Thorite says its latest website is proving so popular that the company has introduced its first “web only” offer: This comprises a 2 hp compressor with a 6 litre compressed air tank, complete with a spray gun kit and pneumatic brad gun.
Tecalemit Garage Equipment Co Ltd have introduced an Upgrade Pack for their Roller Brake Tester, consisting of a weighbridge, computer cabinet and software update. This enables garages with an existing Tecalemit DE 9415 or DE 9715 Roller Brake Tester to convert to an ATL system simply at a relatively low cost. Garages can make significant savings by utilising their existing brake tester. Anyone who has bought a DE 9415 or DE 9715 over the past 5 years can upgrade their brake tester in this way.
Motorists are reportedly spending less time in garages than they have before because of longer periods between services. This could all mean dangerous tyres are not getting spotted.
Online tyre retailer, Rubberball.co.uk, has warned service routines are now stretching to 20,000 miles or longer, tyres are not being checked for as much as 10 years.
All-makes parts supplier Motaquip suggests that more independent garages are setting up motor factor operations to support their core business and the driving force behind this trend is the changes in Block Exemption.
Motaquip says that new business start-up enquiries to its Partnership Programme from garage owners have more than doubled as garages are looking to enter the parts distribution chain. This contrasts with 2003, when only one in 10 of Motaquip’s enquiries came from independent garage owners. Block Exemption has been cited as the major contributory factor in this growth, which has left many garages needing a good source of quality parts.
January’s Aftermarket Show will “depict all the key sectors of the UK aftermarket,” say organisers, with exhibitors present from each target area.
More than 50 exhibitors will service the event’s chosen visitor categories including: Accessory retailers, motor factors, distributors, independent garages, fast-fits, body shops and franchises. In addition to repeat exhibitors from previous years, The Aftermarket Show has attracted new companies, from each sector of the aftermarket industry.
Omitec has released a “comprehensive software update” for its OmiScan hand-held diagnostic tool. This Version 10 update includes updated Citroen and Peugeot applications covering engine management, ABS, Airbag and some Climate Control systems. In addition, Omitec has developed coverage for Renault TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) on Laguna II and login ECM and re-coding functions for VAG (Audi, Seat, Skoda and VW) control units.
The Environment Agency today launched a new awareness campaign reminding companies, businesses and local mechanics to dispose of waste oil safely and legally or face tough penalties.
Under the new Waste Incineration Directive – to be implemented on 28th December 2005 – companies that incinerate waste oils such as, power stations and road stone coaters, must meet strict new environmental regulations. As a result, the price of disposal is expected to increase.
Unipart Automotive has teamed up with Omitec to offer garages a 5 year “all inclusive” modular integrated diagnostics solution. According to the company, the deal has no hidden costs and allows garages to invest cost-effectively in a lucrative area of vehicle repair work.
Brityrex International 2007, the dedicated exhibition for the tyre and associated industries, has already sold 25 per cent of the show’s exhibition area. While tyres have traditionally been the mainstay of Brityrex, the organisers ECI International are noticing a growing trend towards diversification among exhibitors. Says managing director Paul Farrant: “Our advance bookings for the 2007 event show great interest from equipment manufacturers – and not just tyre changers and balancers, but sophisticated testing and diagnostic equipment, as well as new areas such as air-conditioning servicing.”
‘Crypton Tuning’ is a well-known phrase within the garage equipment industry. One unique aspect of the ‘Crypton Tune’ is that car drivers went to garages and actually asked for a Crypton Tune. As part of the long term marketing strategy Crypton is re-launching this ‘Crypton Tune’ phrase. Therefore if drivers have faults with their cars or just feel they are under performing they can seek out a ‘Crypton Tune’ by a garage that uses Crypton’s latest diagnostic or service equipment. This will in-turn help garages to ‘sell on’ their diagnostic and service capabilities to their customers.
Blackcircles.com is aiming to turn 700 independent garages across the UK into franchisees. And what’s more, managing director, Mike Welch, has a five-year plan to capture 10 per cent of the market and plans to enter Europe in 2006.
Blackcircles.com is something of dotcom success story. Founded in 2001 when Mr Welch was 23, the company currently operates a network of 987 independent garages serving consumers from “Thurso to Truro.” Next the 27-year-old managing director is aiming to capitalise on this position by turning 700 of the garages into branded franchisees, making local independent garages into outlets linked to Blackcircles’ ordering and stock checking systems.
The Aftermarket Show, is putting some “never-before-seen” initiatives into place to attract more exhibitors to the event.
The 2006 show will feature a series of seminars which will tackle various issues for the numerous industry sectors it caters for, including: Accessory retailers, motor factors, distributors, independent garages, fast-fits, body shops and franchises.
While the ripple effects of the e-commerce revolution continue to filter down through the tyre trade, some businesses are already looking to the next big thing.
While email marketing and online tyre retail might be new to some people, in Norway tyre dealers are trying to maximise sales amongst an increasingly technologically aware population. The answer? Communicate with consumers through their mobile phones.
A staggering four-out-of-five garages remain unaware of changes in hazardous waste regulations, despite new legislation having been implemented from 16th July 2005, according to Global Resource Management (GRM).
When it comes to online tyre sales, Delticom claims the position of European market leader, with 47 business to consumer (B2C) online shops in 21 countries. Alongside its core tyre business, Delticom is expanding its range of car products to include spare parts, roof racks, garages, motor oil and batteries for both private and business customers.
Delticom’s recent financial results reflect the company’s confidence. In the first-half of 2005 Delticom increased turnover to 56 million euros, compared wit 34 million euros in the same period the previous year. This 65 per cent increase means the company expects its full-year sales to total some 110 million euros.
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