John Sergeant to host IAAF Annual Conference
The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) has revealed that renowned journalist, John Sergeant, will be hosting its 2016 annual conference and awards dinner.
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Automechanika motors into Birmingham
New show presents strong start, builds platform for Reifen UK in 2017 and beyond While the Automechanika name is well-known in the tyre and wider aftermarket business, the event hadn’t been held in the UK until this year. Between 6 and 8 June some 12,000 visitors attended the event at the NEC in Birmingham, viewing […]
Starco launches new e-commerce platform in Poland
Starco is releasing its new e-commerce platform for Polish aftermarket customers. Despite the initial aftermarket focus, the ambition is to develop functionalities which meet the needs of the original equipment manufacturers and improve the overall customer experience.
The first release will include all the shop functionalities with which customers have become acquainted from the current version, as well as a selection of new features as well. As a result of the project, Starco’s shop and website have been merged into one Polish language entity.
Valeo fuel pumps for aftermarket
Valeo Service UK has launched several new-to-range fuel pumps for the independent aftermarket covering the European and Asian vehicle parc, reflecting its commitment to continued development in these areas.
Corrosion repair guide from ECP
Car parts distributor Euro Car Parts (ECP) has published a new 84-page Corrosion Repair Guide showcasing its industry-leading range of replacement parts for vehicles suffering from rust.
The range covers cars and light commercial vehicles (LCVs) from Austin, BMW, Citroen, Daewoo, Fiat, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar, Mazda, Mercedes, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault, Rover, Seat, Skoda, Suzuki, Toyota, Vauxhall, VW and Volvo, including classics such as the original Mini, VW Transporter and Mk2 Golf.
KPMG: new car sales growth adjusted down 1/6 after Brexit
Market analysts at KPMG have revised down full year 2016 new car sales predictions by a sixth from 3 million units to 2.5 million following the UK’s decision to leave the EU. The fear is that the automotive industry, of which tyre supply (both OE and aftermarket) are clearly a part will be most seriously and negatively affected by Brexit. John Leech, head of automotive at KPMG UK, certainly suggested as much: “The British public has voted to leave the EU. As recent surveys showed, the automotive industry is anticipated to be one of the sectors most impacted by the vote to Leave the EU.”
UK automotive suppliers investing £225 million over the next three years
The SMMT’s Automotive supply chain members are planning to invest £225 million over the next three years in a bit to boost the British content of vehicles built in the UK.
In a new survey of more than 100 SMMT supply chain member companies, 94 per cent said they plan to invest in their businesses over the next three years – at a total of £224,485,000. Of those, four in five (79%) intend to invest in plant, machinery or tooling; three quarters (73%) in skills and apprentices; and two thirds (66%) in new product development.
UK drivers spend £21.1 billion on service and repair (including tyres) every year
The latest data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows that British cars are among the best maintained in the world, with UK motorists spending a collective £21.1 billion a year on servicing and repair. The data, which was released on the eve of the inaugural Automechanika Birmingham, forms the basis of the first official industry analysis of the UK automotive aftermarket. It also comes at the same time that Sainsbury’s bank has released data suggesting the average annual cost of running a car is around £2,197.42, 22 per cent – or £622 – less than 2013. The main reason for this change is that the cost of fuel has fallen by 37.8 per cent during this period.
Delphi launches DS-Flash Pass-Thru package with ECU re-programming
Delphi Product & Service Solutions has launched its new DS-Flash Pass-Thru package at Automechanika Birmingham. The tool provides independent garages with online access to vehicle manufacturer’s websites, enabling workshop to reprogram and update vehicle electronic control units without expensive dealer-only tools and software.
Bohnenkamp takes over Starco’s main aftermarket operation in “strategy of strengths”
Should the relevant authorities grant their blessing, at the start of July German agricultural tyre wholesaler Bohnenkamp AG will take over several business areas belonging to Starco, while the Danish company will assume responsibility for certain activities currently within the Bohnenkamp portfolio.
Autogem MD appointed NTDA vice chairman
At its 87th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Wednesday 11 May 2016, the National Tyre Distributors Association (NTDA) executive council elected Autogem managing director Prashant Chopra as vice chairman of the association.
RMI opens new MOT training centre
The RMI opened its Academy of Automotive Skills today (Friday 6 May) in Southam, Warwickshire. The brand new, state of the art training facility set up by the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI), will act as a an industry resource for MOT tester training, and in time will offer wider automotive technical training.
Courses will include: New MOT Tester Training; New Motorcycle Tester Training; MOT Manager Training; ATA L3 Light Vehicle Inspection; CPD/Annual Assessment; and F-GAS.
Parts Alliance CEO shortlisted for entrepreneur award
Peter Sephton, chief executive of The Parts Alliance, has been shortlisted as a finalist in the prestigious EY Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.
He is one of 34 leaders from businesses across the Midlands who will compete in the regional final on Tuesday, 14 June, at Birmingham Council House.
Continental introduces aftermarket sealant kits and sealants
This month, Continental is introducing a new aftermarket tyre sealant kit and other sealant products. The company says these products are made to OEM quality and offer a solution to drivers looking to replace existing kits – products that, according to Continental, need to be substituted after around four to five years.
Bosch offers MOT training
Following the demise of the DVSA NTTA, technicians looking to become MOT testers have found it more difficult to achieve the qualifications they need to follow the right path. That’s why Bosch is offering training for Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) level 3 qualifications.
