From AIR 2D to AIR 9D: how to choose and where to have an AUTOTERM autonomous heater professionally fitted to your vehicle

The modern market for autonomous heating systems for commercial and specialised vehicles is dominated by three key players. Autoterm firmly holds its place among the world’s top three leaders alongside the German companies Eberspächer and Webasto. This has been made possible by a combination of uncompromising European manufacturing quality and a flexible pricing policy, which makes premium technologies accessible to a wide range of professional hauliers.

About Autoterm

Autoterm is a leading European manufacturer of autonomous heating systems, whose products have gained worldwide recognition thanks to their unquestionably reliable performance in the most extreme climatic conditions. The company specialises in the development and manufacture of air heaters (Air series) and engine coolant heaters (Flow series), which are currently exported to over 30 countries worldwide.

A key advantage of Autoterm is its full production cycle based at its facilities in Latvia (EU), which enables strict quality control at every stage. The brand’s heating systems are certified to stringent European standards (including E24 certification), which guarantees their safety, environmental friendliness and compatibility with any type of vehicle — from passenger cars and campervans to heavy goods vehicles and seagoing vessels.

It is important to understand the conceptual difference between Autoterm equipment and Chinese products on the market. Autoterm offers a fundamentally higher level of reliability. This is ensured by rigorous safety and environmental certification, the use of premium components (notably Japanese Kyocera spark plugs) for reliable starting in freezing conditions, and a network of authorised service centres providing warranty and technical support.

The Autoterm Air range: Solutions for every need

The range of air heaters (Air series) meets the needs of every transport sector:

     1. Autoterm Air 2D (2 kW): The most popular model for lorry cabs and minibuses. Compact, quiet and incredibly economical.

     2. Autoterm Air 4D (4 kW): A versatile solution for large cabs, passenger compartments and medium-sized cargo holds.

     3. Autoterm Air 9D (8 kW): A true “heavyweight” for heating large buses, vans and vessels where maximum heat output is required.

Key technical advantages across the entire range:

     1. Altitude adaptation: All Autoterm Air heaters are fitted as standard with an “altitude kit”, which allows the system to automatically adjust the fuel supply at altitudes of up to 1,600 m (Air 2D/4D models) and above, preventing the combustion chamber from becoming clogged.

     2. Control flexibility: The equipment is compatible with modern Comfort Control and PU-5 remote controls, and also allows remote control via the QStart modem (control via smartphone).

     3. Low running costs: Thanks to high efficiency and the reliability of its components (Kyocera glow plugs manufactured in Japan), the cost of ownership for Autoterm systems is among the lowest on the market.

Regardless of the model you choose, you receive a certified product of European quality with an official warranty and spare parts available from UKRAVTOTERM’s warehouse.

The best-selling Air 2D: Why is it the best in its class?

The Air 2D model has become the technical flagship of the series for commercial vehicles. Thanks to its compact dimensions, it can be easily fitted under seats or in sleeping compartments. Key advantages:

     • Induction (brushless) motor: lasts significantly longer than conventional motors and produces minimal noise.

     • Altitude kit: by default, it allows for stable operation at altitudes of up to 1,600 m (automatic fuel mixture adjustment).

     • Japanese Kyocera spark plug: guarantees reliable starting even in extreme sub-zero temperatures.

Professional installation and experience

UKRAVTOTERM has extensive experience in installing Autoterm systems on a wide variety of vehicles, including both new and used cars. Our specialists regularly carry out installations on Volkswagen (Crafter, Transporter), Mercedes-Benz (Sprinter, Vito), MAN, Scania and Volvo vehicles, as well as specialist vehicles.

The installation process at the UKRAVTOTERM service centre is based on strict adherence to the manufacturer’s technical specifications and includes the following key stages:

     • Optimal positioning and ergonomics: The choice of installation location for the main unit depends on the type of vehicle. For minibuses, we often install the unit under the passenger seat or in the footwell recesses, whilst for lorries, we install it in external compartments or under the sleeping berth. This preserves the usable space in the cab and provides additional sound insulation.

     • Fuel system integration: The heater Autoterm is fuelled directly from the vehicle’s standard fuel tank or via a separate fuel tank (as is the case with specialist vehicles). Particular attention is paid to the installation of the metering pump: it is fitted at a precisely defined angle using special vibration-damping mounts. This ensures a stable fuel supply and completely eliminates any "rattling" of the pump inside the cabin.

     • Electronics and controls: Autoterm Air systems are integrated into the 12V or 24V on-board electrical system. For control purposes, we install modern digital control panels (such as Comfort Control or PU-5), which are positioned within the driver’s ergonomic zone. This allows you not only to switch on the heating at the touch of a button, but also to programme timers, configure operation based on a temperature sensor, or control the unit remotely via a smartphone.

     • Safety and airtightness: All technical openings for air intake into the combustion chamber and exhaust gas outlet are carefully sealed. UKRAVTOTERM’s specialists pay particular attention to the installation of the exhaust system: it is always fitted with a special silencer, which significantly reduces the noise level from the heater’s operation outside the vehicle. This ensures maximum acoustic comfort for the driver whilst sleeping or resting. The entire system is fitted with the vehicle’s aerodynamics in mind, which completely prevents combustion products from entering the cab or cargo compartment.

By choosing Autoterm, you are getting a product of European origin, whose reliable reputation has been proven by years of operation in the most challenging conditions. UKRAVTOTERM, as experts in the field of HVAC systems, provides not only high-quality sales but also certified installation with full warranty support and a stock of original spare parts at our warehouse in Kyiv.

Would you like a professional solution for your vehicle? Please contact our specialists for advice:

+38(044) 492-04-20; +38(067) 440-55-92; +38(050) 312-49-09