Stertil Koni has added to its impressive list of clients by becoming a preferred supplier for Daimler Chrysler (DC) worldwide. The automotive giant is in the final stages of centralising its workshop equipment purchasing procedure, meaning that workshops owned by DC can only purchase equipment from suppliers approved by the company. The company believes that independent workshops will also adhere to the approved supplier procedure once it is implemented.

The new Daimler Chrysler system is called GOTIS (GSP - Global Service & Parts - Online Technics Information System). The system provides a quick and interactive internet platform to access information about equipment trials as well as the planning of workshops, paint shops and bodywork centres. It also carries contact details for after-sales support and consulting services and an online version of the company's Workshop Equipment Manual.

"It's a big achievement for Stertil Koni to be named as a preferred supplier to a global corporation like Daimler Chrysler," says Tony Edge, general manager of Stertil. "It confirms the growing reputation of our vehicle lifts among top companies and I'm confident it will have a positive impact on sales for Stertil Koni distributors worldwide."

The Global Service & Parts unit is responsible for worldwide after-sales for Mercedes-Benz, the most prestigious of Daimler Chrysler's many brands. It also handles international parts logistics for Mercedes, Smart and Chrysler/Jeep. With the GOTIS system, the team's experience from workshop planning and consulting projects across the globe can be shared with the DC dealer network. Dealers will be able to benefit from tried and tested workshop concepts and use suppliers already familiar with Daimler Chrysler's exacting requirements.

Stertil Koni has recently supplied heavy-duty vehicle lifts to DC's operations in South Africa, Germany, Russia, France and Poland thereby proving the benefits of inclusion on the approved suppliers list.

Stertil Koni specialises in the design, manufacture, installation and maintenance of hydraulic vehicle lifts and was the first lifting system manufacturer to be awarded ISO 9001. The company is part of the Stertil Group, a market leader in the development and production of dock equipment.