage meter. Its output is 6V or 12V DC at 1.25A charging current. The charger measures 93x82x105mm and weighs 1.05kg. The design includes a sturdy handle.
"The main feature is a microprocessor-controlled charging program with four stages to help maintain battery lifespan," says Mr Chow.
The charger automatically adjusts the output current to the stage of the battery. "At first, it pushes out a high current to bring the battery up to 80%, and then the charging current lessens. So, as the battery's charge goes up, the charging current goes down, and when the battery is fully charged it stops completely to prevent overcharging and keep the battery in good condition," he adds.
Using such chargers should allow car batteries to last 5-7 years - otherwise life expectancies may be halved. "Using cheaper chargers can double battery costs," Mr Chow claims. "Most other chargers don't have built-in LCD voltage meters so that's a selling point, too. Users easily can see the charging status."
Typically, model BFD-1212 comes in a grey-and-black, fire-retardant plastic casing. But sometimes it sports playful blue-and-yellow tones. "Our customers can change the colours if they like," Mr Chow says.
Another battery charger, model BFS-1215-WR, a 1.5A water-resistant, fully automatic version, is "popular" and "very significant in our product line", says Mr Chow. "It has anti-vibration features, too."
Another firm, I-Mag (HK) Co, specialises in somewhat different types of power supplies. "Our core business has been making OEM adaptors," says Sales Supervisor Robby Shiu. "In the past few years, we've extended our product range with more items suitable for promotional and retail purposes."
The company's leading items include model IC-003, a 2-in-2-out power charger. "No matter where you are, this product allows you to easily power or charge up your mobile phone through a car's cigarette-lighter plug or a standard wall socket," Mr Shiu says.
He adds that the compact, easy-to-carry and ideal-to-use-in-cars charger works with most Nokia, Motorola, Samsung or LG mobile phones.
I-Mag also offers USB adaptors, such as models IC-005 and IC-006. The IC-005 powers iPods, MP3 players or other portable electronic devices using a car's cigarette-lighter plug. It has an LED indicator, with a blue-light signal flash, to indicate that charging is underway.
"These products are light and compact," Mr Shiu says. "Users can enjoy their favourite music while keeping the devices fully charged on the road."
With the IC-006, "the users can power two of their iPods, MP3 players or mobile phones at the same time as they are driving," Mr Shiu adds.
"Many suppliers provide just simple USB cables for their products," Mr Shiu says. "With our adaptors, we create the solutions to powering portable devices in more than the usual situations. We have also moved beyond OEM work to introduce our own standard lines."
Operating two factories on the Chinese mainland, Flying Dragon Development Ltd produces not only auto accessories but also camping and outdoor equipment.
For example, the firm's model FD-2012 is a multifunction, rechargeable power tank that reflects Flying Dragon's own diversity.
"This product provides battery backup," says Sales and Marketing Manager Dorothy Sham. "Some people call it a car starter and good drivers keep it in their vehicles."
This "handy jump-start system" has attached cables to revive car batteries. For safety reasons, there is also a built-in circuit-breaker. The unit recharges via a suitable mains adaptor or a 12V car battery. The model's other available features include a halogen spotlight, flashing light, siren for emergencies and even an AM/FM radio.
"We have had good business in the US market for products like this," says Ms Sham, mentioning that the unit measures 316x132x302mm and sells for about US$40 each FOB Hong Kong.
"Many US families like to drive when on holiday," adds Ms Sham. "Sometimes, they lack full confidence in a car battery so it's reassuring to have this backup unit. They can also use the spotlight and red flashing light to let other people know when the car has stopped on the road."
Such vehicle-friendly products from Hong Kong companies pack a lot of power while adding convenience, safety and reliability. They also do more than simply assist drivers and passengers as their very presence may prevent emergencies or even save lives.
TEXT BY JOHN CAIRNS
FAST FACTS
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Alliance Industrial Co Ltd |
Year Established: 1991 |
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Asia Bright Industrial (HK) Co Ltd |
Year Established: 2002 |
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Flying Dragon Development Ltd |
Year Established:
1983 Major Product Categories: auto accessories, air pumps, lanterns, torches, key chains Own Brands & Certificates: ISO 9001 Minimum Order: US$9,000 Monthly Production: - Delivery Time: 45-60 days Factory Size & Location: 60,000 square feet; Shenzhen Workforce: 400 |
| Good
Hope (HK) Ltd Rm 505 HK Worsted Mills Ind Bldg 31-39 Wo Tong Tsui St Kwai Chung, New Territories Hong Kong Tel: 852-2429-6611 Fax: 852-2480-4612 Email: hk_office@goodhope.com.hk Web: www.goodhope.com.hk |
Year Established: - |
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I-Mag (HK) Co |
Year Established: 1974 |
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Kingsland Int'l (HK) Ltd |
Year Established: 1995 |
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