CN0054 FAI Focus October 2022

FOCUS

Automechanika 2022

The long-awaited Automechanika show was welcomed back by suppliers & customers alike this September, allowing for face-toface meetings, some not held since 2019. We relished the opportunity to welcome all to our new look stand for a drink & to discuss our latest products.

Our open-sided stand attracted many visitors, allowing for a relaxed atmosphere to entertain our loyal customer base and to secure new customers from around the globe.

The 2020s have been a turbulent time so far, especially within an industry that is rapidly changing. For the first time, FAI staff along with our Motus colleagues, were able to partake in the array of sectors represented throughout the vast Messe halls; showcasing new & emerging technologies.

Attendees were eager to discuss the new FAI brochure since we became part of Motus Aftermarket Parts; seeing our logos displayed together on the stand for the first time. The show provided a perfect opportunity to listen to customer’s needs and to extend our help & support.

Jonathan Alexander – CEO commented: “It was a great week in Frankfurt, meeting customers and colleagues from around the world. The show was understandably reduced in size as some countries still suffering Covid legislation, yet the calibre of attendees was fantastic, receiving a constant flow of people to the stand. For us, Automechanika is the highlight of the Automotive calendar, so much so, we’re already planning for the 2024 show!”

Technical Bulletin

FAI Red Clip Link Rods: Stronger – Safer – Last Longer

Have you ever wondered why some of FAI’s link rods have a red securing clip? The red clip signifies a stronger construction of ball joint providing a reassuring repair solution throughout the supply chain. The FAI design is perfect for potholed UK roads as the ball pin pull-out force has been improved by 25 kgf over the original design, making for a long-lasting replacement.

Why doesn’t FAI use this technology on all our parts? Really and truly, the process isn’t required across the range. As one of the best-established suppliers of Steering & Suspension parts, we work closely with fitters, our partnered factories analyse which applications would benefit from the technology; applied now to over 60 FAI parts.

Ball

Vehicle of the Month

The T-roc is evidence of a long-standing idea seen in the Golf Plus, re-introduced at the right time and most importantly in the right form. Yep, the golf plus did what the T-Roc does but in a very ‘beige’ kind of way. The T-Roc was first launched in 2017 and has already had a little nip-tuck to keep it looking the part despite catching the admiring glance of many from the off.

The popularity of the T-Roc when looking at it on paper is a little confusing as it doesn’t offer a huge amount of additional practicality over the Golf on which it’s based. As you’d expect the interior has many borrowed components from the VW line up with the classic soft touch on the bits you handle and scratchy stuff further down. So what’s the appeal?

We think it’s in a large part down to style- Not compared to other manufacturers but within the VW group. You want a Golf but it’s a bit dull, especially the entry level version so why not stand out with just the right amount of quirky!?

The only problem is (not for us in the parts trade) that the thought seems to have popped into the minds of many and as a result, VW has churned out over 700k T-Rocs in Europe alone.

Great news all around then!