2008 British International Motor Show: Black & Decker launches new automotive range

Black & Decker, the world's largest producer of power tools and accessories, has unveiled its new automotive range at the 2008 British International Motor Show.

The company is unveiling its new Simple Start battery booster that gives suddenly-discharged batteries the boost they need to restart within minutes, without using jump cables or even having to step outside the car. The battery booster, can be plugged in to the cigarette lighter in cars, which charges the battery in just 15 minutes.

The compact design also enables the battery booster to fit easily into most car glove compartments. It is portable, cordless and rechargeable, and is available for petrol engines up to 2L. The battery booster is suitable for use on a wide range of vehicles, powering the battery through the 12 volt DC supply.

Also being showcased by Black & Decker is the Jump Starter, a powerful kit that can instantly jump start a flat car battery in seconds! There is no need for another car, all that is required is for the clamps to be applied, the switch on the Jump Starter pressed, and the engine comes to life as soon as the the ignition key is turned. The Jump Starter provides 450 instant starting Amps that can start up to 6.5L petrol engines and 4.0L diesels engines.

Black & Decker says this kit is one of the safest in the market, as the jump start connection prevents sparking or a wrong connection to the vehicle battery that uses a reverse hook up warning alarm.

For the long-term maintenance of batteries Black & Decker is displaying a range of battery chargers. The autoselect battery charger ensures vehicle's batteries are always fully topped up. All models are designed with safety in mind and will not engage if the clamps are attached incorrectly. This dramatically reduces the risk of sparks or explosions compared to standard chargers.

The Black & Decker models boast a three-stage charge technology. The first stage delivers the maximum charge to 'wake up' any 12 volt battery bringing it up to 80 per cent capacity. Absorption takes place during the second stage and brings the battery up to 100 per cent of its capacity, while the third stage ensures that the battery remains fully charged indefinitely, through a trickle charge process.

The Black & Decker battery chargers offer maximum versatility, with lead acid batteries including wet, GEL and AGM. This means they can be used across a range of vehicles including cars, motorcycles, boats, farm equipment and even lawnmowers. The amp automatic battery charger features an engine start, which means the unit is capable of jump starting vehicles with a flat battery within 90 seconds.

Black & Decker's Travel Cooler, Warmer and Freezer are said to provide even more flexibility on the road. Ideal for long journeys, festival weekends or camping trips, the multi-functional device can cool food and drink to 27°C below ambient temperatures or warm it to 50°C, depending on the needs of the driver.

The model has a nine-litre capacity and is fitted with a mat that creates a freezer compartment and ice tray; it also has a dual drinks can holder. The Travel Cooler's compact design means that it will fit on a car seat or in a footwell for easy access, with a carry strap perfect for al fresco dining.

The Cooler and Warmer are powered through the 12-volt DC supply and is equipped with a thermoelectric system which keeps food and drink at the proper temperature, compensating for hot summer days or cold winter nights. The unit is also capable of detecting your vehicles battery charge status and the auto shut off feature will automatically stop the unit to prevent draining of the vehicle battery.

The Light Bar light is a cordless, ultra bright LED bar which is ideal for use when working on the car, outdoors, or in the home. It is fitted with a swivel hanging hook, which attaches easily to car bonnets, lighting up hard to reach places and runs off a rechargeable battery with up to 5.5 hours run time.

Black & Decker Multi Spot Light Plus Power Source boasts quartz halogen bulbs which deliver a bright tight beam. The rubber backed pistol grip design provides balance and comfort whilst the weather resistant housing ensures added durability whatever the weather.

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