It’s not just the release of a new generation of LED lighting that helped Narva cement a leading position in Australia’s automotive lighting market, it is the industry’s on-going trust in the Knoxfield-based company. Hercules Engineering, for instance, decided to bank on Narva as standard equipment.
“Narva is our standard fitment, and almost no one ever asked for a different brand,” says Hercules Purchaser, Mark Hammel. “Since LED technology became available in Australia, we’ve been using Narva and nothing else. Full stop.”
According to Mark, all Hercules trailers ordered today are based on LED technology. “The use of LED is practicality driven,” he explains. “99.9 per cent of the industry already use LED because of the ability to suit both 12V and 24V vehicles. Plus it’s the most reliable lighting technology invented so far, and it can save you real money as it will reduce lighting-related downtime to a minimum. And we all know it’s frustrating if you have to fix stuff all the time instead of being out there to make money.”
Unlike the old, incandescent light bulb, a high-powered LED can provide unrivalled white light output and performance, reliability, and a maintenance free operational life of more than 50,000 hours. “LED technology is able to virtually replace Halogen and many HID applications,” says Narva General Manager, Tim Miller.
As a result, Hercules is relying on Narva’s comprehensive LED rear lighting range, especially the Model 46 range of LED stop, tail and direction indicator lamps. “First of all, both quality and price are good,” Mark explains. “But it’s more than that – we just have a very close business relationship. In fact, it is the familiar business relationship that makes Narva and Hercules a good match. You can always ring someone at Narva if there is a problem and they will actually find a solution – that’s good, efficient customer service.
“I am sure that customer service is the true key to success in every industry,” he adds. “Since 1981, Hercules has grown to become one of the most renowned brands in the business; based on great customer service and the ability to tailor-make transport equipment according to customer specifications. It’s all about keeping your customers happy, and both Narva and Hercules have understood that lesson.”
Focusing on the design of rugged dog trailers and specialised transport equipment, Hercules is offering a product range that is able endure the harsh rigors of the local transport industry. “The reliability of our product, and our commitment to service are integral to our success. The best reference we can give is that most of our business today comes from repeat orders. And the lighting we use must live up to that level of commitment,” says Mark. “Our philosophy is simple – we want to build the best trailer we can and make sure that the build quality is superior to the competition.
“On that account, only LED technology can provide instant full strength illumination, reverse polarity protection, low current draw, and an enhanced ability to withstand shock and vibration.”
In fact, Narva believes a five-year warranty is useless if the lamps themselves break, compromising the integrity of the electronics and shortening the lamp’s operational life. Therefore, the company utilises virtually unbreakable polycarbonate materials to ensure the fully ADR and ‘E’ compliant lamps survive the harshest road conditions Australia can dish out. The 46 series as used by Hercules is also sonically sealed and hard wired and comes with 300mm extension leads.
“Our LED equipment has been tested in the harshest of work conditions to ensure it will withstand the rigours of mining, contracting, and farming,” says Tim. “Due to the low current draw and reliability associated with LEDs, the lamps are trouble free, resulting in expensive machinery downtime being dramatically reduced. In the end, they will save costs and increase safety.”
And, since a vast number of councils and shires, cartage contractors, government authorities and even Telstra keep choosing Narva-supported Hercules equipment, both Narva and Hercules are facing a bright future. “There are a lot of similarities that connect the two businesses,” says Mark Hammel. “We are both flexible companies and good listeners, which makes us good innovators, too. Plus, we both love our work and we’re committed to the future of our business relationship.”
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