LKQ Euro Car Parts headline sponsor for Automechanika Garage Awards 2024

Aftermarket motor parts group LKQ Euro Car Parts will return for the second consecutive year as headline sponsor of the Automechanika Birmingham Garage Awards 2024, hosted by the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF). Celebrating the country’s best automotive technicians, the awards will be presented on Wednesday, 5 June at the UK Garage and Bodyshop Event at NEC, Birmingham. The second awards will feature an expanded number of award categories, going from eight in 2023 to 10. They demonstrate commitment and dedication in the garage sector to ensuring affordable mobility in the UK over the past few years. The awards are accepting nominations until the closing date on 29 March here.

National distributor LKQ Euro Car Parts is also demonstrating its support for the sector by exhibiting at the show with a stand featuring training initiatives, prizes, guest speakers and more. Kevan Wooden, group chief executive at LKQ UK and Ireland, said: “Last year’s event was a triumphant success, and we’re delighted to once again be backing this hugely relevant and important ceremony. Best practice is essential to ensure the aftermarket continues to thrive and take strides in the right direction.

“Motorists want to feel assured that they’re receiving a quality, reliable service, at the very best value, at local level, and there are technicians in abundance, in workshops, garages and bodyshops, up and down the country, working hard to ensure this. It is therefore vital that this good work is recognised and celebrated.”

The IAAF membership is available to independent garages, with the federation continuing to campaign on behalf of garages to ensure they receive access to vehicle manufacturer data, and ensuring their voice is heard on Block Exemption Regulations (BER) and Type Approval legislation, as well as fighting to retain the annual MOT test.

Mark Field, IAAF chief executive, said: “Our network has grown year on year, as we continue to fight for the rights of the garage community and ensure their voices are heard and they receive representation across a greater platform.

“The UK Garage and Bodyshop event is the perfect stage to bridge the gap between the supply chain and technicians, with some of the industry’s biggest players exhibiting. And with LKQ Euro Car Parts right up there with some of the most recognisable names, we’re honoured to have its support once again.”

The award categories in 2024 are:

• Garage of the Year
• Best Single-Site Garage
• Best Multi-Site Garage
• Best Community Initiative
• Auto-Mechanik of the Year
• Best Marketing Award
• Best Customer Service Award
• Lifetime Achievement Award
• Content Creator Award (new for 2024)
• Young-Mechanik of the Year (new for 2024)