On Route Magazine - December

December 2014

powered by

The Commercial Vehicle Magazine from GROUPAUTO

GETTING THE RIGHT REPLACEMENT TURBO

FAST

CONTENTS

10

GROUPAUTO Features

14

GROUPAUTO When quality counts

18

GROUPAUTO Normac Spares A long term G-Truck Distributor

Supplier Features

10

BTN TURBO Getting the right replacement turbo FAST

11

TEXA Best professional workshop brand ‘14

16

MANBAT Powerstart proves to be a winner

24

SPECIAL Features

08

industry news Load security for XL-rated vehicles

22

THE BIG GIVEAWAY Some great prizes from suppliers

26

TECALLIANCE TECDOC & TECRMI Solutions for CV Distributors & Workshops

TRW HCV Steering & Suspension parts get top marks

25

EXIDE New HVR battery technology

GTruck.co.uk/OnRoute

03

MAN-UP!

Recent evidence has generated widespread UK Aftermarket awareness that some filter brands may not deliver the OE quality and performance promised.

And, because the cost differential between premium and poor quality filtration can be just a few pence, many now agree that it is illogical to compromise business, reputation and customer retention, for the cost of a newspaper.

When the carrot is ‘price’ alone, MAN-UP! Demand the optimum engine protection and peace of mind delivered with every MANN-FILTER.

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

Scan the QR code or visit www.gtruck.co.uk/workshops to view the worldwide network of TOP TRUCK Workshops

Workshops.

GROUPAUTO

Logotype cartouche TOP TRUCK

10/05/2010

82, bd des Batignolles - 75017 Paris - FRANCE Tél. : +33 (0)1 53 42 35 35 / Fax : +33 (0)1 42 94 06 78 Web : www.carrenoir.com

TOP TRUCK

RÉFÉRENCES COULEUR : quadri

ANGLESEY - Holyhead Trucks

KIDDERMINSTER - Avonline

Units 10 -15, Mona Industrial Park, Mona, Holyhead, Anglesey, LL65 4RJ. Tel: 01407 721197 - 24hr Tel: 01407 721197

Arthur Drive, Hoo Farm Ind. Estate, Worcester Road, Kidderminster, DY11 7RA. Tel: 01562 519118 - 24hr Tel: 01562 619118

AYLESBURY - Chambers Engineering Ltd

KING’S LYNN - R.B. Trucks Ltd

Warmstone Lane, Waddesdon, Aylesbury, Buckinghamsh HP18 0NF. Tel: 01296 651380 - 24hr Tel: 01296 651380

Station Yard, Station Road, Stowbridge, Kings Lynn, Norfolk, PE34 3PH. Tel: 01366 382528 - 24hr Tel: 01366 382528

BASILDON - Elite Truck & Trailer Repairs

LONDON - Capital Vehicle Maintenance Ltd

Swinbourne Road, Burnt Mills Industrial Estate, Basildon, SS13 1EF. Tel: 01268 724771 - 24hr Tel: 07887 638016

207-209 Worton Road, Isleworth, London, Middlesex, TW7 6DS. Tel: 0208 758 0888 - 24hr Tel: 0208 758 0888

BOSTON - M.V. Greatrix Vehicle Services

MORECAMBE - Heysham Truck Services

Green Haven, Main Road, Stickney, Boston, Lincolshire, PE22 8AE. Tel: 01205 480459 - 24hr Tel: 01205 480459

Unit 3, Major Ind Est, Middleton Road, Heysham, Lancashire, LA3 3NT. Tel: 01524 858288 - 24hr Tel: 07802 890789

CARLISLE - OJS Commercials

OLDHAM - HTF Commercial Repairs Ltd

Unit 3 c/o F Brown, Cardewlees, Carlisle, Cumbria CA5 6LF. Tel: 01228 712465 - 24hr Tel: 01228 712465

HTF House, Fields New Road, Chadderton, Oldham, Lancashire, OL9 8NH. Tel: 0161 785 9691 - 24hr Tel: 07837 854709

CUMBRIA - Tyson H Burridge

PURFLEET - South Eastern CVR Ltd

Old Coach Works, Distington, Cumbria, CA14 5XJ. Tel: 01946 830333 - 24hr Tel: 07921 230078

Unit C11, Ensign Estate, Botany Way, Purfleet, Essex, RM19 1TB. Tel: 01708 860695 - 24hr Tel: 07985 302597 or 07939 136210

DEVON - Nick Sampson Mechanical Engineering Services

RUGBY - John Hadley Commercials

Fair Oak Farm, Braunton Road, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 4AU. Tel: 01271 376701 - 24hr Tel: 07831 325593

Unit C6, Mitchells Farm, Streight mile, Rugby, CV23 9QQ. Tel: 02476 715400 - 24hr Tel: 07968 753777

DONCASTER - Hycross (Garage Services Ltd)

ST. AUSTELL - Driveline Ltd

Bank Side Farm, Hadds Lane, Thorne, Doncaster, DN8 4JR. Tel: 01405 740479

Molingey Quarry, London Apprentice, St Austell, Cornwall, PL26 7AP. Tel: 01726 67576 - 24hr Tel: 01726 67576

DOVER - Coombe Valley Commercials

THORNTON-CLEVELEYS - Hibbert Vehicle Services

Primrose Road, Dover, CT17 0JA. Tel: 01204 214619

Unit 10, Redmarsh Ind Estate, Thornton, Cleveleys, Lancashire, FY5 4EZ. Tel: 01253 865649 - 24hr Tel: 07852 947183

DOVER - Online MBT Ltd

TREDEGAR - Waldron Commercials

Menzies, Dover Port Zone, Whitfield, Dover, CT16 2HQ. Tel: 01304 828673

Unit 29, Tafarnaubach Industrial Estate, Tredegar, Gwent, NP22 3AA. Tel: 01495 725310 - 24hr Tel: 07918 197189

FROME - A J Reynolds

WARRINGTON - Haslam Commercial Services

Unit 18, Vallis Mills Trading Estate, Frome, BA11 3DT Tel: 01373 451383 - 24hr Tel: 07971 972811

The Garage Workshop, Albion Park, Warrington Road, Glazebury, WA3 5PG. Tel: 01925 763478 - 24hr Tel: 01925 763478 or 07738 148885

GLOUCESTER - Neil Ogden Commercials

WORCESTER - Midland Commercials Ltd

Mill Place, 90 Bristol Road, Gloucester, GL1 5SQ. Tel: 01452 506099 - 24hr Tel: 07872 119500

Hylton Road Industrial Estate, Hylton Road, Worcester, WR2 5JS. Tel: 01905 429922 - 24hr Tel: 07850 899535

IRELAND - South Shore Marine & Diesel

YEOVIL - Lufton Commercials

27 Annaloiste Road, Kinnego Marina, Oxford Island, Co Armagh, Ireland, BT66 6NJ. Tel: 02838 341010 - 24hr Tel: 07584906210

Boundary Way, Lufton Trading Estate, Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 8HZ. Tel: 01935 410410 - 24hr Tel: 01935 410410

IRELAND - Toal Truck Services 21-23 Rathtrillick Road, Middletown, Co Armagh, BT60 4HT. Tel: 028 3756 9701 - 24hr Tel: 07525 569701 or 07710 256900

TOP TRUCK SOS BREAKDOWN HOTLINE

+44 (0)1274 681234

GTruck.co.uk/OnRoute

05

You are on the right road

Japanese ingenuity?

German solidity?

Swiss precision? no need to look further Lumag is the right reliable road to success.

www.lumagltd.co.uk

Distributors.

GROUPAUTO

Logotype cartouche G-TRUCK

23/04/2010

82, bd des Batignolles - 75017 Paris - FRANCE Tél. : +33 (0)1 53 42 35 35 / Fax : +33 (0)1 42 94 06 78 Web : www.carrenoir.com

RÉFÉRENCES COULEUR : quadri

Distributors of OE Commercial Vehicle Parts & Accessories

ABERGAVENNY ANDOVER ANGLESEY ARMAGH ARMAGH ARMAGH ASHFORD ATHERSTONE LONDONDERRY BANBURY BARKING BARNSLEY BARNSLEY BARNSTAPLE BELFAST BELLSHILL BOSTON BRADFORD BRIDGWATER BUCKINGHAM BURNLEY BURTON-ON-TRENT CARDIFF CARLISLE CRAIGAVON CRAIGAVON CRAIGAVON DARLINGTON DARTFORD DERBY DONCASTER DOVER DUNDEE ELLESMERE PORT ENNISKILLEN EXETER FALKIRK FAREHAM FAVERSHAM GAINSBOROUGH GATESHEAD GLASGOW GLASGOW GLOUCESTER GRAYS GUILDFORD HAYES HOLMFIRTH

ABERGAVENNY BRAKE & CLUTCH LTD 01873 857216 SED LTD 01264 356324 ANGLESEY COMMERCIAL SPARES LTD 01248 422566 COMMERCIAL MOTOR PRODUCTS LTD 02837 539068 COMMERCIAL MOTOR PRODUCTS LTD 028 3752 5427 TOAL TRUCK SERVICES LTD 028 3756 9700/1 EAST KENT COMPONENTS LTD 01233 631951 ABS (BURTON) LTD 01827 717633 COMMERCIAL MOTOR PRODUCTS LTD 028 7181 0100 FRENCO SERVICE REPLACEMENTS LTD 01295 270711 DAVID HUGGETT MOTOR FACTORS LTD 0208 591 9911 BUTLERS AUTOMOTIVE LTD 01226 205841 NE TRUCK SPARES LTD 01226 900160 BIG WHEELS SERVICES LTD 01271 376532 WOODAUTO SUPPLIES LTD 028 9045 9080 NE TRUCK SPARES LTD 07952 281568 HGV TRUCK & TRAILER PARTS 01205 365258 HS ATEC LTD 01274 721630 NE TRUCK SPARES LTD 07515 064675 PETER BASSETT LIMITED 01280 817174 HYDRAIR TRUCK & TRAILER PARTS LTD 01282 830870 ABS (BURTON) LTD 01283 568037 BIG WHEELS SERVICES LTD 02920 361030 NE TRUCK SPARES LTD 01228 511312 COMMERCIAL MOTOR PRODUCTS LTD 028 3752 5427 MTM LUBRICANTS LTD 028 3861 9105 VAN SPARES LTD 028 3839 9881 HS ATEC LTD 01325 464710 SOUTHERN COMPONENTS GROUP LTD 01322 553330 DIGRAPH TRANSPORT SUPPLIES LTD 01332 380300 BARRIE TOWLE LTD 01302 885464/886797 EAST KENT COMPONENTS (DOVER) LTD 01304 204697 D & A FACTORS (DUNDEE) LTD 01382 228202 ABS (BURTON) LTD 0151 357 2557 AIKEN AUTO SPARES 028 6632 4010/6018 BIG WHEELS SERVICES LTD 01392 216524 MTH AUTOSERVICES LTD 01324 633676 SOLENT TRUCK PARTS LTD 01329 822708 EAST KENT COMPONENTS LTD 01795 537228 DIGRAPH TRANSPORT SUPPLIES LTD 01427 811211 WOODAUTO SUPPLIES LTD 0191 341 0341 DB WILSON JR & CO LTD 0141 647 0161 NORMAC SPARES LTD 0141 556 4466 DIGRAPH TRANSPORT SUPPLIES LTD 01452 712300 INDUSTRIAL FRICTION SERVICES LTD 01708 864953 SED LTD 01483 538038 CARMICHAEL COMPONENTS LTD 0208 573 7555 WHEELSBROOK SERVICES LTD 01484 686304

HOUGHTON LE SPRINGNE TRUCK SPARES LTD (NETS) 0191 526 3753 HUDDERSFIELD ABS (BURTON) LTD 01484 454470 KETTERING FASTLINE GROUP LTD 01536 485584 KIDDERMINSTER FRENCO SERVICE REPLACEMENTS LTD 01562 754931 KILMARNOCK CUNNINGHAM TRUCK PARTS LTD 01563 559770 KNOTTINGLEY HS ATEC LTD 01977 607722 LONDON ACTON COMMERCIAL FACTORS LTD 0208 838 2001 LONDONDERRY COMMERCIAL MOTOR PRODUCTS LTD 028 7181 0100 LOUGHBOROUGH DIGRAPH TRANSPORT SUPPLIES LTD 01509 651222 MAIDSTONE EF BREEN 01622 756576 MARGATE EAST KENT COMPONENTS LTD 01843 225288 MITCHAM M&P AUTO FACTORS (MITCHAM) LTD 0208 646 2430 MORECAMBE HYDRAIR TRUCK & TRAILER PARTS LTD 01524 66171 NEWARK DIGRAPH TRANSPORT SUPPLIES LTD 01636 610888 NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE SWIFT BRAKE & CLUTCH LTD 0191 273 4273 NEWRY COMMERCIAL MOTOR PRODUCTS LTD 028 3083 4884 NEWTOWNABBEY DIGRAPH TRANSPORT SUPPLIES LTD 0280908303040 NORTHWICH NE TRUCK SPARES LTD 07595 281783 NORWICH PANKS AUTO ELECTRICAL 01603 629967 NOTTINGHAM DIGRAPH TRANSPORT SUPPLIES LTD 01773 537701 NUNEATON DIGRAPH TRANSPORT SUPPLIES LTD 02476 388333 OSSETT HS ATEC LTD 01924 279294 OXFORD FRENCO SERVICE REPLACEMENTS LTD 01865 772161 PONTYPOOL ABERGAVENNY BRAKE & CLUTCH LTD 01495 764540 PRESTON HYDRAIR TRUCK & TRAILER PARTS LTD 01772 697038 PRESTON LEYLAND AUTOS LTD 01772 695000 PRESTON RIBBLESDALE AUTO ELECTRICS 1992 LIMITED 01772 555011 PRESTON RIBBLESDALE AUTO ELECTRICS UNITS LTD 01772 796047 ROTHERHAM DIGRAPH TRANSPORT SUPPLIES LTD 01709 541555 ROTHERHAM HS ATEC LTD 01709 835816 RUGBY ABS (BURTON) LTD 01788 553080 SHEFFIELD BARRIE TOWLE LTD 0114 243 6666 SITTINGBOURNE SOUTHERN COMPONENTS GROUP LTD 01795 420087 ST. AUSTELL BIG WHEELS SERVICES LTD 01726 891333 ST. HELENS TRAFFORD BRAKE SERVICES (ST. HELENS) 01744 26524 STOCKPORT CV PARTS LTD 0161 406 9224 STOCKTON-ON-TEES NE TRUCK SPARES LTD 01642 613514 STOKE-ON-TRENT DIGRAPH TRANSPORT SUPPLIES LTD 01782 825004 SUNDERLAND PROVINCIAL TYRE & EQUIP (SUNDERLAND) LTD 0191 565 8141 SUTTON COMMERCIAL & PLANT LTD 020 8644 2700 TAUNTON BIG WHEELS SERVICES LTD 01823 259184 TELFORD DIGRAPH TRANSPORT SUPPLIES LTD 01952 588704 WALSALL ABS (BURTON) LTD 01922 455751 WALTHAM CROSS DAVID HUGGETT MOTOR FACTORS LTD 01992 762519 WESTBURY AUTO COMPONENTS (WESTBURY) LTD 01373 823531/9 WITNEY UNIVERSAL TRUCK & TRAILER SPARES LTD 01993 700600 WORKSOP ABS (BURTON) LTD 01909 509163 YEOVIL YEOVIL MOTOR FACTORS 01935 426954

Scan the QR code or visit www.gtruck.co.uk/distributors to view GROUPAUTO’s Commercial Vehicle network of Distributors

GTruck.co.uk/OnRoute

07

INDUSTR Make compliance part of your culture serious and serial law breakers. Over the last 9 months this office has, by all measures, been very successful.

The Remote Enforcement Office (REO) trial is coming to an end. This office, based in the Western Traffic Area, provides a more streamlined enforcement service that poses less of a burden to compliant operators and frees up resource to focus on

The REO is a more efficient method of enforcement which takes in to account the whole picture of an operator. Rather than focussing on the immediate encounter, the REO uses enriched data to recognise the overall compliance culture of the operator. This means that we can issue advice and guidance where appropriate, reducing the burden of enforcement on compliant operators, while freeing up valuable enforcement resource to concentrate on the serious and serially non-compliant.

One example of this is how, rather than a personal visit to an operator’s premises, the REO requests compliance records and other data electronically. This allows the operator to provide the information at a time convenient to them and saves a great deal of time and money.

Operators who we know to be generally compliant, and who may have made an innocent mistake, will find that the REO recognises their compliant culture and provides the support they need to put things right – avoiding more expensive and burdensome enforcement action.

The REO is an important part of DVSA’s transformation of our enforcement processes. We are taking a careful look at the results of the trial, to make sure that the lessons we’ve learned are included in our future thinking about enforcement.

Changes to tachograph rules for local journeys for the construction, installation, use, testing and control of tachograph recording equipment.

Soon some vehicles will no longer have to be fitted with tachograph recording equipment and their drivers will not have to comply with EC drivers’ hours rules, but with GB drivers’ hours rules instead.

From 2 March 2015, a new European regulation – EU 165/2014 will replace EEC 3821/85, setting out requirements

08

On Route Magazine

The new regulation increases the journey distance for exemptions from 50km to 100km from the operator’s base. This will apply to: • Vehicles or vehicle and trailer combinations with a maximum weight of 7,500 kg which are: - used to carry materials, equipment or machinery for the driver’s use in the course of his work and when driving the vehicle is not the driver’s main activity

- used to carry goods and which are propelled by natural or liquefied gas or electricity • Vehicles used to carry live animals from farms to local markets, or from markets to local farms or slaughterhouses From 2 March 2015, these vehicles will no longer have to be fitted with tachograph recording equipment and the drivers will not have to comply with EC drivers’ hours rules. Instead, drivers of these vehicles must meet GB domestic drivers’ hours rules.

RY NEWS Load security for XL-rated vehicles

Exhaust and waste systems on buses and coaches When it comes to testing vehicle exhaust systems, they are all very much the same… until you get to large buses and coaches.

We are accepting new standards on load security provided by XL-rated vehicles. Previously we accepted that vehicles built to the EN 12642 XL standards would provide 40% of security to the side. After consultation with industry stakeholders we now accept these vehicles as providing 50% of load security to the side – as long as the load is a positive fit.

The Department for Transport (DfT) Code of Practice, Safety of Loads on Vehicles, states: “…the combined strength of the load restraint system must be sufficient to withstand a force not less than the total weight of the load forward… and half of the weight of the load backwards and sideways.”

This applies to all vehicles, irrespective of size.

Most curtain-sided vehicles must use additional suitable load restraint to prevent loads from moving during transit. The curtains fitted to these vehicles are designed for weather protection only.

XL-rated vehicles However, vehicles and trailers built to the European Standard EN 12642 XL are the exception to this rule. New European guidance (still in draft) states that vehicles built to the XL standard will meet the 50% of load securing

to the side, as per the DfT Code of Practice.

Positive fit We now accept XL-rated vehicles as providing 50% of the total maximum vehicle load to the side. So you would not need to use additional lashing or other load security solutions, as long as you have loaded the goods with a positive fit: • Load from the headboard, filling the length of the load bed up to the bulkhead, which must be in good condition • The gap between each side of the load and the curtains must be 80 millimetres or less • The load must be secured to the rear if it is not retained by the trailer body or rear doors But if you have not loaded your XL-rated vehicle to these positive fit standards, you must treat it in the same way as a normal curtain-sided vehicle and use other appropriate methods to secure the load, such as lashings.

Beware multi-drop XL-rated vehicles involved in multi drop operations may well start the journey meeting positive fit requirements. But as the load diminishes, the driver must either fill any gaps to maintain the positive fit, or use additional securing measures.

All exhausts are tested for security, leaks, effectiveness of the silencers and to make sure that fumes do not enter the cab. However, when it comes to buses and coaches a few extra items need to be considered to avoid failing the test. These extra items are covered in section 46 of the bus and coach inspection manual.

Exhaust systems The outlet should be positioned at the rear or on the offside of the vehicle. The exhaust should not be in a position where fumes are likely to enter the driver or passenger compartment, nor in a position that it is likely to cause a fire hazard.

Grease shields Grease shields fitted at the time of approval should be in a good condition and correctly positioned.

But where there is evidence of grease being thrown on to a hot part of the exhaust in areas not covered by shields fitted at the time of approval, additional shields must be fitted (not required on a minibus first used on or after 1 April 1988).

Exhaust and waste for other systems Other equipment, such as toilets, cookers, heaters, or catering or entertainment systems and any other special features, will also be inspected. Any of these with exhaust or waste systems that show fouling or are likely to cause a fume hazard will result in a failure.

GTruck.co.uk/OnRoute

09

GETTING THE RIGHT REPLACEMENT TURBO When you need a replacement turbo, you want one quickly. And of course you want a good quality unit that won’t cause you problems further down the road.

Free FitKit Turbos from BTN include a free FitKit to save even more time, with the gaskets, studs and nuts to fit the turbo ready in the box. The FitKit also has an oil-filled pre-priming syringe, for vital first start-up protection.

Always 100% OE So what about quality? BTN Turbo’s policy is simple: every turbocharger it supplies is 100% OE.

FAST

Brand new Brand new, OEM original equipment turbos from BTN Turbo come straight from the original manufacturers: Holset, Garrett, BorgWarner, Mitsubushi, Schwitzer and IHI. They’re exactly the same as you’d buy from a main franchise dealer, but competitively priced.

They’re also fuss-free, with no surcharge or exchange required.

OE remanufactured BTN Turbo remanufacture some commercial turbos in-house, and these too have the reassurance of being 100% OE. They’re built using only new OE parts and calibrated to full OE specification, ensuring they provide exactly the same performance and economy as the original units. OE remanufactured turbos from BTN Turbo are subject to a surcharge, refunded on return of the old unit.

Two year plus No Quibble warranties To reinforce the 100% OE message, BTN supports all turbos it sells – OEM and

OE remanufactured – with a two year warranty against manufacturing defects. And there’s extra peace of mind with all turbos for heavy diesel commercial: BTN’s ‘No Quibble Warranty’. It provides a replacement turbo or free repair if a unit supplied

by BTN Turbo fails, for whatever reason, for a full 12 months from the date of purchase.

Even with a huge fleet, you’re unlikely to buy a replacement turbo every day.

But when you do need one, remember BTN Turbo has the stocks and 100% OE quality to get your truck back to work, quickly and reliably.

40 years in the business With over 40 years in the turbocharger business, BTN Turbo is ready to help with expert support and advice. For more information, call 01895 466 666 or visit www.btnturbo.com Huge stocks BTN Turbo answers both these needs.

BTN keeps over 18,000 turbos in stock, with next day delivery on most units so you can have the vehicle back in service with minimum downtime.

You can find more information on the BTN Turbo website: btnturbo.com, and if you’d like to talk to an expert, call BTN Turbo on 01895 46666.

10

On Route Magazine

THE BEST COMMERCIAL TURBO SERVICE ON EARTH JUST GOT BETTER

NEW 2 YEAR WARRANTY All turbos supplied by BTN Turbo now come with two years warranty against manufacturing defects, at no extra cost.

IMPROVED WARRANTY! Now two years on ALL turbos.

NO QUIBBLE And for the first 12 months, you’ll still enjoy our famous No Quibble warranty for all commercial diesel turbos.

• Largest stocks in the UK with 98% availability.

• Guaranteed brand new turbos, exactly as supplied

by OE manufacturers and franchised main dealers.

• Remanufactured turbos available using OE parts.

• Ready to fit: supplied with free FitKits, and prepriming oil syringe to prevent start-up failures.

• Competitive prices and free next day delivery.

• Helpful diagnostic advice and support on 01895 466666 • Industry leading web site www.btnturbo.com No one on earth supplies better quality or value.

The turbocharger people

TEXA WINS THE “BEST PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOP BRAND 2014” PRIZE

The readers of PROFI Werkstatt, a German magazine specialising in the aftermarket dedicated to commercial and industrial vehicles, choose the winners among over 200 brands.

On the 18th September in Frankfurt, during a dedicated event scheduled during the Automechanika fair, TEXA was awarded with the prestigious “Beste PROFI Werkstatt-Marke 2014” prize, standing out in the “Software and Vehicle Diagnosis” category.

TEXA got almost 28% of the total votes the magazine received from the readers who expressed their preference, even on-line, in 19 different categories and among almost 200 competing brands. This prize TEXA achieved, adds prestige to its name and proves the commitment and investments the company from Monastier di Treviso dedicates to the after-market industry.

The prize was organised by “PROFI Werkstatt ”, a well-known German magazine specialised in the after-market dedicated to commercial and industrial vehicles that focuses mainly on new technologies and maintenance services dedicated to the Truck environment.

For further information TEXA products and Services contact TEXA UK on 01282 606787 or visit their new website www.texa.co.uk

GTruck.co.uk/OnRoute

11

GROUPAUTO - When Quality Counts The complexion of the market for both automotive and commercial vehicle (CV) replacement components is far from clear and riddled with anomalies.

Could there be a difference between an original equipment (OE) part used during vehicle assembly and an original equipment supply part destined for a vehicle manufacturer’s ‘genuine 14

On Route Magazine

parts’ programme? Are the non-OE components supplied to the aftermarket by an OE component supplier automatically better than a component reverse engineered from scratch or sourced by a reputable aftermarket supplier, perhaps from the same subcontractor that supplies an OE component supplier?

One thing that is clear however, is the fact that in a ‘free’ market where very few components can actually be patented or can really be called ‘unique’, copies will, and must exist, otherwise the OE supplier of a particular component would have a monopoly, which is against everyone’s interest.

Therefore there must be a distinction between a counterfeit part, which is a component being marketed as something it is not – such as a ‘branded’ part that is not actually supplied by the custodian of the brand – which is always wrong and a copy part, which is what makes up the vast majority of components in the aftermarket. In which case, the

effect GROUPAUTO that carries out the due diligence on the products that are ultimately supplied through GROUPAUTO members to the workshops and technicians actually undertaking the work.

This arrangement means that the workshop can have complete confidence in the components it is fitting and likewise, the fleet manager or owner operator is assured that their vehicles are fitted with the appropriate replacement components to allow them to perform safely and reliably. principle question becomes the quality of the copy.

In all but the most obvious cases, it is extremely difficult for a technician fitting a replacement component to verify its quality and therefore its suitability, which is why workshops and fleet operators that purchase their components through CV factors have a huge advantage.

As part of its comprehensive product tender process, component suppliers that wish to become approved suppliers to the GROUPAUTO trading group must provide assurances to the quality and suitability of the products they intend to supply. Therefore, it is in

However, there is still the unfortunate temptation amongst some in the trade to buy products on price, rather than on their quality. Purchases made on this basis have to be made in the knowledge that there is generally a reason why a product is cheap and principle among these is generally the cost of its production.

When unscheduled vehicle down time due to a faulty repair or litigation following a failure that has caused an accident are brought into the equation, buying on price is shown up to be the folly it is. In addition, such circumstances could well affect the Operator Compliance Risk Score (OCRS) of the operator. The DVSA use the OCRS system to decide

which vehicles should be inspected.

OCRS is used to calculate the ‘risk’ of an operator that is not following the rules on the roadworthiness of its vehicles or with regard to road traffic regulations. It is therefore more likely that vehicles will be inspected if an operator’s OCRS is high.

In addition to the substantial benefits provided by a quality parts supply delivered through its G-Truck members, GROUPAUTO also allows vehicle operators the opportunity to use its own network of workshops, which operate throughout Europe under the Top Truck brand.

Although, like the G-Truck members, each Top Truck workshop is a completely independent business, they each benefit from a host of options and support services. This allows them to draw on the advantages of being part of a large multinational organisation, but also gives them the freedom to make decisions to operate their own businesses in a way that best suits them and the customers they serve.

For more information contact the GROUPAUTO team on: 01274 654600 or visit: www.gtruck.co.uk

GTruck.co.uk/OnRoute

15

POWERSTART PROVES TO BE A WINNER

Last year, alongside its existing brands of VARTA®, Lucas and Numax, Manbat was awarded a supply contract for the Powerstart brand. Such has been the popularity of the range with GROUPAUTO G-Truck members and Top Truck workshops during the intervening 12 months, that this initial agreement has now been extended and they can enjoy the substantial benefits of continuity in both the quality and availability of the brand.

“Members fully appreciate that batteries are always subject to tremendous price pressure and that many suppliers tackle the issue by offering a low quality product at the cheapest possible price,” says marketing manager, Myles Pemberton, “but this does nothing for the reputation of the aftermarket in the eyes of operators who find they have been sold a battery that fails prematurely.

“However, as members supplying Powerstart are very well aware, this is not an issue that has affected these batteries, because although the product is very competitively priced, their quality is first class.

“Traditionally, the only way to produce a cheap battery is to reduce 16

On Route Magazine

the amount of lead it uses in its construction through fewer and thinner plates. Lead is the most expensive element in a battery, so the less lead the lower the cost. However, the lower the lead content, the lower the battery’s efficiency and overall quality.

Hence, you generally get what you pay for.

“However, because Manbat is part of the ECOBAT Technologies group, which includes the world’s largest producer of lead and is supplier to many of the world’s original equipment (OE) battery manufacturers, we have the quantities of scale and the relationships to ensure our batteries can be competitively priced, but without compromising on their quality.

“So, in keeping with our core principles, all the models in the Powerstart range, whether for CV or automotive application, are quality products, produced to our specification by a reputable OE battery manufacturer.

This allows us to supply them with a two-year warranty, which matches or betters most batteries in the market.”

Available through the G-Logix distribution centre, the Powerstart range provides members with a quality product at extremely competitive

prices, which means they have a brand at their disposal that allows them to react to the demands of their customers when price becomes the central issue.

Unlike some of the other products in the distribution centre, the Powerstart range is supplied to members directly

by Manbat in the same way that it delivers orders for the other brands in its portfolio. This is primarily because of the health and safety issues surrounding the storage and distribution of more hazardous products like batteries, but also because the group as a whole recognises the excellent level of service that Manbat provides to the members on a daily basis and therefore knows that the product distribution is in safe hands.

As well as developing the range, which now sits at 14 part numbers and increasing its specification, product availability is also excellent and members are able to vary their orders from pallets to single orders, depending on their requirements.

To place an order, please call 01274 854212 or fax 01274 854210. For more information visit: www.manbat.co.uk

millersoils.co.uk

COMMERCIAL VEHICLE OILS SPECIAL OFFER

DEC-FEB

Last order date 28th FEB 2015

£100 M&S VOUCHER

To beat the winter blues

when you buy 1000 L

PLACE YOUR ORDER FOR 1000L OR MORE OF COMMERCIAL VEHICLE OIL TO RECEIVE ECEIVE A £100 GIFT VOUCHER FOR MARKS & SPENCER PURCHASED PRODUCTS MUST BE FROM OUR ENGINE, GEARBOX AND TRANSMISSION RANGE

Terms & Conditions apply , not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.

WHEN PLACING AN ORDER PLEASE QUOTE OFFER CODE CV4

GROUPAUTO

G-TRUCK Distributors GROUPAUTO Logotype cartouche G-TRUCK

23/04/2010

ignolles - 75017 Paris - FRANCE 53 42 35 35 / Fax : +33 (0)1 42 94 06 78 arrenoir.com

ES COULEUR : quadri

GROUPAUTO is a huge international business, with operations all across Europe, stretching from Russia to Brazil.

But all of the local components of this huge conglomerate have a single aim, to allow their members access to Tier 1 suppliers through centralised high-volume buying agreements which allow GROUPAUTO’s members to source parts for significantly lower prices than can be found on the open market.

Martin Sangster, Commercial Manager of CV Products at GROUPAUTO UK explains how things work. “GROUPAUTO has a brilliant model which can be of huge commercial benefit to all our members, on both sides of the operation. Basically, on the one hand we have agreements with most of the major components suppliers in the Commercial Vehicles sector. We agree high volume discounts with them which allow us to provide access to these

Normac Spares A long term GROUPAUTO Distributor

18

On Route Magazine

parts to our own distribution channels at very competitive costs than would be available to them directly. On our distribution side we have a range of G-Truck distributors and factors, who source their parts directly from our approved suppliers. This cuts out the hassle for our distributors and allows for optimum delivery times. The big difference however is that the supplier then invoices GROUPAUTO for those parts delivered to our factors.

“What this means is that our distribution operations get great prices for the parts they source through the GROUPAUTO system, and only have one single invoice to cover all of the components they buy, independent of how many direct purchases they make from any of our suppliers. We consolidate all their purchases and send a single itemised invoice, this saves them hugely in terms of admin and management costs, as well as attracting a much better level of discount than they could ever agree on their own.

the GROUPAUTO recovery service is recovered to one of the 27 approved TopTruck garages, thus stimulating their business, as well as driving business through the factors from which the garages source the necessary parts.”

The beauty of the GROUPAUTO approach is that it allows smaller, privately owned businesses to entirely retain their independence and autonomy, while leveraging the added-value of a huge world-wide brand, both in terms or market presence and in terms of benefitting from the lower costs only available

through high volume deals. Martin continues, “We work with all our members to help them rebrand their premises with GROUPAUTO and Top Truck branding, which helps us to reinforce our brand image nationally, and helps them to boost their own market recognition. It really is a win win situation, they are affilliated to a nationally recognised brand, whilst still retaining complete independance.

We are always looking to expand our national coverage into new geographies and territories and work closely with our existing partners to help them to maximise their own local business.”

“To support our commercial vehicle distribution chain we also have a series of Top Truck garages, who are approved GROUPAUTO members and who can source the components they need through our branded G-Truck supply chain. And then, to support the garages themselves, we have a breakdown operation, which means that any vehicle that is brought in through

Normac Spares are one of the best known GROUPAUTO distributors in the Glasgow area. Situated just off Junction 2 of the M74 motorway, in Dalmarnock, Normac Spares holds stock of a complete range of heavy vehicle components and spares to keep their customers on the road.

Normac Spares have an experienced and very knowledgeable team dedicated to meeting all of their customers commercial vehicle needs.

The owners of this independent

commercial vehicle factor have been in the heavy duty parts industry for over thirty years in Scotland, and they and their highly trained professionals want to make sure the customer is happy, first time and every time.

That is why they guarantee 100% customer satisfaction, trusting that their expertise and high-level of service will earn the continued business from all their customers.

“We are proud to be a member of the GROUPAUTO G-Truck group of independent distributors, the commercial vehicle parts distributor programme operated by GROUPAUTO. Independent distributors operate both locally, as area specialists and collectively as a national “trading group” of over 100 distribution depots to share the business benefits of belonging to the G-Truck network.

As a group member, we are able to provide great benefits to our customers from owner operators to large fleets.”

GTruck.co.uk/OnRoute

19

GOT THE JOB? – GET THE LIGHT!

RIL2500HP

RT5185

RIL2900HP

RWL50

Ultra Bright Compact LED Inspection Lamp

Atex Hazard Safe LED Inspection Touch

Ultra Bright Heavy Duty LED Inspection Lamp

50W COB LED Worklight

• •

•

• •

• • • • •

Rechargeable and cordless New technology COB LED provides a light output 3 x brighter than the equivalent standard LED lamp

• •

Intrinsically safe for use in hazardous locations Waterproof construction Virtually unbreakable polycarbonate lens

•

Rechargeable and cordless New technology COB LED provides a light output 3 x brighter than the equivalent standard LED lamp Virtually indestructible construction

50W COB LED provides 3200 lumens of light output Provides a pure white light that replicates natural daylight Wide angle of light output that has uniform intensity Complete with adjustable floor stand and carry handle Tough robust die cast aluminium and tempered glass construction

GREAT NEW PRODUCTS FROM www.ringautomotive.co.uk

8028 RHA New range advert.indd 1

48_1340_MAHLE_AZ_UK_210x148+3_rz.indd 2

21/07/2014 09:42

GTruck.co.uk/OnRoute12.02.14 21 18:52

THE BIG

GIVE AWAY

GROUPAUTO Logotype cartouche TOP TRUCK

10/05/2010 82, bd des Batignolles - 75017 Paris - FRANCE Tél. : +33 (0)1 53 42 35 35 / Fax : +33 (0)1 42 94 06 78 Web : www.carrenoir.com

VISIT

WWW.GTRUCK.CO.UK/ ONROUTE-COMPETITIONS

10

FEBI SOFT SHELLCKJACKETS

TOP TRUCK

TOP TR U

RÉFÉRENCES COULEUR : quadri

50 QUALITY

ENTER ALL OF THE COMPETITIONS ON THE WEBSITE

CK

U TOP TR

T-SHIRTS TOP TRUCK is an independent Commercial Vehicle garage network with over 500 locations across Europe. TOP TRUCK clients have automatic access to an international breakdown assistance programme through ‘TOP TRUCK SOS’.

Grab yourself a stylish TOP TRUCK T-Shirt and stand out with the quality CV experts! Don’t forget, contact your local G-Truck distributor for all your needs in quality and reliable parts at competitive prices.

22

On Route Magazine

Sign up to the Febi Newsletter to be in with the chance of winning 1 of 10 exclusive Febi soft shell jackets!

We will send you a free bottle opener key fob just for subscribing.

Sign up today at: www.febi.com/subscribe

Longevity through innovation.

RepSet速 SmarTAC from LuK. Self-Adjusting. Reliable. OE tested. OE approved.

The new OE tested and approved high performance CV clutch system from LuK. SmarTAC is a precision controlled and constantly self-adjusting clutch system designed and engineered to maintain pedal load consistency for the lifetime of the unit.

Fitted with the innovative HD30PLUS friction material, this new generation of CV clutches offers a unique benefit compared to conventional self-adjusting technologies: During OE testing it lasted twice as long!

Commercial vehicle clutches from LuK. Keeping your fleet on the road and out of the workshop.

You want more? We can help!

Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket (UK) Ltd Holme Lacy Road, Rotherwas, Hereford, HR2 6BQ Technical Hotline: 08457 001100 E-Mail: hfd-info@schaeffler.com www.schaeffler-aftermarket.co.uk

TRW’S HCV STEERING & SUSPENSION PARTS GET TOP MARKS IN INDEPENDENT BENCHMARK TESTS

BALL JOINT TEST RESULTS TRW Ball joints last up to 4x more than competitors

TRW Automotive Aftermarket has announced that in recent independent tests, its heavy commercial vehicle (HCV), steering & suspension (S&S) products received top marks for durability, strength and performance.

This news highlights the importance of fitting OE quality parts to commercial vehicles; to both minimise vehicle repair downtime and ensure continuity of investment in Europe’s CV industry.

TRW’s HCV products are taken to market under the ‘TRW Proequip’ brand. The following parts: radius rod; tie rod; V-Link and XCAP ball joint were stringently tested against the same components of six major competitors at the renowned independent test centre: FRAUNHOFER-INSTITUT for Structural Durability and System Reliability, LBF, Darmstadt, Germany. The tests showed that TRW’s programme lasts longer than any other competitive product under high pressure.

TRW’s Dennis Christ, channel marketing manager HCV, explained: “These test results prove that steering & suspension parts from ‘TRW Proequip’ live up to the promise of offering ‘real safety without compromise’.”

TRW’s XCAP ball joint survived the complete benchmark test without any damage; 30 percent longer than the nearest competitor. The tests of all others were stopped due to a combination of: wear of the bearing-seat; a knocking noise and increased amplitude; broken ball pin or failed nuts. TRW’s innovative design of tie-rod end, XCAP, was introduced in 2010. Smaller, stronger and more durable than its predecessor, this patented component is available exclusively to TRW and its chosen vehicle manufacturers.

24

On Route Magazine

In a test to determine the lifetime durability of a radius rod, TRW’s part lasted on average 47 percent longer than the competitors’ average and 77 percent longer than the worst performing part. In addition, the bearing bolts on TRW’s tie rod and v-link parts lasted up to five times longer than the components of competitors.

Europe is a global leader in the CV industry and in May 2014, new vehicle registrations increased by 10.8 percent to 151,484 units. The truck segment slightly declined, while registrations of vans, as well as of buses and coaches increased. All significant markets apart from France recorded double-digit growth.

Dennis continued: “Commercial vehicles are a flexible and efficient mode of transport. We all have a part to play in ensuring that this trade channel remains successful for operators inside Europe. One way of doing this is to encourage the use of strong, durable and fully tested OE parts from reputable suppliers to minimise vehicle repair downtime.

“CV operator costs are increasing year on year and margins are being squeezed on every level and fleet operators really cannot afford to have their vehicles off the road for any length of time due to repair.”

In its Vehicle Maintenance information sheet, ACEA notes that some breakdown recovery services may charge extra for recovery of vehicles broken down due to poor maintenance.

It also recommends that commercial vehicles must be repaired with original spare parts or parts of matching quality.

“Time is money, and quality really does count when it comes to aftermarket parts that get the abuse that HCV parts do. Fitting cheaper, lesser quality parts is false economy. They may not last as long or provide the level of safety; plus they are likely to fail more often which requires the vehicle to be off the road while they are exchanged or repaired – losing more money,” Dennis concluded.

Exide In The Fast Lane New HVR battery technology is building momentum in the commercial vehicle aftermarket

Exide Technologies is one of the world’s leading battery manufacturers and the inventor of HVR. This technology produces major gains in reliability and performance, and is transforming the commercial vehicle battery market.

Exide has always been a force in the original-equipment business, and the success of HVR has further strengthened its position. It works with truck manufacturers like Iveco, MAN and Scania, and with companies like John Deere and Case New Holland in the construction and agricultural business.

The rise of AdBlue In recent years truck manufacturers have started using AdBlue, injecting the fluid into the exhaust system. This neutralises nitrogen oxides, making trucks more environmentally friendly.

Since the AdBlue tank is positioned

where the battery used to be, batteries are now at the end of the chassis. Here they are shaken and rocked with much greater force, and have been breaking and fracturing as a result.

Exide invented HVR to fix this problem, and the results have been astounding. The system absorbs vibrations and locks components in place, allowing the battery to last much longer. It even works when the battery is placed in other areas exposed to increased vibrations.

HVR pulls ahead in the aftermarket Truck manufacturers have been embracing HVR, and so has the aftermarket. Fleet managers have quickly adopted the new technology, realising that it gives them a much stronger return on investment.

Breakdowns happen less often, the battery offers more predictable

performance, and vehicles stay on the road for longer. HVR batteries are also maintenance free, making them even more cost-effective. Customers should look for the HVR seal. This signifies that the battery is housed in a reinforced container, protected from vibrations, and that internal components are locked in place with Exide’s proprietary design.

The power of Exide Exide works with 70% of the truck and car manufacturers in Europe.

The company is widely credited with having the most advanced battery technology in the industry, and has a world-renowned R&D facility.

Exide makes batteries for a wide range of commercial vehicles, including delivery trucks, long-haul trucks, buses, tractors, batteries for cars, motorbikes, caravans and motorboats.

GTruck.co.uk/OnRoute

25

TECALLIANCE

Solutions For CV Distributors & Workshops

The ability of GROUPAUTO G-TRUCK distributors to correctly identify the parts they require and know where to source them is of paramount importance and can make all the difference when it comes to the overall profitability of their businesses.

Although G-Truck distributors can provide a fast and effective parts delivery service to almost any workshop in the country, the proliferation of parts and part numbers and the complexities of multiple suppliers and numerous trailer manufacturers means that the identification of replacement parts remains a huge challenge.

It is for these reasons that the recent growth in the use of the TecDoc CATALOG electronic parts identification system among heavy duty replacement parts suppliers and fleet workshops continues at pace.

26

On Route Magazine

G-Truck Distributors It goes without saying that every G-TRUCK distributor will use some form of computer system to manage their parts stock and pricing, but the TecDoc CATALOG system is the only parts information resource that can be relied upon to identify engine components, vehicle body parts and chassis/trailer products from multiple search criteria, not only for the heavy duty and light commercial sector, but also for automotive applications. It can do this no matter what IT system the member uses, because it is a web-based product.

them to load the data and make the necessary linkages to its own K-type numbers.

The integrity of the data held by TecDoc is second-to-none because each of the 500 plus official data suppliers have to link their reference numbers to the original equipment (OE) part number of each component. Both OE and non-OE parts suppliers have to go through this process, although TecDoc does supply the data structure tool that allows

The speed and accuracy of the TecDoc system also gives members an advantage over their competitors and negates the need and the extra cost of sending customers more than one part in order to cover the multiple options that are shown under some model references on other less refined cataloguing systems.

With a TecDoc CATALOG licence, distributors can identify the replacement part they require from a variety of product groups ranging from ‘Accessories’ to ‘Windscreen Cleaning System’. Interrogating the data to source a specific part is quick and easy and will display all the suppliers of that component, which eliminates the time consuming process of searching through each individual supplier’s catalogue.

TOP TRUCK Workshops Although Top Truck workshops would benefit from the parts identification attributes and OE reference numbers contained within the CATALOG system, TecAlliance also provides them with a powerful technical tool in the form of TecRMI. TecRMI technical data contains a raft of detailed information that is designed to assist technicians with the what, where, how and when of commercial vehicle service and repair.

Under the general headings of Maintenance Data, Technical Data and Repair Manuals the data provides technical instruction on a wide range of topics including maintenance, engine, gearbox, body/interior, brakes, steering/suspension and on-board electronics, all of which utilise original OEM data.

The Maintenance Data provides technicians with first-rate printable checklists to ensure they observe the general maintenance intervals as well as the correct intervals for specific safety critical items. It also provides vital information on resetting procedures.

The Technical Data includes more then 50,000 technical drawings and tightening torques for many mechanical resetting procedures and under Repair Manuals it contains more general repair information than any comparable product.

Each function provides the user with a service action, which states the fault symptom, the cause and the remedy.

It also lists the parts that are required to complete the job, along with their part numbers and any special tools that are needed. A description of the repair process and the recommended labour times and torque requirements round off the comprehensive details that equip the workshop to carry out the work.

So whether from a parts distribution or installation perspective, TecAlliance provides GROUPAUTO’s G-TRUCK distributors and TOP TRUCK workshops with accurate data and in-depth technical information to help them increase their business efficiency.

For more information about TecDoc or TecRMI, please contact Shaun Greasley on: +44 (0) 1829 752888 or email: shaun.greasley@tecalliance.net

GTruck.co.uk/OnRoute

27

It’s important to fit OE QUALITY PARTS

Scan QR C ode

finder view to

Find your local www.gtruck.co.uk/distributors

1st Choice for OE Quality Parts.