The Parts Alliance has been named the UK’s Most Innovative Automotive Distributor 2015 in new awards that recognise business excellence.
The Corporate LiveWire Innovation & Excellence Awards look for leaders in a range of industry sectors with the objective of identifying the ‘the most innovative, ground-breaking and client-focused firms, teams and individuals who have transformed the way in which they do business’.
Car parts distributor Euro Car Parts (ECP) has opened its 200th branch, as it continues to fulfil its rapid expansion plans.
The new branch – Manchester (Moss Lane) – is one of ECP’s new generation hubs. Providing approximately 180 deliveries per day to Whitefield, Bury, Radcliffe, Swinton and Cheetham Hill, the hub will initially be occupied by 38 staff, increasing to 50 within one year. Totalling 60,000 sq ft (5,574 sq m) over three floors, the Manchester hub will take ECP’s total property portfolio to over 5,250,000 sq ft (487,725 sq m).
Vertu has entered into the online parts sales sector with the acquisition of AceParts; an online vehicle parts business based in Sittingbourne, Kent. The company sells through its own website AceParts and also through Amazon and eBay, using Royal Mail second class post for deliveries throughout the UK.
Andrew Page Group, has secured further funding from its provider PNC Business Credit (PNC) part of one of the largest financial institutions in the United States. The new funding comes a year after its original deal see funding grow from £40 million to £50 million to support its growth plans.
Bosch has revamped its website offering, delivering two websites for parts and workshops. According to the company, the move reflects Bosch’s continual approach for “parts, bytes and services for the automotive aftermarket”.
Bosch Auto Parts (www.boschautoparts.co.uk) is aimed at both trade and consumers, recognising the desire for both workshops and the public to find out more about the comprehensive range of quality parts such as wiper blades and batteries.
Valeo Service UK has launched a new clutch catalogue featuring more than 100 new references.
The new references – made up of kits, components and remanufactured units – include 46 new part numbers for Euro 6 OE applications. More than 3000 vehicle applications are covered by the range extension, bringing the total number of LCVs, trucks and coaches covered by Valeo’s clutch range to more than 13,000 across 70 vehicle makes.
Valeo Service UK has expanded its engine management systems range to feature more ignition based products and ranges.
Ignition components are becoming more complex and are often integrated within the ECU (Engine Control Units), as manufacturers respond to the need to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Automechanika Shanghai 2015, the second largest Automechanika event worldwide, will open from 2 – 5 December at the National Exhibition and Convention Center, Puxi, Shanghai, with record exhibitor numbers expected. Overall this is set to be the largest Automechanika Shanghai to date. Alongside exhibition space and numbers, 100,000 global buyers and trade visitors are expected, an increase of 12 per cent on last year.
Specialist engine parts supplier GT Automotive is targeting unprecedented growth in the automotive aftermarket in 2016, following a period of investment in the business. The company, a specialist in the supply of camshaft kits and crankshaft pulleys, has been involved in the design and manufacture of products for more than 35 years. Now, as GT Automotive looks to expand its product ranges and increase its brand awareness, it is targeting parts distributors and engine re-conditioners in the independent automotive aftermarket.
The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) has launched a brand new website (www.iaaf.co.uk). The updated website will allow IAAF members to access latest association news, keeping up-to-date with IAAF’s most recent activity in the industry. It will also inform new visitors about the different services IAAF provides, benefitting aftermarket businesses on a daily basis, plus the most recent lobbying activities.
The IAAF, as part of its membership of the Automotive Aftermarket Liaison Group (AALG), has joined forces with the ProMOTe Campaign to fight the proposed changes to the MoT testing frequency.
NTDA national chairman Roger Griggs used his speech at the 86th NTDA Annual Dinner to echo many of the sentiments expressed at the Tyre Industry Conference, calling especially for unified voices in tackling industry-wide issues. Encompassing cheap imported products, the under-regulated part-worn tyre market, MOTs and road safety, and the importance of attracting young talent to the industry, Griggs’ speech outlined the evolution of the NTDA’s position over the past year and, most crucially the work it is doing in attempting to bring together a variety of disparate voices. Reinforcing the association’s “growth and renewed energy,” according to Griggs, the dinner was the “biggest… in recent decades, with 620 guests in attendance,” indicating the “value…we all place on spending time together as an industry.
Leading autoparts and workshop equipment distributor, Andrew Page, has declared its financial year ending 30th September 2015 as its best yet, following record revenues and investment, a major industry award, and a commitment to further expansion in 2016.
“This is another year in which Andrew Page has experienced significant growth,” explained Mark Saunders, Andrew Page chief executive, “everyone in the company should feel immensely proud of the hard work and dedication that have enabled this success.”
Stapleton’s investment in recent years has been focused on its nationwide distribution operation – including new regional hubs and a larger delivery fleet – the wholesaler said. “It’s all been in response to the retailers’ needs – and we’re gratified by their response to the flexible and responsive operation we’ve created, with faster and more frequent deliveries,” comments Nigel O’Hara, Stapleton’s wholesale director. Retailer feedback has confirmed Stapleton’s customers want to stock a variety of tyre solutions at every price point, but especially in the fiercely competitive mid-market sector. The wholesaler has a range of exclusive brands in this segment, including Maxxis, Nexen, Matador, Event and Riken.
75 GSF Car Parts (GSF) branches have merged with The Parts Alliance, taking the network to well over 300. 160 of these are under common ownership. Together they give the Solihull-based business group increased coverage in the UK and Ireland.
If you would like the latest news from the Chinese tyre industry in Chinese, visit our partner site TyrepressChina.com. Or click below to continue on Tyrepress.
