As I remember, these were introduced on GM police cars and taxi packages during a program to reduce the leaks and warranty returns due to the leaks. About the same time, the centerbolt valve covers came out for the same reason.

The hose clamps are supposedly better than a gear clamp since they continually are trying to tighten as the hose heats up. They compensate for the movement of the rubber hose where a gear clamp gets loose when the hose shrinks.

Mike in Tucson