Tenneco Automotive Europe has announced that it is the supplier of rear shock absorbers and front struts sold under the Monroe brand name for the all-new Nissan Almera medium-sized family car, which is built at Europe's most productive car plant in Sunderland, UK.

Production of the specially designed Monroe shock absorbers and front struts began in January 2000 at Tenneco Automotive's facilities at St Truiden in Belgium and Ermua in Spain.

The news further strengthens ties between Tenneco Automotive and Nissan in Sunderland, building on a relationship that began in 1986, with the introduction of the Nissan Primera in 1990. The launch of the new Almera is currently being rolled-out across all major European markets.

The Monroe rear shock absorber features an all-new low pressure twin tube of 25.4mm bore, designed specifically for the Almera platform, with a new piston design to improve the hydraulic noise effect, banded with a sealing lip to increase the damping performance.

The front axle is equipped with low pressure struts of 27mm bore, again purpose designed for the Almera. Features include a new one-piece bracket designed with the support of a software computer model to ensure the best combination possible between strength performance and weight reduction. Furthermore, a banded piston with sealing lip has been produced to achieve a higher control of the damping performance.

Tenneco Automotive's investment in the new products has been extensive. New design and development processes have been implemented along with a new-style production line to meet full annual production of 240,000 shock absorbers and struts by the end of 2001.

This latest strengthening in the relationship between Tenneco Automotive and Nissan has involved daily contact between product design teams, including top engineers from Tenneco Automotive. The objective has been to manufacture products that meet stringent quality requirements set by the vehicle manufacturer combining safety, comfort and durability.

"Being the 100% supplier of rear Monroe shock absorbers and front struts for the Nissan Almera in Sunderland is a great honour for Tenneco Automotive," says Sandro Paparelli, original equipment (OE) vice-president & general manager. "Our two companies have enjoyed a long and successful relationship for many years and this further strengthens the ties and trust we aim for as a leading OE supplier.

"I would like to thank the entire Tenneco Automotive Nissan Almera development team for their dedication and hard work to meet the strict deadlines and quality requirements set by Nissan for the Almera," he added.

Tenneco Automotive currently supplies all Nissan models in Europe: new Primera, new Almera, Micra, Terrano, Patrol, Serena, Vanette, Trade, Cabstar and Atleon truck range. Products include twin tube shock absorbers and struts in several sizes, low pressure models, heavy duty designs for trucks and steering dampers.