The CORTECO brand has a history which stretches back more than 70 years: the CORTECO brand was first registered as a product trademark for radial shaft seals in Italy in 1932. These seals were manufactured and distributed in Italy by a partner of the Freudenberg Group. Interestingly, "CORTECO" has been used synonymously with "radial shaft seal" in the Italian language ever since - similar to the brand "Simmerring" in German. In 1996, Freudenberg decided to start a dedicated aftermarket business under the brand name "CORTECO". CORTECO Europe was born as a company.

CORTECO today is one of the most modern international suppliers and employs more than 150 people all over Europe. The six European sites are located in Germany, Italy, France, Great Britain, Spain and Sweden. The company also has additional representative offices in Poland, Turkey, Russia and North Africa. CORTECO covers other important strategic markets through offices in Singapore, the USA, Mexico and Brazil.

OEM Quality and Leading Brands

Whether it's a Simmerring^©, micronAir^© cabin air filter, decoupled pulley or the cylinder head gasket in wide stopper technology: CORTECO products signify high OEM quality. Garages therefore benefit with CORTECO directly from the development know-how of the OEM business and the global network of manufacturing sites of the Freudenberg Group. Freudenberg is one of the world's leading original equipment manufacturers for both seals and vibration technology as well as cabin air filters, with a turnover of 5.0 billion Euro (2008) and more than 32,000 employees in 52 countries.

Simmerring^©

The Simmerring^© brand is a registered trademark. In everyday language the name "Simmerring" is often used synonymously with "radial shaft seal", which is the actual name of the product group. However, the original Simmerring^© is only available from its manufacturer Freudenberg, or exclusively from CORTECO as a spare part for the independent aftermarket . Freudenberg is the global market leader in the product group of radial shaft seals. The successful history of this product, which was invented in 1929, is mainly due to its high quality and continuous technical development. Recent test results with shaft seals show that the Simmerring^© is still as good as new after a test period of 24 hours. Imitations, on the other hand, show cracks, abrasion and grooves after undergoing similar strain. The traditional competence for radial shaft seals also manifests itself in the product groups of integrated radial shaft seals and the combi seals and cassette seals, which are also sold by CORTECO in the independent aftermarket. CORTECO uses the materials expertise of the Freudenberg Group particularly in the case of the integrated shaft seals, as these contain a new type of sealing lip made from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) which does not require lubricants when installed, but still adjusts to even the slightest unevenness on the shaft surface.

Valve Stem Seals

CORTECO offers modern valve stem seals which optimise the oil supply to the valve system - one example is the new sealing lip design: it creates a substantial reduction of the blow-by effect by way of a specific counter pressure. This reduces carbonisation within the system, increases the lifetime of the engine and reduces harmful emissions. Every valve stem seal has been developed purposely to fit a particular type of engine. CORTECO is in a position to offer the correct valve stem seal for each of the common vehicle models, thanks to the development competence of the Freudenberg Group.

Vibration Control Technology

Quite often the small components, which are invisible to the driver, are those which have a major influence on the ride comfort of the vehicle. When a limousine offers a steady and safe ride despite high speeds and bumpy roads, it is in no small part due to highly sophisticated vibration control technology - one of CORTECO's fields of expertise. The IAM specialist offers a wide range of products for more than 27,500 vehicle applications:

• Engine mounts and transmission mounts (in hydraulic and conventional versions)
• Decoupled pulleys and torsional vibration dampers
• Chassis bushings (in hydraulic and conventional versions)
• Suspension strut mounts
• Torque strut mounts
• Drive shaft mounts
• Centering bushes etc.

The highly sophisticated technology of CORTECO products clearly shows in the example of the innovative decoupled pulley: in addition to the traditional damping of the axial vibrations, the pulley decouples the belt drive from the crankshaft. This reduces the strain on neighbouring components. The lifetime of belt and pulley is lengthened and reduced noise levels inside the car mean enhanced ride comfort.

Gaskets and Engine Kits

Whether it be cylinder head gaskets, cylinder head bolts, full kits or sealing kits: CORTECO offers a wide range of engine related spare parts in OEM quality, thus ensuring the highest possible engine performance. One result of the global development activities of the Freudenberg Group is for example the revolutionary cylinder head gasket in wide stopper technology, which assists in the reduction of oil consumption. This product is used in the new generation of petrol engines, such as the VAG 2.0 Turbo FSI.

Cabin Air Filters

Cabin air filters protect passengers from pollen, ozone and other harmful substances, thereby improving road safety. They also support the air circulation within the cabin and help to maintain the efficiency of heater and air conditioning.

CORTECO offers its customers a wide range of more than 400 different references of filters for more than 600 different models of vehicles - thereby covering the majority of models in Europe. Since January 2007 the portfolio has been further expanded by the addition of the micronAir^© cabin air filters. In the past, it was Freudenberg Nonwovens who supplied these to independent retailers. Technical development and OE business continues to lie with the Freudenberg Group, who are the global market leader in original equipment cabin air filters: Freudenberg filters are fitted into every other new vehicle in Europe. This position as market leader further emphasises the advantages of the original quality of CORTECO products: when using a filter in original quality for the filter exchange, which should be carried out every 15,000 kilometres (approx. 9,000 miles), it will fit perfectly and can be installed without the possibility of leakages, thereby providing optimal protection for passengers. The micronAir^© fleece layer offers additional protection against the accumulation of bacteria inside the filter.

Brake Hoses

Brake hoses are among the most important components of the vehicle brake system. Quality is therefore of paramount importance for the safety of the passengers. CORTECO offers an extensive portfolio of brake hoses comprising more than 1,700 references, covering 90 percent of European manufacturer applications. Double coating ensures the necessary elasticity whilst permitting only restricted volume expansion. This protects against wear and tear and contributes to a long life time of the break hoses, which are subject to the most stringent quality specifications and which undergo strict testing.

Additional Products and Services

CORTECO's range is rounded off through additional interesting service products: wheel bearing kits, drive shaft boots/kits and service kits such as automatic transmission overhaul kits or power steering kits. CORTECO provides garages with sales support and fitting instructions. CORTECO products are listed on TecDoc and TecCom.