Kwik Fit has doubled the fleet warranty it offers on friction brake parts. According to the company, it is an “industry-leading move that will deliver operating cost savings to the corporate sector”. This means the firm now offers 24 months/24,000 miles warranty, up from 12 months/12,000 miles across brake pads, discs, drums and shoes. Kwik Fit reports that it is able to do this due to the training and workmanship of its expert technicians.
The Federation of Engine Re-manufacturers (FER) has encouraged those within the industry to take advantage of the numerous services and benefits it offers to its members by launching an 11-point service plan.
FER exists to further benefit and assist its members and it is always looking to expand on its vast offering, supplying a range of advantages to meet every member’s needs.
Andrew Page has bought Solid Auto (UK) for an undisclosed sum as part in a bid to become Britain’s leading distributor of Japanese and Korean car parts after as well as a growing player in general.
According to the company, the acquisition will also strengthen Andrew Page’s sourcing capability in China and the Far East. Chairman Jim Sumner said: “Birmingham-based Solid Auto has established a very good reputation as a specialist supplier over the last three decades”.
The Parts Alliance has added SAS Autoparts to its group. SAS was founded in 1960 and has branches in Harrogate, Otley, Skipton, Bradford, Castleford and Northallerton.
Three-time British Touring Car Champion Matt Neal, who is also known for being a director of leading British wheel-maker Rimstock Wheels, is being sponsored by Delphi Product and Service Solutions and The Parts Alliance.
PACT, the electronic trading initiative, has renewed its agreement with Groupauto’s G-Net electronic trading solution for a further four years, enabling approved suppliers and Group Auto Members to trade and communicate more effectively.
Now the Supreme Court of Stockholm has dismissed Kia’s petition to appeal against conviction in December 2012 for breach of competition in the Swedish market on its 7 year new car warranty, the IAAF is suggesting the verdict is “a major victory for the aftermarket”.
Under the EU Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulation 461/2010, manufacturers have a duty to honour the vehicle’s warranty when it is serviced outside of the dealership, and non-OE parts being fitted onto a vehicle is an insufficient reason for the warranty to be declared invalid.
Franchised dealers are vulnerable to losing service business to the independent garages as EU legislation levels out the playing field.
According to the Independent Garage Association (IGA), recent surveys have shown independent garages taking an increasing market share of service work despite difficulty carrying out certain functions. This limitation will soon be removed, allowing independents to carry out every part of a service and repair for their customers.
Chesterfield-based motor factor, Autosupplies, launched a range of Christmas promotions over the festive period, including its Christmas raffle which gave away big-money prizes, such as a Samsung 32” Smart TV, to reward its garage customers in the local area for their support throughout the year.
Car parts distributor Euro Car Parts (ECP) has opened a standalone branch in Enfield at Unit B Progress Way, Great Cambridge Road, Enfield EN1 1SH.
ECP has closed its existing ex-Unipart site, which was operating as a satellite branch to Edmonton. The new 10,000 sq ft (929 sq m) unit is five times the size of the old branch and includes ECP’s new fast-track Click & Collect counter service.
Last November European legislation mandating the fitment of TPMS into new cars came into force. Since then, checking for functioning TPMS and associated warning lights has become part of the MOT process. As a result, TPMS is beginning to enter consumer consciousness. So is the TPMS market growing in line? And how are structural features such as the market’s distribution set-up affecting this growth? Tyres & Accessories spoke with Autogem managing partner and NTDA South East region chairman, Prashant Chopra in order to find out more.
Dana Holding Corporation has been named the ‘Best Battery Solution Provider of the Year by the China Decision Makers Consultancy (CDMC). The honour recognises Dana’s research and contributions to thermal-management technologies for hybrid-electric vehicles and battery-electric vehicles.
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.
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