AutoTorque - March '20

VOICE TO THE MOTOR TRADE

MARCH 2020

Garage promo to reward garages delivering ‘The Original Experience’ Network celebrates hard-working apprentices Garage comes out on top after man threatens to ruin business Coronavirus: Motor factors issued with essential health and safety advice

NOW AVAILABLE ANYWHERE

The next dimension in aftermarket support goes mobile!

The REPXPERT online portal has always offered everything to make life for an independent workshop mechanic that little bit easier - so how could we make it even better? Simple. By creating a mobile version with new, exciting and unique functionality!

Whether you need to find the right part, would like more information about our chassis, drivetrain and engine products, or even detailed repair instructions REPXPERT still has it all. Designed by experts - for experts.

Download the free REPXPERT app now, or visit www.repxpert.co.uk.

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Garage promo to reward garages delivering ‘The Original Experience’

5

Garage comes out on top after man threatens to ruin business

26

Coronavirus: Motor factors issued with essential health and safety advice

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Network celebrates hard-working apprentices

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The Parts Alliance latest...................................................... 5 Winning with The Parts Alliance....................................... 39 Tech focus.......................................................................... 13 Brand news....................................................................... 15 Servicesure summary........................................................ 21 Industry news................................................................... 26

Stop quicker Brake quieter Last longer

Unique fric friction tion ma ormation tion mak to matterial forma guarantee maximum stopping performance

OE-ma OE-mattching underlay yer & c shimss, underla hamffer erss to & cham reduce noise

High-carbon brake discs reduce warping & distortion for a longer life

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PARTS ALLIANCE LATEST

The Parts Alliance reward garages for delivering ‘The Original Experience’ Garage promotion to be held throughout March and April in conjunction with Delphi, Comma, MANN-FILTER and NGK

Scratch cards distributed with Delphi pads, MANN-FILTER cabin and oil filters, Comma 5 litre Performance Motor Oil & NGK spark plug sets

Main winners to attend Le Mans 24 hour race

Over 50,000 instant-win prizes

“A promotion with some exceptional prizes that doesn’t ask garages to make any additional or major purchases,” Simon Moore, head of marketing at The Parts Alliance.

FULL STORY

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M

AR CH

THE OE ‘ ’ n o ti o m o r P e c n ie r e p x E O riginal

&

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The Parts Alliance have partnered with four leading manufacturers to give you a chance of winning an amazing trip to one of the world’s most iconic motorsport races, the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Over 50,000 instant win prizes are up for grabs too!

Simply buy selected Delphi, MANN-FILTER, NGK and Comma parts from your local Parts Alliance branch to receive an ‘Original Experience’ scratch card and find out if you’re a winner.

Visit TheOE.co.uk for more information

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PARTS ALLIANCE LATEST

Winter trade show praised by customers as “a fantastic opportunity” Final event of 2019 saw garages interact with suppliers and take advantage of not-to-be-missed offers

“It’s my third time here, I always enjoy it and there’s always plenty that I get from it.” Mark of MA Automotive Solutions, Taunton.

Event held at Sandy Park, Exeter in November

Special guests Fuzz Townshend and Matt Neal More regional trade shows planned for 2020 – details to be announced

“There’s so much to look at and I’ve picked a few bits up from the talks on stage.” Ben Marshall of Renault Truck Commercials, Exeter.

FULL STORY

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Confidence comes from within

Calling all workshops...

Let us recommend your optimum Stock Profile Today!

Using data gathered from www.CommaOil.com (2.4m VRN look-ups)

Local level stock profiling based on actual vehicles serviced

Recommending grades and pack sizes

Profit calculator for the workshop, focussing on PPL opportunity

In today’s complex servicing market, do you want to know what oils you should stock and in which pack sizes?

•

We already make oil selection simple

•

Now we’ve made oil stock management simple

Our unique stock profiling tool will: •

Maximise your servicing profit by helping you stock the right oil, in the right pack sizes

•

Improve your cash flow so you don’t tie up money by stocking the wrong grades

•

Give peace of mind when servicing cars by using Comma’s online application system

•

Give your customers more confidence by servicing their car with an OE approved oil

Workshop in Bedfordshire servicing 50 cars per week

226L per month

Contact your local Comma stockist for more information and your customised stock profile based on the vehicles you service and your location

www.CommaOil.com 4548

*Stock recommendations are based on actual vehicles serviced in your area (2.4m lookups).

Find the approval certificates available at www.CommaOil.com/approvals

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PARTS ALLIANCE LATEST

The Parts Alliance partners with Petronas Network to supply CoolTech range

the

Petronas first established its UK presence in 2008 Brand’s UK lubricants sales have doubled over the 12 years of operations The Parts Alliance names Petronas as its supplier of premium oil

Petronas

Syntium

with

“We are committed to ensuring the products we offer our customers are at the forefront of quality, reliability and innovation.”

Paula Huesca de Crean, group commercial director of The Parts Alliance.

FULL STORY

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W W W.VA L E O S E R V I C E . C O . U K / S P E C I A L I S T C L U B

GET REWARDED

for your Valeo parts daily purchases

+5 +500

+75

Easy to join, Easy to win, 100% ONLINE Discover your Specialist Club now.

Sign up for free and start winning!

valeoservice.co.uk/specialistclub

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PARTS ALLIANCE LATEST

Core-free starters and alternators introduced Simplified rotating electrics market doesn't require core management

Parts Alliance introduces a ‘core-free’ range of starter motors and alternators References will cover 65% of the vehicle parc Garages purchase, fit and then move onto their next job

“The rotating electrics market has evolved.”

Andy Wilson, product marketing executive at The Parts Alliance.

FULL STORY

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Take Charge

Keep your business moving with Ring’s Professional Lithium Jump Starter.

• • • •

Compact yet powerful enough to jump start 8L Petrol engines or 6L Diesel engine vehicles Easy to handle being 75% lighter than equivalent lead acid jump starters Maximum safety and protection built in Always ready to go with rapid recharge and docking station during storage

For your nearest stockist visit ringautomotive.com

Model RPPL700

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TECH FOCUS

Volkswagen Tiguan LuK clutch, flywheel and CSC replacement tips

REPXPERT shares step-by-step guide for six hour repair

FULL STORY

Garages urged to remind drivers on importance of changing brake fluid

Consistency changes over time and water ingress creates bubbles, warns ZF Aftermarket

FULL STORY

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www.osram.co.uk/changeinpairs

Bring light to life and get the best performance headlight bulbs for your customers from OSRAM. The most impressive features of OSRAM automotive bulbs are those you can’t see; such as increased customer satisfaction, trust and an enhanced business reputation. Lighting on a vehicle plays a simple but lifesaving role that should never be compromised. Stay ahead of the game and maximize on the profit opportunities upgrading to performance bulbs brings and ensure you always ‘offer an upgrade’ and ‘change in pairs’ every time you fit a replacement bulb!

For more information on the range go to: osram.co.uk/changeinpairs

YOUR RELIABLE PARTNER

... ON YOUR WAY

Think ahead - Think Remy

■ Manufacturing

■ Remanufactured

■ Remanufacturing

Alternators

■ Distribution

Starters

REMAN

BPI GROUP europe

Remy Automotive UK Ltd Forge Lane Minworth B76 1AH Sutton Coldfield United Kingdom

www.remyeurope.com

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BRAND NEWS

Delphi releases brake pads for new Defender 110 ahead of car’s UK launch First to market with pads for Land Rover that’s yet to be launched in UK

FULL STORY

REPXPERT Academy goes LIVE for second time Basingstoke College of Technology hosts latest training event attracting over 70 technicians

FULL STORY

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sachsprovenperformance.co.uk

THE FASTEST TOURING CARS GO

SECONDS

0-60MPH IN 2.6 with A SACHS CLUTCH

Official Partner of BMW Motorsport

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BRANCH BULLETIN

Coronavirus: Motor factors issued with essential health and safety advice Parts Alliance issues tips to help keep staff and branches healthy

“It’s more important than ever for us to practice good hygiene and health in our network.”

Spokesperson, The Parts Alliance.

FULL STORY

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BRANCH BULLETIN

GSF Trafford customer "over the moon" with GS Lite Software revolutionises the day job for P&W Auto Services

“We see success most often where there’s a willingness to adopt the system, so that’s an important factor for branches to look out for.”

EGS programme sales manager, Mark Strain.

FULL STORY

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BRANCH BULLETIN

Pricing team makes jump forward on coil springs Market feedback prompts Lesjofors pricing strategy change

“We’re now in a position to capitalise on being more competitive in the market.”

Head of pricing, Dave Ledder.

FULL STORY

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to ex be cit ou Lo la ing t fo ok un i r ch nit the ed iat in ive 20 s 19

Servicesure Autocentres is the UK’s fastest growing network of garages.

Established in 2004, it is a nationwide group of likeminded garages working to a strict set of business practices and quality standards.

Membership is by invitation only and the many advantages include access to business planning, workshop efficiency programmes, marketing support and money saving services.

Members also benefit from being able to offer the best in industry National Warranty Scheme which guarantees all the replacement parts* that have been fitted to your customer’s vehicle. Terms and conditions apply.

Other benefits include:

• Service plans

• Online technical support

• Insurance packages for workshops

• Waste management

• Local advertising

• New profit opportunities

• Courtesy cars

• Workwear, hygiene and laundry solutions

• Face-to-Face business management and help

• Car sales and leasing

And much more…

For details visit servicesureautocentres.com or call 0330 041 2118 *Parts must be purchased from The Parts Alliance and associate members

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SERVICESURE SUMMARY

Payment plans help workshops offer “main dealer alternative” National garage network provides customers with over £1,000,000 in interest-free credit through ASF

“It’s a great way to help our valued customers with their unexpected repair bills.” Steve Todd, The Auto Workshop in Birmingham.

FULL STORY

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SERVICESURE SUMMARY

Network celebrates New Year in style thanks to darts champ partnership Peter Wright wins world championship for first time

“We’re proud to be a sponsor of the man who is now the world champion.” Paul Dineen, head of Servicesure.

FULL STORY

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No Corners Cut.

A2A exhausts use the original equipment exhaust as their benchmark. With OE matching stainless steel decorative tail trims, pressed end plates and headed hangers.

There’s no corners cut, just a commitment to developing, testing and manufacturing exhausts that match or exceed the genuine item.

For exhausts that fit like the original, perform like the original and . look like the original, choose

OE IN EVERY THIN G BUT NAME

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BRAND NEWS

DRiV to help develop wheel-corner concepts for autonomous vehicles Project to investigate improved ride dynamics and passenger FULL comfort through innovative STORY wheel-corner design

Ring releases lithium jump starter with ‘rapid recharge tech’ New tool expected to be popular among mobile mechanics, FULL roadside technicians and STORY garage owners

OSRAM picks up Auto Express ‘Best Buy’ win for Night Breaker Laser Bulb tests included Auto Express’ Figure of Merit calculation FULL which combines light readings STORY at two points

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From the first mile to the last.

From the first mile to the last.

MANN-FILTER – for first fit and the automotive aftermarket.

MANN-FILTER – for first fit and the automotive aftermarket.

Original MANO Nr-iFgILinTa ElR Min AN1N F 00 %ILTER OE iqnu1a0lit0 % y!

OE qualit y!

MANN-FILTER, the premium filter brand of the automotive aftermarket, offers innovative solutions to new, challenging filtration demands. As original equipment or yellow-green boxed, whether for passenger cars, commercial vehicles or off-highway applications: originalofMANN-FILTER products in OE offers quality innovative are trustedsolutions around the world.challenging Always MANN-FILTER, the premium filter brand the automotive aftermarket, to new, original in 100 %or OEyellow-green quality! filtrationchoose demands.

AsMANN-FILTER original equipment boxed, whether for passenger cars, commercial vehicles

or off-highway applications: original MANN-FILTER products in OE quality are trusted around the world. Always – Perfect parts. Perfect service. chooseMANN-FILTER original MANN-FILTER in 100 % OE quality! www.mann-filter.com

MANN-FILTER – Perfect parts. Perfect service. www.mann-filter.com

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LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS

Garage comes out on top after Facebook group owner threatens to ruin business Cavalier owner brands garage as “morons” in review for “messing him about” over free exhaust Facebook car group creator threatened to "make or break” family-run garage

He leaves negative review after being told he’d have to wait until March for free work

Garage owner published entire conversation and was overwhelmed with response

“I had to protect the business, being threatened like that.” Gary Faulkner, Zaustworx, Lancashire.

FULL STORY

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UPS

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LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS

Northern Ireland’s Driver and Vehicle Agency faces heavy criticism RMI advises garage owners on what to do to ensure their lifts don't suffer same fate as Northern Ireland's MOT centres

Serious health and safety concerns raised about NI’s inspection process

Thorough lift examination should take place every six months

Additional more-frequent inspections and regular preventative maintenance recommended by RMI

“It will have happened over a period of time, so why weren’t inspections carried to the same standard as the rest of the UK?” Stuart James, director of the IGA.

FULL STORY

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LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS

Garage owner sacks apprentice for taking customer’s car to Greggs Apprentice and mechanic made stop for lunch while taking customer’s car for test drive Car owner made discovery while reviewing dashcam footage and complained to garage Workshop apologises to customer, sacks apprentice and issues disciplinary to mechanic

Customer offered discounted work

“The apprentice has been sacked because of his attitude and the mechanic is on a final written warning.” Causeway Garage spokesperson.

FULL STORY

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CHOOSE WISELY.

After all, your shocks are carrying your most precious cargo.

Visit www.monroe.com to find your nearest Monroe Safety Fitment expert.

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IN THE POLLS

Garages reveal how often they see hybrid and electric vehicles in the workshop

57% 22%

“hardly ever� get them in their workshop

have at least one in every month

10% get them in on a weekly basis

3% work on them on a daily basis

8% turn the work away

In the news Bucking the overall trend, combined alternatively fuelled vehicle registrations surged in 2019 to take a record 7.4 per cent market share. HEVs continued to dominate the sector, with registrations increasing 17.1 per cent but it was BEV registrations which experienced the biggest percentage growth, rising

FULL STORY

144 per cent.

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Intelligent Automotive Chemistry.

TĂœV Approved automotive chemicals incorporating the latest advances in nano technology and blended to outperform all rivals. Independently tested and certified.

A new generation of High Performance Additives & System Cleaners.

Explore the full range at

www.powatec.eu

logo pa updated_AllWhite.pdf

1

02/11/2015

14:32

Distributed in the UK by

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BRAND NEWS

Brake dust particle filter among latest innovations from MANN+HUMMEL Passive brake dust particle filter fits onto brake caliper to trap brake emissions

FULL STORY

Innovative Valeo AquaBlade gets aftermarket range extension Coverage extended for a number of Mercedes applications

FULL STORY

Yuasa reaches for British Superbike success with Ducati launch on The Shard Battery manufacturer gears up to compete at the pinnacle of two-wheeled British motorsport

FULL STORY

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Number 1!

From way out west to the far east, LuK is far and away the world’s favourite clutch.

As a world leader in transmission technology, LuK doesn’t just make OE clutch systems for European vehicle manufacturers. As the aftermarket’s number one clutch brand we supply complete repair solutions for almost all Japanese and Korean applications too.

Benefit from Schaeffler’s original equipment experience and engineering excellence wherever it’s made and whatever the application, fit a LuK clutch. www.repxpert.co.uk | www.schaeffler.co.uk/aftermarket

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NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK

Network celebrates hard-working apprentices The Parts Alliance continues to invest in team members with opportunity to develop new skills Network boasts more 60 apprentices

Accelerate programme offers wide range of management and leadership qualifications

FULL STORY

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NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK

Ecommerce dispatch supervisor: Alan Barclay Based at CES Chester Completed level 3 qualification in 2019

“One of the main things I took from doing it was how my approach to leading the team has changed.”

Sales advisor: Tom Burgess Based at Waterloo Bridlington Studying for level 2 customer service qualification

“The next step for me is securing a full-time job here, as I really enjoy working at the branch.”

Branch manager: Peter Barter GMF Coleford

Completed level 3 team leader qualification

“I’m now looking forward to putting what I’ve learned to use in the job.”

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ARANTEE GU

GUARANTEE

LEADING THE WAY WITH OUR BRAKING EXPERTISE, INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS AND EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY

GUARANTEE

THE MARK OF AN ORIGINAL QUALITY SUPPLIER To prove our confidence in the quality of every Bendix product look for our warranty mark.

You and your customers can be reassured that if our parts wear out within 3 years or 40,000 kilometres, we’ll replace them free of charge.* *Full Terms & Conditions available on request.

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WINNING WITH THE PARTS ALLIANCE

Garage customer wins luxury family holiday in Servicesure promotion National competition gave customers chance to win week-long break up to the value of £3,000

“I spoke to Servicesure over the phone to confirm that I’d won. I couldn’t believe it.”

Kathryn Spencer, East Grinstead.

FULL STORY

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Auto Torque from The Parts Alliance brings you the latest news and buzz from around the automotive aftermarket, including business advice, technical tips, industry interviews and competitions.

Subscribe for FREE today to receive fortnightly industry news delivered directly to your inbox by visiting www.autotorque.news