Engine management and ignition specialist SMP Europe has appointed Martin Turner as its new marketing director. He will oversee all commercial and product marketing activities with suppliers, buying groups and distributors, and be involved in research and analysis activities to define and establish SMP Europe’s strategies. Turner was previously internet sales manager at the company.
Egypt’s automotive aftermarket has been dubbed “one of Africa’s most exciting markets” as its motoring population and vehicle sales grow, its economy expands and the government moves to combat automotive emissions. Germany’s Africa business experts africon, the knowledge partners of Automechanika Dubai, suggests these trends have resulted in an aftermarket now worth between US$1-2 billion in a whitepaper on the subject.
Autogem has been praised as “an indispensable partner in the aftermarket to a great number of businesses” following its victory in the Tyre Industry Awards 2021 Aftermarket Equipment Supplier of the Year category. The UK provider of automotive chemicals, fasteners, hand tools, workshop consumables, and TPMS solutions was recognised for its adaptation during the pandemic as well as its investment in products and training support.
The Office National Statistics (ONS) has reported a record number of job vacancies in July to September 2021 – 1,102 million in total, an increase of 318,000 from its pre-pandemic January to March 2020 level. This was the second consecutive month the three-month average has risen over one million. And what’s more, vacancies for roles related to mechanical repair were amongst the leading sectors.
Such is brake manufacturer TMD Friction’s emphasis on the strategic significance of its data quality, for more than over 10 years it has taked a specialised data team to continuously improving product and catalogue data. To this end, TecAlliance supports TMD Friction in ensuring that optimal product and catalogue data is available at points of service worldwide, supporting sustainable business success. As a founding member and shareholder of TecAlliance, TMD Friction relies on the know-how and support of TecAlliance teams worldwide for optimal data management.
For battery brand Banner, highlight the quality and performance of products is key. And the fact that its products achieve original equipment (OE) standards is a central part of that. That’s why, as one of the founding members of the Original Equipment Suppliers Aftermarket Association (OESAA) and with Lee Quinney sitting on the advisory board, Banner reports that it is “committed and unequivocal about the importance of OE within the automotive aftermarket”.
5.5 million drivers took advantage of the government’s six-month MOT extension between April and July 2020. This caused a rush for MOT slots between September and January last year and the same is set to happen again as garages prepare for what some are calling “super September”. On top of all that, nearly 1 million new cars registered between September 2018 and January 2019 are set for their first MOT. As a result, some sources are predicting 16 per cent more MOTs in September 2021 than the year before and 29 per cent more in October. And, of course, more MOTs mean more tyre and fast-fit business. But this is just part of the story, there are also growing signs of pent-up tyre demand hidden in the details of the MOT data.
Automotive aftermarket supplier First Line Ltd has introduced 40 new-to-range products across its Steering and Suspension, Cooling, Cables, and Braking categories. The company said the new additions represent the company’s commitment to update its key product ranges regularly, increasing the speed with which it brings new parts to the aftermarket.
Alliance Automotive Group UK (AAG), a subsidiary of Genuine Parts Company (GPC) and one of the UK’s leading aftermarket distributors, has acquired J&S Automotive Distributors (J&S). The acquired business, which includes its subsidiary Auto Components Northern Ireland, trades from three distribution centres in Dublin, Cork and Omagh with annual sales of approximately €35m.
Embracing the vibe of the Tokyo Olympics, wiper blade manufacturer, Trico, and distributor, Pearl Automotive, have announced a joint Gold, Silver and Bronze promotion for their customers. However, with more than £2,000 worth of prizes to be won, including an Amazon Echo, Love2Shop vouchers, Rockpod speakers, a port tasting experience and Bose speakers, amongst others, they’ll have to act fast to be one of the winners.
With tyre specialists doing as much mechanical work as ever, and with autocentres representing a growing proportion of the top 25 tyre retailers, understanding the so-called aftermarket side of the business is important. When you add in the pandemic-related disruption, which includes the effects of the government’s six-month MOT extension – something that has caused a mini-boom and bust in the garage space – getting to grips with the latest trends and products in the aftermarket sector at this particular time is something of a priority. That’s why in this section July’s edition of Tyres & Accessories surveys the latest data, trends and products to help you prepare for what’s next. Our aftermarket feature starts with an analysis of the full-year 2020 MOT data from a tyre demand perspective.
A coalition of trade associations (including the NTDA) and commercial organisations (including Halfords and Kwik Fit) has been formed to lobby the UK government to uphold “the rights of the independent aftermarket and consumers in the post-Brexit era.” The UK Alliance for the Freedom of Car Repair (AFCAR), which derives its name from the European group of the same name, will primarily lobby on the Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulations (MV-BER), Vehicle Type Approval (including access to Repair & Maintenance Information) and Cybersecurity.
UK automotive parts distributor, Partbusters, has made a generous donation to the Great Ormond Street Hospital, raising approximately £1,500 for the charity. The figure included £600 from takings from the company’s coffee machine, which was then doubled by Ricky Bassi, director and founder of Partbusters, before other members of the Partbusters team rallied round to raise a fantastic £1500 for the charity.
Schaeffler and Brembo will present the first-ever ‘dynamic collaboration’ between two original equipment manufacturers at Autoinform Live 2021. In a 40-second clip, Schaeffler REPXPERT, Mike Tomkins, and Brembo Aftermarket Area Manager, Siti Abdullah, reveal that both brands will present an informative insight into current and future developments of braking and chassis systems at the GTG Training Academy in Wolverhampton on the 6 and 7 November.
Kasjan Farbisz; Pixabay
ONS
TecAlliance
Banner
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Andrea Piaquiadio
TechMan
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