ACtion Magazine - November/December 2011 - (Page 21)

RRR machines for R-1234yf are on sale in Europe, but right now you can’t buy one here. But if you could, would you? he European markets are getting ready for the introduction of the first new vehicles using the new refrigerant R-1234yf. Most observers think the debut will most likely happen in mid-tolate 2012 when a manufacturer presents an all-new model. No OEM is talking yet, and for most in the industry it’s an open topic of discussion as to which manufacturer will be first on the street with a new system. It could be anybody, and it could possibly appear from a company that doesn’t sell vehicles in the U.S., such as Peugeot of France or Spain’s SEAT, now owned by Volkswagen. If it does turn out to be a non-U.S. player, the reaction over here is likely to be “Umm, what? Oh, yeah, that.” In the European market, dealer networks are still the prime service provider for most vehicles (although the independent aftermarket is growing), and their new car industry is gearing up. Service recovery-recycle-recharge (RRR) machines for the new gas are already appearing on the market in Europe from many manufacturers in many countries. It is also a safe bet that after the hoopla surrounding the first vehicle dies down, other products will appear in due order from other makers. As the cars proliferate, even in small numbers, the dealers will have to be prepared to deal with R-1234yf systems. Without any discussion of system failures or warranty repairs, some customers always find interesting and creative ways to bend their new cars, so parts replacement and recharges are in the foreseeable future. But it still seems quiet on this side of the pond, at least T in public. As of this writing, no RRR machine maker is advertising a R-1234yf machine for sale here, and right now you probably couldn’t buy one if you wanted to. With the reasonable (but not guaranteed) possibility of at least one vehicle using R-1234yf appearing in the U.S. during the next calendar year, the lack of support equipment appears puzzling. The dealers will need the machines as soon as the cars roll in. What’s holding up the new equipment? “Everyone is waiting on SAE J2911 and UL 1963 to be published or changed,” e-mailed Ritchie Engineering Co./ Yellow Jacket’s automotive sales manager Ralph Vergara. He is a member of SAE’s Interior Climate Control committee that is overseeing the specifications. “SAE J2911 is a new standard that will hold manufacturers accountable for complying with the standard by pulling random samples and making sure that they meet the specifications for R-1234yf.” At its root, J2911 says that a RRR machine manufacturer has to produce at least 250 units in serial production and store them as warehouse stock. A representative from an independent testing laboratory will then pick one unit at random and submit the machine for compliance testing against the performance specifications. That seems like a great idea to guarantee compliance throughout the product line, but some manufacturers get a little bit itchy about storing 250 units without being allowed to sell them until certification is finished. Additionally, others see the requirement to produce 250 units as being beyond their anticipated sales in the early days and they fear being stuck with unsold inventory. The whole topic is still under discussion but nobody is likely to start cranking out equipment until this is settled. The independent labs that will be doing the testing are also ACTION • November / December 2011 21

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of ACtion Magazine - November/December 2011

ACtion Magazine - November/December 2011
Table of Contents
Outlook
Expansion Valve
Technically RELAY-ted
Under the Southern Cross
Leonard’s Law
News & Updates
Virtual View
Cooling Corner
Painting an Unclear Picture
2011 Phoenix Symposium: Some Answers, More Questions
MACS Trade Show Exhibitor List
Association News
Classified
Quick Check
New Products & Services
Last Watch

ACtion Magazine - November/December 2011