Demand on the market

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stage II – the new shock absorber from trail master by maas*

The stage II is a further development of the very successful trail master “new generation” shock absorber. Due to a technical innovation it is now possible, to produce and supply even small amounts of practically any shock absorber length with any fitting at the shock-absorbers’ ends. O0ur shock absorbers perfectly match the requirements for OE vehicles, and even tuners and vehicle developers will find the perfect matching shock absorbers for their requirements. 

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There are many shock absorbers for off road vehicles available – good shock absorbers are offered in smaller quantities. A shock absorber that is individually produced on demand at a price that usually is only possible with mass-production shocks is unique. It’s the trail master stage 

Just like our actual shock absorber „new generation“, the “stage II“ is perfectly suitable as a replacement for worn out OE shocks. Moreover it will be possible to influence the driving characteristics by choosing shocks with a different tuning. The sportive Driver can choose a shock absorber with a firmer tuning, while the comfort oriented driver can choose a softer, more comfy shock absorber.

For the installation of suspension kits, the usage of specifically fitted shocks is extremely important. Length, construction and characteristics (comfy to sportive) must be exactly tuned to the suspension springs and the height (lifting / lowering). Most manufacturers have to make compromises, since they don’t have the right shock absorber at hand. With the special type of production of the stage II, we are able to consider nearly every necessity for this type of application and the perfect solution for a shock absorber in a special suspension kit.

Next to OE suspension kits, there are many tuners and specialists who make modifications in very small quantities. Also for this clientele it was necessary to choose a shock absorber that comes very close to their requirements. With the stage II it is now possible to produce very small quantities according to the customers’ requirements. Next to the very large amount of standard shock absorbers, there will be numerous shocks which we will produce according to the preferences of our customers.

Due to technical or optical reasons it is often required or desired to mount a double shock absorber. Until now standard shock absorbers with an identical characteristics curve have been used for this application. But these shocks were designed for a single shock application; consequently the double shock absorber is by far too tough. The advantage of the bigger volume, and the higher performance are practically equalized with the disadvantage of the too hard shocks. The stage II shock absorber is available in very soft and comfy tunings. By doubling volume and performance a very long lifetime can be achieved. Simultaneously the shock rate can be adjusted by choosing a fitting shock absorber. This makes the stage II a perfect choice for double shock absorbers.

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Thanks to the new modular manufacturing process, the stage II is not more expensive than the conventional shock absorbers. Depending on the construction, we offer the stage II between 115,- and 135,- EUR. The price also depends on the different VAT rates in Europe. Within the time of introduction, the stage II will be offered at the same price like the “new generation

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The first pieces of the stage II are already manufactured and available. The product range is being enlarged every month, so that all application will be available at the end of 2007. Special constructions are available within a few days.

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Questions, questions questions...  Products which are completely new to the market always bring up a lot of questions. With this faq we would like to answer the frequently asked questions about the trail master stage II shock absorbers. If you have any questions that is not listet below, do not hesitate to contact us. 

What are the new features of the stage II?
The biggest innovation of the stage II shock absorber is the manufacturing process. The special thing about this process is that the installation mountings of the shock absorber are mounted at the end of the production process. This new method allows us to manufacture shock absorbers with any measurement, and free choosable mountings – also in small quantities – at a reasonable price.

What is the difference between the new „stage II“ shock absorbers and the mature “new Generation” shock absorbers?
There is no difference between the technique and the inner construction of both shock absorber models. But the new production process enables us to offer different tunings for many cars. These tunings will be marked as “sport” and “comfort” in our application list. Furthermore there will be a lot more applications. And of course the most important innovation: The tunings of all stage II shock absorbers have been completely revised and fitted to the demand of our European customers.

For which cars will the stage II shock absorber be availabe?
Within this year all new generation shock absorbers will be replaced with the stage II. Furthermore. For many cars there will be a choice between sportive and comfortable tunings of the shocks. The new production process wil also close gaps which are currently in our product range. Thant means that we will be able to offer at least one shock absorber for nearly all off road and 4x4 vehicle until the end of this year.

How can I find the right shock absorber form my vehicle?
Shock absorbers for OE replacement and lifted cars can be found on the trail master website, category “products”, “product range”, or in the category “download” (mass production). If you have special requirements, you can of course contact us by mail, e-mail or phone. Then you will receive an individual offer (handcrafted one-off production)

When will I be able to buy the stage II shock absorber?
The first pieces of the stage II have already been sold and shipped. For usage as OE replacement or in suspension kits you may use our application list on www.trailmaster.de. For special applications regarding measurements or tuning please contact a close-by specialist or our customer support. Contact details can also be found on our website.

Do the stage II shocks have a different package?
In order to keep the conversion of our product range as flawless as possible – especially for the dealers with an own stock – all shock absorbers are currently shipped in the new generation package. Within the changeover time there will be new generation packages and stage II packages as well. From August 2007 on all trail master by maas shock absorbers will be shipped in stage II packages.

Can I assemble a stage II shock from single components myself?
There are diferrent special tools and securing means necessary for the production of the stage II shock. So it is not possible to assemble a stage II shock on your own.

I have ordered a suspension kit, and received 2 new generation shocks and 2 stage II shocks, ist his correct?
Yes, this is possible. While the shocks are changed from new generation to stage II there will be both models of the shock absorbers supplied. So it is possible that some suspension kits will be shipped with “mixed” shock absorbers. The shocks absorbers’ tunings are matched, i. e. there absolutely no disadvantage regarding technical or convenience aspects.

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Aren’t trail master by maas and trail master the same companies? Yes, but …..  In the past we had to learn that the markets in the USA and Europe are extremely different. It is not only the range of vehicles that is different, but also the requirements of the customers regarding quality and security are differing in a high degree. Consequently, in the year 2002 we have decided to completely separate trail master in two companies. Today there is trail master for the American market and trail master for the European Market. This is a very common habit in the automotive market, and copes much better with the demand of the market.

The products for the European market bear the name affix “by maas” because the trail master GmbH in Germany is a company of maas group KG. Our completely independent R&D Department enables us to develop suspension components which exactly fit the requirements of the European market. Since the US products are not certified for the European market, it is not allowed to utilize the products in the road traffic. When these products are used illegally, the vehicle registration will be void. The usage of the name trail master is invariably permitted for our European customers.
All information about our company and products can be found on our homepage www.maas-group.de und www.trailmaster.de

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