Garage Trader: Vol 3 2018 ROI Added pages.

GARAGE IRELAND Vol 3 2018

Serfac celebrates 40 years in business garageTRADER

CONTENTS GT

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GARAGE IRELAND GARAGE IRELAND Vol 3 2018

Vol 3 2018

SERFAC CELEBRATES 40 YEARS IN BUSINESS GARAGETRADER

SERFAC CELEBRATES 40 YEARS IN BUSINESS

News

4: A special presentation to Norbert Reilly, and GT Exhausts launch a new e-commerce website

GARAGETRADER

2018 Vol 3 ROI

subscriptions: (UK £18.00 Outside UK £27.50)

5: O’Brien Oil Products win Exol Distributor of the year 6: Irish motorists say car running costs are on the rise 7: PG Duffy are appointed Subaru dealers 8: Global Lubricants sign up Chinese distributor for Magic Bullet

TO ADVERTISE IN THE MAGAZINE CALL: (028) 9278 0099 REGARDING EDITORIAL CALL: (028) 9278 0101 General Manager Gladys Greer gladysgreer@greerpublications.com

Editor

Pat Burns patburns@greerpublications.com Publishers James & Gladys Greer Designed by Shaun Byrne, Design Stics Unit 34 Crescent Business Park, Lisburn, BT28 2GN Tel: 028 9278 0108

Greer Publications © 2018. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the prior permission of Greer Publications.

People 15 GT talks to Kevin O’Kane, the new man at the helm of FG7 29 Serfac celebrates 40 years in business 46 Colin Porter, MD of Porter’s Bodyshop is in the Driver’s seat

Special Features 20 Steering and suspension technical tips from KYB 26 Skoda Octavia 2.0TDI timing belt kit installation advice from Dayco 37 Tenth birthday celebrations coming soon for Riverpark Training

COMMENT

Ireland’s car import boom is being accelerated by the Euro’s rise steady against the Pound, according to data released by the foreign exchange specialist Fexco Corporate Payments.

The data shows Irish car dealers increased their spending on vehicles imported from the UK by a fifth (20%) during the first half of 2018 compared with the same time in 2017.

The analysis, of 3,000 transactions made through Fexco Corporate Payments, came just days after the Euro hit 89.5p against sterling – its highest level for almost eight months. The research also found the importing spree hasn’t been limited to Ireland’s motor trade.

Spending on UK imports by Irish car dealers and individual car buyers together rose by 14% in the first six months of 2018 compared to the first half of 2017.

When compared to the levels recorded in the first half of 2016 – before the UK’s vote to the leave the EU – the combined spend of individual motorists and Irish car dealers is up by two thirds (66%).

This rise in imports is affecting new car sales, which remain flat, according to the SIMI.

- Pat Burns, Editor Follow us on Garage Trader Magazine check out the website: www.garagetrader.co.uk

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NEWS Ireland’s first electric hybrid hearse

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he Deacon V Hybrid, Ireland’s first hybrid electric hearse has been launched.

Based on the new Ford Mondeo HEV which arrived in Ireland earlier this year, the new Deacon V hybrid electric hearse has been built by Byrne Coach Builders of Dundalk.

Paul O’Sullivan, Director of Sales for Ford Ireland, said: “The new Mondeo HEV is the ideal vehicle to serve as a hearse, with the sleek looks of the latest version of the much-loved Mondeo, it is an attractive vehicle and with its dual electric and petrol engine, it can be depended upon to provide a quiet and smooth ride in the sensitive context of a funeral”.

Peadar Byrne, MD of Byrne Coach Builders, said: “We are delighted to offer the Deacon V Hybrid hearse to the funeral directors of Ireland. It really helps to bring the traditional funeral hearse into the 21st century as electric and hybrid vehicles become more and more popular.

The hybrid engine is ideally suited for use as a funeral vehicle as it is always quiet and efficient”.

Hybrid Electric Vehicles are the most popular of the ‘electric’ models available as they neatly bridge the gap between traditional internal combustion engines and electric motors without the ‘range anxiety’ that some motorists feel in relation to ‘full electric’ vehicles.

The Deacon V Hybrid hearse is based on the estate version of the latest Mondeo HEV model which features a 2.0 litre 187PS petrol engine tied to an electric motor.

In effect, two electric motors are used in the hybrid system – one to support the petrol engine in driving the wheels and another to enable regenerative charging for the 1.4 kWh lithium-ion battery.

Regenerative charging means that the Deacon V Hybrid, unlike ‘full electric’ vehicles, never has to be plugged in.

The Deacon V Hybrid drives in electric mode at slow speeds or immediately upon start up and then the petrol engine kicks in once the speed increases. And the combination of a specially developed 2.0 litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine and electric drivetrain

gives the Deacon V Hybrid excellent fuel efficiency with a fuel consumption rate of 4.2 L/100km.

Peadar Byrne concluded: “The Deacon V Hybrid is a great new option for the undertakers of Ireland. More and more people are looking for vehicles that have less of an impact on the environment and for the last journey of a loved one, isn’t it great to be able to now offer a vehicle like the Deacon V Hybrid”.

SEAI TO INSPECT TYRE RETAILERS

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he Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) will inspect 120 tyre retailers across Ireland this summer to ensure compliance with the EU Tyre Labelling Regulation. Tyre labels provide important safety and environmental information for consumers. Under the regulation, tyre retailers must: • display the label on tyres where they are visible to customers; • give customers information on the fuel efficiency, wet grip and external rolling noise of tyres before the sale is made; and • state the label values on the customer bill.

SEAI is inspecting tyre retailers to assess current levels of compliance, to make retailers aware of their obligations to consumers and to guide retailers in achieving full compliance with the regulations.

Retailers who continually fail to comply will face enforcement 4- garageTRADER

action, which could result in a fine.

Tim Stokes, Programme Manager with SEAI, commented on the importance of this regulation for tyre retailers and motorists; “Tyres are a driver’s only contact with the road and so are one of the most important parts of any car. It’s vital that motorists have reliable information regarding safety and fuel economy to allow them make an informed choice when buying tyres. Tyre retailers have an important role, as well as a legal obligation, in that regard.”

In attitudinal research carried out by SEAI some tyre retailers stated that they were concerned about the accuracy of labels.

SEAI has been involved in EU-wide laboratory testing of tyre labels, in which compliance was found to be high. SEAI frequently monitors the accuracy of labels through a combination of technical documentation checks and laboratory testing. Where a label is found to be inaccurate,

the respective tyre manufacturer concerned is obliged to rectify this, facing legal action if they fail to do so.

SEAI fully supports the tyre industry and Tim Stokes explained the work that SEAI are undertaking; “SEAI has already distributed leaflets to all tyre retailers informing them of their obligations.

SEAI is also working with industry representatives and other stakeholders, such as the Road Safety Authority, to increase awareness of tyre labels among motorists. SEAI will continue to regularly carry out inspections to ensure tyre suppliers and distributors are compliant, helping to protect consumers and the environment.”

check out the website: www.garagetrader.co.uk

NEWS New Car Registrations Audi Athlone quattro Cup show slight decline

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fficial statistics released by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) show that the total new car registrations for the month of June were down 10.4% (1,255) when compared to June 2017 (1,400).

Registrations year to date are 4.5% (87,151) down on the same period last year (91,215).

New Light Commercial Vehicle registrations (LCV) were slightly up 2.06% (694) on June 2017 (680) and year to date are up 5.7% (16,633). While New Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HGV) have seen an increase of 110% for the month of June (185) compared to the same month last year (88) and are down 1.1% (1,571) year to date.

Imported Used Cars have shown an increase of 11.5% for the month of June 2018 (8,142) when compared

to June 2017 (7,304) while year to date are 12.8% (51,879) ahead of 2017 (46,002) Commenting on the figures SIMI Director General, Alan Nolan stated “While June has seen a decline in new car registrations of 10.4%, registrations in this month are relatively small numbers as many consumers will have waited for a 182 registration number.

The more relevant measure is the Year to Date figure which shows a decline of 4.5% compared to the same period in 2017. This is somewhat at odds with the growth in economic activity in the country but has to be seen in the context of the volume of used car imports which impact negatively on new car sales. Commercial vehicle registrations both light and heavy vehicles have seen some increase for the month of June, reflecting investment for businesses.”

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eorge Garvey & John Concannon were announced as the winners of the Audi Athlone heat of the prestigious Audi quattro Cup, held recently at Glasson Golf Club. The six highest ranking teams, including the winning pair, will progress to the national final of the amateur golf tournament, which will be held at Mount Juliet Estate, Co. Kilkenny later this year.

A total of 88 golfers in 44 teams took part in the Audi Athlone heat. Regional heats are currently taking place across some of Ireland’s most prestigious golf courses to determine the national finalists, who will go on to represent Ireland at the World Final in Kitzbühel, Austria from the 2327 September.

Michael Moore Jnr, Dealer Principal, Audi Athlone commented: “We at Audi Athlone are delighted to be once

again taking part in the largest amateur golf tournament in the world. For 28 years, Audi have championed amateur golf through our participation in the quattro cup and once again the standard of talent and skill on display has been outstanding. On behalf of everyone at Audi Athlone, I would like to wish all finalists the best of luck as they represent Audi Athlone at the national final of the Audi quattro Cup.”

PG Duffy appointed Subaru Dealers

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ubaru Ireland are delighted and loyal. A happy and satisfied to announce that P.G. customer is our priority. We also Duffy & Sons, Naas Road, look forward to working together Newbridge, Co. Kildare have been with the Subaru team over the appointed as Subaru main dealers coming years.” for Kildare.

At the signing of the dealership With over 60 years trading experience, P.G. Duffy & Sons are well established in the motor industry in Kildare.

Pat Duffy, Dealer Principal said “We are delighted to add the Subaru franchise to P.G. Duffy & Sons.

Our team are highly committed to providing a quality customer service and sales experience, and we are excited now, to be able to extend this to Subaru Sean Dunne and Pat Duffy customers, new check out the website: www.garagetrader.co.uk

contract agreement, Sean Dunne, Financial Controller, Subaru Ireland said “We are very pleased to welcome P.G. Duffy & Sons to the Subaru Dealer Network and are looking

forward to working with Pat, Gerard and all the team in the years ahead. Having P.G. Duffy & Sons on board, now brings to 12 the number of our Subaru authorised dealerships nationwide.”

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NEWS

Car Running Costs on the Rise

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rish motorists have seen an increase in their car running costs in the last year according to the latest Motoring Report from car buying experts Carzone.

The bi-annual report which examines trends in the Irish motoring market finds that 61% of motorists say their running costs have increased in the last 12 months with 29% stating they spend upwards of €250 per month on keeping their vehicle on the road.

The Carzone Motoring Report is compiled by analysing data from the 77 million+ searches carried out on Carzone from January to June of this year, as well as an in-depth survey of 1,600 Irish motorists.

Financial concerns Insurance remains the top financial concern for 61% of Irish car owners. Almost 1 in 5 (19%) cite the cost of fuel as a worry while 9% say general maintenance of their car is a financial concern.

Although insurance comes out as the top concern, almost a third (32%) say their insurance premium has either decreased or remained the same in the last 12 months. 64% also say they have not switched insurance company in the last year opting to stay with their current provider.

Going green The latest Motoring Report finds that motorists are now more open to switching to electric and hybrid cars. Almost two thirds claim they plan to purchase an electric or hybrid car in the near future with the Tesla Model S and the Nissan Leaf being the most searched electric and hybrid cars on Carzone site over the past six months.

Awareness levels on the difference between electric and hybrid cars is high (84%) and 6 in 10 know where their nearest charging station is.

Given that many motorists are reporting a rise in running costs, it’s no surprise that 45% of those questioned say cheaper running costs is their number one incentive for making the switch from petrol or diesel. Being kinder to the 6- garageTRADER

environment was the second most popular reason (40%).

Ireland’s favourite cars BMW is the most popular car marque searched for on Carzone followed by Audi and Mercedes Benz indicating a strong interest in the premium segment of the market. The Volkswagen Golf is the most popular car model on the site followed by the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the Audi A6. The most popular hybrid car is the Lexus IS300H.

The taxi of Mum & Dad New to the report this year is a section on families and cars.

Starting a family is often a key catalyst for changing a car. When asked what the most important factors are for parents choosing a car, cost and safety were the key decision factors (38% and 31%).

1 in 5 say that the size of the car impacts their choice. When it comes to purchasing a family car, it’s a joint decision for over half of those questioned (58%).

What’s on your plate?

The Carzone Motoring Report also finds that parents spend a lot of time in their car with 52% stating they spend more than two hours a day driving their family around.

Testing Times

Although 69% of those polled would travel for more than two hours to purchase a car, it seems that where that car is from is important. Indicating that county pride is alive and well among Irish motorists, over a third (39%) say that they prefer to buy a car with a registration plate with the county they are from. In fact, so important is the registration plate to motorists that 46% claim that registration plates from different counties impact the value of the car! Interestingly those who lived in urban areas were more conscious of the county on their number plate (48%) compared to 42% of those living in the country.

The report reveals that over two thirds (68%) of respondents who sat their driving test over 10 years ago passed it first time around, while 58% of drivers who took the test within the past 5 years needed two or more attempts to succeed.

The research also finds that 57% of those who have a provisional licence have renewed it more than three times. When it comes to elderly road users, the report finds that over half (55%) of those polled think there should be a mandatory

retest for everyone over 70.

Buying a car According to the Carzone Motoring Report, 38% intend to buy a car in the next year. Of those that are planning a purchase, 46% will buy a car under two years old. The key reasons for buying a new car are that they simply wanted a newer or more reliable car or they needed a larger car to accommodate their growing family.

Over half (55%) have considered buying a car from the UK and 59% would consider purchasing in the UK in the future because of the price. However, 46% say that the biggest deterrent to car shopping in the UK is that it’s too much hassle.

While most cars are still purchased in dealerships or private sale, motorists have become more open to buying a car outright online.

Over three quarters (77%) say they would pay up to a €1,000 deposit online for a car while 13% would be open to paying for a car in full online.

The main reasons for not buying a car online include the risk involved and the desire to see and test drive the car before making a purchase.

check out the website: www.garagetrader.co.uk

NEWS O’Brien Oil Products Ltd wins Exol Distributor of the Year

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xol Lubricants has awarded O’Brien Oil Products with the prestigious ‘Exol Distributor of the Year’ accolade for 2017.

The company has been a proud Exol distributor for more than 22 years’ operating out of Newport, County Tipperary. The company supplies multiple markets including automotive, commercial vehicle, agriculture, industrial, marine and renewable energy.

Collecting the award from Exol sales director Steve Dunn and Export sales manager Paul Eastwood, Jerry Moloney said: “I am delighted to win this award from Exol Lubricants. The technical support and service we receive is excellent and, in a very competitive industry, we are perfectly positioned to promote the brand

in the many sectors we serve.”

O’Brien Oils prides itself on its efficient delivery service, supplying products from 1ltr to bulk road tanker deliveries on a same day or next day service.

Steve Dunn, Exol sales director, said: “A massive congratulations to O’Brien Oil Products on winning this closely contested award. The company has been a loyal partner for many years and we have grown together in this time. With the support and service available to customers, it is our aim to help them grow their business and sales of Exol products across a number of industries.”

Subaru congratulates Dublin GAA

Dublin Footballers

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ubaru Ireland congratulates Dublin GAA following the crowning of their Senior Footballers as Leinster Champions for the eighth-successive year. It was a wonderful display by the Dublin footballers and another great sporting achievement.

As proud vehicle sponsor to Dublin GAA, Subaru provides vehicles to some of the players and management of the Dublin senior football and hurling teams.

Since the inception of the vehicle sponsorship in January 2017, the relationship continues to go from strength to strength. The Dublin

players enjoy driving the versatile and capable ‘go anywhere’ life-style Subaru AWD vehicle range. The range spans across an array of models including Impreza, XV Crossover, Forester and Outback. The football and hurling teams, including the Dublin Ladies, are benefiting from a Subaru Forester van to oversee the transportation of team kits around the country for the All Ireland Championships and National League games.

Summer 2018 is shaping up to be one of great excitement, with the introduction of the new Super 8’s in the football championship.

The Dublin footballers continue to inspire and entertain their dedicated supporters. The Subaru tagline ‘Confidence in Motion’ describes them perfectly.

SPIRIT MOTOR GROUP ANNOUNCE KEY APPOINTMENTS

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r Alan Moore has been appointed as the new Managing Director of Spirit Motor Group. Alan has worked with the OHM Group, owners of Spirit Motor Group, for the past fifteen years. In 2014 Alan joined the Group Board and became Operations Director for Spirit Motor Group, playing a vital role in the development and expansion of the business’s retail dealerships during recent years. Spirit Motor Group now retails Jaguar, Land Rover, Volvo, Ford, Ford Commercial Vehicles and Skoda, in addition to Spirit Premium, Spirit Foster and Spirit Burton retailing and servicing top quality used cars and SUVs.

Mr Jim Ryan will assume responsibility as Dealer Principal for the recently renovated Spirit Jaguar Land Rover flagship dealership in Sandyford. Over the past ten years, as Sales Director, Jim has managed the growth of the sales department through a period of significant expansion of the Jaguar Land Rover model range.

Gerard O’Farrell, Director, Car Division of OHM Group said, “We are delighted to announce these key appointments.

As our retail business continues to grow and develop, it is essential that we continue to strengthen our management team to deliver the future needs of the Spirit Motor Group business.”

Mr. Alan Moore Managing Director Spirit Motor Group

Spirit Motor Group operates ten sites across South Dublin, West Dublin and North Wicklow, employing in excess of 180 staff.

Total employment in the OHM Group now exceeds 350.

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NEWS

NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd

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gnition specialist NGK has held a special event to mark the end of a long-standing association with one of its top distributors.

Senior management of NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd recently visited Dublin to mark the end of more than three decades of distribution of its products in Southern Ireland by P R Reilly.

P R Reilly has recently been acquired by LKQ Corporation and NGK marked this “ending of an era” by holding a special event and dinner in Dublin in recognition of Norbert Reilly, who is retiring.

Speaking on behalf of NGK, Marko Wowczyna, Director – Automotive, NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd, said: “NGK would like to sincerely thank Norbert Reilly and all his team at PR Reilly for their outstanding support and hard work over many years distributing

NGK products in the Southern Ireland market.

“Distributing NGK in Southern Ireland for over 35 years has been a fantastic achievement which has seen NGK become a strong brand leader throughout Ireland. It should also be said that this achievement is also recognised

by NGK’s directors in Japan who hold Norbert in very high esteem for the terrific job he has done for all these years.

All the team at NGK wish Norbert a long, happy and healthy retirement.”

Norbert Reilly (third from left) is pictured with (from left): Tammy Suzuki, Managing Director, NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd; Stewart Neill, Area Manager – Ireland, NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd; Marko Wowczyna, Director – Automotive, NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd; Brian Childs, former Deputy Managing Director, NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd; Eddie Kobayashi, former Managing Director, NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd; and Tim Ward, Deputy General Manager – Sales & Business Development, NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd

During the long and successful relationship, PR Reilly has been supported by NGK’s Area Manager for Ireland Stewart Neill who also added his thanks to Norbert and PR Reilly.

He said: “Over the years we

had many interesting meetings, promotions, activities and quite a few laughs that I will look back at with a smile. Norbert was not just a customer but also a good friend. We plan to keep in touch, something

that I look forward to.”

For more information on NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd and its products and services, please visit the website www.ngkntk.co.uk

GT Exhausts launches new e-Commerce website

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T Exhausts, the Co. Fermanagh Original Equipment and Aftermarket manufacturer of exhaust and emission systems has launched a new intuitive website at www.gtexhausts.co.uk.

The new multi level website offers a full inventory search facility along with VRM look up and fitment data.

The new platform offers established accounts log in, live price data, real time stock and online ordering with a click and collect option a GT Exhausts uses TecDoc and MAM, which allows customers to access over 26,000 applications , all at the click of a button.

The new user friendly website features an e-Commerce facility, which allows visitors / trade customers to open an account, where they can view the company’s vast stock of exhausts and emission systems, save multiple shipping addresses and view and track

orders.

Wholesale customers can available of special discounts through using Coupon Codes. When they enter the Code, they will automatically receive a discount at checkout.

There’s also a Promotion List facility on the site, where customers, according to the money they have spent, in any given period can avail of varying discounts.

The new site features a parts finder, where viewers are able to search for parts by filtering different areas like Make, Year, Model.

check out the website: www.garagetrader.co.uk

There’s also a VRM Look up, where the viewer can enter the vehicle’s registration and find the exact product to suit the vehicle. The VRM is country specific and can cater for both UK and Republic of Ireland registrations.

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NEWS

NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd

I

gnition specialist NGK has held a special event to mark the end of a long-standing association with one of its top distributors.

Senior management of NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd recently visited Dublin to mark the end of more than three decades of distribution of its products in Southern Ireland by P R Reilly.

P R Reilly has recently been acquired by LKQ Corporation and NGK marked this “ending of an era” by holding a special event and dinner in Dublin in recognition of Norbert Reilly, who is retiring.

Speaking on behalf of NGK, Marko Wowczyna, Director – Automotive, NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd, said: “NGK would like to sincerely thank Norbert Reilly and all his team at PR Reilly for their outstanding support and hard work over many years distributing

NGK products in the Southern Ireland market.

“Distributing NGK in Southern Ireland for over 35 years has been a fantastic achievement which has seen NGK become a strong brand leader throughout Ireland. It should also be said that this achievement is also recognised

by NGK’s directors in Japan who hold Norbert in very high esteem for the terrific job he has done for all these years.

All the team at NGK wish Norbert a long, happy and healthy retirement.”

Norbert Reilly (third from left) is pictured with (from left): Tammy Suzuki, Managing Director, NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd; Stewart Neill, Area Manager – Ireland, NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd; Marko Wowczyna, Director – Automotive, NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd; Brian Childs, former Deputy Managing Director, NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd; Eddie Kobayashi, former Managing Director, NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd; and Tim Ward, Deputy General Manager – Sales & Business Development, NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd

During the long and successful relationship, PR Reilly has been supported by NGK’s Area Manager for Ireland Stewart Neill who also added his thanks to Norbert and PR Reilly.

He said: “Over the years we

had many interesting meetings, promotions, activities and quite a few laughs that I will look back at with a smile. Norbert was not just a customer but also a good friend. We plan to keep in touch, something

that I look forward to.”

For more information on NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd and its products and services, please visit the website www.ngkntk.co.uk

GT Exhausts launches new e-Commerce website

G

T Exhausts, the Co. Fermanagh Original Equipment and Aftermarket manufacturer of exhaust and emission systems has launched a new intuitive website at www.gtexhausts.co.uk.

The new multi level website offers a full inventory search facility along with VRM look up and fitment data.

The new platform offers established accounts log in, live price data, real time stock and online ordering with a click and collect option a GT Exhausts uses TecDoc and MAM, which allows customers to access over 26,000 applications , all at the click of a button.

The new user friendly website features an e-Commerce facility, which allows visitors / trade customers to open an account, where they can view the company’s vast stock of exhausts and emission systems, save multiple shipping addresses and view and track

orders.

Wholesale customers can available of special discounts through using Coupon Codes. When they enter the Code, they will automatically receive a discount at checkout.

There’s also a Promotion List facility on the site, where customers, according to the money they have spent, in any given period can avail of varying discounts.

The new site features a parts finder, where viewers are able to search for parts by filtering different areas like Make, Year, Model.

check out the website: www.garagetrader.co.uk

There’s also a VRM Look up, where the viewer can enter the vehicle’s registration and find the exact product to suit the vehicle. The VRM is country specific and can cater for both UK and Republic of Ireland registrations.

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NEWS

EURO’S 8-MONTH HIGH AGAINST STERLING ACCELERATES IRISH DEMAND FOR UK CARS

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reland’s car import boom is being accelerated by the Euro’s rise steady against the Pound, according to data released by the foreign exchange specialist Fexco Corporate Payments.

The data shows Irish car dealers increased their spending on vehicles imported from the UK by a fifth (20%) during the first half of 2018 compared with the same time in 2017.

The analysis, of 3,000 transactions made through Fexco Corporate Payments, comes just days after the Euro hit 89.5p against sterling – its highest level for almost eight months. The research also found

the importing spree hasn’t been limited to Ireland’s motor trade.

Spending on UK imports by Irish car dealers and individual car buyers together rose by 14% in the first six months of 2018 compared to the first half of 2017.

When compared to the levels recorded in the first half of 2016 – before the UK’s vote to the leave the EU – the combined spend of individual motorists and Irish car dealers is up by two thirds (66%).

Fexco also recorded a 49% increase in the number of cross-border car purchases - made by both dealers and motorists - between the first half of 2016 and the first half of 2018.

The Fexco data mirrors official

check out the website: www.garagetrader.co.uk

statistics compiled by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry. In the first six months of 2018 it registered 49,971 used cars imported from the UK, a 12% increase on the same period in 2017, and an incredible 64% increase on the prereferendum level seen in the first half of 2016.

The SIMI data also suggests Ireland is on track to import 100,000 used cars from the UK for the first time ever this year. It predicts that used car imports will rise by 15% in 2018, with new car registrations falling 8.6% on their 2017 levels**.

David Lamb, head of dealing at Fexco Corporate Payments, explained: “On a purchase as large as a car,

exchange rates can be a dealmaker or a dealbreaker. Two years on from the UK’s vote to leave the EU, thousands of Irish car buyers – both individuals and garages – are still capitalising on the weak Pound.

“The UK has a much greater supply of used cars than Ireland, so all things being equal, a British used car should cost less than a similar model on this side of the Irish Sea. “Historically the cost – and red tape – of importing a UK-registered car into Ireland put off all but professional dealers or the most committed individual motorists.

But sterling’s continued weakness has shifted that calculus, and is nudging ever more Irish car buyers to look to the UK for their next car. garageTRADER - 45

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