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DensoHella and Minth establish new joint venture in China
Hella and the Minth Group have announced a joint venture, which will be funded equally. The company, Hella Minth Jiaxing Automotive Parts Co. Ltd., will promote the development, production and marketing of radomes (absorbent covers for radar systems) and illuminated logos. It has a production facility in Jiaxing and will have an international scope, with an initial focus on the Chinese market. Subject to the approval of the relevant antitrust authorities, the joint venture is scheduled to start operations in Autumn 2020.
Denso webinars ‘go from strength to strength’
DensoIntroduced in response to the coronavirus crisis to provide technicians with ongoing training during the restrictions imposed by the country’s lockdown measures, Denso Aftermarket’s webinar programme has proved immensely popular. As a result, alongside the original air conditioning and thermal management modules, which will remain, new product categories will join them as the company shares its wealth of technical knowledge derived from decades of original equipment design and production experience.
New sales director at SMP Europe
SMP EuropeSMP Europe has appointed Wayne Hodgkisson as its new sales director. Hodgkisson has previously overseen the company’s tier one sales strategy, where he was successful in bringing further growth into the business, the company states. In his new position he will oversee the entire sales department with a key focus on supporting growth with customers and buying groups, as well as tapping into new opportunities.
SchaefflerFIGIEFA surveys pandemic independent parts distributor impact
FIGIEFA recently conducted a survey open to independent automotive spare parts distributors to assess the impact of COVID-19 on their operations and what was needed to help them recover.
Hoppecke appoints new general manager
HoppeckeHoppecke Industrial Batteries has appointed Stuart Browne as general manager. Having joined Hoppecke UK in 2015 as service director, Browne was promoted to operations director-sales and service in January last year. This specially created role was a significant move tied into the company’s decision to forge closer links between its sales and service divisions to enhance customer support.
Denso product update ‘strengthens’ vehicle parc coverage
DensoDenso Aftermarket has released a comprehensive new-to-range update, covering thermal system, spark plug, wiper blade and fuel pump component categories. More than 70 new references are spread among the product groups, which increases the choice available to distributors and technicians, and expands Denso’s UK and Ireland vehicle parc coverage.
Dayco invests in new Brazilian campus
Dayco will open a new South American plant in Indaiatuba, Brazil. The engine products and drive systems supplier says the new plant will improve the company’s distribution, production and technological capabilities in South America and support its fast-growing aftermarket business in the region.
Autoparts UK, Midwest Motor Factors, Monmore close to provide NHS resources
Autoparts UK, Midwest Motor Factors and Monmore Autoparts will temporarily close until at least Monday 13 April. As part of Arnold Clark, the company is making resources available to the NHS and frontline workers, including the provision of 400 vehicles free of charge. Arnold Clark employees have also responded to the government’s call for help and are volunteering within the NHS and are also providing roadside recovery, emergency repairs and parts for all emergency vehicles where necessary.
Aftermarket suppliers can remain open in Covid-19 lockdown
The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation has gained clarification from government that businesses in the automotive aftermarket supplying garages, namely motor factors and suppliers, can remain open during the Covid-19 lockdown. Garages are exempt from the enforced closure of retailers, but motor factors can stay open in order to supply workshops who continue to support logistics providers, local councils, blue light services and key workers.
The Parts Alliance sending Queensway Auto Repairs to Le Mans
The Parts Alliance’s ongoing ‘Original Experience’ promotion has a top prize-winner. Omer Hassan, director of Queensway Auto Repairs found the winning scratch card on Monday 16 March. The Enfield independent garage, established 15 years, undertakes MOTs, service and repairs, on mainly German cars.
First Line introduces new water pump
First Line has recently introduced a replacement water pump with an electric valve to accommodate a range of VAG vehicles equipped with stop/start technology that have this specialised component fitted as standard. The pump, with the First Line reference FWP2352V, fits Audi A1, A3, A4, A5 and Q3, Seat Leon, Škoda Octavia, VW Passat, Golf, Tiguan and Transporter 1.6TD and 2.0TD 2012 applications.
EAG appoints ex-Suplex expert to assist after it becomes brand’s exclusive UK distributor
Excel Automotive Group (EAG) has recruited Sam Cotterill to its team, brought in, initially, to assist Suplex’s relocation to its new and exclusive distributor. After five years at the coil spring specialist, developing the relationship between brand and customer, the company sees Cotterill as “the perfect person to be the conduit between the two brands.”
Melett grows partnership with Universal Turbos
Melett, the leading UK supplier of precision engineered turbochargers and parts, has expanded its partnership with specialist turbo repairer Universal Turbos. Universal Turbos, based in Hampshire, supply workshops in automotive, motorcycle, marine, off-highway and agricultural sectors, offering a complete turbo repair and replacement service.
