THE WINNING TEAM
GSF SCOOPS TOP HONOURS AT IAAF AWARDS EVENING
THE COMPLETE ADAS SOLUTION
NOW INCLUDES TRAINING INTRODUCING IMI ACCREDITED ADAS CALIBRATION COURSES
The complete package of ADAS equipment, diagnostics solutions and expert technical support from HELLA Gutmann now includes training. New courses from the HELLA Academy provide the knowledge and skills required for technicians to work safely whilst diagnosing, testing, and calibrating ADAS systems. The IMI ADAS AOM230 training course is IMI approved and enables technicians to work to Insurance Industry Requirements for the safe repair of ADAS equipped vehicles.
Sign up for our IMI accredited ADAS Calibration Courses today! For more information, please email: hlgb.academy.hella@forvia.com
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GSF Shares Optimism For Aftermarket Following Budget Yorkshire based Napoleon Garage triumphant in The Motor Ombudsman’s Star Awards
08 09
GSF in 2025
12 How I’m using AI in my garage — and how you can too GSF Car Parts Relaunches Servicesure To Drive Growth For Britain’s Independent Garages
17 23
Welcome to this special magazine edition of AutoTorque Across these pages, you’ll find a vibrant cross‑section of stories from the UK aftermarket. From real‑world insight, practical guidance, and fresh perspectives to the latest updates from GSF Car Parts. It’s been a year that’s tested our industry. A shifting vehicle parc, accelerating technology cycles, and the impact of economic policy have all demanded agility and fresh thinking. Amid that backdrop, GSF has leaned into growth and investment with 12 new sites now open, and continued commitment to strengthening its catalogue, technologies, and, most importantly, its people. Inside this issue, you’ll discover recent news from right across the aftermarket: award wins, new products landing on the shelves, and stories that showcase the ingenuity and determination that keep workshops, factors and suppliers moving. Consider this edition a celebration of the hard work, partnership and progress that define our community. From all of us here at AutoTorque, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Enjoy the read.
For all AutoTorque enquiries, please contact communications@gsfgroup.com
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EW E N NG RA
PREMIUM QUALITY CONDENSERS Exclusively available from GSF Car Parts
Trusted by Technicians 5
SMMT responds to Budget: New EV tax undermines positive investment Chief Executive Mike Hawes welcomes commitments to UK Automotive but warns that the Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED) risks destabilising the fragile zero-emission vehicle market.
FULL STORY
6
The standby power Europe depends on - now upgraded For over 40 years, Europe’s cities and infrastructure have trusted Yuasa for critical standby power. Now, the new SWL+ series builds on that legacy with more power, longer life, and zero compromise.
15 year design life (12 years @25°C) with enhanced highrate performance
Exclusive GS Yuasa HT Element X Alloy™
Hybrid pure Lead construction
Sustainably manufactured & up to 98% recyclable
Ready to experience the future of standby power? Visit www.yuasa.com or search Yuasa SWL+
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GSF Shares Optimism For Aftermarket Following Budget GSF Car Parts, the UK’s fastest-growing motor factor, has commented on the Autumn Budget announced on Wednesday, saying it is optimistic for the automotive aftermarket. FULL STORY
8
Yorkshire based Napoleon Garage triumphant in The Motor Ombudsman’s Star Awards The independent garage, which is celebrating its centenary, beat seven other Regional Star Award winners to the top title.
FULL STORY
9
Your trade Our tech
#ProTools
ULTRABOOST
LITHIUM JUMP STARTERS
RUBL1500
MAGFLEX 1000
SUPER FLEX UTILITY LIGHT
Powerful and compact jump starters with built-in safety features and boost functionality to start completely depleted batteries. RJS030T
ULTRABOOST
1500A RJS020T
ULTRABOOST
1000A RJS010T
Powerful 1000 Lumen illumination for precision work. Complete with magnets and hooks for hands-free working.
ULTRABOOST
500A
Available at www.gsfcarparts.com or your local GSF branch 16268 Autotorque Battery Care HPA 176x125mm+3.indd 1
Now in stock and available from your local GSF branch
18/06/2025 15:32
Engineered for efficiency and versatility, the 3-in-1 Inspection Light Kit is the ultimate tool for you to see with confidence. Whether you’re working in tight spaces, on a vehicle, or in poorly lit environments, this multi-functional light kit adapts to your needs with ease, offering bright, focused illumination wherever you need it most.
When you need reliable lighting in any situation...
Versatile illumination for any task LEDinspect 3-in-1 Inspection Light Kit Be road ready
osram.co.uk/inspectionlamps
10
GSF Rewards Top Customers With A Once-In-A-Lifetime Trip To Brembo And Lamborghini In September, eight lucky GSF customers got the chance to travel to the Brembo state-of-the-art factory and global headquarters in Bergamo, Italy, and Lamborghini’s factory just outside Bologna. FULL STORY
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GSF 2025 Timeline JAN
3 TechFests announced
FEB
CAT Award win: Motor Factor Chain of the Year
MAR
Clean Racing partnership announced
APR
MAY
JUN
Steve Horne BBC Breakfast appearance 20% YoY sales growth
TechFest North Record sales recorded
TechFest Midlands Branch network growth
JUL
200th branch opening in Bedford
AUG
Heathrow branch manager wins Ferrari
SEP
TechFest London
OCT
Porsche Sprint Challenge Finale
NOV
New branches in Slough and Bury St Edmunds
DEC
Relaunch of Servicesure
TWO COMPLETE SOLUTIONS. ONE TRUSTED SOURCE.
BGA - MARKET LEADING ENGINE SOLUTIONS ONE BOX - ONE SOLUTION. Pegged to OE contents, BGA's Full Kits reduce overall installation complexity.
TRUSTED BY PROFESSIONALS BGA’s OE heritage engine parts are trusted in over 100 countries across the world.
CUSTOMER VALUE Better margins for the garage while keeping the customer’s bill competitive.
OE vs. BGA
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE?
Q INAL UAL IG I
G
TY
OR
OE+ QUALITY Manufactured to OE specifications or higher, engineered in the UK.
UA
RANTEE
D
14
Pothole-related breakdowns surge by 25% over summer RAC data confirms a troubling increase in vehicle damage caused by road defects, underlining the critical need for preventative maintenance across UK roads.
FULL STORY
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OE IN EVERYTHING BUT NAME
O NEW T E RANG
2-YEAR Y ANT WARR
POPU APPLIC LAR ATION S INCLU DE VW, BM W Jagua , Vauxhall, r Land Stellan Rover, tis
is available exclusively from GSF Car Parts
16
How I’m using AI in my garage — and how you can too Resident columnist Ralph Hosier walks us through the simple tasks that AI is actually useful for and how it's benefited his business.
FULL STORY
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© 2025 - Valeo Service - Société par Actions Simplifiée - Capital 12.900.000 euros - 306 486 408 R.C.S. Bobigny - 70, rue Pleyel 93200 Saint-Denis - France
THERMAL POWERS TOMORROW Smart solutions. Electrically ready. Aftermarket strong.
Backed by OE leadership, Valeo delivers smart thermal solutions for hybrid and electric vehicles — supporting professionals through every stage of the electric transition.
POWERING EV PROFITABILITY
RELIABILITY THAT PAYS
PROFIT FROM EV GROWTH
Unlock new revenue with every EV repair
Quality built for garages, returns built for you
Lead the market with proven EV solutions
Valeo technical support is always available
Call us: 01527 838 300
Access a free and complete technical support program online.
Access a free and complete technical support program online.
18
GSF Car Parts Completes 2025 Expansion With Larger Slough Premises GSF Car Parts has successfully relocated its Slough branch to a significantly larger facility on the Slough Trading Estate. The upgrade to the 5,966 square-foot site aims to support sustained customer growth in the area and enhance service capacity. FULL STORY
19
NEW AIR SUSPENSION
Largest range in the aftermarket Exclusively available from GSF Car Parts 20
GSF Takes To The Skies With Concept Drone Delivery Service GSF Car Parts, the UK’s fastest-growing motor factor, has unveiled a conceptual drove delivery service that it says could become a reality in the future.
FULL STORY
21
BRING OEM PRECISION TO YOUR WORKSHOP
Premium Quality. Proven reliability. Available now from GSF
22
GSF Car Parts Relaunches Servicesure To Drive Growth For Britain’s Independent Garages GSF Car Parts, the UK’s fastest-growing motor factor, has unveiled a bold relaunch of Servicesure, redefining the long-established and highly successful national garage programme for the modern aftermarket. FULL STORY
23
Bentley confirms hybrids until at least 2035 amid EV transition delay Luxury manufacturer is extending its combustion and hybrid powertrain offerings, citing customer demand and a sharp decline in recent profits.
FULL STORY
24
Invented for life
(@ BOSCH
Bosch Engine Management Systems Bosch engine-management spare parts stand for high quality and reliability
For reliable vehicle operation, all of the components forming part of the engine management need to be well-matched and well-geared to one another. This includes some direct engine components - such as pumps, injectors and fuel rails - as well as indirect components, e.g. sensors and filters. Bosch supplies workshops with a comprehensive range of parts for engine management systems, matching OE quality. boschaftermarket.ie
25
THE CHASSIS EXPERTS Schaeffler is a trusted technical partner of the automotive industry, delivering high-tech components and systems for original fitment by vehicle manufacturers around the world. We have used this OE know-how and engineering excellence to create our FAG steering and suspension range, which offers a genuine quality alternative to independent workshops. It is also the perfect accompaniment to our leading range of FAG hub repair solutions, which offers genuine OE quality at a competitive price. And, as always from Schaeffler, everything a technician needs to carry out a professional wheel bearing repair or hub unit replacement is in just one box, so you can simply fit and forget. FAG. The chassis experts. www.repxpert.co.uk | https://vls.schaeffler.co.uk |
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