Garage Trader Vol 5

Vol 5 2018

Colin adams celebrates 20 years in business garageTRADER

High quality guaranteed, Competitively priced, Remanufactured engines

PLUS €100 OFF

any engine purchased before end of January PRICING EXAMPLES Diesel Engines without Pump and Injectors Golf V/Bora/Jetta/Passat/Touran, Seat Leon/Toledo/Altea, Skoda Octavia 1.9TDi €1,697

Renault Trafic, Opel Vivaro, Nissan Primastar 2.0dCi €2,094

Renault Kangoo/Megane II/ Scenic II/Laguna III, Nissan Note/Qashqai 1.5dCi €1,628

Ford Focus/C-Max/ Mondeo/Transit Connect 1.8TDCi €1,709

Opel Astra 1.7CDTI TD DOHC 16V €1,525

Ford Transit/Tourneo 2.2TDCi, Peugeot Boxer/ Citroen Relay 2.2HDi €2,140

BMW 120i/320i 2.0i 16v €3,345

Opel Astra J/Insignia 1.8i 16v €1,716

Petrol Engines Mini Cooper S 1.6i 16v Turbo N14-B16A €2,386

CALL YOUR LOCAL BRANCH TODAY! Contact your local branch for more details.

This offer is valid until end January 2019. Prices correct at the time of going to press November 2018. Prices exclude VAT. Errors & omissions excluded.

Trade only. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

2- garageTRADER

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High quality guaranteed, Competitively priced, Remanufactured gearboxes

PLUS €50 OFF

any gearbox purchased before end of January PRICING EXAMPLES Opel Vivaro, Movano, Nissan Primaster, Renault Master, Traffic PK6-021 €940

Ford Fiesta IB5 (1.25i & 1.4i 16v 4.25 Mk.7) €343

VW Transporter T5 2.5TDi 6-Speed (0A5 Series - HRU/JFS) €1,509

Opel Corsa, Astra, Meriva, Vectra, Zafira F17 1.6i1.8i F17 €534

Peugeot Bipper/ Citroen Nemo Hdi 5-sp €752

Ford Transit MK6 RWD 5 SPEED MT75 (3-bolt prop) €779

Ford Transit MK7 RWD 5 Speed MT75 €779

Peugeot Boxer, Citroen Relay 2.2HDi 6-Speed (GP02) €1,830

Opel Vivaro, Movano, Nissan Primaster, Renault Master, Traffic PF6 (PF6-010) €809

Fiat 500/Ford Ka 1.2i 5-Speed €515

VW Polo, Seat Ibiza/Cordoba, Skoda Fabia 1.4i 5-Speed 02T (JHS, LVE) €591

CALL YOUR LOCAL BRANCH TODAY! Contact your local branch for more details.

This offer is valid until end January 2019. Prices correct at the time of going to press November 2018. Prices exclude VAT. Errors & omissions excluded.

Trade only. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

3- garageTRADER

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4- garageTRADER

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CONTENTS GT www.garagetrader.co.uk

Vol 5 2018

Vol 5 2018

COLIN ADAMS CELEBRATES 20 YEARS IN BUSINESS COLIN ADAMS CELEBRATES 20 YEARS IN BUSINESS GARAGETRADER

GARAGETRADER

2018 Vol 5

subscriptions: (UK £18.00 Outside UK £27.50)

TAKE A LOOK INSIDE...

News

6 Donnelly Group powers TLI Groups arrival in NI and welcomes 45 new apprentices 10 Origo Autoparts joins J&S Automotive 32 Nulife Engineering offers a new bead blasting service to the motor trade

TO ADVERTISE IN THE MAGAZINE CALL: (028) 9278 0099 REGARDING EDITORIAL CALL: (028) 9278 0108 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, Co. Antrim 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 12 CD Group has announced the appointment of Neil Davis as a Non-Executive Director. Neil has over 20 years’ experience in the automotive aftermarket, including 11 years as Managing Director of FPS and of the Lookers Parts Division.

29 REPXPERT Brand Ambassador, Andy Savva, has been speaking candidly about his new role.

30 Photos from the Autotrade Expo in Dublin 34 Transport Training Services has more than exceeded its recruitment targets in 2018 by recruiting and job-matching 120 young apprentices over the past 12 months. This figure represents a threefold increase since 2015 and brings the total number of apprentices training at TTS to over 250.

36 Riverpark Training attends the Titanic Trade Fair and wins another Gold Medal at the National Finals 38 We talk to Aliya Lam, the new Marketing Manager for Mahle in Ireland.

People 9 Yuasa delivers special training with Somora 19 SKF steering and suspension parts, plus Pemco Oils and Lubricants join the Serfac range.

20 Colin Adams Motorparts celebrates 20 years in business

COMMENT

Colin Adams Motorparts opened its doors during the summer of ’98… France hosted and won the World Cup, Drumcree was kicking off and Michele and Colin Adams opened their motor factors business in Mark Street, Newtownards, while cars burned in the streets of Northern Ireland! The expectation and pressure from starting from the ground up wasn’t the only good news, Michele was heavily pregnant with their first child! In this edition Colin Adams has taken a look back at how the business has developed as we congratulate him on the success of his enterprise… here’s to the next twenty! -Pat Burns, Editor

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GT

NEWS DONNELLY GROUP POWERS TLI GROUP’S ARRIVAL INTO NORTHERN IRELAND

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onnelly Group, Northern Ireland’s largest familyowned new and used vehicle retailer, has partnered with TLI Group to provide a fleet of vehicles to reinforce the company’s position in the Northern Ireland market.

The TLI Group, which provides highly specialised engineering and consultancy services to the overhead line, substation, solar and wind farm industries, has offices in Tralee and Hampshire and will now be operating in Northern Ireland following the win of a seven year Northern Ireland Electricity Networks (NIE Networks) contract.

Donnelly Group has provided an initial fleet of eight vehicles which will enable the company’s 50 staff in Northern Ireland to carry out build and maintenance work at various locations across the province.

Mike Murphy, Contracts Manager at TLI Group said: “Having worked with NIE Networks over the past 3 years, we were very familiar with its requirements and were delighted to be awarded this seven year major refurbishment contract.

“NIE Networks transports power to more than 870,000 customers

Geoffrey Lamont, Chris Donnelly, Padraig Laide, Mike Murphy and Emmet Sherry and with 300 major substations as well as 2,200km of transmission network and 47,000km of distribution network, it really does reach every corner of the province.

“This means that mobility is crucial for our staff, particularly the response teams.

“Donnelly Group, through its Volkswagen Van Centre, offered us competitive rates across a vast range of vehicles. Our initial fleet consists of eight Volkswagen vehicles – seven Caddy vans and one Transporter. These were the

vehicles that best suited our needs and we’re confident our fleet will expand as we develop and grow our business in Northern Ireland.

“With a new operating base in Tamnamore, we are not far from Donnelly Headquarters in Dungannon which is extremely reassuring knowing assistance is close and available should it be required.

“At TLI, we have plans to grow our workforce to approximately 150 people in Northern Ireland and look forward to continuing our strategic alliance with Donnelly Group.”

With approximately 400 employees

NGK takes Harte

I

gnition specialist NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd has made a special presentation to a man who has helped sell hundreds of thousands of the company’s market-leading spark plugs.

Brian Childs, the former Deputy Managing Director – Aftermarket, NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd, paid tribute to Tony Harte who has retired after spending 40 years working for Aiken Autospares of Enniskillen, Northern Ireland.

Tony started off his career in the office for the first two years of his career with Aiken Autospares 6- garageTRADER

before deciding to go on the road as a Sales Representative for the company.

After the presentation at NGK’s recent Northern Ireland golf day at Dunmurry Golf Club, Stewart Neill, Area Manager – Ireland, NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd, recalled the times in his early days with the company joining Tony for workouts as NGK built its strong presence in the Northern Ireland market.

He said: “We did many calls together over the years and saw all corners of County Fermanagh

selling hundreds and thousands of NGK spark plugs in the county.”

Brian Childs told customers at the golf day of the great friendship that developed between him and Tony over the many years he spent visiting Northern Ireland.

He said: “Tony was a true friend and I can safely say, a real gentleman, and I wish him a long, healthy and happy retirement.”

Tony, who is one of only a few people to have attended almost all NGK’s 27 Northern Ireland golf days, now looks forward to spending his free time playing golf,

across the UK and Ireland, TLI Group counts SSE and UK Power Networks amongst its clients in addition to NIE Networks.

Chris Donnelly, Business Development Manager at Donnelly Volkswagen Van Centre, said: “At Donnelly Group, our priority is matching customers with vehicles or a fleet that caters to their needs and budget.

“For a company such as TLI Group which has employees out on the road all day every day, the reliability, performance and efficiency of its fleet is crucial.

watching his grandchildren grow up and enjoying trips around Ireland.

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NEWS GT

45 NEW recruits welcomed to APPRENTICE programme

D

onnelly Group, Northern Ireland’s largest family owned new and used vehicle retailer, has welcomed 45 new recruits to its apprentice programme.

Working alongside Transport Training Solutions, South West College, South Eastern Regional College, Northern Regional College and Belfast Metropolitan College, the Donnelly Group Apprentice Programme is aimed at preparing 16-21-year-olds for a career in the motor industry.

For the first time, Donnelly Group has extended the scheme beyond the Technician apprenticeships to include Sales Executive and a Premier Parts apprenticeships.

Emma-Louise Forsythe, Head of HR at Donnelly Group, said: “Our apprentice programme, which is certified by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), provides applicants with the chance to earn while they learn with one of Northern Ireland’s leading vehicle retailers.

“This year we have 45 apprentices joining the programme, a huge increase in comparison to previous years.

“What has been extremely

encouraging is the volume of female applicants this year. The motor industry is renowned for being predominantly male dominated, so it is great that through the programme we can start to redress this imbalance.

“Those who show exceptional performance and dedication will be given the chance to further their career upon completion of the programme by taking on a permanent role with Donnelly Group.”

The scheme runs across all

nine Donnelly Group locations, including; Ballymena, Bangor Belfast, Dungannon, Eglinton, Enniskillen, Newtownabbey, Mallusk and Omagh.

Dave Sheeran, Managing Director at Donnelly Group, said: “The apprentice programme allows us to ensure our workforce has the technical skills and knowledge required to provide our customers with a superior service.

“Those taking part in the programme have the opportunity to

work with 18 international car and van brands, in workshops which are fitted with the most up-to-date technology, ensuring an unrivalled learning environment with some of the best mentors in the industry.

“At Donnelly Group, we recognise that it has become increasingly difficult to fill certain roles due to a skills shortage within the industry, but we remain wholly committed to narrowing this gap, and the apprentice programme allows us to do so.”

Dungannon’s TBC Conversions lands £8m contract with Genus Breeding

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BC Conversions, Northern Ireland’s leading vehicle conversion company, has secured an £8 million contract to supply 350 adapted vehicles to Genus Breeding. Genus Breeding is a world-leading animal genetics company.

The vehicles, a mixture of Volkswagen Caddy Kombi and Caddy vans were specifically modified for the transportation of bull semen contained in liquid nitrogen tanks.

Established in 2006, TBC Conversions is based in a purposebuilt factory in Dungannon and employs 55 people, converting vehicles for wheelchair drivers and

passengers, as well as minibuses and taxis for the commercial and public sector, plus specialist conversions such as the contract with Genus Breeding.

David Donnell, Managing Director of TBC Conversions explains: “This vehicle contract with Genus Breeding could have gone anywhere in the UK or Ireland but we are delighted to have secured this for the region.

“It’s the latest contract in our continuing growth which is attributable to our great team and focus on customer care and innovation in vehicle adaptions.

“Specialist conversions for business

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Adrian Davies, Genus Breeding and David Donnelly, MD of TBC Conversions vehicles across all sectors is strong and as the only company in Northern Ireland to have attained the Volkswagen Commercial

Vehicles Recognised Convertor status, the company is trusted and relied upon by manufacturers and customers alike.” garageTRADER - 7

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NEWS

COMLINE TAKES ON EUROPE A

utomotive parts supplier Comline has seen a record 2018, exhibiting at no less than five major automotive expos across the continent and reaching a staggering combined audience of over 260,000 customers and key decision makers.

Kicking off in style, the show season began in Frankfurt at the worldrenowned Automechanica, where Comline showcased its largest-ever exhibition stand to a record-breaking 136,000 visitors over four days. Doubling its footprint from the previous year Comline’s stand covered a vast, 78 square metres, providing show-goers with a clear indication of the brand’s growing stature within the European aftermarket sector.

The next stop was Ireland, home to subsidiary Comline Ireland. Exhibiting at Auto Trade Dublin - Ireland’s largest Automotive Expo - Comline once again displayed why it continues to make its mark in over 40 countries worldwide. The 36 square metre stand was a hit with visitors and picked the notable accolade of ‘best stand’ from the show’s organisers, who praised Comline for combining eye-catching, informative displays and fun activities.

Dublin was quickly followed

by Athens, home to subsidiary Comline Hellas, and host to Greece’s Autokinisi. Comline certainly stood out from the crowd at Greece’s national motor show with an impressive 44 square metre stand adorned in the company’s distinctive blue and yellow colours.

It was a striking exhibition which gave Comline Hellas and their authorised distributors the perfect backdrop to showcase the Comline brand and its core product lines.

Next came Bulgaria and Automotive Expo Sofia. This 8- garageTRADER

show presented an opportunity for Comline to collaborate with its authorised distributor Auto Plus, who dedicated space on their stand to the Comline brand, cementing the strong partnership and highlighting Comline’s multi-range product offering.

Last, but by no means least, the show train arrived in Cyprus for the Boyz Stuff exhibition. Joining forces once again, this time with key customer Psaltis, the two brands worked together to draw in the crowds using engaging tools such as Comline’s distinctive Panik99 rally car, which took centre stage.

Although differing in size, and focal points, each exhibition stand was consistently designed to

provide a dynamic representation of Comline’s all-marque, multiline, high-quality product portfolio in an informative yet engaging manner, incorporating eye-catching fun activities and a relaxed setting for customer engagement. Thanks to physical displays of the brand’s key product lines, filtration, braking, steering & suspension, and activities such as ‘spin to win’, a game which gave visitors the chance to win prizes, the winning formula delivered at every location.

In addition to the large expos Comline also worked together with its many distributors to deliver numerous local events in places such as Bosnia and Macedonia helping customers to wave the blue and yellow flag at every opportunity.

“2018 truly has been a whirlwind year for the Comline Brand,” said Leigh Davies, Comline’s Marketing Manager. “Our ever-growing presence in Europe made it possible - and frankly essential - for us to be present at a record-number of Automotive exhibitions across the continent.

“The aim was to underline our market position and promote the brand’s core values of supplying high-quality parts and genuine value for money. I feel we have achieved what we set out to do surpassing expectations in every country, a view which was shared by others, and confirmed by the award we received in Dublin.

Looking back on our achievements, I am delighted to declare our 2018 show season was a resounding success - bring on 2019!”

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NEWS GT

KYB UK is supporting the Row to Raise endurance challenge

K

YB UK is sponsoring an inspirational parathlete, Kelda Wood, as she sets off to become the first adaptive person ever to solo row the Atlantic Ocean in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.

Kelda is taking on the 3,000 mile challenge to raise hope in young people facing physical or mental trauma, and to raise awareness about relevant support available.

She also aims to raise over £50,000 for Climbing Out, the charity she set up after her own life changing injury. Each day Kelda is on the Atlantic, she’ll be rowing for a different young person who’s been through some form of mental or physical trauma.

The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge is the premier event

in ocean rowing, with up to 30 teams participating from around the world. It brings together teams from all walks of life united by the same objective: to take on the unique challenge of crossing an ocean in a rowing boat. Teams battle with sleep deprivation, salt sores, and physical extremes inflicted by the race. Rowers are left with their own thoughts, an expanse of the ocean and the job of getting the boat safely to the other side. Rowers will row for 2 hours, and sleep for 2 hours, constantly, 24 hours a day, through waves up to 20ft high.

Kelda had a serious accident as a young woman which caused her to almost lose her leg. She recovered and challenged herself to climb Kilimanjaro, then became a paracanoeist, before becoming the

first recorded adaptive female to successfully summit Aconcagua, the highest peak in South America.

Kelda came back from Aconcagua passionate about spreading a message, to inspire and support people to have the confidence to try, because so often when we give things a go, we achieve so much more than we ever thought possible.

So she decided to take on the Atlantic Challenge, in doing so she hopes to give others the confidence and self-belief to get out there and give things a go.

Kelda Wood

KYB UK is proud to support this incredible nautical challenge, raising hope in young people facing mental or physical trauma.

Yuasa training with Somora

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S Yuasa has delivered over 50 dedicated training events to thousands of automotive professionals, including a recent week-long training tour of Ireland. The battery manufacturer has also provided training at various trade shows and support events.

Industry-leading training is an integral part of GS Yuasa’s awardwinning products and services.

Aiming to dispel myths and highlight opportunities, sessions deliver up-to-date training on the latest battery technology in an engaging and accessible way. They are tailored to suit the customer’s requirements and can be pitched for specific job roles, from workshop technicians to customer services.

GS Yuasa’s training sessions are prepared and delivered by Ian Newham, who has over 30 years’ experience in the automotive industry and has worked as Training Manager for GS Yuasa since 2011. He said: “Within the industry there is a real hunger for increased knowledge on battery technology, and our training events

confirm this.”

“By providing a first-class training service, GS Yuasa empowers its customers with the knowledge to improve customer service, increase battery sales and reduce warranty costs.”

Yuasa cover all areas of industry best practice, from fitting the correct specification battery to maintaining stock correctly.

As well as offering technical guidance, their professional training sessions include real-life, useful product demonstrations.

This includes how to make the most of their powerful Yuasa Online Battery Lookup fit.yuasa. com; as well as the Yu-Fit Battery Configurator tool to reprogram the Battery Management System (BMS) when the battery has been replaced.

Yuasa delivered a training tour of Ireland in conjunction with Somora Motor Parts. The highly successful week-long event included regional presentations in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Monaghan. Training focussed on AGM and EFB Start-Stop battery

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technology, its background, and the ever-increasing demands of new generation vehicles.

Stephen Lawless, Sales Manager at Somora Motor Parts said: “We held five training sessions, four of which were to accommodate Motor Factors and Garage Workshops.

Such was the enthusiasm to attend that we had several customers travelling for up to 3.5 hours to attend the training. The fifth training session was at The Cavan Institute where Ian Newham and Ian Scott spoke to a class of 1st year mechanics.”

“All agreed that the training was

invaluable and Ian Newham’s presentation was articulate, covering all aspects of this market, but presented in a manner that kept all attendees interacting with him.”

“Somora Motor Parts saw this as a great opportunity not only to educate but also to showcase the diversity of the Yuasa battery range.”

Yuasa offers training services to all its customers and is currently developing the GS Yuasa Academy – a revolutionary online training platform which will be launched in 2019. garageTRADER - 9

GT

NEWS Origo Autoparts joins J&S Automotive

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&S Automotive has entered into an exclusive agreement of the transfer of ownership of Origo Autoparts Division.

Alan Gaynor, Managing Director of J&S Automotive Distributors commented “The transfer of the Origo Autoparts Division with its unique suite of brands and expertise combined with J&S Automotive Distributors unique service offering in the automotive industry is an important strategic step for J&S Automotive Distributors.

“This transfer further strengthens and enhances our product offering to all our current and future customers throughout the island of Ireland”.

Since opening in 1977, J&S Automotive Distributors pride themselves by being one of Ireland’s premier vehicle component distributors for both passenger car and truck.

The success of the company has been based on the supply of components of the highest quality

10- garageTRADER

and the provision of first-class up-to-theminute product information on various platforms, including TecDoc and MAM Autonet.

From a small shop set up by Joe Gaynor at the Five Lamps on Amiens Street, Dublin, 41 years ago, J&S Automotive Distributors has grown into a major car-parts distributor with depots all over Ireland. It supplies an extensive range of parts & tools and provides training to the independent aftermarket using its own fleet of vehicles. It has grown from strength to strength and by the end of 2019 it will have a

Ken Tannam, General Manaper & Origo Autoparts and Alan Gaynor, Managing Director of J&S Automotive Distributors

workforce of nearly 200 dedicated and experienced employees.

Throughout its development, J&S Automotive Distributors has successfully followed a programme of continuous improvement, something that is reflected in ongoing staff training across

various aspects of its business.

The emphasis of this training and development is on maintaining a strong customer focus, meeting goals and providing a level of service and innovation that can genuinely help a customer’s business grow.

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MAHLE

MAHLE unleashes its brand power through new innovative packaging

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AHLE Aftermarket has introduced a fresh new packaging design across seven of its leading brands, underlining its brand power both globally and regionally.

Simple, clear and compact, the new-style packaging will feature bold colours, concise information and a clearer design, all aimed at facilitating handling in motor factors and workshops.

Reflecting its brand promise internationally, the global sales name will simply become MAHLE, with a bright blue and white packaging design, while the MAHLE security labels will remain unchanged. This is to ensure reliable identification of MAHLE’s original packaging and presents a robust response to the recent rise in product piracy.

Besides MAHLE, among the seven worldwide brands set to make a striking impact on the UK aftermarket with a new look

48_1340_MAHLE_AZ_UK_210x148+3_rz.indd 5

is European filtration specialist KNECHT FILTER, global thermal management expert BEHR, and new in the MAHLE brand family since 2018, BRAIN BEE, the market leaders in workshop equipment.

The renowned brands will receive a boost with strikingly coloured packaging, further enhancing their offering to customers.

Jonathan Walker, General Manager Aftermarket UK & Ireland, said: “After more than a decade, we have decided to enhance our packaging in order to further build on the strong brand recognition at both garage and motor factor level. MAHLE Aftermarket unites seven strong brands that are synonymous with innovation and uncompromising quality, with the uniform, simplified and fresh look of the newly developed packaging design supporting the clear message that MAHLE is easy to deal with, straightforward, and always in

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original quality.”

The MAHLE brand is one of the world’s best-known aftermarket brands, representing spare parts in original equipment quality along

the entire powertrain, covering engine components, filtration, engine cooling and air conditioning, starter motors and alternators, and workshop equipment.

12.02.14 18:52

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NEWS CD Group appoint a Non-Executive Director

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D Group has announced the appointment of Neil Davis as a Non-Executive Director. Neil has over 20 years’ experience in the automotive aftermarket, including 11 years as Managing Director of FPS and of the Lookers Parts Division, which included FPS, Apec and BTN. He was also a Main Board Director of Lookers PLC, the £4bn turnover vehicle retailer, from 2011 to 2016.

The Lookers Parts Division was acquired by Alliance Automotive Group in 2016, and Neil led the successful transition of the acquired business before stepping down at the end of 2017.

CD Group is a leading wholesale aftermarket parts distributor in Ireland with long established sites in Belfast, Dublin and Cork.

Trading for over 55 years, the company offers market leading logistics for the likes of Apec, Bosch, Schaeffler, Gates, Mann Filter, Kilen, Comma, KYB and Hella, amongst an extensive brand portfolio.

Terry Knox, Managing Director

of CD Group, commented: “We have known and worked with Neil through our strong relationships with FPS and Apec and also through historical mutual membership of ATR. It is pleasing therefore to have somebody of Neil’s calibre and experience join our Board at a time when there are so many changes and opportunities in the aftermarket.”

Neil, who is also a Chartered Director, takes up his new position at the start of 2019 alongside his CD Group Board colleagues, chaired by former Whale CEO & VP of Wrightbus, Patrick Hurst MBE.

Neil Davis - CD Group

Philip Petersen Bangor takes top Suzuki Customer Experience Award

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uzuki GB PLC has announced its “Dealers of the Year” for 2018 at a ceremony during its recent annual dealer conference in Budapest, Hungary.

The prestigious Philip Petersen Bangor award black-tie event recognises the the finance penetration percentage, outstanding achievements by the Sales Customer Satisfaction dealerships within the vehicle Index (CSI), the Service CSI, manufacturer’s 157 strong UKthe number of parts sold, and the wide network, as well as the longquantity of accessories sold and standing commitment of businesses returned on sales percentage. to the brand.

The figures were then added The accolade for customer together on a balanced scorecard experience was bestowed to Philip to reveal the top dealer in each Petersen in Bangor. of the categories and the overall winner. Trophies were handed Prior to the awards, all dealerships out by Suzuki GB’s Director were evaluated using the same of Automobile Dale Wyatt and criteria. They included the Aftersales Director, Denis Houston. percentage of target sales achieved, 12- garageTRADER

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DAYCO

DOES ONE SIZE REALLY FIT ALL?!

T here is a myth that has gained momentum within the aftermarket that numerous power transmission belt specifications, particularly for the auxiliary drive system, are generic rather than vehicle specific, which is at odds with normal practice for many other engine related products and completely alien to Dayco’s tailored engineering ethos.

One of the more obvious repercussions of this ‘one size fits all’ mentality, has been the resulting problems that have arisen following replacement of the original equipment (OE) auxiliary belt. Despite the practices of some aftermarket suppliers, the OE auxiliary belt is specifically designed to conform to very strict dimensions and so, where replacement belts of a more generic rather than vehicle specific size have been fitted, failures have occurred.

It is however, not just the belt size that matters, it’s the way the belt is manufactured and for some particular applications, the construction has been improved Dayco-HalfPage Advert_1802.pdf to include an internal cord that

1

is made with aramid fibres, for example.

The combination of non-application specific sized belts and nonconforming construction is a recipe for disaster and with several Volvo applications in mind, the resulting belt failures have not only caused inconvenience and left motorists stranded, but there have been cases when the broken belt has also damaged auxiliary components and even caused the drive system to seize, leaving a hefty bill at the door of the workshop.

However, the policy followed by Dayco, a leading engine products and drive systems supplier for the automotive, industrial and aftermarket industries, is to manufacture only vehicle specific products, which therefore provide independents with an OE quality solution that is designed to the precise specification, in terms of both their dimensions and construction, to the OE article.

When it comes to the construction, the simulation is not limited only to the internal structure, but also the external properties, for example the fabric on the back surface – defined 28/02/2018 13:07:19 by the code ‘DT’ – of the auxiliary

belt, against which the friction wheel on the PRINCE BMW PSA engine used in models such as Mini, BMW 1-3 series, Citroen C3C4, PSA 208-3008, runs.

By applying this strategy, the supplying motor factor and installing technician can have complete confidence in the replacement solution, which affords the motorist complete peace of mind, on the return of their vehicle.

In addition, Dayco is the OE

A perfect movement element of the engine.

C

+3

supplier of the auxiliary belt for the several Volvo applications, so only by fitting a Dayco Poly-V belt, can the independent workshop be certain to fit a like-for-like replacement for these and many other makes and models.

For more information regarding the OEM quality power transmission products in the Dayco range, please email: info.uk@dayco.com or visit: www.dayco.com

year warranty

The original power in motion ™

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

There is only one

White Belt.

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QR code with assembly instructions, serial number as a guarantee of product traceability, 3 year warranty all in a single box

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GT

NEWS New to range Jaguar and Land Rover pads available from Textar

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extar, has added to its expansive aftermarket product range by manufacturing brake pads for the Jaguar E-Pace 2017 and Land Rover Discovery Sport 2017.

Utilising cutting-edge technology, Textar products are precision engineered to offer maximum safety, performance and comfort.

This uncompromising approach to product excellence has been the ethos of the brand for more than 100 years and has led to Textar being a trusted partner to the world’s leading vehicle manufacturers.

Textar, which is manufactured by global leader in brake friction technology, TMD Friction, covers 99.9% of the UK car parc and includes pads, discs, accessories and brake fluid available for next

day delivery.

The range of premium brake pads is further complemented by a wide range of brake discs, including high

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carbon as well as composite discs.

As a global premium brand offering a selection of OE and aftermarket products, Textar has a renowned

reputation for high quality, performance and endurance. This makes it the brand of choice for factors and garages.

garageTRADER - 14

NULIFE ENGINEERING GT Bead Blasting service now available from Nulife Engineering

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ulife Engineering, based in Derriaghy Industrial Park in Dunmurrry is now an approved Guyson Bead Blasting centre and is able to offer a bead blasting and cleaning service to all parts of the motor trade.

Bead blasting is an ideal way to clean all car, motorbike, tractor or lorry parts and Nulife promises a fast turnaround. It can clean anything from small carburettor parts to gearbox casings or even chassis parts.

It is a quick and extremely efficient way of cleaning corroded, dirty and rusty engine parts, tools, domestic, agricultural and gardening equipment.

The family run business was established in 1985 and used to bead blast parts back then.

A continual investment in new equipment means this service is now available to the trade and motor enthusiasts alike.

“we believe in going the extra mile.”

Three generations of the family work in the business and managing director Paul Haslem told Garage Trader, “We are constantly investing in new machinery so we are always one step ahead. If you don’t move forward you stand still and we believe in going the extra mile. The Guyson Formula 1machines blast millions of

microscopic glass beads onto every surface of the item being cleaned.

This process blasts away the carbon, scale, rust and other surface foreign matter without damage and without removing the surface metal.’’

Bead blasting also improves the fatigue life of metal surfaces,

and improves its ability to retain lubricants Bead blasting is just one of the services offered by Nulife Engineering. It also offers mild steel, stainless steel and aluminium fabrications, precision high definition CNC plasma cutting, CNC guillotine and press work and CNC router for wood and plastic.

NULIFE ENGINEERING

are now Bead Blasting and Cleaning Parts as we did from 1985 Derriaghy Industrial Park, The Cutts, Dunmurry T: 028 9062 3196 check out the website: www.garagetrader.co.uk

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Master Your Journey, Whatever The Season

NEW H I G H E S T

R A N K E D

L A B E L

F O R

W E T

G R I P

Best-in-class Wet Grip Index

Qualified Snow Performance

Superior Wear Life

EU label grade “A�, the highest ranked label for wet grip

Certified 3 Peak Mountain Snow Flake marking (3PMSF)

Offering the same mileage as our premium summer tyres

Bridgestone Europe For your nearest Bridgestone Authorised Dealer, 16- garageTRADER visit our website www.bridgestone.eu

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

Bridgestone

Bridgestone supports Action Medical Research at Sparks Dinner

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ridgestone Ireland once again supported Action Medical Research at its annual Sparks Motorsport Dinner at the Culloden Hotel in Belfast.

The guest speaker for this years event was the Head of Engineering at Williams F1 team, Sir Patrick Head. Bridgestone was involved in formula one for 13 years, starting in 1997 and in 2007 they became the sole tyre supplier to F1. This years gala was the 24th annual Sparks Dinner which helps to fund research into illnesses and diseases that affect young children and premature babies.

“We believe this is a charity that really makes a difference and Bridgestone are always happy to support the Sparks Dinner for Action Medical Research along with our motor industry and motor sport colleagues,” said Colm Conyngham, Marketing and Public Relations Manager with Bridgestone Ireland.

Bridgestone pioneers MOBOX, a monthly subscription forridgestone premium tyres and vehicle services has announced demand shift attention

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the launch of all-inclusive monthly subscription service MOBOX. Providing drivers with convenience and peace of mind, MOBOX subscription offers new tyres, full warranty and other premium vehicle-related services, and all at an affordable price per month.

Bridgestone combines its industry expertise with the opportunities presented by macro-economic and societal trends in order to provide solutions to the real problems faced by drivers on the roads.

Bridgestone is able to identify the challenges consumers face thanks to their unique understanding of drivers, based on research and feedback received through its large and growing retail network - including Speedy, Ayme Côté Route and First Stop. With the service economy seeing consumer

from products to services, MOBOX enables customers to experience tyres as a service.

Bridgestone is now offering an alternative, all in one, approach to buying tyres and car maintenance. Just as you would for a mobile phone, MOBOX users will pay a flat monthly fee for a flexible range of services that can be customised to meet unique needs and budgets.

Basic packages include new premium tyres, fitting and full warranty for tyre related damages, as well as additional vehiclerelated services such as tyre checks and rotation, wheel alignment,

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

air condition refill, wipers, and more. The warranty means that if MOBOX customers incur a puncture or any other kind of tyre damage, the tyre will be repaired or replaced free of charge. Customers will also have the option to adapt their packages to include extra products and services, such as summer/winter tyre switching,

storage services and selected car maintenance.

MOBOX packages cover main premium tyre brands and provide customers with access to the central MOBOX web-platform, from which they can easily manage their subscriptions online. All customers also have access to a multilingual call centre for customer support. garageTRADER - 17

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MADE IN GERMANY S i n c e 1950

KEN BLOCK‘S NEW FAVOURITES

available from Serfac Hilary House, Belgard Road Dublin 24 T: 01 459 8700 F: 01 459 8709 E: sales@serfac.ie W: www.serfac.ie

Proud Partners from 2017 – SONAX and Ken Block.

Brilliance and performance collide and form the most powerful partnership on the Rally Circuit: SONAX and Ken Block. The engine has to run smoothly and the car has to be all around radiant – Ken Block and the HOONIGAN Racing Division don’t just know how to raise dust, they also know how to leave it far behind, and they rely on the clean-up performances of the SONAX products.

You too can experience the raw power and enjoy brilliant performances in all situations – with SONAX. 18- garageTRADER

w w w. s o n a x . c o m

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

SERFAC GT

New SKF Steering & Suspension range now available from Serfac

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erfac Limited is now stocking a brand new range of steering and suspension parts from international brand leader SKF. Traditionally a suplier of wheel end, top mounts and drivline, the chassis offer from SKF now includes a full range of steering and suspension parts: ball joints, silent blocks, stabiliser links, track control arms, steering rods and axial joints. All premium products, the new SKF range has been extensively tested to match

the highest standards and OE specifications.

Product selection is now faster and smarter. As always, the latest make and model design is used to match kits, which reduces the amount of possible part number choices per vehicle. Extensive cross listing lets customers match parts more quickly to OE numbers, own product coding or other suppliers’ data.

High quality packaging means less likelihood of damage and clear

labels featuring content graphics, part numbers and other helpful information improve shelf management.

All the parts that are needed for a complete repair Gavin Dixon, SKF, Liam O’Donohoe, Serfac are included in the Ltd and Ashton Chipika, SKF kits and each part is clearly marked vehicle. Phone and email helplines which means less are also available to make part confusion after unboxing – for selection and repair procedures example, when installing a part on even easier. the left or right hand side of the

Serfac adds PEMCO Oils & Lubricants to brand range Serfac Limited has added PEMCO Oils & Lubricants to its comprehensive brand range.

PEMCO joins existing Serfac lubricant brands Champion and Fuchs.

Sold on five continents, the PEMCO product line-up includes motor oils of all viscosity grades that meet the latest international specifications. The range stocked

by Serfac Limited includes:

An extensive line-up of oils, lubricants, coolants and antifreezes, PEMCO’s innovative design and development technologies mean that the products not only meet the requirements of international vehicle manufacturers, but also exceed them on a number of parameters.

iDrive – 10 different iDrive formulations covering an extensive range of applications iPoid – A range of high performance gear oils iMatic – 5 different formulations covering vehicle manufacturer’s ATF (transmission) specifications

Antifreeze – 8 different formulations to suit all applications Coolants - A range of coolant fluids for all types of vehicles

AdBlue PEMCO lubricants are manufactured by UAB “SCT Lubricants” and meet all technical and environmental standards requirements. The company’s quality control department conducts strict control of all cycles of the manufacturing process, ensuring unsurpassed performance and a perfectly matched price to quality ratio.

Commenting on the latest addition to the Serfac brand range, Liam O’Donohoe, general manager, Serfac Limited, said: “We’re delighted to offer the PEMCO range to our customers and we’re confident that they will find the brand a valuable and profitable addition to their product listing.

“To ensure that the PEMCO range competes equally against other quality oils and lubricants in the marketplace, we have aligned our pricing to provide the factor with an extremely competitive proposition“, he continued.

SONAX Car Care Product range continues to grow in popularity

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he SONAX range of car care products, beloved by car enthusiasts worldwide, continues to grow in popularity with motor factors and professional valeters and detailers, according to Irish distributor Serfac Limited.

SONAX is the market leader in car care products in Germany and one of the leading manufacturers worldwide. For more than 60 years, the company has been developing and manufacturing high performance car care products to satisfy the highest requirements.

Serfac has consistently expanded the range since its launch earlier this year and latest additions include:

•Headlight Restoration Kits •Updates to the Profiline professional valeting range •Electronics + Contact Cleaner •Xtreme Brilliant Shine Detailer • Soft Top & Fabric Waterproofer Gillian Fanning, marketing director, Serfac Limited, said: “Since we launched the SONAX brand earlier this year, it has proved to be incredibly popular with our

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

customers. Over recent months, we have continued to broaden the range of products that we stock we’re now delighted to be able to offer even more SONAX products to the market.”

Whether it’s in motorsports, in the tuning scene or in the world of classic cars - when it comes to the perfect presentation of automobiles, SONAX is the ideal solution.

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SOLUTIONS â„¢ MADE IN GERMANY www.febi.com 20- garageTRADER

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

Colin adams

Colin Adams Motorparts celebrates 20 years of business…

Colin and Michele Adams

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olin Adams looks back to how his motor factors business started off and has grown from strength to strength…

It all kicked off during the summer of ‘98 , yes France hosted and won the World Cup , Drumcree was kicking off and Michele and I opened the doors in Mark Street, Newtownards, while cars burned in the streets of Northern Ireland!

The expectation and pressure from starting from the ground up wasn’t the only good news, Michele was heavily pregnant with our first child!

Michele’s dad Billy played a key role in the early days helping to establish the business, Michele’s mother also joined in at nights helping with finances and accounts while holding down a full time job in the kitchen industry. The family connections didn’t end there as our brother in law also joined the team .

The Belfast shop was opened in 2012

Luck and the decisions we made played a key role in the growth during those early days, FG7 was formed officially in 2000 having had loose agreements in place since 1998, this gave the fledgling business wheels, we also took on some experienced staff with a history of factoring in the area and doubled the turnover from year two

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into year three.

We decided to move from a local software supplier to MAM in 2002 and this also helped in the now rapid growth of the business, I remember the sales guys saying we were the first factor in all Ireland to move to online cataloguing and VRM lookups, this of course is the norm today – no more CDs and

DVDs in drives. Technology was changing at a rapid rate both in vehicles and systems , we always tried to invest heavily to grow the business.

June 2003 saw the arrival of our second child, and as in Hannah’s birth, we called on Bill Kane to help out while Jacob made his appearance. Billy helped both of us immensely in those early years and we will always be grateful to him.

Daryll Gaw headed up the front counter allowing me to concentrate on further developing the delivery side of the business, he is our longest serving member of staff and again we are so lucky to have had so many wonderful members of the team during our twenty years.

Service was the key word by now and a strong delivery fleet with the correct stocks to back it all up helped continue the growth of the Newtownards operation. The guys in the vans are the face of garageTRADER - 21

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Colin adams

Beat the freeze Winter Car Esentials

All available from Colin adams

Newtownards Branch 51a Mark Street, Newtownards BT23 4DT Tel 028 9181 3035

Belfast branch 41 Beersbridge Road, Belfast BT5 5DU Tel 028 9067 1444

www.motorpartsni.co.uk

CONGRATULATIONS TO ON

from your friends at

DRAPER TOOLS

Colin_Adams.indd 1

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20 YEARS TRADING

17/12/2018 09:05

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

Colin adams

Mark Thompson and Aaron McConnell

Aaron McConnell is the manager of the Belfast shop also included is Jack Andrews and Ragnar Smith

any motor factor today as many mechanics never cross our door, and once again I must thank the staff who also do a great job selling when called upon.

The aftermarket must be the most service driven business, we have several customers getting more than sixteen drops per day, even our furthest customers avail of at least four deliveries a day, many of the staff supplement this with deliveries when their day’s work is done.

I can`t think of another business where it’s expected to continue deliveries when the van runs have

stopped. Again I have to thank all the guys that have gone the extra mile to keep our loyal customers happy.

Michele’s father passed away in 2009 , having worked tirelessly in the business from inception in early 1998, preparing the acquired premises from builder’s workshop into a working motor factor. The doors closed for the funeral and many motor trade men travelled to pay their respects to a man that spent his life putting out fires in the Newtownards retained Fire Service.

Billy could never figure out why

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

Sealy products on display in the Newtownards shop garageTRADER - 23

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Colin adams

Colin Adams 1 08/01/2019 A wide rangeMF of ad.qxp_Layout products on display in the 12:12 Page 1

Newtownards shop

Happy 20th Anniversary to Colin Adams Motor Parts facebook.com/ngksparkplugsuk NGK UK YouTube

ngkntk.co.uk

Bouncer the Dog, the only one who won’t love your new KYB suspension.

For a smoother, safer ride, choose KYB. 1 in 5 of all cars leaving production lines worldwide are fitted with KYB shock absorbers as standard – you can rely on KYB to provide the same world class product quality for your replacement parts.

Available from Colin Adams Motor Parts. www.kyb-europe.com

24- garageTRADER

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

Colin adams

FREE LED185 worth £17.95 with each of these products (while stocks last)

560/95Amp 12/24V Starter/Charger

is very challenging as is running a busy workshop, looking back I can honestly say we have had tremendous loyalty from our customer base during the past twenty years. Many customers have become very good friends to both

SELLING PRICE

£199.95 (OTHER COLOURS AVAILABLE)

we credited so many items per month when we invested so much in trying to get the orders correct first time round, it’s an area of factoring that hasn’t changed much and by now we often credit 50k per month.

Selling parts for vehicles today

• Max. Charge: 95Amps (65Amps EN).

• Max. Start: 560Amps (360Amps EN).

• 44Amps Max. Input (start).

• Battery Range: 50-1000Ah. • Polarity protected.

• Features fast-charge timer device to enable rapid battery recovery with reduced risk of boiling the battery.

• Model No. START560 • List Price £309.95

SELLING PRICE

360° 2W COB + 1W LED Rechargeable Lithium-Polymer Inspection Lamp • 2W COB LED produces up to 220 lumens with a CRI-80 rating.

• 1W High power LED directional torch.

• Base magnet and swivel hook for hands-free operation.

• Rechargeable 3.7V 1.5Ah Li-Polymer battery.

• Operating time (Side/Top): 3/6hr.

• Micro USB charging port.

• Supplied with high quality braided USB cable.

• Model No. LED3601G • List Price £47.95

£24.95

Daniel Hampton

3tonne Standard Chassis Trolley Jack with Axle Stands (Pair) • Jack Min./Max. Saddle Height: 133/515mm.

• Single-piece hydraulic unit with heavy chassis design.

• Fitted with safety overload valve and pump-through valve to prevent handle locking at maximum ram extension.

• Supplied with Ratchet Type Axle Stands, 3tonne (3000kg) capacity per stand (6tonne (6000kg) per pair).

• Axle Stand Min./Max. Working Height: 293/427mm.

• Model No. 3010CX • List Price £189.95

Eight telesales staff based in Newtownards branch check out the website: www.garagetrader.co.uk

PRICES EXCLUDE VAT UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE

SELLING PRICE

£109.98

Code GT2019

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Colin adams

Desi McWha, Director with Colin and Michele Adams

would like to wish Colin Adams Motor Parts continued success

suppliers of quality Steering and Suspensions components Unit 2, Beckbridge Ind Est, Ripley Drive, Normanton Ind Est, Normanton West Yorkshire

01924 894386

www.aphautomotiveltd.co.uk 26- garageTRADER

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

Colin adams

myself and Michele during this period and without them I wouldn’t be penning this feature today, Twenty years is a generation and we have seen so many garage men bring up their families as we have.

During a holiday in July 2011, I purchased the premises in Belfast at Beersbridge Road, we gutted the building and opened in early 2012, Aaron McConnell manages a team of ten at this site and has also shown great growth in their six years of trading.

The day to day running of any business can be challenging and the aftermarket sometimes get bad press, looking back I can honestly say that the vast majority of people involved in the vehicle repair chain act with passion and integrity.

Thanks to the wonderful support over the years I’m glad to say we have been able to give away over £100k to good causes, I know of many factors and garages that work tirelessly in their local communities supporting local charities and those in need.

Suppliers have played a key role in the development

of our business and without the support from the many excellent companies we wouldn’t be in this position today. It`s difficult to single out suppliers and their people, however I am going to mention a few. Stewart Neill from NGK has not only supported us but has become a great friend with many excursions near and far.

Michael McGuigan from Sealey Tools has also been a beacon of consistency throughout the twenty years and we also have a few trips to remember for both myself and the staff.

I mentioned FG7 early on in the article and must give a few words about my fellow directors companies, Raymond Goss at P & R, Tom and Niall Patrick at RT Autoparts, Mickey and Nigel McCarron at M & L Autoparts and Noel Elliott and Kevin McNeill from JNK. I have learned so much from these guys and our lives have been richer for knowing them-every company mentioned does a huge amount for their local communitie.

I must finish with huge thanks to the many people who have helped so far in our journey, the brilliant loyal staff, the great customers and our suppliers.

Colin Adams

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

On behalf of Michele and myself I wish every one of you and your families health and happiness in 2019. garageTRADER - 27

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FREE EXPERT IN EVERY BOX.

ANDY WALTERS

REPXPERT Technical Trainer

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Our high-tech precision components & systems are originally fitted by all of the leading vehicle manufacturers, but Schaeffler is about more than just OE car parts. We are also the “Repair Experts”, delivering the same parts to workshops around the world.

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As well as a technical training fleet, manned by experts like Andy, we also offer a dedicated online workshop portal. REPXPERT has everything you need to know about LuK, INA and FAG products, tools and technology plus an up-to-the-minute TecDoc catalogue, free vehicle manufacturer installation instructions, specifications, labour times and lots more.

Best of all, registration is free at www.repxpert.co.uk

28- garageTRADER

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

Schaeffler

REPXPERT Brand Ambassador: ‘There’s never been a better time to be in the independent garage sector’

R

EPXPERT Brand Ambassador, Andy Savva, has been speaking candidly about his new role. In a wideranging interview, he talked about the pride he felt in becoming a member of the original equipment (OE) manufacturer’s family, his endorsement of OE and what the thousands of REPXPERT members can expect over the coming months.

Having been a serial workshop owner for 20 years, Andy has taken his career in a new direction, starting up a new business venture, helping technicians become more business-savvy, with the title of

The Garage Inspector.

His experience and knowledge of the industry is priceless, and it was those credentials that stood out to Schaeffler officials – Andy recounted the moment he received the call and how he’s fitted in: “I was honoured! It came out of the blue, but, as a serial garage owner in the past and always been an endorser of OE brands, such as Schaeffler, I knew it would be a natural marriage.

“I’ve known the REPXPERT team for a long time, having presented at Automechanika and Autoinform Live, and they’ve always made me feel welcome. Product is one thing,

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

but the people around and behind it are vital. Glossiness is fine, but there needs to be substance, which is what we have here at Schaeffler.”

Part of Andy’s role will be fronting various media functions on behalf of REPXPERT, but, most importantly, he will be sharing his expertise in building a successful workshop business, offering REPXPERT users the opportunity to enrol on one of his popular courses.

During his interview, he revealed the importance of the link between OE and the workshop environment: “There used to be a perception that

workshop owners couldn’t access OE parts, perhaps because they were too expensive or inaccessible, but that’s wrong. I have the backing of a global OE brand, and I want to reciprocate that support by illustrating the benefits of genuine OE. “I want to instil confidence in them, not just by choosing the best product, but also improving their business acumen. I believe too many good people in the workshop environment are being left behind because they don’t have the business experience needed to take their business to the next level – I am confident I can deliver the whole package to them in this role as a brand ambassador.”

Andy claimed “there has never been better time to be working in the independent garage sector” because the infrastructure and support network, from the likes of Schaeffler, is in place and there is “no excuse” for anyone working within a workshop environment not to tap into it.

To learn more about The Garage Inspector and the workshop business courses available, visit www.thegarageinspector.com.

REPXPERT members can sign-up to attend these courses redeeming their bonus points, by logging in to REPXPERT and heading to the ‘events’ page.

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motortrade Expo

Claire Cahill, Blacklion

The Comline Team at the 2017 Auto Trade expo

Maria Ni Mheachair and David Bevan at the Top Part Stand 30- garageTRADER

Ashley Fannin, Connor Byrne and Paul Colhoun of Modern Tyres check out the website: www.garagetrader.co.uk

motortrade Expo GT

Brendan Cogan and Noel Cleary of 247 Lighting

James O’Keefe and Keith Evans of Crossmore Tyre Recycling

Brian Mullen and Darragh McKiernan of Express Spares

Brian Mullen and Darragh McKiernan of Express Spares

Ross Bannon and Terry Leonard, Volkswagen Ireland

Sean Walsh, David Kerins and Pedro Hillager of Top Auto

Claire Kenny and Kieron Fogarty, AutoPro.ie check out the website: www.garagetrader.co.uk

Jamie Taylor, Pro Align garageTRADER - 31

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Refinish

Cromax launches CC6500 - new high solids clearcoat

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romax has introduced CC6500 High Performance VOC Clear, an all-purpose clear that is suitable for everything from small area repairs to full re-sprays. Based on pioneering new technology, CC6500 High Performance VOC Clear offers refinishers a clearcoat that is quick and easy to apply, has good vertical stability, that dries quickly and yet still produces excellent, high-gloss results.

“We have created CC6500 High Performance VOC Clear with the latest trend of low-viscosity products in mind,” says Kevin Welling, Training Academy Manager for Axalta Coating

Systems in the UK and Ireland. “All of its advantages mean bodyshops could save as much as 15 minutes per job in ideal conditions, so this could certainly help our bodyshops increase their throughput, which is an aim that is always at the forefront of our minds when we develop new products.”

Part of the Cromax Performance System, CC6500 High Performance VOC Clear is simple to apply in two coats with a short intermediate flash off time and offers excellent surface wetting, leading to a very

smooth flow. With very good topcoat hold-out, CC6500 High

Performance VOC Clear delivers a high-gloss finish.

Available now from the Euro Car Parts Team P R Reilly nationwide branch network The G360 from Farecla is a revolutionary new polishing system, widely acclaimed by bodyshop professionals, and being hailed by some as a ‘game changer’.

It is transparent in use, enabling the operator to see scratch marks disappear permanently. Using this compound with a G Mop Flexible Yellow Compounding Foam eliminates all holograms and removes swirl marks leaving a great finish on lighter colours.

For darker colours, the operator may wish to use G360 Super Fast Finish with a G Mope Flexible Black Finishing Foam. This removes any fine swirls and enhances the gloss level. https://www.farecla.com/no-needfor-p3000-farecla-g360-super-fastsystem-vs-other-brands/

G360 SUPER FAST SYSTEM

G360 Super Fast Compound used with a G Mop Super High Cut Pad easily glides over the surface and eliminates P1500 sanding marks rapidly and with little effort.

This removes the need for P3000 abrasive discs, saving time and money.

It’s all about the next generation for Mirka’s new abrasive

Mirka is bringing the next generation of abrasives to the ART sector with the launch of WPF Next Gen, its new waterproof paper abrasive. This range has been developed to provide users with durable abrasives, specifically for wet sanding applications.

The new range uses aluminium oxide grains in grits P60-P180, P240- P1000 and P1200 – P2500 delivering an even scratch pattern.

32- garageTRADER

The abrasive’s innovative design ensures that it has good resistance to clogging, less suction and an excellent cut. In addition, the aluminium oxide grains have a smoother finer surface that enables them to be used on fresh clear coats, leading to easier polishing and increased versatility.

Steve Smith, National Sales Manager – ART, says, “Mirka’s aim is to provide its customers with

the right product for the job at hand and Mirka’s R&D team has done this with the development of WPF Next Gen. We believe the range adds value by taking waterproof abrasive technology to the next level and we look forward to users

reaping the benefits by improving efficiencies and increasing productivity.”

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

DIRECTORY

Garage Equipment

• • • • • • •

CNC Wheel Lathes Alloy Wheel Repair Filtration/Extraction Blast Cabinets Curing Systems Power Coating Paint Repair

PAINT

Call +44 (0) 1535 691888 www. aycesystems.com info@aycesystems.co.uk

Area distributor for KAPCI range of paint products

Main stockists ETALON refinish products Stocking thinners, primers, masking tape and paper, wet’n’ dry compounds, tools and equipment

GT GT

刀刀

Batteries / Factor Ten

127 Mahon Road, Portadown, Co. Armagh

Neville Cornett: 07841 433538

Osram – The future of Garage PARTSTrader talks automotive lighting to Derek Tohill of

The future of halogen and HID replacement bulbs will soon be in decline due to he latest developments in lighting technologies such as LED, OLED, Laser and Matrix in which Osram is the innovation leader.

Motorists will have seen for many years’ cars being manufactured with LEDs used in Daytime Running Light (DRL) applications; Osram are now working even closer with the leading vehicle manufacturers developing Laser and Matrix lighting solutions.

In most recent years Osram have worked with BMW, and now supply the BMW i8 and more recently, the BMW 7 Series range with laser modules for headlight applications. Laser lights are the next big thing in automotive lighting. Thanks to their high luminance (which is significantly greater than that of any other light source available

today) and the smaller space requirements of laser light, headlights can be made even smaller than they are already.

Parts for Cars, Dublin

Presenting the LED/OLED rear light demonstrator At Automechanika Osram demonstrated an LED/ Somora Motor Parts OLED rear light cluster, imports and distributes which showcased four lighting functions: brake car body panels, lighting, light, turn indicator, reverseradiators, air-conditioning light and rear light. With condensors, door mirrors, OLED it is possible to create illuminated surfaces suspension parts, batteries, in practically any shape or Wholesale Automotive size and place them right lubricants, electric window next to each other. Visitors regulators and gas springs.

Parts Distributors to the Osram stand at the 1. what was your first Growing our business Contact Somora show were able to see job? during the recent recession this latest innovation in Contact 00353 1 462 4631 automotive lighting that T: 01 1675 4500 Working in the family motor 6. what is the most stupid can also be combined with from sales@stronglines.com NI: 003531 1675 4500 factor after school from thing you’ve ever done?

LEDs, opening up a wider aged 12. I used to cycle range of design options for from school, work from How long have you got? rear lighting on cars of the 4pm-7pm and then cycle Getting into Motorsport future. home to do my homework. probably!

Available from

Castlewellen Co.Down Mobile: 07762908124

2. what was your first car and what do you drive now?

7. what would be your specialist subject on Mastermind?

My first car was a Mini and I currently drive a Skoda Octavia VRS during the week and a 650bhp Fiesta Supercar in European Rallycross at the weekends!

It would have to be Motorsport…

3. what did you listen to on a recent car journey?

Teach Motorway driving as part of the driving testthe overtaking lane is for overtaking!

Faithless- can’t get no sleep!(Pretty apt when you are into Motorsport!)

4. what is the one thing you wish you could do better?

Delegate 5. what is your biggest achievement?

8. what one law would you make, change or amend?

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TTS

RECORD RECRUITMENT AT TTS IN 2018

Transport Training Services Apprenticeships consist of a vocational competency qualification, complimented by relevant education and vocational knowledge qualifications.

“Some of the new Heavy Vehicle Apprentice Technician recruits at TTS, L to R: Michael Hutchinson (Heavy Vehicle Technical Trainer at TTS), Caroline Delaney, Shea Duff, Christopher Beattie, Jamie McMullan, Sam Taylor, Will Tate, Ewan Noble, are Apprenticeships Michael Dixon, Robert DeignanWhy (Careers Development Officer at TTS).”effective?

T

ransport Training Services MET, Parts Advisor and Service just about to invest over in TTS, Martinto Hutchinson.

TTS £100k are now pleased offer More Research shows: has more than exceeded its Advisor. Conveniently and resources to help ensure we meetrange than two-thirds of the new heavy a wider of training and • Over 80% of employers who employ Apprentices say recruitment targets in 2018 centrally located at Nutts Corner, the skills needs of local motor vehicle apprentice technicians they make their workplace more productive.

Apprenticeships for local Motor are by recruiting and job-matching 120 all TTS apprentices work towards a businesses” explained CEO of with the main manufacturers in the businesses including: customers favour usingframework a company which takes young apprentices over the past •1281% ofLevel 3 apprenticeship on Apprentices over a company which doesn’t. months. in their chosen area. The training • Service & Parts Advisor This figure represents a threefold• 92% ofatemployers TTS is a blend of workshop, who employ Apprentices believe they lead to e-learning a more motivated and satisfied workforce. increase since 2015 and brings the and classroom activities • Tyre/Fast Fit total number of apprentices training and is mainly delivered on a • Light, Heavy, Motorcycle, Auto Electrical, at TTS to over 250. All new recruits linemore. withConsider all So why block-release not contact usbasis, to findinout Body and Paint Technician (up to Level 4 on in the next generation of Technicians and help are employed apprentices under investing manufacturer apprenticeships. our GOLD Apprenticeship) your business in the process.

We currently have over the ApprenticeshipsNI programme, Recruitment to the Heavy 140 enthusiastic young people who have successfully working in a variety of exciting and Vehicle Maintenance and Repair our aptitude application process and are - Over 140 applicants have been successful in challenging job roles within the completed apprenticeship in 2018 has been ready to start an apprenticeship. Young people generally our aptitude testing and are keen to start an transport and motor industries. particularly pleasing. A total of take quickly to modern technology found on all modern Apprenticeship TTS offers applicants and new have signed nowbenefit from vehicles56 and to apprentices help, all TTS apprentices local businesses a range of up to 16 local employers.

This with recently - Our Apprenticeship training benefits from up to date training we’re able to provide apprenticeships to meet their acquired represents a significant investment extra support from Toyota, Kia, Hyundai, Vauxhall, support from Ford, Toyota, Vauxhall, Kia, recruitment and training needs asFord and of others. young Also talent into the trade.

TTS team has our Technical training Hyundai and others. the addition well as offering exciting career been further firmlystrengthened believe that awith similar intake of highly - 2 secrets to success in business – Sheer hard experienced and qualified staff Andy Semple, Siobhann paths for school leavers and young in 2019 and 2020 will contribute work and getting other people to do it for you!

Deery and Roy Kennedy.

This allows us to continuously adults. The TTS portfolio includes significantly to addressing the ensure we keep our training up to date.

“Ready for business!

Lightan Vehicle Apprentice Ryan Light Vehicle Repair, Heavy challenge of skills shortage in that - New Starting Apprentice withTechnicians TTS could help!

Clarke (Belfast Audi) and Robert Douglas (The Country Garage BMW, Vehicle Repair, Auto Electrical sector. “Supported by Transport Ballymena) prepare themselves for workshop activities at one the TTS anniversary for Transport Training Repair, Motorcycle Repair, Fast It’s Fit, a 25th Training Board, the registered workshops in Nutts Corner.”

Body Repair, Vehicle Refinishing, charity TTS, we’re in 1992.

Services NI that Ltd owns (TTS), founded

We’re a wholly owned subsidiary of TTB a registered charity.

At TTS our aim is to deliver the TTB mission of providing training support the NI Motor and Road Transport Industries.

We’re always keen to hear from industry people to let us know what we can do to help with the challenges of the modernindustry, so please get in contact.

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For more information contact Martin or James at: mail@transport-training.co.uk or phone 028 90825653 check out the website: www.garagetrader.co.uk

GT sector – Volvo, Iveco, DAF, Scania and Renault – with the remainder employed by smaller independent operators.

Martin is optimistic about this year’s level of employer engagement with TTS adding: “I would encourage employers to visit TTS in Nutts Corner to see our professional training facilities and find out more about what we do, as well as discuss their recruitment needs and how we can help them recruit suitable apprentices. We can support employers in a variety of different ways including help with advertising vacancies, short-listing, work trials, interviewing and assessment”.

Martin Hutchinson CEO of TTS received the prestigious 2018 Des Fullam Award for the support the TTS team have given the NTDA events throughout the year.

Pictured are NTDA committee members Barry Douglas, Laurence Reavy, Norman Kerr, Martin O’Brien NTDA vice national chairman, Dasos Michaelides, NI NTDA Chair, Martin Hutchinson TTS CEO, Derek Hill, Stefan Hay NTDA CEO, Roy Nutt, Nina Wells

‘On behalf of the team at TTS I’m very proud to receive the award, it’s an honour to be associated with Des Fullam, a very well respected person in the local tyre retailing sector. The TTS team are looking forward to supporting local tyre retail businesses in 2019 with more specialist training and an exciting new Tyre Technician Apprenticeship initiative, raising the levels of professionalism of people working in that vital part of the motor industry’.

ApprenticeshipsNI is funded by the Department for the Economy (DFE) and the European Social Fund (ESF) and is available to young people between the ages of 18 and 25. For further information on the apprenticeship programme at TTS you can contact Robert Deignan, Careers Development Officer, on 028 9082 5653 or robertd@transporttraining.co.uk.

Recruitment of Charity Trustees The Transport Training Board for Northern Ireland (TTB) is a charitable company which has existed since 1991 and it supports the development of training for people employed or intending to be employed in automotive, transportation, and logistics related industries.

Based at its modern training centre at Nutts Corner, the charity has over 25 years of history in developing and providing training services for the automotive, road and passenger related transport industries. Our services include apprenticeships for young people working in the automotive industries, driver training for LGV and PCV vehicles and regulatory courses including CPC, ADR and DGSA etc.

TTB now seeks to strengthen further its governance by recruiting new charity trustees to join its voluntary board.

We are seeking people with experience in relevant industries or who have more general experience including in finance, commercial business, education, built environment / property management, marketing and public relations, ICT, careers advice, health & safety or HR.

For more information please contact.

Andrew McCracken, Company Secretary T: 028 90 82 56 53 E:andrewm@transport-training.co.uk Applications to be received by 28 February 2019 Transport Training Board is committed to equality of opportunity in its recruitment, volunteering, access and use of its services.

Charity no. 101451 check out the website: www.garagetrader.co.uk

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GT

Riverpark

Titanic Careers Fair November 2018

T

his is now the 3rd Year Riverpark Training have had a significant presence at this the largest Careers Fair for school leavers and young people in the Titanic Exhibition Centre Belfast.

It was an exceptionally busy this year at our ‘Have a go’ area where young people got the opportunity to try paintless dent removal, plastic welding on vehicle bumpers and polishing newly painted panels.

This year we had an additional prize draw for a ‘Build Your Own Engine.’ This proved very popular with the winners each evening being announced on facebook.

It was very pleasing to see

Colin Hagan, Training Manager, demonstrating PDR using glue technique.

Trevor Doyle, Parts Tutor demonstrating some of his previous polishing skills from 3M

David Frizell, Refinish Tutor, demonstrating polishing techniques.

genuinely interested young people who can see the advantage of an apprenticeship, who in turn got the opportunity to see all aspects of the motor industry and many trying practical skills for the first time.

This connection to skills is highly important if we are to get the right calibre of student to fill the everincreasing skills gap. Riverpark Training are currently leading the 36- garageTRADER

way with this incentive and have many more schools’ engagements planned for 2019.

World Skills Live U.K. National Final This year again four of our students gained a place in the UK National Finals in the NEC Birmingham.

They were Connor Davison, Ruairi Hesketh and Sean O’Neill in the

Clare Murdock, Skills Coordinator, collecting entrants for the Prize Draw.

Autobody Repair section and Aubrey Whiteside in the Refinish Section. They all had to compete at various skills tasks in front of a very busy arena. Approximately 80,000 people visited “World Skills Live” at the NEC over 3 days and many times throughout the days it was hard to move.

Competition this year was very

high with only a few marks between 1st and 4th in both skill areas of Body and Paint. At the end of the competition when the marking was being added up it was clear to see very few mistakes were made by all competing and all four can be proud of their performance under this level of pressure.

Unfortunately, Connor, Ruairi

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Riverpark and Aubrey did not gain medal positions but were in themselves pleased they had made it to a national final.

Medals at the National Finals in Birmingham, in fact it is three gold medals and two Silver medals in the last four years that have been won in Autobody Repair, not forgetting a Gold and Silver in Refinishing during this period.

An achievement no other Training Provider or Collage throughout the U.K. has achieved since the IMI competition began.

is also currently training Connor McKevitt in preparation for next year’s World Skills in Kazan, Russia.

Riverpark Training would like send a big congratulations to South West Regional college who gained a silver and Bronze in Automotive Technology. Well done

guys, proving once again Northern Ireland has the skills.

• SILVER – Simon Rohal from South West College – Employed by Pat Kirk • BRONZE – Adam Campbell from South West College – Employed by Lyons Bros

David Frizell gets Local Hero Award at World Skills Live

Sean O’Neill from Wrights ARC Carryduff - Gold in Autobody Repair

Gold Medal again for a Riverpark Training Apprentice at the National Finals For two years in a row, Riverpark Training has produced Gold

David Frizell, refinish tutor at Riverpark Training for the last 10 years has received the 2018 Local Hero Award from World Skills UK. This was presented to him during the medal ceremony held in the NEC. This was in recognition of his dedicated work with competitors at National and International skills competitions. David has trained four national medallists and two international medallists. He

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

David Frizell gets Local Hero Award at World Skills Live

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GT

GT

DRIVER’S SEAT

Aliya Lam, Marketing & Regional Sales Manager (Midlands, Wales & Ireland) Tell us about your career so far?

My career started with MAHLE, where I joined the company in 2002 working in the finance department. Since then, I’ve been involved in most aspects of the business, including logistics, customer service, marketing and relocation projects, giving me lots of experience and insight into the brand. I’m now Sales & Marketing Manager covering the Midlands and have recently been promoted to now also oversee Wales and Ireland.

You’ve won the lottery. What car would you rush out and buy?

A Porsche Panamera.

How do you relax?

Shopping, with some Netflix thrown in.

Tell us something surprising about yourself…

Probably that I have been working for MAHLE for over 16 years and I have 3 boys, the eldest being 17 years old!

Did you plan to get involved in this industry?

No, it was one big happy accident!

I’ve always been interested in a career in marketing, then an opportunity in the automotive aftermarket came up and the rest is history, as they say.

What was your biggest disappointment?

I try not to dwell on disappointments too much and prefer to look at them as learning curves!

What was the best piece of advice you ever received?

If you can’t tell the truth, don’t lie.

Whom do you most admire?

I admire anyone who can hold down a job and still have a balanced work/home life.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job?

Dealing with situations that I am unable to change.

What is your most effective or personal asset?

Being positive. It’s a mindset that helps me deal with even the most challenging situations.

38- garageTRADER

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

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

garageTRADER - 39

The fastest and easiest solution on the market for repairing diamond cut alloy wheels!

FROM AS LITTLE AS

£23.30 +VAT PER DAY*

INCLUDES DELIVERY & TRAINING

AYCE SYSTEMS TOUCHSCREEN ALLOY WHEEL LATHE

• Easy to use graphical touchscreen interface • Optimise in less than 1 minute with the built-in software • Automatic digital touch probe with faster probing cycles • Spindle stop ‘dry run’ feature & Remote MPG handwheel for manual mode • WiFi enabled remote software support & internal SSD for profile storage • Cuts wheels up to 28” * Finance example based on a typical UK 5 year lease agreement with 10% deposit.

Finance subject to status. Price may not include offload costs, contact us for a full quote.

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