On the ninth consecutive week of lockdown in the UK, two thirds of British workshops were open, according to the GiPA garage survey. This average includes franchised dealers, independent motor traders and tyre dealers, as well as national chains. Watch the Tyrepress webinar, ‘Kick-starting your tyre business’ for more information and advice on how different dealer groups have tackled lockdown and reopening.
It looks like a light has appeared at the end of the tunnel, as some of the lockdown restrictions begin to be eased. The latest government advice is that those who are able to work, but not from home, should now return to work. They are also advising commuters that it is their civic duty NOT to use public transport, and cycle, walk or use the car instead. As the average UK commute is almost an hour, lots of people will start to use their cars again.
Idle vehicles around the UK as a result of Coronavirus lockdown measures introduced in late March could lead to considerable damage to car batteries. In-vehicle electrical systems and alarms drain the battery continually, alongside the natural loss in charge. These factors could result in significant numbers of batteries requiring recharging or replacement in the coming months. Aftermarket supplier The Parts Alliance is encouraging garages to offer a battery testing service to their customers proactively. The company has produced a range of marketing materials to help promote such an offering.
As workshops have a vital role to ensure the country keeps moving during this challenging period, they are one of the few businesses officially allowed to stay open amidst the COVID-19 outbreak. To show its support for the important part they play, First Line Ltd is offering advice as to how technicians can stay safe, as well as standing alongside them to continue to supply the parts they need to effectively continue to run their businesses.
Despite the fact that here in the UK and Ireland there is not a culture of changing from summer to winter tyres at the end of the season, tyre related problems do increase during the colder, wetter months. In order to help workshops to be ready to tackle these potential issues, TecAlliance has developed a tyre change checklist that provides optimal support and offers customers maximum transparency. Another important issue is the installation and configuration of tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), for which it now offers even more comprehensive information.
Machine Mart says that its professional quality, heavy duty, lockable Clarke tool chests and cabinets are ideal for use in an automotive workshop and are perfect for keeping tools secure and tidy.
E3 Technical, software and staff supplier to online automotive reference company Carweb, has been acquired by HaynesPro, the professional data solutions business of Haynes Publishing Group plc. (Haynes). The move will strengthen Haynes’ online technical data presence in the UK, according to the company. HaynesPro is the European market leader for online automotive workshop data for the automotive aftermarket. Serving more than 50,000 workshops through its European partners, it has been collaborating with Carweb since 2009. Darryl Watts, formerly E3 technical sales director, has become the new managing director of HaynesPro UK.
With over 400 tickets already sold, the Original Equipment Suppliers Aftermarket Association (OESAA) is urging those interested in attending this year’s Autoinform Live to book now to avoid disappointment.
First Stop has agreed a new association with synthetic motor oil brand ExxonMobil, which will position its network of independent garages as ‘Mobil 1 workshops’. This agreement will entitle First Stop branches to high profile sales promotions. A dedicated account manager will work with First Stop garages, aiming to help improve customer retention and the generation of new business through brand ambassadorship.
Clarke has introduced a new range of heavy duty petrol driven pressure washers, built for tough daily use by garages, fleet operators, contractors and more. The PLS 195 and PLS 265 models have a tough protective steel frame, folding handles for compact storage and pneumatic tyres for easy mobility on uneven ground.
GiPA
Schaeffler
Yuasa