Euro Car Parts: aiming for quality assured batteries at competitive prices

Euro Car Parts, the UK’s largest car and van parts distributor, reports experiencing “phenomenal growth” across its car, commercial vehicle, motorcycle and leisure battery ranges. Bill Stimson, marketing director for the Bosch, Exide and Lion brand supplier, comments “we pride ourselves on offering an unbeatable choice of batteries and have recently made significant additions to all our ranges. Being prime battery supplier to the RAC has only enhanced our reputation as the fastest emerging force in the UK battery market.”

Each of the three aforementioned Euro Car Parts brands are aimed at a particular market segment, as Stimson explains: “At the top end, Bosch is our super premium product, while Exide is an original equipment manufacturer with one of the most comprehensive ranges available. Lion is our increasingly popular budget product – it is still high quality and sourced from within Europe, unlike the low-cost options of other suppliers I could mention.”

Some of these unmentioned budget competitors should, Stimson notes, be viewed with a tinge of caution. “The problem with poor quality batteries is that they can fail very early, resulting in a headache the garage does not need,” he points out. “At Euro Car Parts we offer quality assured batteries at ultra competitive prices – the best of both worlds. What’s more, our fantastic ‘Buy Now Pay Later’ promotion gives Euro Car Parts customers a huge advantage. Independent garages can order batteries now at today’s prices and make payment in three months time. In all likelihood this will result in a substantial saving as prices look to be on the up. If that were not enough, garages placing an order for 15 batteries will get a S3 in Bosch or Exide absolutely free.”

“Wholesale battery prices have been increasing in line with the rising cost of lead and this looks set to continue,” the marketing director continues, elaborating upon his prior comment. “Indeed, due to the uncertainty in the financial markets, investors are putting more money into metals because they are seen as a safe bet. At Euro Car Parts we employ product specialists to track these prices, so we always buy at the best possible times. To ensure continuity of supply, we have invested in a massive stock holding of around 200,000 batteries at our National Distribution Centre in Tamworth.”

Bill Stimson observes that battery technology has progressed in leaps and bounds in recent years and modern designs, such as ‘spiral wound’ batteries, are capable of previously unheard of power outputs. He also notes that the growing prevalence of Stop-Start technology has led “quality manufacturers” to adopt improved Gel and AGM products designed to take higher charging rates and cranking amps.

As a final comment, Stimson observes that with all the changes occurring with battery technology and within the battery sector in general, there is one particular area where garages and fast-fit operators need to ensure they have moved with the times: “Fitting batteries to some of the latest vehicles is no longer a 15 minute job,” he comments. The Vauxhall Signum has a standard fitting time of over one hour, so beware when offering free fitting.”