Review: AutoInform Live 2016 by Mike Ruff, GW Editor
Hundreds of forward-thinking technicians and garage owners gather under one roof to see the aftermarket’s latest products, technology and equipment. MORE than 400 delegates from across the country and beyond attended this year’s AutoInform Live training event at the GTG Training Academy in Wolverhampton. Held in November and organised by the Original Equipment Suppliers Aftermarket Association (OESAA), the two-day event featured 25 timetabled training sessions, separated into three modules for first-time attendees and for those returning for a second or third year. Speaking to GW during the event, OESAA chairman, Nigel Morgan said: “We’ve worked hard to ensure that this is our most informative and educational show yet. “Each year, the challenge is to present delegates with material that they haven’t seen before so we’ve varied this year’s content to keep everybody happy with three colourcoded modules.” This year’s subjects covered business acumen, diagnostics, electrics, engine and transmission.
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Who was there? • ADS Limited
• HELLA
• ASNU
• Pichler
• Banner Batteries
• Pico Technology
• BG Products
• Savva Automotive
• Bosch
• Schaeffler
• Denso
• Sykes-Pickavant
• Euro Academy
• ZF
Graham Cox of Vaux Box ltd in Hinckley, Leicestershire told GW that AutoInform provides independents with a good opportunity to learn without having to take time out of the working week. He said: “The more you know, the easier the job is and you can offer your customers a better-quality service. “It’s all about reputation when you’re an independent.” Rich Robbins of Links Automotive in Macclesfield, Cheshire has recently opened up his workshop, having left the main dealer scene and said the event is worthwhile. “We’re very aware about how hard it is to stay up to date,” he explained. “Time flies when you're busy but you’re on your own, so you have to go out and get this training.” Mohammed Waseem Khan of New Town Garage in Chesham, Buckinghamshire said: “It’s a really good set up, there’s loads packed into the two days and I’d definitely recommend it to others.” Having just watched an introduction to oscilloscope diagnostics, he added: “The PicoScope discussion was an interesting overview. “It’s pretty amazing how much you can do without actually having to take the engine apart.”