Hidria recently entered into a business agreement on co-operation with one of the largest global manufacturers of filters for automotive industry for which it developed a new innovative oil heater. The new solution will first be integrated into BMWs X3.

The key function of the new technological solution developed by the experts of Hidria Institute Automotive from Tolmin is the heating of oil before it enters the filter. In the cool months of the year, the oil heater prevents the release of paraffin from oil and the consequent damaging and clogging of the filter. The innovative technology corresponds to strict ecological requirements dictated to car manufacturers by the global efforts to protect the environment and reduce harmful emissions.

This complex development part of the project which has been underway since January 2008 will be followed by technological preparation of production this year and a pre-series in the spring next year. Hidria AET Tolmin will launch regular production of 150,000 oil heaters per year in July 2010.

With the supplies of oil heaters, Hidria is opening a new promising range of products for automotive technologies. The innovators expect that with high-technology product perfection and excellent reference, namely BMW, the new product range will achieve quick growth on the European and global markets in the future.

Photo: Hidria R&D team: Matej Ivancic, Ales Bizjak, Iztok Skocir