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<strong>The</strong><br />

Supporting the Independent <strong>Garage</strong> and MOT sector<br />

Issue <strong>299</strong><br />

August 2019<br />

GARAGE BRANDING<br />

WHAT IS IT AND HOW<br />

CAN IT HELP YOU?<br />

NEWS<br />

Blue and Orange Stallion will set hearts racing<br />

Please visit our all-new website - www.garageandmot.com<br />

1 Front.indd 1 28/08/2019 16:57


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• 46 Country EU navigation<br />

• TMC Traffic rerouting<br />

• 10 Million points of interest<br />

• WiFi Connectivity<br />

• Android wireless screen mirroring<br />

• Apple CarPlay (WiFi & Wired)<br />

• Android Auto*<br />

• Waze smartphone navigation<br />

• WebLink<br />

• FM/AM & DAB+<br />

• CD/DVD (Audio/Video Playback)<br />

• USB (Audio/ Video/ Smartphone playback)<br />

• Spotify<br />

• WiFi audio streaming<br />

• Bluetooth Handsfree/ Audio Streaming<br />

• 13 Band EQ<br />

• New customisable user interface<br />

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Pioneer.indd 1 27/08/2019 09:34


WELCOME<br />

<strong>The</strong><br />

Supporting the Independent <strong>Garage</strong> and MOT sector<br />

Issue <strong>299</strong><br />

August 2019<br />

Hello<br />

Welcome to this issue of <strong>The</strong> <strong>Garage</strong>.<br />

This issue reflects just how much the<br />

independent aftermarket has changed<br />

recently, as we take a look at garage<br />

branding and social media.<br />

Let’s start with social media, which has<br />

gone way beyond being a way for teenagers to keep<br />

in touch with other into a perfectly handy, highly<br />

useful business tool.<br />

With the demise of Yellow Pages, for example, it’s<br />

clear just much we value our mobile phones and<br />

our computers at home. We don’t use them just<br />

to stay in touch, but to find the best deals when<br />

shopping and of course getting our cars serviced.<br />

But how many decent garages have a website<br />

or a Facebook page? It’s surprising how many<br />

aren’t ‘connected’ and that’s a pity, because social<br />

media really offers a great way of broadening your<br />

businesses’ public image. As fewer people look in<br />

the local paper for recommendations and continue<br />

to use their phones, you could be missing out –<br />

and why do that?<br />

Establishing a social media presence through<br />

Facebook or Twitter surely makes sense: It costs<br />

almost nothing and that – considering the coverage<br />

it brings your business – surely cannot be missed.<br />

And because of that we take a closer look at how<br />

social media can help bring more business your<br />

way.<br />

Getting customers through your door, and<br />

new ones especially, isn’t always easy. Sometimes<br />

motorists aren’t confident the ‘friendly local garage’<br />

is really up to the job – even though of course it<br />

probably is. All too often there’s a perception that<br />

independents can’t work on the latest cars, or<br />

bigger, more complicated but older cars.<br />

So how do you give out an air of confidence?<br />

<strong>Garage</strong> branding is regarded by many independent<br />

businesses as the way forward, where signage,<br />

smarter clothing and better marketing help give a<br />

more professional air.<br />

It’s not all about image: <strong>Garage</strong> branding<br />

programmes offer plenty of technical support and<br />

training too, meaning you’ll not be turning some<br />

jobs away, and that has to be a good thing.<br />

Of course some independents might not want<br />

to join as they feel it locks them into spending<br />

commitments and also becoming apt of a<br />

network, but that’s necessarily the case, as most<br />

businesses still retain the characteristics of being<br />

an independent that customers find so appealing.<br />

And ask yourself this: If garage branding<br />

schemes aren’t all that, how come so many garages<br />

do belong to one?<br />

Enjoy the issue!<br />

Richard Barnett, features’ editor<br />

PS. If you agree, disagree or have anything to<br />

add to our comments please email:<br />

stuart.woolley@ppmedia.co.uk<br />

Editorial<br />

Our Address:<br />

Contact us<br />

Specialist Writers<br />

Richard Barnett<br />

Design & Layout<br />

Lizzie Colbert<br />

lizzie.colbert@ppmedia.co.uk<br />

Production<br />

Mark Blacker<br />

mark.blacker@ppmedia.co.uk<br />

Advertising<br />

Stuart Woolley<br />

stuart.woolley@ppmedia.co.uk<br />

Editorial, Production and<br />

Advertising address:<br />

Partnership Publishing Limited<br />

Bridge Road, Wellington<br />

Telford, Shropshire<br />

TF1 1RY<br />

Telephone:<br />

Telephone - 01952 415334<br />

Fax - 01952 522567<br />

Website:<br />

www.garageandmot.com<br />

<strong>The</strong><br />

Supporting the Independent <strong>Garage</strong> and MOT sector<br />

is published by: Partnership<br />

Publishing Ltd, Bridge Road,<br />

Wellington, Telford TF1 1RY<br />

TAKE CONTROL<br />

Combining EMS with Ignition,<br />

Exhaust and Braking Sensors<br />

to deliver a range that makes<br />

complete sense.<br />

Twitter: @garageandmot<br />

3 Comment.indd 1 27/08/2019 09:37


Professional<br />

CONTENTS<br />

TOW SHOW 2019<br />

Make a date in<br />

your diary to join<br />

Towby at the<br />

Tow Show in<br />

September 2019!<br />

Wednesday and Thursday<br />

25-26 September 2019<br />

Telford International Centre<br />

A two day spectacular<br />

in everything to do with<br />

vehicle movement.<br />

Free Admission<br />

and Free Parking<br />

See the new world<br />

of lightweight<br />

transporters and<br />

all the ancillary<br />

equipment.<br />

Talk to the experts<br />

about your needs<br />

See you there!<br />

Inside<br />

A look at what’s inside issue <strong>299</strong><br />

News<br />

06. BM Catalysts, Paris-bound for Equip Auto 2019<br />

07. Exciting times ahead for EAG since change of ownership<br />

08. Winning Pagid customers enjoy Silverstone action<br />

10. Schaeffler unveils day in the life of a workshop video series<br />

12. Standard Motor Products Europe rolls out Lucas training<br />

14. Denso demonstrates quality of OE Radiators and reveals<br />

installation tips<br />

20. Gulf - Blue and Orange Stallion will set hearts racing<br />

22. Hella presents future concepts at the IAA 2019<br />

Focus<br />

28. <strong>Garage</strong> Branding, what is it and how can it help you?<br />

Richard Barnett looks into the growing trend of <strong>Garage</strong><br />

Branding and examines the benefits for independent garages<br />

Focus<br />

37. Social Media. It’s fair to say social media has become an<br />

integral part of all our lives. Stuart Woolley looks into how Social<br />

Media can boost your business.<br />

Technical Teaser<br />

38. A technical teaser from a genuine enquiry handled by Auto<br />

Education Academy’s Technical Helpline. We challenge you to find<br />

the solution within just 20 minutes.<br />

Your data<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Garage</strong> magazine has been published by Partnership Publishing for over 20 years. It is produced<br />

18 times a year and delivered to over 15,000 industry related readers free of charge.<br />

Your data and privacy is important to us. We would never give this information away or sell it onto<br />

a third party. You would only receive magazines or information from one of Partnership Publishing’s<br />

publications.<br />

However, if you wish to stop receiving <strong>The</strong> <strong>Garage</strong> and would like us to erase all of your information<br />

from our databases then email your name, company and address to admin@ppmedia.co.uk<br />

Every care is taken over the accuracy of material in <strong>The</strong> <strong>Garage</strong> and MOT Professional but the publishers cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions.<br />

Views and opinions of contributors to <strong>The</strong> <strong>Garage</strong> and MOT Professional are not necessarily those of the publishers who cannot accept responsibility for such contributions.<br />

Letters and articles may be submitted and should be sent to the editor at the address opposite.<br />

Telford International Centre<br />

PARTNERSHIP PUBLISHING LIMITED 2019<br />

4 Contents.indd 1 28/08/2019 16:55


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BEN FP bleed.indd 1 18/07/2019 14:58


NEWS 06<br />

BM CATALYSTS, PARIS-BOUND<br />

FOR EQUIP AUTO 2019<br />

BM CATALYSTS will<br />

be making its way<br />

to Paris, France<br />

for the 25th Equip<br />

Auto trade show<br />

this October to showcase its<br />

world-class manufacturing<br />

and partner-first approach<br />

to business. Following its recent<br />

successful attendance<br />

at Automechanika Birmingham<br />

earlier this year, the<br />

company aims to sustain<br />

the same positivity and engagement<br />

across the channel<br />

through the much-anticipated<br />

event.<br />

With the expected presence<br />

of big industry names<br />

and visitors from over 50<br />

countries, the renowned<br />

trade event is the perfect avenue<br />

for BM Catalysts to also<br />

exhibit its expanding market-leading<br />

product range.<br />

Since Equip Auto 2017, BM<br />

Catalysts has released a total<br />

of 307 new high-quality<br />

aftermarket parts into the<br />

European market, which<br />

includes a number of Euro<br />

6 references. This range<br />

expansion has increased<br />

French car parc coverage by<br />

over 14 million since the last<br />

show in 2017 and accounts<br />

for 31% of the staggering 44<br />

million more European vehicles<br />

covered by BM Catalysts’<br />

range additions over<br />

the past two years alone.<br />

In line with Equip Auto’s<br />

“repairing today, preparing<br />

tomorrow” theme for<br />

this year, BM Catalysts will<br />

be available throughout the<br />

duration of the show to discuss<br />

the future of emissions<br />

and technology and offer insight<br />

into how the company<br />

can help prepare businesses<br />

for these changes by having<br />

access to Europe’s widest<br />

range of high-quality aftermarket<br />

catalysts and DPFs<br />

and long-term partnership<br />

solutions.<br />

Commenting on the manufacturer’s<br />

participation in<br />

the event, Mark Blinston,<br />

Commercial Director at<br />

BM Catalysts stated: “This<br />

year’s event will be our seventh<br />

Equip Auto attendance<br />

and we’ve witnessed some<br />

tremendous growth over the<br />

years. We’re delighted with<br />

the increased interest and<br />

positive feedback we continue<br />

to receive from the French<br />

market so we’re excited to be<br />

attending Equip Auto again<br />

in October. With emissions<br />

and Euro level compliance<br />

remaining a big talking point<br />

across Europe, Equip Auto<br />

is a great platform for us to<br />

demonstrate our expertise<br />

and the level of commitment<br />

we put into ensuring we always<br />

exceed the aftermarket’s<br />

expectations on quality,<br />

whether that be by investing<br />

in the latest state-of-the-art<br />

machinery, to ensuring our<br />

products are fully compliant<br />

with necessary legislation,<br />

and everything else in<br />

between.”<br />

www<br />

6, 7 News.indd 1 27/08/2019 09:46


Discover e-Videns: a unique and<br />

proactive vehicle inspection tool<br />

Enhance workshop productivity and performance<br />

www.densoevidens.co.uk<br />

“EXCITING TIMES LIE AHEAD”<br />

EAG Managing Director on progress<br />

since change of ownership<br />

EAG Managing Director,<br />

Adrian Lamb,<br />

is confident the<br />

company is on the<br />

right path, several<br />

months after the company<br />

switched ownership.<br />

EAG was acquired by<br />

Sancorp Owner and Autoelectro<br />

Managing Director,<br />

Tony Bhogal, in partnership<br />

with his son, Harry, earlier<br />

in the year, and Adrian is<br />

confident “exciting times lie<br />

ahead” for the company.<br />

He admitted: “We want to<br />

be a supplier that says ‘yes’,<br />

which has not always been<br />

the case in the past.”<br />

EAG stocks more than<br />

4,500 part numbers, which<br />

includes its own brand of<br />

steering & suspension components,<br />

wheel bearing kits,<br />

coil springs, torsional vibration<br />

dampers and top strut<br />

mountings. In addition, it<br />

distributes full ranges of<br />

Monroe shock absorbers<br />

and Brembo brake discs<br />

and pads, a deal which was<br />

retained from the previous<br />

ownership after being introduced<br />

back in 2014.<br />

Customers within a 50-<br />

mile radius of a motorway<br />

network will receive their<br />

order on the same-day via<br />

a local delivery van, while<br />

all other customers in the<br />

UK and Ireland will enjoy a<br />

next-day service.<br />

As well as introducing<br />

new products and developing<br />

its existing ranges to ensure<br />

maximum availability<br />

to new and existing distributors,<br />

Adrian has revealed<br />

EAG’s strategy for the remainder<br />

of 2019 and 2020:<br />

“Following the relocation<br />

to Leeds from Barnsley,<br />

we’ve recruited a number<br />

of key personnel to help undertake<br />

market research to<br />

update price files, pareto<br />

and add 2,000 additional<br />

references to MAM Autocat<br />

V8, which is in preparation<br />

of re-establishing the EAG<br />

label as an affordable and<br />

quality brand.”<br />

Tony added: “Customers<br />

can order online, as we are<br />

TecCom-enabled and also<br />

have Autonet online ordering<br />

available via our website<br />

– www.excelautomotivegroup.com.”<br />

All of EAG’s own label<br />

products are manufactured<br />

by quality suppliers in Europe<br />

and are quality-tested<br />

with QS, ISO and TUV approvals<br />

in-place. All EAG<br />

products come with a twoyear<br />

warranty and two-year<br />

no quibble guarantee, offering<br />

peace of mind to the<br />

customer.<br />

Naturally, EAG is looking<br />

to expand its distribution<br />

network, both in the UK and<br />

Ireland, and with Adrian<br />

and Tony, with their combined<br />

industry experience of<br />

90 years, at the helm and a<br />

varied and quality product<br />

range, EAG is well-placed to<br />

achieve its goals in the short<br />

and long-term future.<br />

Tony concluded: “Now<br />

that the infrastructure is<br />

virtually complete, we will<br />

launch the new venture, officially,<br />

during September<br />

and October.”<br />

6, 7 News.indd 2 27/08/2019 09:46


NEWS 08<br />

WINNING PAGID CUSTOMERS<br />

ENJOY SILVERSTONE ACTION<br />

LUCKY customers of<br />

Pagid – the UK’s bestselling<br />

braking brand,<br />

enjoyed a wonderful<br />

day at Silverstone<br />

watching the Pagid sponsored<br />

BLACK FALCON racing team<br />

compete in the Blancpain GT<br />

Endurance Cup Series.<br />

Ninety Pagid customers who<br />

spent £250 or more on Pagid<br />

brake pads or discs during<br />

the spring period, were randomly<br />

selected to win a pair<br />

of VIP tickets. <strong>The</strong> winners<br />

got to tour the pit facility, get<br />

up close to the GT3 race cars,<br />

experience the full-throttle<br />

action and enjoy a 3-course<br />

lunch at the exclusive Pagid<br />

hospitality suite.<br />

<strong>The</strong>y cheered on the<br />

BLACK FALCON team - which<br />

use a Pagid braking system,<br />

for the three-hour Blancpain<br />

GT Series Endurance Cup.<br />

In a nail-biting finale to the<br />

day, the Pagid-supported<br />

Mercedes-AMG GT3 of Maro<br />

Engel, Luca Stolz and Yelmer<br />

Buurman fought back from<br />

37th on the grid to finish inside<br />

the top ten.<br />

Phil Woodcock, Pagid UK<br />

Key Accounts Manager, said:<br />

“<strong>The</strong> Pagid team was delighted<br />

to reward 90 of our<br />

loyal customers and their<br />

guests with this exciting day<br />

at Silverstone. What made<br />

it even more special was<br />

to be able to cheer on our<br />

very own Pagid sponsored<br />

BLACK FALCON team. Many<br />

of the technicians we hosted<br />

wanted to know all about the<br />

Pagid set up the GT cars were<br />

using, and we hope the event<br />

showed them that the high<br />

levels of R&D investment and<br />

attention to details that goes<br />

into all Pagid products.<br />

“<strong>The</strong> Pagid Spring competition<br />

is all part of Pagid’s commitment<br />

to garages, workshops<br />

and mechanics to give<br />

something back to our loyal<br />

customers, and to stay engaged<br />

with our audiences”.<br />

Pagid prize winner, Clive<br />

Marchment from Warne<br />

Motors Bury, commented:<br />

“We really enjoyed watching<br />

the Pagid cars compete<br />

in the Endurance Cup and it<br />

was great to meet the BLACK<br />

FALCON drivers. Swapping<br />

workshop tales and tips with<br />

some fellow garage owners<br />

and technicians was an<br />

unexpected bonus too. It’s<br />

nice to be rewarded for being<br />

a loyal Pagid customer<br />

with such great hospitality at<br />

Silverstone.”<br />

8 News.indd 1 27/08/2019 09:48


BostonFP-USE IT.indd 1 29/08/2019 15:33


NEWS 10<br />

Schaeffler<br />

unveils Day in the Life of<br />

a Workshop video series<br />

Sc haeffler<br />

REPXPERT,<br />

Alistair Mason,<br />

and Schaeffler<br />

Brand Ambassador,<br />

Andy Savva, have paid<br />

Oldfields <strong>Garage</strong> a visit to<br />

learn more about a typical<br />

day in the life of a modernday<br />

workshop, while also<br />

lending their expertise and<br />

support to a valued brand<br />

customer.<br />

On a sunny day in Leominster,<br />

Herefordshire,<br />

Alistair, Andy and Oldfields<br />

Director, Tim Benson, discussed<br />

a variety of topics, as<br />

the REPXPERT and <strong>Garage</strong><br />

Inspector were treated to a<br />

personalised and in-depth<br />

tour of the reception area<br />

and bustling workshop.<br />

Throughout the next few<br />

weeks, Schaeffler REPX-<br />

PERT will provide insightful<br />

snippets from the visit,<br />

which will include discussions<br />

about workload efficiency,<br />

special tooling and<br />

budgets, whilst also covering<br />

the fitting of original<br />

equipment parts and refusing<br />

customer-supplied components,<br />

as well as the benefits<br />

of using REPXPERT.<br />

In the first part of the<br />

video series, Tim first greets<br />

Alistair and Andy, before inviting<br />

them into the reception<br />

area, where conversation<br />

quickly turns to how the<br />

workshop manages its data,<br />

from booking in customers<br />

to invoicing, and what allows<br />

Oldfields to be a well-organised<br />

business.<br />

Tim said: “From a managing<br />

data point of view, it’s important<br />

we have one system<br />

to handle the whole process,<br />

as, not only does it manage<br />

customer information, it enables<br />

us to create job cards,<br />

technical information and<br />

invoices.<br />

“<strong>The</strong> whole process is<br />

timed; from a workshop<br />

perspective, it’s important<br />

we sell hours, so by having<br />

a system that times the<br />

job from start-to-finish, we<br />

know how long it’s taken<br />

and what to invoice.”<br />

A pivotal part of the business<br />

model is “efficiency”,<br />

according to Tim, who is<br />

realistic with his ambitions<br />

and expectations of his team.<br />

He added: “I would love to<br />

sell 100% of all hours, but<br />

it’s simply not possible. It’s<br />

not about a ‘bonus culture’<br />

of trying to get my team to<br />

do jobs as quickly as possible<br />

either; it’s about doing<br />

the job right, having the right<br />

information, using the right<br />

quality of parts and having<br />

the right skills in the workshop.”<br />

In the second clip, within<br />

the workshop, the trio de-<br />

Oldfields <strong>Garage</strong> Team<br />

10, 11 News.indd 1 27/08/2019 09:51


11<br />

NEWS<br />

Andy Savva, Alistair Mason and Tim Benson<br />

bate the importance of special<br />

tooling and budgeting<br />

for them.<br />

Tim said: “Keeping up-todate<br />

(with tooling) isn’t easy<br />

for an independent, but we<br />

invest in it. If there are jobs<br />

on a repeat basis that are a<br />

challenge, it is not efficient<br />

to keep doing it slowly, so<br />

we need to buy the tools to<br />

enable us to do it faster and<br />

accurately.<br />

“When we’re fitting a selfadjusting<br />

clutch kit, for example,<br />

we use a Schaeffler<br />

tool, and, yes, we could do<br />

the job without it – but it<br />

makes it so much more difficult<br />

and there’s the possibility<br />

of doing the job wrong.”<br />

On the topic of budgeting,<br />

Andy added: “Tooling and<br />

equipment, as well as training,<br />

should be an ongoing<br />

process.”<br />

He then asked what Oldfields’<br />

budgeting strategy<br />

is – Tim replied: “We don’t<br />

have a fixed budget, but I’m<br />

aware that we need to factor<br />

it within our costs. We don’t<br />

buy a new diagnostic kit<br />

every year, for example, but<br />

we subscribe to it and keep<br />

it updated.”<br />

From Schaeffler’s point<br />

of view, it offers a range of<br />

tools to help clutch, bearing<br />

and timing belt fitments, to<br />

ensure technicians can ‘fit<br />

and forget’.<br />

<strong>The</strong> first two videos are<br />

now available to watch on<br />

the REPXPERT social media<br />

channels – Facebook (@<br />

repxpert.co.uk) and Twitter<br />

(@REPXPERT_UK) – as well<br />

as the REPXPERT website<br />

(www.repxpert.co.uk<br />

VXPRO FUEL VAPORISERS<br />

AS part of its ongoing strategy to provide<br />

the independent with the matching original<br />

equipment (OE) components it needs, ELTA<br />

Automotive Ltd, through its VXPRO sense<br />

and control electronics programme, has<br />

launched a range of fuel vaporisers, primarily for Ford<br />

diesel applications.<br />

<strong>The</strong> fuel vaporiser is a relatively new component designed<br />

to improve the diesel particulate filter (DPF) regeneration<br />

process and further reduce harmful emissions from the<br />

engine’s exhaust gas.<br />

DPF regeneration requires extremely high temperatures<br />

in order for soot that builds up during everyday driving,<br />

to be removed from the DPF by combustion. When the<br />

driving conditions do not allow for this temperature to be<br />

reached in the exhaust system, additional processes must<br />

be introduced to raise the heat.<br />

Traditionally, post injection of unburned diesel fuel into<br />

the combustion chamber provides the catalyst and raises<br />

temperatures. However, this has been found to cause oil<br />

dilution leading to premature engine wear or more frequent<br />

servicing.<br />

Fuel Vaporisers go some way to solving this problem,<br />

lowering emissions, whilst prolonging engine life. Rather<br />

than being injected directly into the combustion chamber,<br />

fuel is directed to the fuel vaporiser. <strong>The</strong> vaporiser then uses<br />

an integrated, electrically heated glow plug to evaporate the<br />

fuel before injecting it into the exhaust gas stream ahead of<br />

the catalytic converter/diesel oxidation catalyst. Vaporised<br />

hydrocarbons are then burnt on the catalytic converter,<br />

releasing energy from exothermal chemical reactions<br />

and raising the temperature before the DPF allowing for<br />

regeneration to occur without oil dilution or the need for<br />

additional cooling.<br />

All VXPRO products are tested to ensure they operate<br />

within the manufacturer’s original parameters, therefore<br />

guaranteeing that there will be no change to the vehicle’s<br />

original performance following the installation of the part.<br />

In addition, the range also features QR codes on the<br />

packaging, enabling installers to access a quick link to<br />

product specific fitting and technical advice, without having<br />

to open the box.<br />

MOT Wallets from<br />

www.motwallets.co.uk 0800 097 5254<br />

sales@kpsprinters.co.uk<br />

£178/1000 For more information concerning VISIONPRO or<br />

VXPRO, or any of the other brands within the ELTA<br />

Automotive product range, please call: 01675 466999,<br />

email: sales@elta.co.uk or visit: www.elta.co.uk<br />

10, 11 News.indd 2 27/08/2019 09:51


NEWS 12<br />

SMPE rolls out<br />

Lucas training<br />

Standard Motor<br />

Products Europe<br />

(SMPE) is continuing<br />

its development<br />

of the Lucas brand<br />

across UK and Europe with<br />

the introduction of distributor<br />

and technician training<br />

seminars.<br />

<strong>The</strong> first ever Lucas training<br />

programme under SMPE<br />

was in Kiev, with Ukrainian<br />

business and Lucas distributor<br />

Alt-Star. This was followed<br />

by training with Autoaibe,<br />

a Temot member in<br />

Vilnius, Lithuania. Both Lucas<br />

distributors brought of a<br />

mixture of online, wholesale<br />

and electrical specialists to<br />

the training and more than<br />

30 people attended in total.<br />

Training includes an<br />

in-depth look at the revitalised<br />

Lucas engine management<br />

programme including:<br />

Ignition coils, cam/crank<br />

sensors, air mass meters,<br />

EGR valves, lead sets, coolant<br />

temp sensors and oil<br />

pressure switches. It also<br />

examines common issues<br />

technicians face and how to<br />

solve them.<br />

With the Lucas engine<br />

management programme<br />

overhauled under SMPE’s<br />

stewardship – the range now<br />

features a further 1500 parts<br />

to the Lucas engine management<br />

programme, resulting<br />

in a 65 percent increase in<br />

vehicle parc coverage – the<br />

company is determined to<br />

equip the independent automotive<br />

aftermarket with the<br />

latest range information and<br />

technical support.<br />

In the UK and Europe,<br />

customers have begun benefitting<br />

from the investment<br />

made in the Lucas engine<br />

management programme<br />

with additional resource<br />

in staff and equipment at<br />

the company’s Nottingham<br />

Centre of Engineering Excellence.<br />

This, coupled with the<br />

widespread exposure of the<br />

Lucas brand to European<br />

audiences through its sponsorship<br />

of Team GB in the<br />

2019 IIHF Ice Hockey World<br />

12, 13 News.indd 1 27/08/2019 09:52


13<br />

NEWS<br />

Championship, means the<br />

brand is already capturing<br />

the attention of new and existing<br />

customers.<br />

Richard Morley, SMPE<br />

Commercial Director, said:<br />

“With the additional investment<br />

in the Lucas brand,<br />

we’ve made our intentions<br />

very clear to the European<br />

automotive aftermarket that<br />

we intend to re-assert the<br />

brand’s position as a leader<br />

in engine management. Supported<br />

by our engineering<br />

expertise in Nottingham and<br />

our growing distribution facility<br />

in Poland, we are strategically<br />

placed to grow and<br />

develop the Lucas brand for<br />

the long term.”<br />

SMPE offers one of the<br />

strongest OE matching quality<br />

European aftermarket<br />

engine management programmes<br />

available, through<br />

its commitment to quality<br />

and performance, underpinned<br />

by its ISO 9001:2015<br />

accreditation.<br />

<strong>The</strong>re’s a world of<br />

difference between<br />

a cheap imitation and the real thing.<br />

For safety’s sake fit FAG.<br />

Fitting a low-cost inferior quality wheel bearing that has<br />

not been designed, engineered, tested and approved<br />

to the specifications and quality standards set by the<br />

vehicle manufacturer can pose a serious risk to the<br />

vehicle and it’s occupants.<br />

Remember that wheel bearings are a safety critical<br />

component, so saving a few pence on a cheaper<br />

alternative could end up costing much, much more.<br />

Protect your customers and your reputation -<br />

fit FAG bearings for a safe and reliable repair.<br />

www.repxpert.co.uk | www.schaeffler.co.uk/aftermarket<br />

www.stopfakebearings.com<br />

12, 13 News.indd 2 29/08/2019 10:18


NEWS 14<br />

DENSO demonstrates quality of OE<br />

radiators and reveals installation tips<br />

Alongside cooling<br />

the engine,<br />

these components<br />

are crucial in helping<br />

reduce a vehicle’s<br />

fuel consumption and<br />

exhaust gas emissions, as<br />

well as ensure the smooth<br />

running of air conditioning<br />

(A/C) and heat exchange performance<br />

of other parts.<br />

DENSO’s engine cooling<br />

products are fitted, as original<br />

equipment (OE), to a<br />

quarter of European cars, so<br />

they are the ideal choice for<br />

technicians. DENSO has the<br />

knowledge and experience<br />

to inform <strong>Garage</strong> readers of<br />

the quality that its aftermarket<br />

programme provides.<br />

Advanced and environmentally-driven,<br />

DENSO’s thermal<br />

products are the market<br />

leaders, not just in Europe,<br />

but, worldwide, with a 30%<br />

share of the OE thermal market.<br />

Demonstrating its credentials,<br />

DENSO develops A/C<br />

and engine cooling systems<br />

for the likes of Audi, BMW,<br />

Mercedes, Toyota, Porsche<br />

and Volkswagen. <strong>The</strong> engineering<br />

quality that goes into<br />

making these components<br />

has filtered down to the independent<br />

aftermarket, as<br />

DENSO only offers OE thermal<br />

management products.<br />

Delving into the range itself,<br />

it comprises of radiators<br />

(1,200 part numbers), intercoolers<br />

(130 part numbers),<br />

cooling fans (200 part numbers),<br />

cabin blower fans (180<br />

part numbers) and heater<br />

cores (70 part numbers).<br />

Radiator installation tips<br />

Focusing on radiators specifically,<br />

the part is at the<br />

heart of the engine cooling<br />

system, releasing the heat extracted<br />

from the engine into<br />

the atmosphere. Traditionally,<br />

the radiator is located at<br />

the front of the vehicle, near<br />

to the air intake, in order to<br />

exploit the dynamics of speed<br />

while the car is on the move.<br />

Radiators fitted within vehicles<br />

that are equipped with<br />

an A/C system will, typically,<br />

be larger and more powerful,<br />

in order to dissipate the heat<br />

discharged by the condenser;<br />

Technicians will come face-to-face with this component in the workshop, but, before<br />

replacing it with a DENSO radiator, what do they need to know? DENSO’s technical<br />

guru, Mike Sadler, reveals his top tips:<br />

• Check that the part number is correct via cross-referencing.<br />

• Before installation, inspect the new part carefully, including the size and fitment of ancillary<br />

parts, such as caps, switches and sensors.<br />

• Carefully examine the radiator hoses and connections, and then replace any with new OE<br />

parts, where necessary. Failure to do so can cause radiator failure. <strong>The</strong> most common<br />

problem is coolant leakage, resulting from defective or worn seals.<br />

• <strong>The</strong>rmostats and caps are also susceptible to faults, which is usually due to inherent defects<br />

in the radiators, but faults relating to OEM and matching quality replacements are rare.<br />

• Avoid inferior alternatives! This may sound like simple advice, but research has shown that<br />

buying cheaper will cost more in the long run, as too often cheaper can mean inferior quality.<br />

• Be careful to avoid physical damage while handling and installing.<br />

• Don’t forget to inspect any defective radiator mountings – bushes and rubbers – which can<br />

be easily-repaired before installing the radiator.<br />

• Coolant antifreeze concentration is also subject to certain regulations, as outlined by the<br />

vehicle manufacturer (VM). When fitting a new radiator, be sure to check that the correct<br />

concentration has been used.<br />

• As the radiator releases heat, which is exchanged from the engine into the air, check<br />

the performance and operation of the electric cooling fans after the new radiator has been<br />

installed.<br />

• If in doubt, check the VM’s guidelines. VMs provide best practice information and<br />

procedures for each vehicle it manufactures. Block Exemption Rules ensure this information<br />

is freely-available to technicians.<br />

Further details are available online at www.denso-am.co.uk<br />

however, DENSO’s radiators<br />

are smaller, lighter and offer<br />

greater heat exchange than<br />

most of its competitors.<br />

This is possible because<br />

DENSO’s radiators are designed<br />

meticulously, co-developed<br />

with A/C experts and<br />

made to deliver an efficient<br />

performance; for instance, a<br />

DENSO radiator with a 0.2<br />

sqm front surface features<br />

more than 6 sqm of cooling<br />

surface on its fins.<br />

Other key features include<br />

‘blaze welding’, which creates<br />

a closer contact between tube<br />

and fin for more efficient heat<br />

transmission, ‘mechanical<br />

deformation’, which means<br />

the tube is ‘pressed’ against<br />

the fin, offering less contact<br />

but a lower production cost.<br />

14, 15 Denco.indd 1 27/08/2019 10:03


15 NEWS<br />

MIRKA FLEXES ITS MUSCLES WITH<br />

NEW NOVASTAR ® FLEX<br />

MIRKA’S new ultra-flexible,<br />

long<br />

lasting hand<br />

sanding product<br />

is making its<br />

debut in September, designed<br />

for bodyshop technicians to<br />

tackle complex contours and<br />

shapes with ease.<br />

Novastar® Flex achieves<br />

the perfect balance between<br />

cutting and scratch pattern<br />

for a great finish. Suitable for<br />

a multitude of applications<br />

including primer and bumper<br />

sanding, hard to reach areas.<br />

Available in a colour coded<br />

grit range from 400 - 1500,<br />

the flexible abrasive can be<br />

used with a soft hand pad to<br />

provide stability, avoiding finger<br />

indentations and sharp<br />

edges.Steve Smith, national<br />

sales manager ART of Mirka<br />

UK, says, “Novastar® Flex is<br />

the perfect solution for tackling<br />

hard to reach areas and<br />

contours ensuring a perfect<br />

finish every time.”<br />

Novastar® Flex joins the<br />

Novastar product family,<br />

which also includes Novastar®<br />

a ceramic film disc,<br />

available in grits 80-600<br />

and Novastar® SR3 and<br />

SR5 spot repair discs.<br />

FUTURE<br />

PROOF.<br />

LuK RepSet 2CT – the double<br />

clutch repair solution.<br />

More and more vehicle manufacturers integrate dry double<br />

clutches into their transmission systems because of the<br />

efficiency benefits they offer. Replacing them is more<br />

complex than a standard clutch, but it’s not rocket science!<br />

LuK engineers have designed a range of unique RepSets<br />

for popular double clutch applications such as Volkswagen<br />

Group, Ford, Renault and FIAT. Each kit contains all of the<br />

components needed to carry out a professional 2CT repair.<br />

Technical materials and training opportunities are also<br />

available to forward thinking workshops.<br />

www.repxpert.co.uk | www.schaeffler.co.uk/aftermarket<br />

14, 15 Denco.indd 2 29/08/2019 10:20


NEWS 16<br />

TECALLIANCE ANNOUNCES SEPTEMBER<br />

WARRANTY & RETURNS<br />

WEBINAR PROGRAMME<br />

THE GLOBAL leader in datadriven<br />

solutions invites<br />

suppliers and traders to learn<br />

more about its innovative<br />

and money-saving warranty<br />

& returns platform, through two free<br />

webinars in early September.<br />

Warranty claims and parts returns<br />

represent a significant cost for the<br />

entire automotive aftermarket, which<br />

is why suppliers are always looking<br />

for ways to improve the process and<br />

streamline the procedure.<br />

Aware of these issues and in<br />

a unique position to provide an<br />

innovative solution, TecAlliance has<br />

delivered an online portal that allows<br />

parts manufacturers/suppliers,<br />

wholesalers and workshops to<br />

handle all of their warranty claims<br />

Moritz Mahler PO Warranty Returns<br />

and returns in a quick and straight<br />

forward manner, with all the benefits<br />

that obviously provides.<br />

To enable suppliers and traders<br />

interested in the solution to learn<br />

more about its functionalities and<br />

benefits, as well as watch a live<br />

demonstration and ask questions<br />

about it, TecAlliance has put in<br />

place two free of charge webinars<br />

of one hour’s duration, entitled<br />

‘Introduction to Warranty & Returns’,<br />

which will take place at 08:00 on<br />

3rd September and 13:00 on 4th<br />

September.<br />

<strong>The</strong> ideal solution for warranty<br />

handling and returns processes<br />

<strong>The</strong> Warranty & Returns module<br />

forms part of the TecAlliance Order<br />

Manager solution and covers not just<br />

the warranty claim process, but also<br />

the return of incorrectly delivered<br />

parts, for example.<br />

Based on the information provided<br />

with the claim and supported by<br />

additional material such as video<br />

footage or product images, which are<br />

uploaded onto the system, suppliers<br />

can, in real time, access its validity<br />

and decide whether a replacement<br />

part is merited or a partial refund<br />

the most appropriate solution, for<br />

instance.<br />

Being able to carry out this<br />

assessment remotely not only<br />

saves time, but also reduces the<br />

environmental impact and the<br />

overall cost, as generally the part<br />

will not need to be transported<br />

back to the supplier. On occasion<br />

Masato Duensser BC Warranty Returns<br />

however, an online decision may not<br />

be possible, so built into the system<br />

is the ability for suppliers to request<br />

the return of the product for further<br />

investigation, as well as provide the<br />

shipping documentation necessary<br />

for those making the claim.<br />

To this end the Warranty &<br />

Returns module allows users to<br />

customise the system’s digital<br />

returns form and export claims in<br />

CSV format to process them into an<br />

ERP system.<br />

From wholesale and workshop<br />

perspectives, the solution also<br />

provides huge benefits as they can<br />

create and submit warranty claims<br />

and returns with minimal effort<br />

and without cost, but also quickly<br />

and accurately, as the system is<br />

supported by TecDoc parts and<br />

vehicle data. In addition, if they can<br />

keep track on the status of their<br />

claim and without the need to send<br />

parts back for examination, it also<br />

saves them money.<br />

Bowmonk & Tapley have for decades been the most<br />

recognised and trusted names in portable brake testers.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Bowmonk BrakeCheck is the electronic version that carries<br />

on from that pedigree.<br />

BrakeCheck is DVSA approved for all classes of vehicle<br />

and it records braking efficiency and percentage of braking<br />

imbalance.<br />

• Portable & easy to use<br />

• No connections to vehicle required<br />

• DVSA approved for all classes of vehicle<br />

• Print results to optional portable wireless printer<br />

• Download results to PC (optional software required)<br />

• Approved for 6-weekly checks<br />

• Approved for quarterly brake test requirements<br />

• Records braking efficiency and percentage of braking imbalance<br />

Bowmonk Ltd, Diamond Road, Norwich, NR6 6AW T: +44 (0)1603 485 153 E: info@bowmonk.com www.bowmonk.com<br />

16 News.indd 1 27/08/2019 10:08


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Please contact the Workshop Solutions Team to arrange an initial free,<br />

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ECP.indd MOT_Advertising_WS_June2019.indd 1 1 27/08/2019 14/06/2019 16:23 08:22


NEWS 18<br />

VLS ESCALATES CASE TO ATIEL AND<br />

TRADING STANDARDS<br />

VERIFICATION of<br />

Lubricant Specifications<br />

(VLS) has<br />

taken the decision<br />

to escalate case<br />

160, a complaint against<br />

Toyota First 5W-30 Fully<br />

Synthetic SN/CF Oil following<br />

months of investigation.<br />

<strong>The</strong> case was first reported<br />

to VLS in November 2018,<br />

with complaints made about<br />

technically conflicting claims<br />

on the product which were<br />

not technically feasible. <strong>The</strong><br />

claims concerned industry<br />

standards such as the ACEA<br />

engine oil sequences, as well<br />

as various different OEM<br />

specifications. <strong>The</strong> technical<br />

information also contained<br />

errors in the promotional<br />

material and claims made<br />

against obsolete industry<br />

standards.<br />

VLS worked with Impetus<br />

Automotive Ltd, trading as<br />

Toyota First, to resolve the<br />

number of conflicting claims,<br />

remove reference to obsolete<br />

claims and present the<br />

product’s technical information<br />

in a compliant manner.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Technical Review Panel<br />

followed the VLS marketing<br />

claims procedure and asked<br />

for a copy of the Candidate<br />

Data Pack (CDP) for the<br />

product.<br />

<strong>The</strong> named party failed<br />

to provide the Candidate<br />

Data Pack, putting them in<br />

breach of the ATIEL Code<br />

of Practice. VLS will, therefore,<br />

be reporting the company<br />

to ATIEL for breaching<br />

their undertakings under<br />

the ATIEL Code of Practice.<br />

VLS is also escalating the issue<br />

to Trading Standards as<br />

the claims on the products<br />

cannot be validated or verified.<br />

No evidence has been<br />

provided that the product is<br />

capable of meeting any of the<br />

claims made against it.<br />

VLS Chairman Andrew<br />

Goddard said: “VLS cannot<br />

independently verify<br />

or validate that any of the<br />

claims made on the product<br />

have been supported by the<br />

technology provider either<br />

through appropriate and rigorous<br />

testing or that formal<br />

approvals have been granted.<br />

We, therefore, have to conclude<br />

that no evidence has<br />

been provided that the product<br />

is capable of meeting all<br />

or any of the claims made<br />

against it. As an independent<br />

industry trade body, it is our<br />

duty to uphold standards<br />

in the industry and protect<br />

end users. All products being<br />

sold on the market must<br />

be suitably tested and capable<br />

of delivering what they<br />

claim.”<br />

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This is a small sample of our huge range of garage<br />

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18 News.indd 1 27/08/2019 10:10


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Boston FP Why.indd 1 29/08/2019 15:34


News<br />

20<br />

BLUE AND ORANGE STALLION<br />

WILL SET HEARTS RACING<br />

History records<br />

the inspiring<br />

story of how<br />

the Ford GT40 hit<br />

the track in 1966<br />

and went on to secure four<br />

consecutive victories for<br />

the Blue Oval. In 1967 Ford<br />

teamed up with lubricant giant<br />

Gulf to create what was<br />

to become arguably THE<br />

most loved racing car livery<br />

of all time, the iconic light<br />

blue and orange. <strong>The</strong> colours<br />

have certainly stood<br />

the test of time, with an evergrowing<br />

army of passionate<br />

Gulf fans and more than half<br />

a century later, the Gulf Oil<br />

paint scheme that was worn<br />

by both the 1968 and 1969<br />

winning Ford GT40 is more<br />

evocative than ever. Now, we<br />

honour the legendary feats<br />

of teamwork and determination<br />

displayed by those allconquering<br />

Gulf-Fords with<br />

the arrival of the Brown Lee<br />

Performance OFFICIAL Gulf<br />

Heritage Mustang-Limited<br />

Edition.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Gulf Heritage Mustang-Limited<br />

Edition will<br />

quicken the pulse rates of<br />

petrolheads the world over.<br />

Under the skin clad in those<br />

legendary Gulf colours, is a<br />

muscle car of epic proportions,<br />

reflecting three core<br />

elements – Power, Speed,<br />

and a Legacy of two incredible<br />

automotive Goliaths<br />

now embodied in one of the<br />

most famous car models of<br />

all time.<br />

Under the hood of this awesome<br />

performance machine<br />

is a supercharged 5.0L Coyote<br />

V8, boasting an industryleading<br />

800-horsepower and<br />

a vision-blurring 675 lb-ft<br />

of torque. This tire-shredding<br />

power is fed through<br />

Ford’s 10-speed automatic<br />

or 6-speed manual transmission<br />

and can be had in<br />

either coupe or convertible<br />

form. In addition to power,<br />

20, 21 News.indd 1 27/08/2019 10:12


the Gulf Heritage Mustang-<br />

Limited Edition receives an<br />

entirely new performance<br />

suspension, carbon fibre<br />

front splitter, side skirts,<br />

rear diffuser and wicker<br />

bill spoiler. However, more<br />

notably, the car receives a<br />

full Gulf Oil-licensed exterior<br />

racing livery, identical<br />

to that which was displayed<br />

on the ‘68 and ‘69 GT40 and<br />

more recently, the 2019 Heritage<br />

Edition Ford GT. When<br />

an owner climbs inside their<br />

Gulf Heritage Mustang-Limited<br />

Edition, they will be<br />

greeted by an interior that<br />

is just as impressive as the<br />

engine upgrades and exterior<br />

paint scheme. Legendary<br />

Gulf orange and blue accent<br />

a full black leather and Alcantara<br />

cabin to make this<br />

car genuinely feel special inside<br />

and out.<br />

“We are incredibly proud<br />

to have this opportunity to<br />

honour the Ford and Gulf<br />

racing legacy in such a special<br />

build.” said company<br />

founder & CEO, David Lee.<br />

“With over 800 horsepower<br />

carrying this licensed icon<br />

from 0-60 mph in under 3<br />

seconds, the Gulf Heritage<br />

Edition Mustang pays homage<br />

to the accomplishments<br />

of the Ford and Gulf racing<br />

teams from 50 years ago, on<br />

all levels.”<br />

“We are truly thrilled to<br />

launch the superb new Gulf<br />

Heritage Mustang-Limited<br />

Edition with Brown Lee Ford<br />

and we are proud to be both<br />

Global Technology Partner<br />

and a first fill oil supplier*,<br />

using Gulf Formula G. With<br />

its Gulf Power-Max technology<br />

and race-bred pedigree,<br />

it has everything needed to<br />

keep this car’s incredible<br />

800+ brake horsepower<br />

engine running smoothly,”<br />

enthused Alexandra Ip, Vice<br />

President of Global Marketing<br />

at Gulf Oil International.<br />

“Gulf, is a unique brand. Not<br />

only are we dedicated to developing<br />

advanced lubricant<br />

solutions for our customers<br />

but, throughout almost 120<br />

years of passion, Gulf has<br />

constantly innovated, following<br />

the maxim “You Get Out<br />

What You Put In”. This new<br />

partnership with Brown Lee<br />

for the Gulf Heritage Mustang<br />

is the latest example of<br />

what makes Gulf so special.”<br />

20, 21 News.indd 2 27/08/2019 10:12


NEWS 22<br />

HELLA PRESENTS FUTURE<br />

CONCEPTS AT THE IAA 2019<br />

HELLA, the lighting and<br />

electronics expert will be<br />

presenting solutions for the<br />

mobility of the future (New<br />

Mobility World, Hall 5, Stand<br />

B06) at the IAA in Frankfurt, Germany’s<br />

largest motor show, from September 10<br />

to 15, 2019. Under the motto “Exceed<br />

possibilities,” the main focus will be on<br />

lighting and electronic solutions with a<br />

view to the megatrends of electromobility<br />

and automated driving. <strong>The</strong> company<br />

will demonstrate its software and hardware<br />

expertise in the lighting sector, as<br />

well as its position as a leading supplier<br />

of high-performance key components<br />

and a strong subsystem supplier in the<br />

electronics sector.<br />

At its 450 square metre stand at<br />

New Mobility World, which opens in<br />

the first week of the trade fair, HELLA<br />

is taking visitors on a virtual journey<br />

to experience future functions and the<br />

interplay of lighting and electronics. In<br />

the “Efficiency & Electrification” section<br />

of topics, for example, a concept<br />

vehicle illustrates how various lighting<br />

and electronics products support the<br />

various stages of electrification and<br />

function in the overall system in electric<br />

or hybrid vehicles. HELLA is also focusing<br />

on its competence as an electronics<br />

subsystem supplier, presenting the new<br />

battery solutions for mild hybrids - the<br />

Dual Voltage Battery Management System<br />

and the PowerPack48V.<br />

In order to make autonomous driving<br />

more tangible, trade fair visitors will experience<br />

a completely redesigned vehicle<br />

interior. Different lighting solutions<br />

support various automated driving scenarios<br />

and contribute to customisation<br />

and comfort while driving. Car body<br />

lighting in particular plays an important<br />

role in communicating with other road<br />

users. In the course of the “Front of the<br />

car” approach, new concepts are also<br />

being developed, in which lighting and<br />

electronic components are seamlessly<br />

integrated into the body, thus offering<br />

new styling and functional possibilities.<br />

High-resolution, digital headlamp<br />

technologies contribute to safety while<br />

driving, as do electronic products such<br />

as radar sensors, LiDAR, camera software,<br />

and SHAKE technology – whether<br />

in manual or autonomous operation.<br />

Furthermore, HELLA is bundling its<br />

sensor and data processing solutions in<br />

a targeted manner in order to map even<br />

complex sub functions of autonomous<br />

driving, such as automated parking<br />

(valet parking).<br />

22 News.indd 1 27/08/2019 10:19


<strong>The</strong> perfect system<br />

to absorb all vibrations.<br />

Vibration Damper<br />

<strong>The</strong> damper pulley improves performance of all components<br />

of the accessory belt drive system, maximising performance<br />

and ensuring a long service life.<br />

Dayco.indd DAYCO_ADV_DAMPER_210x297mm_UK.indd 1 1 29/08/2019 13/06/19 10:43 16:55


news 24<br />

DAYCO DAMPER PULLEYS<br />

Dayco, a leading<br />

engine products<br />

and drive systems<br />

supplier for<br />

the automotive,<br />

industrial and aftermarket<br />

industries, is also a major<br />

player in the production of<br />

original equipment (OE)<br />

torsional vibration dampers,<br />

which it manufactures<br />

for many prominent vehicle<br />

manufacturers, both<br />

automotive and heavy-duty,<br />

across Europe and around<br />

the world.<br />

Modern powerplants are<br />

highly engineered to deliver<br />

the optimum combination<br />

of power and torque, alongside<br />

fuel efficiency and minimal<br />

exhaust emissions. This<br />

objective often comes at the<br />

cost of high levels of engine<br />

vibration, which is generally<br />

intensified by the significant<br />

pressures present in the<br />

engine’s combustion chambers,<br />

an occurrence especially<br />

prevalent with diesel<br />

units.<br />

This vibration is transmitted<br />

through the crankshaft<br />

and therefore has a significant<br />

impact on the engine’s<br />

power transmission drive<br />

systems. To reduce this<br />

problem, Dayco engineers<br />

have developed a range of<br />

damper pulleys, with the<br />

prefix DPV.<br />

Generally installed directly<br />

to the crankshaft, the<br />

damper reduces the circular<br />

vibrations that cause the<br />

primary problem, decreasing<br />

wear on many of the<br />

engine’s components. Naturally,<br />

the front end auxiliary<br />

drive (FEAD) system is a<br />

principal beneficiary, which<br />

increases the durability of<br />

the entire powerplant, but<br />

they also improve comfort<br />

for the vehicle’s occupants.<br />

<strong>The</strong>re are three types of<br />

damper that, depending on<br />

the application, are generally<br />

installed: the simple,<br />

double and decoupler.<br />

<strong>The</strong> simple damper is integrated<br />

within the FEAD<br />

system, its single rubber element<br />

provides sufficient vibration<br />

reduction for applications<br />

with standard NVH<br />

(noise, vibration and harshness)<br />

requirements.<br />

<strong>The</strong> double damper encompasses<br />

two rubber elements<br />

within its metal<br />

parts, which are designed to<br />

absorb vibration at different<br />

frequencies, and is for use<br />

in applications that generate<br />

high power and increased<br />

vibration, such as modern<br />

diesel engines.<br />

Although the decoupler<br />

damper still incorporates<br />

a rubber ring, the damping<br />

function is carried<br />

out through metal<br />

springs, as opposed<br />

to solely relying<br />

on its rubber element. It is<br />

used on the latest generation<br />

engines with greater power<br />

and enables the FEAD system<br />

to cope with high mileage<br />

and adverse conditions,<br />

particularly for applications<br />

that feature a BSG (belt start<br />

generator) function for their<br />

start/stop systems.<br />

Damper Replacement<br />

Naturally, as with every<br />

wearing part, over the<br />

course of time and as the<br />

vehicle’s mileage increases,<br />

problems can occur and<br />

the damper can lose its efficiency<br />

or sometimes even<br />

break, which itself obviously<br />

increases the risk of failure<br />

in other parts of the engine’s<br />

drive systems.<br />

To avoid these problems,<br />

dampers should be checked<br />

for signs of wear, such as abnormal<br />

noises, unpleasant<br />

vibrations, at every 40,000<br />

mile interval or when replacing<br />

the auxiliary belt. However,<br />

as a matter of course<br />

and irrespective of the signs,<br />

Dayco suggests they are<br />

changed every time the timing<br />

belt is renewed.<br />

Technicians must be aware<br />

however, that in order to<br />

check the damper correctly,<br />

it needs to be removed from<br />

the engine because the back,<br />

as well as the front needs<br />

to be examined to fully assess<br />

its condition. In addition,<br />

whether it needs to be<br />

replaced or not, if its fixing<br />

bolts are designed to stretch<br />

on initial fitment, these must<br />

be changed, as they will no<br />

longer meet their design<br />

tolerances if reused.<br />

24 News.indd 1 27/08/2019 10:20


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LiquiMolyFP.indd 1 27/08/2019 10:25


news 26<br />

TRW brake discs<br />

for Tesla ModelS<br />

now available<br />

ZF estimates that by<br />

2030, around one third<br />

of all vehicles produced<br />

globally will be electric or<br />

hybrid electric. With its<br />

developments, the Group contributes to<br />

a better and more sustainable mobility<br />

offer. To meet the needs of a growing<br />

e-mobility market, ZF Aftermarket is<br />

also continuously expanding its product<br />

portfolio. In line with this, the TRW<br />

brake disc product range has been<br />

extended to include by parts for the<br />

electric vehicle Tesla Model S.<br />

TRW branded brake discs for the<br />

Tesla Model S are manufactured using<br />

High Carbon Grey Cast Iron Material<br />

(GG15 HC). This allows the discs to run<br />

cooler, meaning they are less likely to<br />

distort and suffer from NVH problems<br />

such as hot judder and brake squeal.<br />

Component noise reduction is an<br />

extremely important aspect of part<br />

development for electric vehicles as it<br />

significantly affects driver comfort.<br />

<strong>The</strong> high carbon brake discs are<br />

black painted for increased corrosion<br />

resistance using TRW’s bespoke<br />

surface coating. Front axle discs are<br />

available now, while those for the rear<br />

axle are launched within months.<br />

Richard Adgey, Head of Product<br />

Management, explains: “<strong>The</strong> driveline<br />

electrification can no longer be<br />

contained. To this end, ZF develops and<br />

delivers core components as well as<br />

entire systems for all vehicle types. ZF’s<br />

aftermarket division offers the technical<br />

innovations of the Group under its<br />

product brands, including TRW, for<br />

use in the aftermarket at an early<br />

stage.”<br />

26 News.indd 1 27/08/2019 10:21


Servicesure Autocentres is<br />

the UK’s fastest growing<br />

network of garages.<br />

Established<br />

Established<br />

in<br />

in<br />

2004,<br />

2004,<br />

it<br />

it<br />

is<br />

is a<br />

nationwide<br />

nationwide<br />

group<br />

group<br />

of<br />

of<br />

likeminded<br />

likeminded<br />

garages<br />

garages<br />

working<br />

working<br />

to<br />

to a<br />

strict<br />

strict<br />

set<br />

set<br />

of<br />

of<br />

business<br />

business<br />

practices<br />

practices<br />

and<br />

and<br />

quality<br />

quality<br />

standards.<br />

standards.<br />

Membership is by invitation only and the many advantages include access to business planning,<br />

Membership is by invitation only and the many advantages include access to business planning,<br />

which guarantees all the replacement parts* that have been fitted to your customer’s vehicle.<br />

which guarantees all the replacement parts* that have been fitted to your customer’s vehicle.<br />

Terms and conditions apply.<br />

Terms and conditions apply.<br />

Other benefits include:<br />

Other benefits include:<br />

Insurance packages for<br />

Service plans<br />

Online technical support<br />

• Insurance packages for • Service plans<br />

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workshops<br />

workshops<br />

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• Waste management • Local advertising<br />

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• Courtesy cars<br />

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• New profit opportunities • Face-to-Face business<br />

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For details visit<br />

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servicesureautocentres.com<br />

servicesureautocentres.com<br />

or call 0330 041 2118<br />

or call 0330 041 2118<br />

*Parts must be purchased from <strong>The</strong> Parts Alliance and associate members<br />

*Parts must be purchased from <strong>The</strong> Parts Alliance and associate members<br />

Autotech Comms FP.indd 1 27/08/2019 10:18


FOCUS <strong>Garage</strong> Branding 28<br />

GARAGE<br />

BRANDING..<br />

WHAT IS IT AND HOW<br />

CAN IT HELP YOU?<br />

WHILE Block<br />

Exemption<br />

was supposed<br />

to offer motorists<br />

the right<br />

to choose where their car<br />

was serviced – and especially<br />

new cars that might ordinarily<br />

return to a main dealer<br />

– it has failed to capture<br />

the public’s imagination, despite<br />

good-intentioned marketing<br />

campaigns.<br />

Quite why it didn’t grab<br />

the motoring public’s attention<br />

is a matter of debate but<br />

after many years in existence<br />

Block Exemption hasn’t<br />

seen much progress.<br />

Some blame can lie with<br />

the fact new-car buyers were<br />

led to believe that in order<br />

to preseve their car’s warranty<br />

it can only be serviced<br />

by a main dealer. And many<br />

new car buyers might simply<br />

not like the idea of using<br />

an independent, believing<br />

its technicians don’t have<br />

enough skills to work on the<br />

latest cars.<br />

Yet to the independent garage<br />

sector, Block Exemption<br />

threw a valuable lifeline<br />

that should have been taken<br />

more seriously than per-<br />

Richard Barnett looks at the<br />

growing trend of <strong>Garage</strong><br />

Branding and examines<br />

the benefits to independent<br />

garages<br />

haps it often was.<br />

Most car owners will accept<br />

an independent garage<br />

will be cheaper, and many<br />

will vouch for the good quality<br />

jobs those garages can<br />

perform. But even the best<br />

independent can struggle<br />

against a main dealer when<br />

it comes to getting their message<br />

out and having a positive<br />

image.<br />

And for owners of cars out<br />

of warranty, just how much<br />

need is there to return to the<br />

main dealer? Independent<br />

workshops invariably have<br />

the tools and expertise to<br />

tackle the work.<br />

So how does an independent<br />

garage show its marketplace<br />

it’s serious about<br />

business, and serious about<br />

doing a good job? Many garages<br />

do perform a good job,<br />

but how can that business<br />

garner public confidence?<br />

One way is to present a more<br />

professional air, usually<br />

known as garage branding.<br />

Several garage branding<br />

schemes are available, all<br />

of which aim to help independent<br />

workshops offer<br />

a more professional image<br />

and, more importantly, a<br />

more professional service.<br />

Different schemes offer<br />

different terms and conditions<br />

and, consequently, expectations<br />

of its members.<br />

But if a garage branding<br />

scheme boosts a workshop’s<br />

image and also improves the<br />

quality of the work it offers,<br />

it’s a proposition worth considering.<br />

Going way beyond just<br />

providing signs, a good garage<br />

branding programme<br />

ups levels of professionalism<br />

in all areas of a workshop’s<br />

business, which<br />

should be embraced rather<br />

than ignored.<br />

So which garage branding<br />

scheme best suits a particular<br />

workshop? <strong>The</strong> <strong>Garage</strong><br />

takes a closer look.<br />

28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 36 <strong>Garage</strong> Branding.indd 1 29/08/2019 09:57


29<br />

FOCUS <strong>Garage</strong> Branding<br />

AutoCare from GroupAuto<br />

THE GAU’S garage<br />

branding programme<br />

offers two<br />

levels of membership:<br />

One, priced<br />

at £128.00 per month excludes<br />

MAM AWOL software<br />

and £160.00 per month to<br />

include it. Currently there<br />

are 772 members.<br />

Workshops joining the<br />

programme are expected to<br />

stick to an agreed monthly<br />

spend, but rather than a flat<br />

rate for all businesses the<br />

figure is agreed between the<br />

workshop and a GroupAuto<br />

factor.<br />

Branding is provided free<br />

of charge while a lead-generating<br />

website is part of the<br />

membership package. AutoCare<br />

says that the website<br />

is generating 10 leads per<br />

garage per month. Signage<br />

is included and, AutoCare<br />

says, will help attract new<br />

customers – the scheme<br />

says more than £3millionworth<br />

of business was generated<br />

in 2016.<br />

Workshops need to keep<br />

up to date with the latest<br />

technology a car can feature<br />

and the AutoCare programme<br />

offers training for<br />

electric, hybrid and hydrogen<br />

vehicles while ADAS<br />

training is being added. <strong>The</strong><br />

scheme offers training at 54<br />

venues across the country.<br />

“All our garages are signed<br />

up to NCS, the independent<br />

arbitration service, and we<br />

are an IMI-accredited training<br />

centre,” says AutoCare<br />

network manager Maria Mc-<br />

Cullough. “We offer Bosch,<br />

Auto IQ, MoT tester and<br />

manager courses as well.”<br />

“We also offer courtesy car<br />

deals, waste oil collection ad<br />

insurance discounts. <strong>The</strong>re<br />

is an annual conference and<br />

12 regional meetings held<br />

once a year across the country.”<br />

continued on page 30><br />

28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 36 <strong>Garage</strong> Branding.indd 2 29/08/2019 09:57


FOCUS <strong>Garage</strong> Branding 30<br />

THE CASTROL Service<br />

programme<br />

aims for workshops<br />

to provide motorists<br />

a high-quality,<br />

value-for-money offering by<br />

forging relationships and<br />

partnerships with ‘the best<br />

independent garges in the<br />

UK.’<br />

Castrol is the most recognised<br />

oil brand in the UK<br />

and the most considered –<br />

36 percent say it is the only<br />

oil brand they would consider.<br />

Referencing an extensive<br />

television campaign from<br />

the 1980s, that along with<br />

brand association gives garages<br />

a useful leg up when it<br />

comes to presenting a strong<br />

positive image.<br />

For workshops, joining<br />

the programme means a<br />

c.£3000 investment, new<br />

external and internal looks<br />

(plus clothing) and an Oil Essentials<br />

online staff training<br />

plan. <strong>The</strong> agreement lasts<br />

three years, with a three<br />

years solus lubricant supply<br />

agreement and branding<br />

agreement.<br />

Training is divided into<br />

three modules that look at<br />

developing a greater understanding<br />

of oil; learning<br />

more about Castrol products;<br />

learning how to engage<br />

with customers and discuss<br />

the benefits of Castrol products.<br />

<strong>The</strong> programme also includes<br />

customer campaigns<br />

and promotions and a business<br />

listing on the Castrol.<br />

com website. Bespoke<br />

signage including a main<br />

3mx2m sign, a reception<br />

sign and pillar wraps are<br />

available, Castrol says. With<br />

top-up and 20 litre display<br />

stands and Castrol pointof-sale<br />

supported service<br />

reception the message is<br />

clearly put across to a garage’s<br />

customers.<br />

Marketing support includes<br />

listing in the Castrol<br />

Service look-up tool, and<br />

this features a postcode<br />

search that allows motorists<br />

to find their nearest garage.<br />

Other marketing support<br />

includes product stands,<br />

point-of-sale material, floor<br />

mats and seat covers.<br />

RAC APPROVED GARAGE<br />

powered by Autofirst Network<br />

<strong>The</strong> RAC’s Approved <strong>Garage</strong><br />

network was set up to<br />

give motorists a network<br />

of trusted garages, based<br />

around the positive brand<br />

image the RAC enjoys. It<br />

employs a customer charter<br />

and code of conduct<br />

which has been approved<br />

by the Chartered Trading<br />

Standards Institute, and to<br />

which all its garage members<br />

work.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Charter ensures:<br />

Honest pricing, meaning if<br />

any work needs doing all<br />

costs and details are clearly<br />

expained; Exceptional customer<br />

service; Quality work,<br />

all of which is covered by<br />

a 12-month/10,000 miles<br />

warranty.<br />

Workshops joining the<br />

programme will be offered<br />

work from the RAC Warranty<br />

scheme and have access to<br />

Euro Car Parts products including<br />

garage management<br />

systems, technical training<br />

and a technical hotline. Listing<br />

on the whocanfixmycar.<br />

com website is also included.<br />

“<strong>The</strong> RAC name is synonymous<br />

with complete peace of<br />

mind for motorists which explains<br />

why we have seen so<br />

many garages benefit from<br />

becoming part of the RAC<br />

Approved <strong>Garage</strong> Powered<br />

by Autofirst Network. We<br />

know from market research<br />

that customers really value<br />

the friendly, local and reliable<br />

service provided by independent<br />

garages and have<br />

a very high level of trust in<br />

the RAC so this is the perfect<br />

recipe for garages looking to<br />

stand out from the crowd in<br />

a busy marketplace,” says<br />

RAC chief executive Dave<br />

Hobday.<br />

28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 36 <strong>Garage</strong> Branding.indd 3 29/08/2019 09:58


Part of certas energy<br />

Authorised Distributor of Castrol<br />

Specialist in supporting<br />

Independent Workshops<br />

TEL: 01384 263614<br />

STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD<br />

BECOME PART OF A WORKSHOP NETWORK COMMITTED TO QUALITY AND FRIENDLY SERVICE.<br />

• Operate under Castrol’s trusted brand with branding<br />

and signage packages, to help your workshop stand out.<br />

• Enhance your business identity across all consumer<br />

touch points with the Castrol brand.<br />

• Gain more knowledge about lubricants from our team<br />

and through online training solutions.<br />

• Access to promotions and incentive programmes<br />

• Become part of our online network driving more<br />

customers to your workshop.<br />

Become part of our network – contact our Ambassador Distributor <strong>The</strong> Race Group<br />

and find out how Castrol Service can support your business.<br />

Castrol.co.uk/CastrolService<br />

Castrol FP.indd 1 28/08/2019 15:01


FOCUS <strong>Garage</strong> Branding 32<br />

Talking brand<br />

awareness with<br />

the IGA<br />

Stuart James, CEO of the IGA<br />

All workshops in the Trust my <strong>Garage</strong><br />

programme are members of the IGA,<br />

which in turn is part of trade body the<br />

RMI. Trust My <strong>Garage</strong> is governed by a<br />

firmly-applied Code of Practice.<br />

While expected to adhere to the Code and<br />

expecting jobs to be carried out to the highest<br />

standards, garages are supported with the latest<br />

technical information and tooling.<br />

With slightly more than 3000 members Trust<br />

my <strong>Garage</strong> goes far beyond addressing a workshop’s<br />

image, as Frank Harvey, Head of Member<br />

Services, explains: “all prospective members have<br />

to carry out an thorough audit of their facilities<br />

before their membership is confirmed. This is because<br />

customers need to have the confidence that<br />

any garage on our website is highly professional<br />

and will treat car and customer accordingly.<br />

With all businesses – not just garages – placing<br />

an increasing amount of emphasis on customer<br />

service – it is important that a workshop asks how<br />

it is seen by its customers.<br />

Says Harvey: “A workshop’s image is important<br />

and the TMG shield, which now enjoys motorist<br />

recognition, is part of that confidence. In today’s<br />

market it is essential to have an online presence<br />

and part of that means customers providing reviews,<br />

whether good or bad.”<br />

He believes independent garages will have a<br />

bright future as long as they adapt to suit the mar-<br />

ket, and with the potential demise of Block Exemption<br />

in 2024 there could be further opportunities to<br />

boost trade. But while that is in the (near) future,<br />

today’s challenges come from the likes of counterfeit<br />

parts, whose use could be fatal: TMG members use<br />

OE components.<br />

28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 36 <strong>Garage</strong> Branding.indd 4 29/08/2019 09:58


Your business, your team,<br />

your opportunity.<br />

Drive your ambition with Quick Lane.<br />

Join the Quick Lane franchise on our mission to change the perception of the fast-fit<br />

industry. We aim to provide ‘Convenience with Confidence’ by creating and maintaining a<br />

transparent and consultative relationship that keeps our customers coming back.<br />

By being ‘Brilliant at the Basics’ combined with our technical expertise, technologies and<br />

state-of-the-art facilities we can offer quality services, resulting in our customer knowing<br />

that their time and money is well spent with Quick Lane.<br />

You’ll be supported throughout your business:<br />

• You will be provided with guidance on selecting and securing the appropriate<br />

premises.<br />

• We will help you achieve the maximum potential in your area.<br />

• We will help you become ‘Brilliant at the Basics’ from operations through to<br />

marketing.<br />

• You will be supported by the Quick Lane Code of Practice, promoting the highest<br />

standards of service.<br />

Time for you, time for your business, time for leading the industry.<br />

Find out more at quicklane.co.uk/franchise<br />

or call on 0800 302 9437<br />

Palmer Hargreaves.indd 1 28/08/2019 15:04


FOCUS <strong>Garage</strong> Branding 34<br />

Eurorepar Car Service - a branded garage scheme<br />

from Peugeot, Citroën, DS Automobiles and Vauxhall<br />

Offering strong head office support and territory managers who are here to<br />

help garages prosper online in an ever changing digital world where an online<br />

presence has never mattered more. Done through PPC, Google My Business<br />

and offering a website alternative for those who do not have one.<br />

WITH 133 LIVE<br />

SITES and<br />

more than<br />

30 potential<br />

additions,<br />

Eurorepar offers IGA and<br />

Who Can Fix My Car membership,<br />

a technical helpline,<br />

marketing support and both<br />

local and national advertising.<br />

A full-width main fascia,<br />

menu service signage and reception<br />

signage is also part<br />

of the package.<br />

<strong>The</strong> scheme employs five<br />

territory managers who can<br />

help with day-to-day business<br />

running and planning<br />

ahead, managers being allowed<br />

to tailor plans to a<br />

workshop’s own requirements.<br />

As with all branding<br />

schemes there is way more<br />

than a few signs on the front<br />

of the garage building and<br />

some leaflets on the counter<br />

– Eurorepar looks to improve<br />

the way a garage runs so it<br />

becomes more profitable in<br />

every area of its business.<br />

<strong>The</strong>y offer their centres a one<br />

stop parts solution through<br />

Distrigo Parts Distribution,<br />

they have access to not only<br />

the Eurorepar Parts range<br />

for all makes and models of<br />

vehicle with over 15,000 references<br />

but also a supplier<br />

brands range offering well<br />

known parts such as Delphi,<br />

Bosch, Nissens and LuK.<br />

Eurorepar membership<br />

criteria requires workshops<br />

to have at least two service<br />

ramps and a separate reception<br />

and have a commitment<br />

to purchase £10,000<br />

worth of parts from Distrigo<br />

Parts Distribution every year<br />

– that works out at around<br />

£45 a day. <strong>The</strong> contract lasts<br />

for four years although a<br />

three-months break clause<br />

is included.<br />

“Many garages feel that<br />

their name and reputation<br />

is enough to succeed, and<br />

that joining a garage branding<br />

programme dilutes their<br />

USP and may question the<br />

value of electronic marketing<br />

and being part of an international<br />

brand, but if an<br />

independent garage wants to<br />

survive and prosper it needs<br />

to be part of a garage programme,”<br />

says Adrian Mossop,<br />

UK Head of the Eurorepar<br />

Car Service Network.<br />

“<strong>The</strong> answer is that garages<br />

need to be future-fit<br />

and they do that by keeping<br />

up-to-date in every aspect<br />

of their business. With a selection<br />

of training courses,<br />

many of which are online and<br />

take in to account the latest<br />

in-car technologies such as<br />

ADAS, as well as electric vehicles.<br />

On the premises we<br />

offer a stock comparison<br />

and stock-cleansing.”<br />

This jettisons old stock<br />

with that best suited to the<br />

local car parc means shelf<br />

space helps drive profits –<br />

less time spent waiting for<br />

a parts delivery means a<br />

quicker turnaround of cars<br />

in the service bay, which in<br />

turn means more money in<br />

the till. On site they offer<br />

continual support on parts<br />

stock requirements and will<br />

cleanse stock on an ongoing<br />

basis for centres.<br />

QUICK LANE<br />

THE FIRST Quick Lane franchise operation<br />

opend in the USA in 1997 and its first British<br />

business at the start of the year, with further<br />

operations opening in Prestwich and Manchester<br />

with plans for further in Bracknell and<br />

Colchester.<br />

<strong>The</strong> business is based around 13 maintenance and<br />

light repair services along with MoT testing and tyre<br />

sales. But, says UK operations director John Dines,<br />

the retail-focussed stance sets it apart from other<br />

branding schemes.<br />

“Our research tell us value is not priceled<br />

nor is convenience just about being<br />

28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 36 <strong>Garage</strong> Branding.indd 5 30/08/2019 15:17


35<br />

FOCUS <strong>Garage</strong> Branding<br />

SERVICESURE Autocentre,<br />

the garage<br />

programme of <strong>The</strong><br />

Parts Alliance, say<br />

2019 has proved a<br />

particularly successful year<br />

after topping approximately<br />

600 members.<br />

Servicesure aims to focus<br />

on quality. All garages sign<br />

up to a Customer Service<br />

Charter and <strong>The</strong> Motor Ombudsman.<br />

This governmentbacked<br />

regulatory body<br />

for the motor industry<br />

was developed to ensure<br />

that consumers<br />

receive an honest and<br />

fair service.<br />

“<strong>Garage</strong>s gain trust<br />

both by working to<br />

these standards and<br />

by being part of a na-<br />

tional network,” said Paul<br />

Dineen, Head of <strong>Garage</strong><br />

Programmes at <strong>The</strong> Parts<br />

Alliance. “Servicesure is an<br />

increasingly well recognised<br />

brand.”<br />

National marketing initiatives,<br />

promotions and work<br />

with darts favourite Peter<br />

‘snakebite’ Wright, who’s a<br />

brand ambassador, all act to<br />

keep the name in the mind<br />

of motorists.<br />

Servicesure continues to<br />

innovate, developing propositions<br />

to entice customers.<br />

It added Brakesure to its<br />

longstanding National Warranty<br />

Scheme at the start of<br />

the year.<br />

Servicesure Autocentre<br />

Brakesure allows participating<br />

Servicesure Autocentres<br />

to offer lifetime<br />

replacement on brake pads.<br />

To qualify, motorists must<br />

get a comprehensive check<br />

on their braking system<br />

and complete all necessary<br />

maintenance work first.<br />

Meanwhile, the marketleading<br />

National Warranty<br />

has been a cornerstone of<br />

Servicesure for a number of<br />

years. It ensures parts purchased<br />

from the local Parts<br />

Alliance member branch<br />

are then sold by Servicesure<br />

garages with 12 months /<br />

12,000 mile parts and labour<br />

warranty. Repair work<br />

can be carried out by any<br />

Servicesure Autocentre.<br />

<strong>The</strong> warranty is operated<br />

entirely in-house to ensure a<br />

hassle-free service too.<br />

Servicesure has even developed<br />

new easy-payment<br />

solutions. <strong>The</strong>se enable garages<br />

to offer customers the<br />

facility to develop savings<br />

plans for car maintenance<br />

or interest-free payment<br />

plans for those larger bills.<br />

Besides great incentives<br />

to attract and retain customers,<br />

Servicesure Autocentres<br />

also gain access to<br />

a suite of over 30 specialist<br />

business support services to<br />

boost efficiency.<br />

<strong>The</strong>ir expert knowledge<br />

and resources cover everything<br />

from garage management<br />

systems GS Lite and<br />

GS Quote through to waste<br />

management and laundry<br />

services. Other solutions<br />

cover temporary staffing, HR<br />

support, car sales and leasing,<br />

tyre sales, video services<br />

for work authorisation,<br />

manufacturer-level training<br />

and technical support to<br />

name a few.<br />

Dedicated Servicesure<br />

Sales Managers are available<br />

work with garages on a<br />

local level, operating as the<br />

link between the local Parts<br />

Alliance member branch,<br />

business service suppliers<br />

and the Service Autocentres<br />

central team.<br />

“We know the Servicesure<br />

Autocentre concept appeals<br />

to better quality independent<br />

garages wanting to plan<br />

for the future and grow to the<br />

next level,” said Paul Dineen.<br />

“Once they’ve recognised the<br />

benefits of belonging to a national<br />

network and started<br />

to evaluate the options, Servicesure<br />

tends to stand out<br />

because it’s comprehensive<br />

and exceptional value for<br />

money.<br />

“In the end, it just makes<br />

obvious commercial sense<br />

to many garages.”<br />

To enquire about opportunities<br />

to join the UK’s fastest<br />

growing garage network,<br />

please contact your local<br />

member of <strong>The</strong> Parts Alliance<br />

or visit http://www.servicesureautocentres.com/<br />

become-a-servicesure-garage/<br />

for more information.<br />

fast. It’s about delivering good customer experience,<br />

individualised and supported by technology, experts,<br />

processes and outstanding facilities.<br />

“As we grow our UK network we’re expanding<br />

opur services and offer to maintain a consultative<br />

and transparent relationship that keeps customers<br />

returning, building trust, loyalty and advocacy in this<br />

evolving industry.”<br />

Offering all-makes coverage and backed by the<br />

latest diagnostic equipment Quick Lane can service<br />

all cars and light vans, but network growth will be<br />

through opportunities rather than aggression.<br />

“We’ll only open a Quick Lane where there is demand<br />

and an opportunity to do so, and only where<br />

we believe we can offer a differentiated service. We’re<br />

focused on building a customer-focused offer and delivering<br />

great customer service together with professional<br />

service and maintenance provision. As long as<br />

we’re delivering that, we’re confident that growth and<br />

success will follow,” Dines says.<br />

28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 36 <strong>Garage</strong> Branding.indd 6 29/08/2019 10:00


GARAGE OWNERS.<br />

DRIVE YOUR<br />

BUSINESS<br />

FORWARD.<br />

Join the Eurorepar Car<br />

Service network today.<br />

In partnership with<br />

Visit eurorepar.co.uk<br />

Are you following us?<br />

@ercsuk<br />

GREAT GARAGES.<br />

COMPETITIVE PRICES.<br />

ERP.indd 1 28/08/2019 15:03


37 Social Media<br />

It’s fair to say that social media has<br />

become an integral part of all our lives<br />

Stuart Woolley looks at the<br />

way social media can help<br />

grow your business<br />

Social media!!<br />

Facebook, Twitter,<br />

Instagram!<br />

<strong>The</strong>se platforms<br />

were developed<br />

as a way of interacting with<br />

friends, family or social<br />

circle in the comfort of your<br />

home, work, or pretty much<br />

anywhere you can get a Wi-Fi<br />

signal.<br />

It’s fair to say that social<br />

media has become an integral<br />

part of all our lives. But<br />

interestingly, back in 2005,<br />

social media was barely on<br />

the fingertips that we place<br />

on our keyboards today. We<br />

have become fascinated with<br />

global goings-on and with<br />

the fact that we get instant<br />

information in the blink of<br />

an eye with one simple click.<br />

But it is important to understand<br />

the effect it has<br />

had upon us and how we<br />

use platforms to directly involve<br />

ourselves in conversation<br />

and immerse ourselves<br />

in controversy and intrigue.<br />

Today, social media is widely<br />

used by global businesses<br />

to engage with customers<br />

via promotions and demonstrating<br />

what sets them<br />

apart from the competition.<br />

In this segment, we look<br />

at ways social media can<br />

enhance your business and<br />

help you connect with your<br />

customers: Nearly half of the<br />

world’s population are using<br />

social media platforms,<br />

they’re a natural place to<br />

reach new and highly targeted<br />

customers.<br />

<strong>The</strong> first steps into social<br />

media can feel a little<br />

daunting for any business,<br />

especially if you don’t fully<br />

understand or feel comfortable<br />

with it. Many people<br />

will tell you that you need to<br />

rack up millions of followers<br />

or have a glossy brand push<br />

to really benefit from these<br />

cost-friendly resources. This<br />

is not true. Used correctly,<br />

social media is by far one<br />

of the best ways to connect<br />

with current and potential<br />

customers, so if you do not<br />

have a presence, you are<br />

missing out on the chance<br />

to reach out to an audience<br />

that is ready and willing to<br />

listen.<br />

Social media gives you<br />

the perfect place to increase<br />

brand awareness. Various<br />

market studies have proven<br />

that certain campaigns have<br />

given recognised brands<br />

in excess of a five point lift<br />

in awareness. This doesn’t<br />

have to be just for global<br />

brands. Consider this: 60<br />

percent of Instagram users<br />

say that they discover new<br />

products on that app. That<br />

is awe-inspiring considering<br />

the app is a photographbased<br />

platform.<br />

<strong>The</strong>re is plenty of substance<br />

behind a phrase<br />

“Humanize your brand.”<br />

To connect with customers<br />

and potential customers<br />

you have to show a human<br />

side of your brand, which<br />

translates as “how are you<br />

embracing your brand values?”<br />

How are you looking<br />

out for the best interests for<br />

your customers? Do you put<br />

into practice what you what<br />

you say you do? Social platforms<br />

offer you the ability to<br />

create a human connection.<br />

<strong>The</strong>y allow you to introduce<br />

your followers to your staff<br />

members and demonstrate<br />

how existing customers are<br />

benefiting from your service.<br />

Always make sure you stay<br />

in focus. Most social media<br />

users log into their accounts<br />

at least once a day, with<br />

many more checking multiple<br />

times a day. If you remain<br />

active, keep your posts<br />

entertaining and informative<br />

and your followers will ideally<br />

be glad to view your new<br />

content via their timelines,<br />

keeping you and your business<br />

in the forefront of their<br />

minds.<br />

Another huge benefit to<br />

using social media is that it<br />

can increase traffic to your<br />

website. Content sharing<br />

from a blog or your website<br />

to your social channels<br />

is a brilliant way to attract<br />

customers as soon as you<br />

post. It is also a good idea to<br />

participate in various social<br />

chats that some platforms<br />

offer. Twitter is a great way<br />

to increase your following,<br />

starting interesting and informative<br />

debate. Users are<br />

likely to look at your profile<br />

and website off the back of<br />

this interaction.<br />

Constantly remember, no<br />

matter what you sell or what<br />

service you offer, social media<br />

can help you promote<br />

it. Your social accounts are<br />

a critical part of your sales<br />

funnel and the development<br />

of your business – the process<br />

through which a new<br />

contact becomes a customer.<br />

As the number of user’s increases<br />

and it will continue<br />

to grow at a frantic pace, social<br />

media tools will evolve.<br />

<strong>The</strong>se platforms will become<br />

more and more important<br />

for product search and e-<br />

commerce.<br />

<strong>The</strong> time has come to<br />

align your social media efforts<br />

through marketing<br />

and sales. Remember, word<br />

of mouth drives purchasing<br />

decisions. When people are<br />

talking about your company<br />

or service on social media,<br />

you are building your brand<br />

and your credibility.<br />

Don’t delay. Explore the<br />

many ways social media can<br />

help you connect, engage<br />

and grow your business.<br />

37 Social Media.indd 1 28/08/2019 14:59


38<br />

Technical<br />

TEASER<br />

It’s a conundrum most repairers have faced at least once in their career<br />

– a vehicle’s battery going flat overnight, seemingly for no reason at all.<br />

Initial checks may draw a blank, leaving technicians confused and the<br />

customer not only frustrated but, potentially, out of pocket.<br />

Below is a technical teaser from a genuine enquiry handled by Auto<br />

Education Academy’s Technical Helpline. We challenge you to find the<br />

solution within just 20 minutes.<br />

Problem...<br />

<strong>The</strong> helpline was recently presented with a 2018 plate Audi RS4, which<br />

was having calibration issues. <strong>The</strong> technician’s first step was to run<br />

diagnostics to understand the fault. This presented error messages<br />

galore. Most relating to incorrect calibration data, so the technician then<br />

attempted a calibration. <strong>The</strong> calibration failed with a result of “incorrect<br />

distance to calibration panel”. <strong>The</strong> distance and setup were checked,<br />

and the calibration was tried a second time.<br />

<strong>The</strong> technician was presented with the same problem; rare for such a<br />

new vehicle. So, what caused the problem – and what was the solution?<br />

Think you’ve got it?<br />

See if you’re right with the answer below.<br />

THE SOLUTION<br />

It’s all too easy for workshops to get caught up in<br />

high level technical details. Sometimes, it’s quicker<br />

and easier to simply ask the motorist if they’re<br />

aware of any recent changes to the vehicles that<br />

are not detailed on the logbook. Afterall, nobody<br />

knows a car better than its driver.<br />

In doing so, the technician found that the vehicle<br />

recently had a new windscreen fitted. Further<br />

investigation revealed the bracket of the camera<br />

required to operate the ADAS was mounted too<br />

high up on the new windscreen, meaning it could<br />

no longer see the board. As a result of this find, the<br />

vehicle owner had to have a new windscreen fitted,<br />

and the camera refitted. Successful calibration was<br />

achieved with no issue after this fix was enacted.<br />

TECHNICAL HELPLINE<br />

Struggling with the problem? You should consider<br />

signing up to the helpline.<br />

When you do, you’ll have access to experienced<br />

master technicians, seven days a week, saving you<br />

time and money. If you can’t find a solution in 20<br />

minutes call our team and let us do the hard work<br />

for you.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Technical Helpline provides troubleshooting,<br />

repair/diagnostics assistance and technical<br />

information on any vehicle or manufacturer.<br />

<strong>The</strong> helpline has access to repair manuals, circuit<br />

diagrams, parts catalogues and component<br />

locations for any vehicle that comes into your<br />

workshop.<br />

For more information about the service, please visit:<br />

www.autoeducationacademy.com/helpline/<br />

38 Tech Teaser News.indd 1 27/08/2019 10:22


Trust My <strong>Garage</strong> is the only Chartered Trading Standards Institute<br />

(CTSI) Approved Code exclusively for independent garages.<br />

Join Britain's greatest garage scheme and become part of a nationally<br />

recognised consumer brand, as seen on TV.<br />

TMG is a benefit of Independent <strong>Garage</strong> Association membership with<br />

no extra cost to the member or consumer - it's a Code of Practice for<br />

independent garages that does not "skim".<br />

Sign up or enquire:<br />

0845 305 4230<br />

TRADINGSTANDARDS.UK<br />

TrustMy<strong>Garage</strong>.co.uk<br />

RMI.indd 1 30/08/2019 10:35


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Tyre Equipment SPECIAL OFFER ad.indd 1 23/08/2019 11:40<br />

Hofmann FP.indd 1 29/08/2019 10:34

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