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

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

Issue <strong>358</strong><br />

January 2024<br />

PACKED WITH<br />

ALL THE LATEST<br />

GARAGE AND<br />

WORKSHOP<br />

NEWS, EVENTS<br />

& FEATURES<br />

INDUSTRY UNITED AT<br />

IAAF ANNUAL AWARDS<br />

AND DINNER 2023<br />

GSF CAR PARTS SETS OUT<br />

EXCITING VISION<br />

KINGFISHER MOTOR TRADE<br />

OFFERS NEW RISK MANAGEMENT<br />

PROPOSITION FOR 2024<br />

A NEW YEAR, SO MAKE IT<br />

A SAFE ONE - GRIPCLAD<br />

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

1 Front.indd 1 21/12/2023 13:11


8100 & NGEN<br />

TOP PERFORMERS<br />

Pedigree, Performance and now<br />

market-leading Sustainability<br />

Motul’s 8100 range combines many different recent type approvals for engines,<br />

from a host of different OEMs, into this single but wide-reaching range.<br />

Now, 8100 POWER also offers the opportunity of opening up the performance market.<br />

Motul NGEN – Next generation lubricants, which includes the first sustainable oil for<br />

Hybrids providing higher fuel economy performance, better engine response and<br />

start-up performance, extended engine protection and better engine cleanliness.<br />

Find the right<br />

Motul product<br />

for your vehicle<br />

Motul Sales, Product information and Technical enquiries contact:<br />

enquiries@uk.motul.com / www.motul.com I Trade enquiries: 01905 676819<br />

Motul FP.indd 1 21/12/2023 10:33


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

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

Issue <strong>358</strong><br />

January 2024<br />

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

Happy New Year! I hope it was a<br />

happy festive period for you all,<br />

and welcome to the first issue of<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Garage</strong> for 2024.<br />

Our magazine this month is taken up<br />

with a full review of the IAAF Conference<br />

and Awards Dinner, held last month. It was<br />

the biggest to date, and those of you who<br />

visited enjoyed interesting and informative<br />

presentations followed by an evening of<br />

fun and celebration, you can read all about<br />

it on page 23.<br />

Elsewhere in the magazine you can<br />

catch up on all the latest news and<br />

Subscribe to<br />

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

Contact us<br />

product releases in the industry, including<br />

GripClad inspection pit safety covers whose<br />

innovative product brings a practical safety<br />

solution to garage and workshop.<br />

Enjoy the magazine.<br />

To ensure you receive a printed copy of <strong>The</strong> <strong>Garage</strong><br />

every issue, visit our website and input your details.<br />

Don’t forget the magazine is FREE to receive.<br />

www.garageandmot.com<br />

Editor<br />

Paul Gregory<br />

paul.gregory@ppmedia.co.uk<br />

Design & Layout<br />

Mark Blacker<br />

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

Advertising Manager<br />

Nat Excell<br />

Natalie@talk-media.uk<br />

Telephone: 01732 445674<br />

/ 07791 094967<br />

Paul Gregory Editor<br />

paul.gregory@ppmedia.co.uk<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Garage</strong> is published by:<br />

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DO THE RIGHT<br />

THING AND<br />

GET THE<br />

RECOGNITION<br />

YOU DESERVE<br />

Prove to customers you have<br />

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3 Welcome.indd 1 21/12/2023 13:56


CONTENTS<br />

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

MONTHLY<br />

ISSUE IN PRINT<br />

AND ONLINE<br />

DIRECT TO<br />

GARAGES & MOT<br />

CENTRES<br />

Inside<br />

News and Products<br />

06. GSF Car Parts - is supercharged for success as new<br />

leadership sets out exciting vision.<br />

08. <strong>The</strong> Motor Ombudsman - adds smart UK Automotive Ltd to<br />

its expanding New Car Code portfolio.<br />

10. ELTA - ‘Factor Sales pivotal in success of new and<br />

fastest-selling product range’.<br />

12. Onkar Chahal - Wacky Races - Onkar talks about taking<br />

part in one of those ‘ball-based driving events, you know<br />

the one’s; timed stages from point A-B over a few days in<br />

old cars wearing fancy dress with a series of challenges along<br />

the way.<br />

14. IMI - Less than half of motorists consider ADAS calibration<br />

vital. New IMI research identifies lack of ADAS knowledge<br />

could present serious road safety risk.<br />

16. Brake joint venture Hella Pagid - HELLA and TMD Friction<br />

agree on complete takeover by HELLA.<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Garage</strong> has established<br />

itself as one of the major<br />

trade titles in the UK servicing<br />

the independent garage<br />

sector. With subscription<br />

and free circulation it arrives<br />

on the principals desk of the<br />

independent garage sector<br />

every month. <strong>The</strong> online<br />

version of the magazine is<br />

emailed to over 10,000 people<br />

in the automotive industry<br />

every month.<br />

18. GripClad - A new year so make it a safe one - Inspection<br />

Pit Safety Covers - Safety in the workplace is rightly<br />

the number one priority of all employers. All workplaces<br />

have potentially hazardous situations, and as a responsible<br />

employer, you must ensure you’ve assessed correctly and<br />

installed the proper procedures and safety equipment.<br />

20. Customer case study - How Straightset completely<br />

modernised Helensburgh Toyota’s Workshop.<br />

22. Kingfisher Motor Trade - offers new risk management<br />

proposition for 2024. Insurance broker Kingfisher Motor<br />

Trade is pleased to announce the formation of a team<br />

of qualified risk management consultants, helping to reduce<br />

the risks faced at work and protecting your business and<br />

your workers.<br />

23. IAAF’s 2023 Conference: Embracing resilience and<br />

innovation in the automotive aftermarket - <strong>The</strong><br />

conference centred around the theme ‘<strong>The</strong> Brilliance<br />

of Resilience’, celebrating the constant progression<br />

while also looking to overcome future obstacles and<br />

embrace opportunities.<br />

www.garageandmot.com<br />

@garageandmot<br />

For more details or to book your<br />

next advert contact Nat Excell on:<br />

Natalie@talk-media.uk<br />

01732 445674 | 07791 094967<br />

26. IAAF Annual Awards and Dinner 2023 - This year’s event,<br />

was a testament to the resilience and accomplishments of<br />

the automotive aftermarket sector, and included a<br />

harmonious blend of prestigious awards, motivating<br />

speeches, and a unique twist of entertainment.<br />

Your data<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Garage</strong> is published by Partnership Publishing and is produced 12 times a year. Your data and privacy is<br />

important to us. We would never give this information away or sell it onto a third party. You would only receive<br />

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

4 THE GARAGE<br />

4 Contents.indd 1 21/12/2023 14:01


PERFORMANCE<br />

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BILS-PRC-DIV-007-22_UK-Anzeigen_Performance_A4_230104_RZ.indd Car Mech_2023_03_Mar_ThyssenKrupp Bilstein FP.indd 1 Bilstein GmbH_FP.indd 1 3 01/02/2023 21/12/2023 04.01.23 11:40<br />

09:56<br />

10:36


NEWS<br />

GSF Car Parts is supercharged for success<br />

as new leadership sets out exciting vision<br />

GSF Car Parts Executive Chairman Sukhpal Singh Ahluwalia and CEO Steve Horne unveiled an<br />

ambitious and trailblazing vision to invest, expand and improve the leading automotive aftermarket<br />

business at its Supercharged for Success staff conference this week.<br />

More than 300 managers from across<br />

the national motor factor’s 180<br />

branches and specialist support<br />

teams attended the Birmingham event. In a<br />

progressive step towards transparency and<br />

relationships for the industry, all elements<br />

of the two-day staff conference were<br />

open to GSF’s supplier partners who also<br />

attended the event, increasing the total<br />

headcount to more than 360.<br />

GSF Car Parts CEO Steve Horne said:<br />

“One of the top priorities for Sukhpal<br />

and I when we joined was getting all our<br />

managers and suppliers together as soon as<br />

we could, because we know the power of<br />

communicating the plans and vision we’ve<br />

got for the future of GSF.<br />

“<strong>The</strong> feedback we’ve had about the event<br />

from both our people and our suppliers has<br />

been phenomenal, unprecedented. <strong>The</strong>re’s<br />

a real passion, sense of genuine pride and<br />

energy about GSF and where we’re going in<br />

2024 and beyond, and that’s because the<br />

success we’re going to drive will benefit<br />

every part of the aftermarket supply chain,<br />

from manufacturers to garages and road<br />

users.<br />

“By investing, expanding and improving<br />

our business, we will transform GSF from a<br />

sleeping giant into the partner, seller and<br />

employer of choice in our industry.”<br />

Supercharged for Success, which ran<br />

across 10 and 11 December, featured a<br />

series of keynote speakers from GSF’s<br />

senior management team, in addition to a<br />

guest speaker in the form of aftermarket<br />

legend Rob Wagman, previously the LKQ<br />

Global CEO who grew the business to a<br />

12-million-dollar market capitalisation.<br />

Key suppliers exhibited at the event’s<br />

trade show, delivered seminars and<br />

interactive group workshops for<br />

attendees. GSF also celebrated the best<br />

of its business in 2023 with more than<br />

a dozen awards on a day-one evening<br />

ceremony.<br />

Among the topics covered at the event<br />

were the company’s plans to open a<br />

substantive number of new branches<br />

in early 2024, with hundreds of new<br />

jobs, together with a market-leading<br />

catalogue, delivering once-in-a-lifetime<br />

hospitality experiences for customers and<br />

to revitalise its supply chain and systems<br />

to ensure it’s as easy as possible to do<br />

business with.<br />

Executive Chairman Sukhpal Singh<br />

Ahluwalia said: “It’s so good to be back<br />

in the industry and helping to lead GSF<br />

forward. This is a fantastic team and we<br />

see huge potential for the business and<br />

its people, so we are going to give them<br />

everything they need to succeed for our<br />

customers.<br />

GSF CEO Steve Horne delivers a keynote speech<br />

at the company’s Supercharged for Success event.<br />

“By working with our industry’s best<br />

suppliers, recruiting and retaining the best<br />

people and delivering every element of<br />

the basics through exceptional service to<br />

customers, we will supercharge GSF and<br />

take this business to the next level in the<br />

years to come.”<br />

6 THE GARAGE<br />

6,News GSF.indd 1 21/12/2023 13:27


Explore the Starline Battery Range<br />

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LKQ FP.indd 1 21/12/2023 10:34


INDUSTRYNEWS<br />

Industry insight<br />

<strong>The</strong> Motor Ombudsman adds smart<br />

UK Automotive Ltd to its expanding<br />

New Car Code portfolio<br />

<strong>The</strong> Motor Ombudsman is pleased to<br />

announce that smart UK Automotive<br />

Ltd has been awarded accreditation<br />

to its Chartered Trading Standards Institute<br />

(CTSI)-approved Motor Industry Codes of<br />

Practice for New Cars. <strong>The</strong> latest addition to<br />

the Ombudsman’s growing portfolio, which<br />

complements the existing and long-standing<br />

smart Europe GmbH accreditation to <strong>The</strong><br />

Motor Ombudsman, brings the total number<br />

of carmakers adhering to the Code to 42 –<br />

an all-time high for the Code of Practice.<br />

Owned by smart Europe GmbH, which<br />

continues to fulfill its warranty obligations in<br />

respect to the sales of previous generation<br />

smart models, smart UK Automotive Ltd is<br />

the legal entity selling new electric vehicles<br />

in the premium segment, starting with<br />

the current and acclaimed smart #1 SUV<br />

model line-up. Adhering to the guidelines<br />

● <strong>The</strong> electric car brand, smart UK Automotive Ltd, has gained<br />

accreditation to <strong>The</strong> Motor Ombudsman’s Motor Industry Code<br />

of Practice for New Cars<br />

● This complements the existing and long-running smart Europe<br />

GmbH accreditation to the Code of Practice<br />

● An all-time high of 42 vehicle manufacturers are now signed up<br />

to the New Car Code, covering over 99% of all new cars sold in<br />

the UK<br />

● Businesses that commit to the Code receive a number of<br />

exclusive benefits, including access to <strong>The</strong> Motor Ombudsman’s<br />

in-house automotive-specific dispute resolution service in the<br />

event of an unresolved customer complaint<br />

8 THE GARAGE<br />

8,9 Industry Insight TMO.indd 1 21/12/2023 10:31


INDUSTRYNEWS<br />

“We are delighted to welcome smart UK Automotive Ltd to the New Car Code, and to close the year<br />

with our largest ever portfolio of accredited vehicle manufacturers” - Andrew Brown, Subscriber<br />

Operations Manager at <strong>The</strong> Motor Ombudsman<br />

laid down by the comprehensive New Car<br />

Code reinforces the all-electric brand’s<br />

commitment to delivering high standards of<br />

service, beyond those stipulated by the law,<br />

in relation to the supply of its new cars to<br />

consumers, and the cover offered to vehicle<br />

owners by its three-year warranty.<br />

Obligations laid down for businesses by<br />

the Code of Practice include, providing<br />

vehicles to motorists that are of the<br />

expected standard, using honest and<br />

accurate advertising at all times, presenting<br />

warranty documents in clear and plain<br />

English, and adopting swift and costeffective<br />

customer complaints handling<br />

procedures.<br />

One of the significant benefits of smart<br />

UK Automotive Ltd gaining accreditation<br />

to <strong>The</strong> Motor Ombudsman, is the ability to<br />

access <strong>The</strong> Motor Ombudsman’s dedicated<br />

in-house team of automotive experts for<br />

help and guidance to assist with the swift<br />

and fair resolution of disputes. Furthermore,<br />

if a dispute has not been resolved to the<br />

satisfaction of a customer via smart UK<br />

Automotive Ltd’s own internal complaints<br />

handing processes, the brand is able to<br />

refer the vehicle owner to <strong>The</strong> Motor<br />

Ombudsman as an automotive-specific and<br />

independent third party, to investigate their<br />

dispute in an impartial environment, all at<br />

no cost to the consumer.<br />

Accreditation also gives smart UK<br />

Automotive privileged use of <strong>The</strong> Motor<br />

Ombudsman’s New Car Code insignia, and<br />

the Chartered Trading Standards Institute<br />

(CTSI) Approved Code logo on customerfacing<br />

literature and online assets, and<br />

the opportunity to enjoy amplified brand<br />

exposure through <strong>The</strong> Motor Ombudsman’s<br />

website (<strong>The</strong>MotorOmbudsman.org), and<br />

the body’s marketing initiatives, such as the<br />

Customer Service Star Awards.<br />

Andrew Brown, Subscriber Operations<br />

Manager at <strong>The</strong> Motor Ombudsman, said:<br />

“We are delighted to welcome smart UK<br />

Automotive Ltd to the New Car Code, and to<br />

close the year with our largest ever portfolio<br />

of accredited vehicle manufacturers. This<br />

highlights the importance that carmakers<br />

place in being aligned with the guidelines<br />

stipulated by the Code of Practice to help<br />

ensure that the delivery of high standards of<br />

service is at the forefront of the customer<br />

journey. We look forward to working closely<br />

with the business, and seeing them team at<br />

future Code of Practice forums.”<br />

David Browne, CEO at smart UK, added:<br />

“As we pursue our journey as an all-electric<br />

premium brand in the UK, accreditation to<br />

<strong>The</strong> Motor Ombudsman puts the spotlight<br />

on our customer-centric philosophy<br />

and brand ethos, where we set out to<br />

exceed expectations both in terms of our<br />

product range, and the associated services<br />

that we offer. Being a part of <strong>The</strong> Motor<br />

Ombudsman equally provides a valuable<br />

resource and guide of best practice to<br />

further shape and refine our internal<br />

processes, as well as the reassurance that<br />

we have a third party to consult if we were<br />

to ever have any unresolved customer<br />

disputes.”<br />

To view <strong>The</strong> Motor Ombudsman’s Motor<br />

Industry Code of Practice for New Cars,<br />

visit: www.<strong>The</strong>MotorOmbudsman.org/<br />

consumers/our-codes-of-practice/<br />

new-car-code<br />

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THE GARAGE 9<br />

8,9 Industry Insight TMO.indd 2 21/12/2023 10:31


NEWS<br />

ELTA: ‘Factor Sales pivotal in success of<br />

new and fastest-selling product range’<br />

ELTA has renewed its partnership with Factor<br />

Sales in a move to fortify its data-driven<br />

approach. This collaboration, spanning three<br />

years, has proven to be a cornerstone of<br />

ELTA’s success, elevating its market presence,<br />

transforming the way it navigates the everevolving<br />

automotive aftermarket and triggering<br />

product launches.<br />

ELTA’s commitment to data across its business has yielded<br />

remarkable results, according to ELTA Marketing Manager,<br />

Tim Brotherton. This dedication has found a crucial ally<br />

in Factor Sales, a partner that provides indispensable<br />

insights into the marketplace by uploading transactional<br />

data from motor factors across the UK and Ireland.<br />

Tim said: “For ELTA, Factor Sales has become more<br />

than a tool; it’s an integral part of our broader strategy,<br />

particularly influencing new product development<br />

process.<br />

“Factor Sales has pushed us into a new era of decisionmaking.<br />

It has enabled us to navigate markets with<br />

confidence, streamline operations, and strategically<br />

expand our product offerings. It’s not just about data; it’s<br />

about turning raw information into actionable insights.”<br />

“Opened doors to previously untapped<br />

opportunities”<br />

ELTA’s investments have become more targeted and<br />

effective, resulting in consistently successful product<br />

10 THE GARAGE<br />

B<br />

10,11, News ELTA.indd 1 21/12/2023 10:30


NEWS<br />

launches; for example, its decision to invest in a heater blower<br />

resister motor range has proved “immensely successful”.<br />

Tim continued: “<strong>The</strong> stock moved swiftly, prompting further<br />

investment and expansion into heater blower motors. Notably,<br />

this new range became our fastest-growing line in recent years,<br />

fostering the confidence to explore and expand our heating and<br />

cooling range further.”<br />

“<strong>The</strong> collaboration has allowed us to venture into new<br />

territories. What was once approached with caution has now<br />

become an avenue for growth. Our newfound ability to explore<br />

diverse product ranges has not only broadened our market<br />

presence but has also opened doors to previously untapped<br />

opportunities.”<br />

Furthermore, the Factor Sales software provided ELTA’s<br />

team with the confidence needed when budgeting for these<br />

new product ranges. <strong>The</strong> insights allow product managers<br />

to substantiate their requests with concrete data, ensuring<br />

informed and data-driven decisions. ELTA can accurately forecast<br />

demand, allocate resources effectively, and seize promising<br />

opportunities without hesitation.<br />

Exceptional support and collaboration<br />

Tim praised the “consistently outstanding” relationship with<br />

Factor Sales, singling out its original founder and still an employee<br />

of the business, Ian Penny.<br />

“Right from the outset, Ian has been accessible, promptly<br />

addressing any data-related queries and seamlessly incorporating<br />

additional product groups when needed. Moreover, our<br />

suggestions for enhancements and feedback have been<br />

met with openness and responsiveness, leading to impactful<br />

implementations.<br />

“<strong>The</strong> synergy we’ve cultivated with Factor Sales embodies a<br />

true partnership. Its willingness to engage with our enquiries and<br />

its receptiveness to our suggestions has been pivotal in refining<br />

our strategies and leveraging the data effectively.”<br />

Factor Sales is powered by Pearson Ham Group, and its<br />

director, Ben Martin, is thrilled that Factor Sales is playing a<br />

pivotal role in reshaping ELTA’s approach to product expansion<br />

– he said: “<strong>The</strong> collaboration between ELTA and Factor Sales is<br />

a testament to the power of data-driven decision-making in the<br />

automotive aftermarket.<br />

“We are delighted that ELTA trusts Factor Sales implicitly,<br />

triggering the diversification of its product line-up and its new<br />

range has become its fastest-selling line – we couldn’t ask for a<br />

greater endorsement than that!”<br />

To discover how Factor Sales can make an indelible, positive<br />

mark on your business, please visit www.pearsonhamgroup.com/<br />

about-us/contact, or contact automotive@pearsonhamgroup.<br />

com<br />

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

most recognised and trusted name in portable<br />

brake testers and garage equipment.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Bowmonk BrakeCheck is the electronic<br />

version that carries on from that pedigree.<br />

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

vehicle and it records braking efficiency and<br />

percentage of braking imbalance.<br />

• Portable & easy to use<br />

• No connections to vehicle required<br />

• GEA MTS Connected Approved (Upgrade Available)<br />

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

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

• Approved for 6-weekly checks<br />

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

10,11, News ELTA.indd 2 21/12/2023 10:30


ONKAR CHAHAL<br />

WACKY RACES<br />

“Is Onkar driving? Tell him to slow down,<br />

we have to set up the next stage.”<br />

“Yeah, he won’t do that. Can you speed up?”<br />

I<br />

was invited to take part in one of those ‘ball-based driving events,<br />

you know the one’s; timed stages from point A-B over a few days<br />

in old cars wearing fancy dress with a series of challenges along<br />

the way.<br />

We came close to winning it twice before so this time we were<br />

determined. <strong>The</strong> first year we had a Datsun 240Z, the second year<br />

was a BMW 635. Both manual gearbox, rear wheel drive, powerful<br />

cars, but clearly not powerful enough, as we hadn’t won!<br />

So, this year I put my skills to work. I bought a lumpy cam, tubular<br />

manifold system, some genuine Schnitzer alloys and went to work.<br />

<strong>The</strong> head was skimmed and ported before reassembly using the new<br />

cam, exhaust manifold and new performance chip. Whilst it was on<br />

the ramp, I added some new shocks and springs and managed to<br />

acquire an AP Racing big brake kit (<strong>The</strong>y were based close to us and<br />

had an E39 M5 development vehicle which I used to maintain for<br />

them). It also benefitted from fresh gearbox and diff oils and new<br />

tyres.<br />

We had covered England and Wales in year one and Scotland in<br />

year two so it would be a foreign excursion this time, surely? Day One<br />

found us heading off to Folkestone in a Star Wars themed costume,<br />

game on!<br />

We got this, we tell ourselves, two performance drivers in a<br />

performance car, across Europe. At the time I was a freelance<br />

instructor at a few circuits and my co driver was a weekend racer.<br />

This couldn’t play to our strengths any better if we tried! We were<br />

up against a 3.0 Capri Sport, Porsche 944 Lux, Reliant Scimiter and a<br />

BMW E21 323i. That was the main headache for us, and we knew it.<br />

Why?<br />

He also failed to win on previous attempts, so he too threw<br />

horsepower at the problem. Being a very good friend of mine he<br />

enlisted my help to build a winning car. We converted his 323 to<br />

a long stroke 2.7 with a lumpy cam, tubular manifold, uprated<br />

suspension, brakes and a new performance chip. All the fluids were<br />

drained and refilled and new rubber fitted to the corners . . . sound<br />

familiar?<br />

<strong>The</strong> 635 was everything we wanted it to be, comfortable, fast and<br />

By Onkar Chahal<br />

reliable. At one stage as we stormed through Germany we overtook<br />

the course car at over 140. As we did so, our phone rang . . .<br />

“Is Onkar driving?”<br />

“Yes”<br />

“Tell him to slow down, we have to set up the next stage.”<br />

“Yeah, he won’t do that. Can you speed up?”<br />

We agreed that I would stop for a break as opposed to slow down!<br />

Another stage saw us drive through Paris and again, I was driving. We<br />

caught the Porsche quickly as we approached the Peripherique and<br />

they struggled to keep up with us as we weaved our way through the<br />

traffic. That night over dinner I was given a new nickname, Weaver<br />

bird.<br />

When we headed to the finish line, we were bullish, no-one had<br />

passed us, we’d completed all the activities and collected as many<br />

points as possible.<br />

<strong>The</strong> winners?<br />

If I tell you the E21 failed to finish due to a seized wheel bearing on<br />

the final night, can you guess?<br />

Soon after the event I had a customer who wanted to tune his<br />

635 so I even managed to sell all the parts I’d bought. When we sold<br />

the car and cost the event we were ahead, which was a formula I<br />

repeated for Le-Mans.<br />

But that’s a different story, as is the gay bar we ended up in by<br />

mistake!<br />

Happy new year!<br />

12 THE GARAGE<br />

12 Opinion Onkar.indd 1 21/12/2023 10:29


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For further details on all our products contact: 023 8040 6796<br />

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THE GARAGE 13<br />

13 Adverts.indd 1 21/12/2023 10:20


NEWS<br />

Less than half of motorists<br />

consider ADAS calibration vital<br />

New IMI research identifies lack of ADAS knowledge could present<br />

serious road safety risk<br />

Anew report from the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI),<br />

‘Understanding the Knowledge Gap’, warns that Advanced<br />

Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) can only meet their safety<br />

objectives if accurately, correctly and safely maintained, repaired<br />

and serviced by fully qualified technicians. Yet it seems that less<br />

than half (47%) of motorists see ADAS calibration as a vital job<br />

and only 1 in 5 can identify ADAS features in their vehicle.<br />

<strong>The</strong> number of vehicles on UK roads that use ADAS is growing<br />

rapidly. <strong>The</strong> IMI estimates that by the end of 2023, at least one in<br />

ten cars will feature Level 2 autonomy, growing to almost half of<br />

the car parc by 2030 . <strong>The</strong>se technologically advanced vehicles<br />

make roads safer for all users. However, the IMI research found<br />

that while 86% of more than 1,000 drivers said they have at least<br />

one ADAS feature in their vehicle, just 18% understand what it is<br />

and could correctly identify it.<br />

14 THE GARAGE<br />

14,15, News IMI.indd 1 21/12/2023 10:19


Research Highlights<br />

● Less than half (47%) see ADAS calibration as a vital job<br />

● 39% of drivers incorrectly believe that ADAS calibration is done<br />

during an MOT<br />

● 16% of drivers were confident that ADAS on their vehicle has<br />

been recalibrated after repairs or maintenance<br />

● 36% said that if their vehicle displayed an alert advising ADAS<br />

calibration, they would leave it until their next workshop visit<br />

As Steve Nash, CEO of the IMI explained, the lack of consumer<br />

understanding about ADAS is a cause for concern: “It is extremely<br />

worrying that so few drivers fully understand their vehicle or<br />

appreciate the importance of maintaining its systems. ADAS<br />

technology is not checked as a matter of course at the annual<br />

MOT and it is the motorist’s responsibility to ensure their<br />

vehicle is properly maintained. If a motorist is not aware of<br />

ADAS technology how can they be certain it is being maintained<br />

properly?<br />

“Motorists need to be as diligent as possible about vehicle<br />

safety, getting any ADAS alerts reviewed in a timely manner<br />

by a technician qualified and fully certified to work on the<br />

technology. Unfortunately, with the current shortage of ADAS<br />

qualified technicians , finding someone locally who can do the<br />

job proficiently may be more time consuming than expected. But<br />

it’s imperative that drivers aren’t tempted to take a shortcut and<br />

take their car to someone who is not ADAS qualified. If a system<br />

such as lane departure warnings or adaptive cruise control fail<br />

at high speed on a motorway, the potential consequences don’t<br />

bear thinking about.”<br />

ADAS technologies that are not properly maintained and<br />

calibrated can deliver inaccurate readings or false alerts and<br />

could even malfunction and compromise the vehicle’s safety.<br />

<strong>The</strong> lack of knowledge could also put motorists at a disadvantage<br />

when selecting a garage for vehicle repairs, which could result in<br />

a vehicle not being properly recalibrated for all its ADAS features.<br />

<strong>The</strong> IMI believes it’s not just technicians that need to understand<br />

ADAS; sales and front of house staff need to understand the<br />

technology otherwise they could be feeding consumer ignorance.<br />

Nicholas Lyes, Director of Policy and Standards at IAM<br />

RoadSmart, added:<br />

“ADAS technology has the potential to improve road safety,<br />

but only if used correctly. If it isn’t, not least without a full<br />

understanding of what the systems are and are not capable<br />

of, it can have the opposite effect, with potentially worrying<br />

consequences for all road users.<br />

“IAM RoadSmart believes ADAS training can have a huge part<br />

in getting consumers familiar with technology that will save their<br />

lives. As the UK’s leading road safety charity, we would be more<br />

than happy to work with dealerships to help promote these<br />

systems as they begin to be supplied as standard on an increasing<br />

number of vehicles.”<br />

What is ADAS?<br />

ADAS calibration, refers to the process of adjusting and verifying<br />

the functionality of sensors and cameras installed in modern<br />

vehicles. <strong>The</strong>se systems use sensors and cameras to detect<br />

obstacles, maintain lane positioning, and control acceleration<br />

and braking, among other functions. Proper calibration ensures<br />

that these systems function accurately and effectively, minimising<br />

the risk of accidents and ensuring the safety of drivers and<br />

passengers. ADAS calibration is typically performed after a<br />

repair or replacement of a vehicle’s windshield, cameras, or<br />

sensors, and may require specialised equipment and expertise to<br />

complete.<br />

ADAS calibration is essential for ensuring the safety of drivers,<br />

passengers, and other road users. <strong>The</strong>se systems rely on<br />

accurate measurements and data to operate effectively, and<br />

even slight deviations from the recommended specifications can<br />

compromise their performance. Improper calibration can result<br />

in false alerts or failure to detect hazards, leading to accidents,<br />

injuries, and even fatalities. By ensuring that ADAS systems are<br />

properly calibrated, drivers can rely on them to help prevent<br />

accidents and improve overall safety on the road. Additionally,<br />

many newer vehicles require ADAS calibration to maintain their<br />

warranty, making it an important aspect of vehicle maintenance<br />

and repair.<br />

ADAS technology focuses on increasing safety and<br />

convenience, without taking full control away from the driver.<br />

Systems such as lane assist, adaptive cruise control and selfparking<br />

allow the vehicle to control steering, acceleration and<br />

braking. Problems with the electronics, sensors and software<br />

within these vital systems could lead to serious safety breaches<br />

or even collisions, which could be highly dangerous at speed<br />

on a motorway. Proper maintenance and regular servicing by a<br />

technician with the relevant and up to date training, is essential<br />

to keep drivers and other road users safe.<br />

We have a range of print and online advertising packages available.<br />

For more details please contact Nat Excell.<br />

Natalie@talk-media.uk<br />

01732 445674 | 07791 094967<br />

www.garageandmot.com<br />

14,15, News IMI.indd 2 21/12/2023 10:19


NEWS<br />

BRAKE JOINT VENTURE<br />

HELLA PAGID:<br />

HELLA and TMD Friction agree on complete takeover by HELLA<br />

l HELLA to acquire the 50 percent shares currently held by TMD Friction in the joint venture Hella Pagid<br />

l From 1st October 2024, HELLA to begin distributing brake products under the HELLA brand<br />

l TMD Friction to regain sole control of the Pagid brand and to expand sales of brake products under<br />

this brand from 1stOctober 2024<br />

l TMD Friction to continue to supply brake pads to HELLA<br />

TMD Friction and HELLA have agreed to<br />

transfer the 50 percent share currently<br />

held by TMD Friction in the brake joint<br />

venture Hella Pagid to HELLA. <strong>The</strong> two<br />

companies signed a letter of intent.<br />

HELLA would thus become the sole<br />

shareholder of Hella Pagid. Founded in<br />

2013, Hella Pagid, a joint venture between<br />

automotive supplier HELLA and brake<br />

friction manufacturer TMD Friction, sells<br />

brake components and accessories on<br />

the global automotive aftermarket. <strong>The</strong><br />

parties have agreed not to disclose details<br />

of the purchase price.<br />

“Over the past ten years, Hella Pagid<br />

has developed into a leading full-service<br />

provider for brake systems,” says Stefan<br />

van Dalen, who as Managing Director<br />

Lifecycle Solutions at HELLA is responsible<br />

for the spare parts business, among<br />

others. “Brakes have therefore long since<br />

established themselves as key products<br />

in our independent aftermarket business.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Hella Pagid team has an exceptionally<br />

high level of product expertise, not least<br />

thanks to its many years of experience.<br />

With the planned complete takeover<br />

of Hella Pagid, we want to sell brake<br />

products under the strong HELLA brand<br />

in the future and continuously expand the<br />

brake business moving forward.”<br />

“<strong>The</strong> opportunity to offer the Pagid<br />

OE premium-quality product brand<br />

globally fits perfectly with our multibrand<br />

strategy and provides us with<br />

utmost flexibility,” says Clement de Valon,<br />

Executive Vice President Independent<br />

Aftermarket at TMD Friction. “Building<br />

on TMD Friction’s 145 years of braking<br />

technology expertise, combined with<br />

Pagid’s motorsport heritage, opens up<br />

countless opportunities for future brand<br />

development. This further supports our<br />

goal to serve all drivers across the globe<br />

betterand to offer them the right product<br />

– no matter where in the world they<br />

live, which car they own, and what their<br />

budget constraints are.”<br />

Distribution of brake products under<br />

the HELLA brand is already planned<br />

starting 1st October 2024. In the medium<br />

term, current plans additionally envisage<br />

transferring all key functions of Hella<br />

Pagid, including product management,<br />

to HELLA. <strong>The</strong> employees would also<br />

to be taken over by HELLA. <strong>The</strong> Hella<br />

Pagid portfolio will then be sold under<br />

the HELLA brand in the independent<br />

aftermarket business while maintaining the<br />

same high product quality. TMD Friction<br />

will continue to manufacture brake pads<br />

for HELLA as part of an ongoing business<br />

partner relationship. Brake pads make up<br />

one of the main product groups in Hella<br />

Pagid’s range, alongside brake discs and<br />

brake hydraulics.<br />

Regaining full control over the Pagid<br />

brand will open up the opportunity for<br />

TMD to sell Pagid products in all regions<br />

worldwide and further develop the<br />

brand. This allows Pagid to re-join Textar<br />

as a global OE premium brand in the<br />

TMD Friction portfolio. TMD Friction will<br />

resume extended sales under the Pagid<br />

brand from 1st October 2024.<br />

16 THE GARAGE<br />

16, News Hella Pagid.indd 1 21/12/2023 10:18


PRODUCTS<br />

New Clarke<br />

CBB200-E<br />

Pres<br />

Decemb<br />

Bench Buffer/Polisher with<br />

extended spindles (230V)<br />

New Clarke CBB200-E Bench<br />

With Extended Spindles<br />

<strong>The</strong> new Clarke CBB200-E is ideal for buffing and poli<br />

<strong>The</strong> new Clarke CBB200-E is ideal for<br />

surfaces<br />

buffing<br />

to<br />

and<br />

a bright<br />

polishing<br />

lustred<br />

metal<br />

finish. It comes with extend<br />

for use on bigger work pieces!<br />

and composite surfaces to a bright lustred finish. It comes with<br />

extended arms (180mm shaft length) for use on bigger work pieces!<br />

This unit features a robust cast iron base fitted with ru<br />

<strong>The</strong> CBB200-E can also be bolted to a work bench to<br />

secure to use.<br />

With a built in motor delivering a powerful 550W of pow<br />

with its bearing balanced precision machined shafts, th<br />

performance.<br />

<strong>The</strong> front-mounted on/off switch offers added safety fo<br />

if needed. It also enables easy fitment and removal of<br />

Built to the standard of reliability you've come to expec<br />

Clarke International, this handy piece of kit comes fully<br />

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Available here: https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/c<br />

bench-bufferpolisher-wit/ for £149.99 inc VAT.<br />

This unit features a robust cast iron base<br />

fitted with rubber feet for reducing<br />

vibration. <strong>The</strong> CBB200-E can also be<br />

bolted to a work bench to make it even<br />

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With a built in motor delivering a<br />

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offers excellent performance.<br />

<strong>The</strong> front-mounted on/off switch offers<br />

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Motor:<br />

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Wheel Diameter: 200mm (8”)<br />

Wheel Width: 50mm<br />

Wheel Bore: 15.88mm<br />

Speed:<br />

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Built to the standard of reliability<br />

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Available here: https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/clarke-cbb200-e-200mm-bench-bufferpolisher-wit/for £149.99 inc VAT.<br />

THE GARAGE 17<br />

Company Profile<br />

Machine Mart is Britain’s biggest specialist supplier of Tools 21/12/2023 and 15:33 Machine<br />

17,MachineMartPolisher.indd 1 21/12/2023 15:33


PRODUCTFEATURE<br />

A NEW YEAR<br />

SO MAKE IT A SAFE ONE<br />

Inspection Pit Safety Covers<br />

Safety in the workplace is rightly the number one priority of<br />

all employers. All workplaces have potentially hazardous<br />

situations, and as a responsible employer, you must ensure<br />

you’ve assessed correctly and installed the proper procedures<br />

and safety equipment.<br />

<strong>The</strong> chances are you’re already doing this; all checks have been<br />

done and reassessed regularly. Or are they?<br />

Inspection pits are a common sight in UK workshops, but did<br />

you know that although they are below ground level, falls into one<br />

are classed as a ‘fall from height.’<br />

<strong>The</strong> Health and Safety Executive reported over 7000 injuries<br />

and 33 deaths in the motor repair industry in the last five years,<br />

20% of which come from slips and trips. An accident from an<br />

uncovered or poorly covered pit leaves the employer liable for a<br />

claim from an employee or visitor. Imagine that you could have<br />

prevented that in the first place.<br />

18 THE GARAGE<br />

18.19, News Feature GripClad.indd 1 21/12/2023 10:16


PRODUCTFEATURE<br />

Traditionally, wooden planks have been used to cover the pit.<br />

<strong>The</strong>se are tough to keep clean, absorb various liquids, and, over<br />

time, start to rot, becoming a significant hazard in the workshop.<br />

So, what’s the answer?<br />

GripClad is a supplier of anti-slip safety solutions. <strong>The</strong>ir<br />

products can be found in many industries, including construction,<br />

engineering, rail, hotels and leisure, where they help keep<br />

employees and the public safe.<br />

Using GRP Grating Covers<br />

<strong>The</strong> GripClad GRP Grating Cover is the perfect solution for your<br />

workshop, providing various benefits and transforming the danger<br />

zone into a safe, well-contrasted safety surface.<br />

Easy to fit<br />

GripClad can manufacture a system that fits your current<br />

inspection pit design. After working with the design team, place<br />

the new system in.<br />

Safe to walk on<br />

<strong>The</strong> GRP design is solid and is designed specifically for pedestrian<br />

traffic. <strong>The</strong> covers include an embedded anti-slip surface; once<br />

they are in place, it is entirely safe to walk across them.<br />

Lighter and Stronger<br />

<strong>The</strong> GRP design makes them lighter and more manageable than<br />

traditional systems, so removal is quick and easy when ready to<br />

work on the next vehicle. Less storage space is also required<br />

when they are removed.<br />

Corrosion-free<br />

GRP Grating is resistant to corrosion, making it ideal in areas<br />

prone to corrosive environments; this includes corrosive salts,<br />

acids, alkalis, and other chemical products. In addition, it is highly<br />

resistant to wear, tear, impact and abrasion. Unlike steel grilles,<br />

they don’t warp either.<br />

Simple to Maintain<br />

Using the open mesh system has the bonus of helping with<br />

visibility and ventilation; cleaning is simple.<br />

Visible reminder<br />

<strong>The</strong> GRP Grating has three distinctive colour options: yellow,<br />

green and light grey.<br />

<strong>The</strong> GripClad GRP Grating Cover provides multiple solutions to<br />

an invaluable but potentially problematic area of the workshop.<br />

Using industry-proven technology makes sense in a modern<br />

workshop and gives you and your employees peace of mind.<br />

Contact GripClad on: 023 8040 6796<br />

Email: enquiries@gripclad.co.uk<br />

Visit: https://gripclad.co.uk/applications/ garage-inspection-pit/<br />

THE GARAGE 19<br />

18.19, News Feature GripClad.indd 2 21/12/2023 14:35


NEWS<br />

How Straightset completely<br />

modernised Helensburgh Toyota’s<br />

Workshop<br />

<strong>The</strong> Helensburgh Toyota’s workshop<br />

after the project was completed.<br />

At the start of 2023, Toyota GB approached Straightset with a new challenge. It needed to take a old<br />

but high-performing dealership in Scotland and completely overhaul its equipment and workshop<br />

space to create a service fit for the future.<br />

Helensburgh sits on the Firth of Clyde, near Dumbarton, and<br />

its Toyota garage has faithfully served the community for<br />

some 45 years. However, it was looking dated, with poor<br />

use of space, uneven floors and tired staff facilities. <strong>The</strong> time had<br />

come for a major makeover.<br />

Leading garage equipment expert Straightset accepted the<br />

challenge to bring the site, which comprised of only one MOT bay<br />

and four service bays, completely up to date. It had to maximise<br />

the site’s capacity and bring it in line with Toyota’s new workshop<br />

standards.<br />

Engaging the Straightset team<br />

Impressed by positive referrals from other dealerships, the<br />

Helensburgh Toyota team met with Andrew Bates, Straightset’s<br />

sales director, who spearheaded the project from the start.<br />

After a site visit in early 2023 to scope out the work,<br />

the comprehensive planning phase could begin. Given the<br />

workshop’s condition, Straightsets’ teams visionary approach was<br />

instrumental. <strong>The</strong> proposed innovative design alterations, including<br />

eliminating an outdated team room and implementing a new inner<br />

wall, would transform the workshop’s aesthetics.<br />

Andrew said: “On meeting the owners and management of<br />

the dealership, it became very apparent that they were ready to<br />

embrace change and to gain the improvement in capacity that<br />

the garage needed. However, it would not be an easy or quick<br />

transformation; it entailed the workshop having to close for four<br />

months while the floors were replaced to allow two different floor<br />

levels to be merged into one. This was then topped with a fill-pour<br />

resin screed and a high build resin floor finish.”<br />

Bringing design expertise and equipment recommendations<br />

Straightset recommended specialists Conren Resin Flooring<br />

for the work, which included layout markings for equipment<br />

placement that ensured enhanced safety and full compliance with<br />

Toyota GB’s new standards.<br />

Securing business benefits<br />

Straightset facilitated the complete integration of all essential<br />

workshop upgrades, which included seven new ramps, a<br />

connected MOT setup, and a specialized 4.5T 2-poster ramp,<br />

which is designed for use with heavy electric vehicles.<br />

Completed with a drive-through wheel alignment checker,<br />

promised quick alignment checks for every incoming vehicle,<br />

potentially boosting alignment service sales. Additionally,<br />

relocating the compressor and oil tanks optimized space<br />

utilization, created a clean and efficient workspace.<br />

20 THE GARAGE<br />

20,21, Straightset.indd 1 21/12/2023 10:15


NEWS<br />

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

Toyota’s workshop<br />

before the project<br />

started.<br />

Straightset’s Approach and Achievements<br />

<strong>The</strong> initial drawing proposal remained almost unchanged by the<br />

time of completion and incorporated a cost-effective blend of<br />

refitting existing and introducing new equipment.<br />

It involved tearing out a tired staff kitchen and replacing with<br />

a new facility, external oil tanks and air compressor storage to<br />

maximise workshop space and reduce internal noise, reconfiguring<br />

the MOT bay to include wheel alignment capability, which in turn<br />

with a building works package greatly improved access into the<br />

workshop that was previously compromised by bad positioning.<br />

New Straightset workstation cabinetry, upgraded vehicle lifts,<br />

pumped oil, compressed air, water, and the inclusion of a Drive<br />

Thru Wheel alignment system in the doorway has truly turned this<br />

site from tired and out of date to a sophisticated workshop to be<br />

proud of.<br />

<strong>The</strong> new workshop officially opened on 13 December 2023 and<br />

Aftersales Manager, Tim Roome at Helensburgh Toyota, said: “I<br />

would highly recommend Straightset, and trust in their vision.<br />

When it all began, we could not imagine the finished article, and<br />

it is through them we have realised this workshop.”<br />

<strong>The</strong> new space not only enhances customer retention but it<br />

is a great working environment for Helensburgh Toyota’s staff. A<br />

modern space to work in helps encourage new technicians to join<br />

the company, while retaining skilled staff – securing the future of<br />

Helensburgh Toyota.<br />

Helensburgh Toyota’s collaboration with Straightset resulted<br />

in a revitalized, cutting-edge workshop aligned with modern<br />

industry standards. For further details on Straightset’s innovative<br />

workshop solutions, visit: www.straightset.co.uk<br />

■ Universal Oil Fired Heaters<br />

■ Oil and gas fired<br />

cabinet heaters<br />

■ Suspended oil and gas<br />

fired unit heaters<br />

■ Portable and mobile<br />

heaters<br />

■ Electric heaters<br />

THERMOBILE offers probably the most<br />

complete selection of space heaters<br />

available to the UK Motor Trade. <strong>The</strong><br />

full range of heaters from THERMOBILE<br />

now comprises over 300 models<br />

varying in heat output from 3Kw up to<br />

450Kw (10,000 to 1,500,000 BTU/HR).<br />

For more information call us TODAY!<br />

THERMOBILE UK LIMITED 12 Buckingham Close, Bermuda Industrial Estate, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV10 7JT UK<br />

SALES CONTACTS: Andy Wallis 07850 988382 andy@thermobile.co.uk<br />

John Hall 07775 635527 john@thermobile.co.uk<br />

Main office: 02476 357960 Website: www.thermobile.co.uk<br />

THE GARAGE 21<br />

20,21, Straightset.indd 2 21/12/2023 10:16


INSURANCE<br />

Kingfisher Motor<br />

Trade offers new risk<br />

management proposition<br />

for 2024<br />

Insurance broker Kingfisher<br />

Motor Trade is pleased to<br />

announce the formation<br />

of a team of qualified risk<br />

management consultants,<br />

who are joining the business<br />

in early 2024.<br />

Pauline Brookes, Head of Kingfisher Motor Trade<br />

Although a new name to the industry in 2023, Kingfisher<br />

made a big impact in motor trade insurance throughout<br />

the year, visiting garages across the UK to provide<br />

insurance, attending the Kinetic show alongside <strong>The</strong> <strong>Garage</strong><br />

magazine in March, and becoming headline sponsors of the<br />

Professional Recovery Tow Show.<br />

<strong>The</strong> experienced team – well known in the motor trade –<br />

are now looking to extend their support to service and repair<br />

garages and vehicle recovery operators with an additional risk<br />

management consultancy service. <strong>The</strong> aim is to help businesses<br />

in either managing their own risks or appointing a ‘competent<br />

person’ to provide further assistance.<br />

Pauline Brookes, Head of Kingfisher Motor Trade, commented:<br />

“We want to help make it simple for motor traders to<br />

understand and manage the many risks they face, from the<br />

risk of injury to employees and members of the public who<br />

come on-site through to working with hazardous materials and<br />

specialist equipment.<br />

“It can sometimes be difficult to keep up to date with health<br />

and safety legislation as things evolve, when you’re trying to<br />

focus on providing a good service to your customers,” she<br />

continues. “For example, the increased risks of working with<br />

EVs are something that everyone in the motor trade needs<br />

to be aware of. We recently attended the PROF EV Summit in<br />

Leicestershire and heard first hand of the increased damage<br />

caused by EV battery fires compared to fires that start in ICE<br />

vehicles. Working safely with EVs requires specific knowledge,<br />

and compliance with recommendations – such as leaving<br />

sufficient space around these vehicles to work on them or store<br />

them – isn’t always easy.<br />

“Our new team will look at risks across your business and help<br />

you to put manageable plans into action, helping to reduce the<br />

risks you face at work and protecting your business and your<br />

workers. Working alongside our insurance broking team, our risk<br />

management consultants aim to provide a level of service that<br />

not only makes your insurance renewal process as simple as<br />

possible, but also helps you to avoid claiming on your insurance<br />

wherever possible.”<br />

For more information on the service, please contact<br />

info@kingfishermotortrade.com or call 0330 174 4703.<br />

22 THE GARAGE<br />

22, Feature Kingfisher.indd 1 21/12/2023 10:15


IAAFCONFERENCE<br />

IAAF’s 2023 Conference:<br />

Embracing resilience and innovation in the<br />

automotive aftermarket<br />

<strong>The</strong> automotive aftermarket has been urged to ‘raise the bar for the industry’, with the Independent<br />

Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) 2023 Conference centring around the theme ‘<strong>The</strong> Brilliance<br />

of Resilience’, celebrating the constant progression while also looking to overcome future obstacles<br />

and embrace opportunities.<br />

<strong>The</strong> annual conference gathered a record number of industry<br />

leaders making it the largest conference in the federation’s<br />

history.<br />

<strong>The</strong> conference commenced with heartfelt remarks from<br />

IAAF’s chief executive, Mark Field, who expressed gratitude<br />

towards attendees and headline sponsor Alliance Automotive<br />

Group (AAG).<br />

He discussed IAAF’s evolution in 2024, with its striking,<br />

new branding on full display throughout the event, while also<br />

pointing to future endeavours to continue to support members,<br />

particularly with the Right to Repair movement, with more<br />

information on IAAF’s plans to follow in 2024.<br />

<strong>The</strong> conference got into gear with the session, ‘IAAF Lobbying:<br />

Finding a Voice in the Corridors of Power,’ whereby Neil<br />

Pattemore, IAAF & UK AFCAR technical director, highlighted the<br />

importance of the MV-BEO focus and IAAF’s ongoing lobbying<br />

efforts. He encouraged continued engagement with the insightful<br />

words: “Influence is not just about speaking up; it’s about being<br />

heard.”<br />

During the next session, titled, ‘<strong>The</strong> IAAF Market Trends Index<br />

– A Resilient Aftermarket,’ presented by Quentin Le Hetet from<br />

GIPA, the theme of resilience continued, with the discussion<br />

turning to the importance of adapting to industry changes, with<br />

THE GARAGE 23<br />

24<br />

23-28, News IAAF Conf Awards.indd 1 21/12/2023 10:09


IAAFCONFERENCE<br />

a clear message: “Resilience isn’t just surviving; it’s thriving in the<br />

face of adversity.”<br />

Next up was the highly anticipated keynote speaker, Claire<br />

Lomas, with her highly emotive, and hugely popular, talk,<br />

‘Triumph Over Adversity’, where she shared her personal and<br />

emotional journey of overcoming challenges after being paralysed<br />

in a horse riding accident when she was 27, leaving the audience<br />

with a lasting message: “Every setback is a setup for a comeback.<br />

Never underestimate the power of perseverance.”<br />

Tina Drayson, operations director at CCM was up next, she<br />

spoke about the transformative power of data in modern garages<br />

in her talk, ‘Business First: Data-Driven Independent <strong>Garage</strong>s’.<br />

She emphasised: “Numbers tell a story; understand it, and you<br />

control your business’ narrative.”<br />

Jack Wilson from eBay then addressed the conference in ‘eBay<br />

– E-commerce and the Aftermarket,’ focusing on eBay’s role in<br />

inventory management and fostering business growth through<br />

trust and transparency.<br />

3<br />

24 THE GARAGE<br />

23-28, News IAAF Conf Awards.indd 2 21/12/2023 10:09


IAAFCONFERENCE<br />

In the second keynote speech of the day, ‘Risk vs Reward,’<br />

Nick Leeson, dubbed the ‘rogue trader’ after bankrupting<br />

Barings Bank in 1995, discussed balancing risks and rewards. In<br />

his captivating talk, he shared some words of wisdom based on<br />

his own controversial but insightful experience: “Taking risks is<br />

essential, but knowing when to seek guidance is equally crucial.”<br />

<strong>The</strong> importance of cybersecurity was underscored in the first<br />

of two panel discussions ‘Staying Cybersafe in the Automotive<br />

Aftermarket,’ focusing on strategies for managing online risks and<br />

the necessity of cyber awareness.<br />

Before finally, the conference concluded with the panel<br />

‘Benefits of Gender Balance in the Aftermarket,’ hosted by Julia<br />

Muir, founder of the growing Automotive 30% Club, once again<br />

pushing the message of resilience, highlighting that “Diversity isn’t<br />

just fair; it’s smart business.”<br />

Mark Field, CEO of IAAF, had this to say about the event: ‘Our<br />

2023 conference has truly set a new benchmark in terms of<br />

attendance and impact, highlighting the dynamic and progressive<br />

approach of our federation in addressing the challenges and<br />

opportunities in our industry. This progressiveness reflects<br />

our collective efforts, and I urge us all to maintain this forward<br />

momentum.<br />

Images from the conference can be viewed at:<br />

https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjB6wvP<br />

THE GARAGE 25<br />

26<br />

23-28, News IAAF Conf Awards.indd 3 21/12/2023 10:10


IAAFAWARDS&DINNER<br />

Industry united at<br />

IAAF Annual Awards<br />

and Dinner 2023<br />

<strong>The</strong> Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) proudly hosted its 2023 Annual<br />

Awards and Dinner on Thursday, 7th December at the DoubleTree Hilton Milton Keynes. This year’s<br />

event, headline sponsored by Alliance Automotive Group (AAG), was a testament to the resilience<br />

and accomplishments of the automotive aftermarket sector, and included a harmonious blend of<br />

prestigious awards, motivating speeches, and a unique twist of entertainment.<br />

5<br />

26 THE GARAGE<br />

23-28, News IAAF Conf Awards.indd 4 21/12/2023 10:11


IAAFAWARDS&DINNER<br />

<strong>The</strong> evening’s award recipients, recognised for their remarkable<br />

resilience and excellence throughout the past year, included:<br />

Car Distributor of the Year (Sponsored by WAI):<br />

Winner – LKQ Euro Car Parts;<br />

Highly Commended – Rays <strong>Garage</strong> Supplies.<br />

CV Distributor of the Year (Sponsored by Fras-Le):<br />

Winner – HGV Direct;<br />

Highly Commended – CV Components.<br />

Car Supplier of the Year (Sponsored by Elcome):<br />

Winner – Bilstein Group;<br />

Highly Commended – Juratek.<br />

IAAF Chief Executive Mark Field<br />

In his address, Mark shed light on the industry’s adaptability<br />

and innovative strides, particularly in the face of adversity. He<br />

also elaborated on his strategies for future growth. <strong>The</strong> event<br />

was brilliantly hosted by Stephen Whitton, whose charm and<br />

professionalism brought an extra sparkle to the night.<br />

Adding to the evening’s excitement, guests were delighted by<br />

an unexpected performance from singing waiters, a surprise<br />

element that added to the event’s charm and festivity.<br />

<strong>The</strong> event also marked a significant charitable achievement.<br />

A phenomenal £26,000 was raised in support of Claire Lomas,<br />

a testament to the generosity and spirit of the attendees.<br />

<strong>The</strong> highlight was the ‘Fright of a Lifetime’ auction, where the<br />

highest bidder won an exhilarating flight piloted by the newlyqualified<br />

Claire Lomas herself, making for an unforgettable<br />

experience.<br />

CV Supplier of the Year (Sponsored by Boswell Insurance):<br />

Winner – GS Yuasa Battery Sales UK;<br />

Highly Commended – Exol.<br />

Service Supplier of the Year (Sponsored by GSF Car Parts):<br />

Winner – Boswell Insurance;<br />

Highly Commended – Techman.<br />

THE GARAGE 27<br />

28<br />

23-28, News IAAF Conf Awards.indd 5 21/12/2023 10:11


IAAFAWARDS&DINNER<br />

Outstanding <strong>Garage</strong> Contribution of the Year (Sponsored by<br />

Automechanika):<br />

Winner – Louise Baker of Womanic.<br />

Outstanding Achievement:<br />

Nick Hayes of TMD Friction UK.<br />

Product of the Year (Sponsored by Arnold Clark Autoparts):<br />

Winner – SMP Europe for EGR Valves;<br />

Highly Commended – Ring Automotive for RTC4000/Cordless<br />

Rechargeable Tyre Inflator.<br />

Reflecting on the event, Mark Field,<br />

IAAF Chief Executive, said: “<strong>The</strong><br />

event was a resounding success and<br />

I’m delighted that we could bring<br />

the industry together in such a way.<br />

Thanks to our sponsors, the IAAF<br />

events team and to our members.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Federation is on a journey with<br />

its members and our events are<br />

a key part of this success. 2024<br />

promises even greater strides<br />

with a new website, consumer<br />

campaigns, more events and a new<br />

motor factor training program.”<br />

<strong>The</strong> audience also enjoyed a<br />

comedic performance by Tom<br />

Allen, renowned for his role in<br />

<strong>The</strong> Great British Bake Off, whose<br />

humour added a light-hearted<br />

touch to the proceedings.<br />

Images from the awards dinner can<br />

be viewed at:<br />

https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjB6FqK<br />

7<br />

28 THE GARAGE<br />

23-28, News IAAF Conf Awards.indd 6 21/12/2023 10:12


NEWS<br />

Ring is highly commended<br />

for IAAF’s Product of the Year!<br />

Premium quality automotive lighting and auto electrics supplier,<br />

Ring, received a Highly Commended award for its cordless tyre<br />

inflator, in the Product of the Year category at the IAAF Awards.<br />

On Thursday 7th December, the<br />

aftermarket industry gathered in<br />

Milton Keynes for the prestigious<br />

IAAF Awards, during which the Product of<br />

the Year category is a highly anticipated<br />

accolade. Ring was announced as a finalist<br />

last month and while the company didn’t<br />

win the overall award, being the runnerup<br />

in this hard-fought category, is still a<br />

fantastic achievement.<br />

<strong>The</strong> product that was put forward was<br />

Ring’s cordless tyre inflator (RTC4000),<br />

which was launched by the company<br />

earlier in the year, has been increasing in<br />

popularity and has already won several<br />

notable awards. Alongside this most recent<br />

honour, it has also gained 5 star awards in<br />

both Motorcycle News and Ride magazine,<br />

was named Best Buy Tyre Inflator on<br />

Expert Reviews and received 9/10 from<br />

Classic & Sports Car, as well as being highly<br />

recommended by <strong>The</strong> Mirror.<br />

<strong>The</strong> RTC4000 was launched to fill a gap<br />

in the market for a compact, yet powerful<br />

and high quality cordless tyre inflator for<br />

cars and motorbikes.<br />

<strong>The</strong> RTC4000 is easily chargeable via<br />

a USB Type C cable or 12V DC cable and<br />

quickly inflates a tyre, even from flat,<br />

making this product an easy sell for<br />

retailers and reassures drivers if they go<br />

back to their vehicle and the tyre is flat,<br />

there’s an easy solution.<br />

To help drivers save time, this tyre<br />

inflator also has a memory function, so<br />

the user can save different tyre pressures<br />

and activate them easily from the home<br />

screen, as well as an auto-stop feature<br />

so there’s no risk of over inflating the<br />

tyre, which can be as dangerous as an<br />

under inflated tyre.<br />

Naturally, tools such as these need<br />

to be as convenient as possible, and<br />

as space can be limited in cars, and<br />

especially with motorbikes, Ring has<br />

ensured that this tyre inflator is as<br />

compact as it can be, which also means<br />

it’s light, so it’s easy to move around the<br />

vehicle and top up the tyres. Additionally,<br />

there are multiple LED lights on the tool,<br />

so inflating tyres can be done at any time.<br />

Marketing Director for Ring, Henry<br />

Bisson, commented: “We’re thrilled to<br />

have received so much recognition for<br />

this product, since its introduction earlier<br />

this year. It has proved to be incredibly<br />

popular and we’re extremely happy to<br />

have this commendation to add to its list<br />

of achievements. <strong>The</strong> IAAF Awards are<br />

a fantastic event that brings people in<br />

the aftermarket together and we always<br />

enjoy the event, so this commendation<br />

was just the icing on the cake of a<br />

fantastic night!”<br />

THE GARAGE 29<br />

29,News Ring 2.indd 1 21/12/2023 10:05


NEWS<br />

eBay reveals the ultimate garage, as more than half<br />

of motorists admit they would consider moving<br />

house if it came with the “perfect garage”<br />

“Given the passion of the owners, we<br />

love to create a perfect garage washed<br />

with natural light, showing off the cars at<br />

their best as well as making for a space that<br />

is enjoyable to spend time in and to relax<br />

while working on their cars or with friends.”<br />

More than four-in-10 UK (42%) homeowners feel their garage stops<br />

them fulfilling their passion for cars and 65% would consider moving<br />

for the ‘dream garage’<br />

Nearly two-thirds of UK motorists<br />

(65%) would consider moving house<br />

for the perfect garage, and they’d be<br />

prepared to pay 4.9% over a property’s asking<br />

price for the dream layout – that’s according<br />

to the latest research by eBay.<br />

While 91% of respondents to the poll had<br />

a garage big enough to house a car, only half<br />

(51%) used their garage for this purpose –<br />

with clutter preventing 60% of motorists from<br />

making the best use of the space available.<br />

Using the findings from its study of<br />

2,000 car enthusiasts, eBay worked with<br />

architectural studio, Bindloss Dawes, to<br />

envision how the UK’s ultimate garage would<br />

look. <strong>The</strong> dream design includes practical<br />

touches such as custom toolboxes and a<br />

hydraulic lift, to help carry out repairs, while a<br />

mini kitchen and jukebox keep car aficionados<br />

fed and entertained while they work on their<br />

vehicle.<br />

According to the research more than four in<br />

ten (42%) homeowners feel that their current<br />

garage stops them from fulfilling their passion<br />

for cars. More than half (64%) of respondents<br />

would be more likely to own a classic car if<br />

they had a garage to store it in.<br />

<strong>The</strong> UK’s perfect garage would also have<br />

a large tool chest for storage - along with a<br />

complete selection of hand tools essential for<br />

car repairs and fine-tuning. With over 130,000<br />

car tool listings on eBay, it comes as no<br />

surprise that car fans need the perfect place<br />

to store them.<br />

Additionally, the ultimate garage would<br />

have built-in drainage so owners can wash<br />

their car indoors, a full body workshop and<br />

ventilation for spray painting would be key<br />

ingredients as well.<br />

Pleasingly for neighbours, 79%<br />

of respondents would want it to be<br />

soundproof too, while 71% would ensure it<br />

was eco-friendly.<br />

<strong>The</strong> study also revealed the iconic Aston<br />

Martin DB5 (22%) is the car respondents<br />

most wanted to have in their perfect<br />

garage, followed by the Jaguar E-type (18%),<br />

Porsche 911 (17%) Ford Mustang (17%), and<br />

the Audi R8 (17%).<br />

Laura Richards, Category Lead –<br />

Vehicle Parts and Accessories eBay UK<br />

Ltd, said: “<strong>The</strong> result of our mission to<br />

imagine the perfect garage has made it<br />

evident that the automotive enthusiast<br />

spirit runs deep in the UK, with so many<br />

dream features centring on the tools and<br />

vehicles themselves. Tinkering with cars is<br />

a real passion point for many of our auto<br />

customers and we’ve got hundreds of<br />

thousands of tools and parts on eBay to<br />

help them bring their ultimate garage to<br />

life.”<br />

Notably, the desired features extend<br />

beyond mere storage solutions, with<br />

preferences ranging from a car charging<br />

port, tyre changer, air compressor, and a<br />

hydraulic car lift.<br />

Oliver Bindloss, director at Bindloss<br />

Dawes Architects said: “<strong>Garage</strong>s are so<br />

much more than just a functional space for<br />

cars, they must be tough and work hard but<br />

also be enjoyable spaces to relax in. For us<br />

as architects the perfect garage has to start<br />

with the cars themselves and what they<br />

require; is the garage for full restorations or<br />

lighter maintenance?<br />

TOP 40 FEATURES OF<br />

THE PERFECT GARAGE<br />

1. Large tool chest for storage<br />

2. Space efficient storage options<br />

3. High-level security system<br />

4. A fridge/freezer<br />

5. Complete selection of hand tools<br />

essential for car repairs/fine-tuning<br />

6. Built-in drainage so you can wash your<br />

car indoors<br />

7. Car charging port<br />

8. Superfast internet<br />

9. Tire changer<br />

10. Air compressor<br />

11. Custom tool cabinets<br />

12. Every socket wrench available<br />

13. Car charging port<br />

14. Eco-friendly heating and air<br />

conditioning to ensure cars are stored<br />

at the perfect temperature<br />

15. Task lighting<br />

16. A hydraulic car lift<br />

17. Mini kitchen<br />

18. A top of the range car diagnostics tool<br />

19. Jukebox<br />

20. Pool/snooker table<br />

21. Vehicle inspection pit<br />

22. A bar with draught beer on tap<br />

23. Voice-activated lighting<br />

24. Full body workshop<br />

25. Vehicle inspection pit/grease pit<br />

26. Decorative lighting<br />

27. Discrete bicycle storage<br />

28. A cinema screen and projector<br />

29. Arcade machines<br />

30. Petrol/diesel pump<br />

31. Ventilation for spray painting/use of<br />

solvent-based products<br />

32. Wheel balancer<br />

33. Welding equipment<br />

34. Record player<br />

35. Engine hoists<br />

36. Plants<br />

37. Framed artworks<br />

38. Latest game consoles<br />

39. La-Z-Boy recliner<br />

40. A Bat Cave-style turntable<br />

30 THE GARAGE<br />

30,News ebay.indd 1 21/12/2023 13:51


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THE GARAGE 31<br />

31 Product and Services.indd 1 21/12/2023 10:04


PEOPLE<br />

People stories and movements from around your industry<br />

Draper strengthens<br />

automotive division with<br />

new appointment<br />

Draper Tools is pleased to announce the appointment of Paul Middlemiss<br />

as Automotive Sales Manager. Reporting into Adam Pike, Draper’s Head of<br />

Automotive Sales, Paul will help oversee the company’s continuing growth and<br />

expansion in the sector.<br />

Paul is well placed to help shape<br />

Draper’s automotive division and joins<br />

the business from Wynn Oil UK where<br />

he was UK Sales Manager. With over 20<br />

years experience in the sector, Paul brings<br />

a wealth of knowledge and industry insights<br />

with him. Speaking about his appointment<br />

he commented:<br />

“Draper is a brand with a strong<br />

history and heritage behind it and I’m<br />

looking forward to contributing to the<br />

company’s continued success. <strong>The</strong> role has<br />

already seen me getting out on the road,<br />

connecting with my existing automotive<br />

network and getting to know Draper’s<br />

valued customers in the sector too. I’m<br />

excited about the opportunities that lie<br />

ahead, together with the automotive team<br />

here, Draper’s got some ambitious plans<br />

and I can’t wait to start putting these into<br />

action.”<br />

2023 has been a period of positive<br />

change for Draper with a number of<br />

new hires, which kicked off with the<br />

appointment of Matt Sheen as CEO in<br />

January 2023. Matt Sheen commented:<br />

“It’s been a really exciting year at Draper<br />

Tools and having Paul join the team is a<br />

key part of that. <strong>The</strong> automotive sector<br />

is hugely important to us and Paul’s<br />

knowledge and experience will help us to<br />

thrive and grow in an industry that we’re<br />

really passionate about. I’ve no doubt he’ll<br />

be an asset to the business.”<br />

Autorola UK appoints new head of sales for<br />

its MarketPlace online remarketing platform<br />

Chris Timms has joined the Autorola UK team as head<br />

of sales for its MarketPlace online remarketing platform.<br />

Chris joins from Suzuki where he was a regional sales manager and<br />

before that he spent 12 years at the Volkswagen Group including<br />

various roles in remarketing.<br />

He is responsible for growing MarketPlace to the next level with both<br />

buyers and vendors as part of Autorola UK’s ambition of doubling its<br />

business over the next three years.<br />

MarketPlace has been at the heart of Autorola’s offering to buyers and<br />

vendors since it was set up in the UK in 2003 and has sold hundreds of<br />

thousands of used cars and vans during that time.<br />

It has 2,000 active used vehicle buyers and up to 15,000 used<br />

vehicles for sale at any one time, which makes it one of the UK’s<br />

largest wholesale remarketing platforms. It also hosts Eauctions for<br />

Lamborghini, Aston Martin, McLaren and Porsche GB and their dealer<br />

networks.<br />

“I am pleased to join Autorola at such an exciting time in its<br />

evolution. <strong>The</strong> MarketPlace platform is a tried and trusted partner<br />

for buyers and vendors, and I look forward to working with the<br />

team to grow it over the coming years,” said Timms.<br />

Jon Mitchell, Autorola UK’s group sales director said:<br />

“MarketPlace has huge potential, and we look forward to Chris<br />

continuing to grow our wholesale vendor and buyer base to help<br />

them sell and buy more used vehicles.”<br />

32 THE GARAGE<br />

32,33 people.indd 1 21/12/2023 10:00


PEOPLE<br />

Double appointment to<br />

Duckhams Global Team<br />

Duckhams, the original British motor oil since 1899, is pleased to announce<br />

two new appointments to its global team.<br />

Rajat Moitra has taken up the role of Global<br />

Chief Marketing Officer, based out of the<br />

Dubai office. Rajat has over twenty-four<br />

years of experience in marketing, sales and<br />

strategy across multiple categories, including<br />

lubricants, tyres and consumer durables.<br />

Most recently, he was Head of Regional Sales<br />

and Global Marketing for GP Petroleums Ltd.,<br />

a major lubricant industry player.<br />

Chris Clarkson has been appointed Global<br />

Technical and Procurement Officer, based in<br />

the UK office. Chris joins from Moove Europe,<br />

where he was the Technical & Procurement<br />

Manager, leading the Technical, Procurement<br />

and Chemical Regulatory Compliance teams.<br />

Taking ownership of EU sourcing strategies,<br />

Chris developed partnerships with strategic<br />

technical suppliers to achieve efficient,<br />

sustainable outcomes.<br />

Firoz Patel, Duckhams Managing Director<br />

(MESA), said, “Rajat has worked for marketleading<br />

and challenger brands, including<br />

Castrol, Petronas, Repsol, Philips, Fevicol,<br />

and Ceat tyres. He has significant expertise in<br />

business scale-ups, building brand saliency,<br />

sales operations, route-to-market, and<br />

managing large teams. Chris has over 13<br />

years of experience in the lubricant industry<br />

with a focus on technology, supply and<br />

operations. He brings with him valuable skills<br />

in strategic sourcing, formulations, chemical<br />

regulations, improving processes and<br />

developing teams.<br />

We are delighted to welcome Rajat<br />

and Chris to the Duckhams family as we<br />

approach our 125-year milestone in 2024.<br />

Continuously investing in People and Brand<br />

assets is essential for any growing company.<br />

As a global business, we seek to hire<br />

diverse industry talent to drive our business<br />

forward. Both Rajat and Chris bring extensive<br />

lubricant experience to our team, and I look<br />

forward to working with them.”<br />

Founded by Alexander Duckham, a natural<br />

innovator, successful businessman, and<br />

pioneer of modern movement, Duckhams<br />

has been making engines move since 1899. In<br />

1922, Duckhams developed a revolutionary<br />

new process oil to control the build up of<br />

carbon deposits in engines and in 1933,<br />

Duckhams launched the first synchromesh<br />

gearbox oil. In 1951, Duckhams was<br />

responsible for the introduction of Europe’s<br />

first multigrade oil. This iconic green motor<br />

oil would transform lubricant technology<br />

forever.<br />

With a motorsports legacy spanning over<br />

fifty years, Duckhams has sponsored winners<br />

in motorcycle racing, Formula 1, Formula<br />

3, Formula Ford and the Porsche Carrera<br />

Cup. Duckhams-sponsored Jackie Ickx won<br />

the F1 Race of Champions at Brands Hatch<br />

in 1974, and in 1975, James Hunt won the<br />

Dutch Grand Prix in a Surtees. In 1981, Ari<br />

Vatanen became the World Rally Champion.<br />

Duckhams’ involvement with the Porsche<br />

Carrera GB Cup began in 2021 with a first<br />

victory by Duckhams driver Dan Cammish,<br />

followed by Adam Smalley’s victory in 2023.<br />

Duckhams are also OR BRIC Superbike 2023<br />

champions in Thailand, solidifying their<br />

motorsports legacy.<br />

Duckhams delivers high-performance<br />

engine oils formulated to keep engines<br />

of all ages moving. <strong>The</strong>ir passenger and<br />

commercial vehicle lubricants are available<br />

in over twenty countries across Europe, the<br />

Middle East and Asia.<br />

Factor Sales, a leading aftermarket measurement<br />

data provider powered by Pearson Ham Group,<br />

is delighted to announce the appointment of Alex<br />

Jenner as its new business development manager.<br />

With a rich background in the automotive<br />

industry, contributing to roles within a<br />

group of motor factors then Mercedes-<br />

Benz, Alex has a proven track record in<br />

business development and is poised to<br />

contribute significantly to Factor Sales’<br />

continued success.<br />

Now at Factor Sales, Alex returns to<br />

the automotive aftermarket and eager to<br />

get going. He admitted that he had been<br />

waiting for the right opportunity – he said:<br />

“I was drawn to Pearson Ham’s compelling<br />

business vision, which aligned with my<br />

own professional values. <strong>The</strong> enticing job<br />

description, coupled with the company’s<br />

commitment to flexible working, provided<br />

the perfect opportunity for me to balance<br />

home and work life. As a father with young<br />

children, this was vital to me.<br />

“<strong>The</strong> chance to contribute to Factor Sales,<br />

as well as the wider Pearson Ham Group<br />

team, fuelled my excitement further.”<br />

Preparation for the new role<br />

<strong>The</strong> advertised position resonated with<br />

Alex as a perfect combination of his diverse<br />

experiences in the automotive industry and<br />

business development. His background on<br />

both sides of the automotive spectrum,<br />

coupled with his business development<br />

expertise, positions him uniquely to make a<br />

substantial impact on Factor Sales.<br />

Furthermore, Alex brings a set of skills<br />

crucial for success, including attention to<br />

detail, organisation, focus and resilience:<br />

“Not to mention my eclectic music taste!”,<br />

he joked.<br />

Continuing Factor Sales’ development<br />

Alex’s plan for contributing to Factor<br />

Sales’ growth involves leveraging the<br />

“phenomenal work” the company has done<br />

in recent years – both from attracting<br />

suppliers to subscribe to comprehensive<br />

data insights and demonstrating the value<br />

that motor factors can also access when<br />

they share their transactional data with<br />

Factor Sales.<br />

He added: “I want to raise industry<br />

awareness about the quantity and power<br />

of available data via Factor Sales.”<br />

Pearson Ham Director, Ben Martin,<br />

welcomed Alex to the organisation: “We<br />

are excited to have Alex join our growing<br />

team, becoming the conduit between the<br />

brand and our loyal partners, as we look<br />

to solidify our position in the industry as<br />

the go-to aftermarket measurement data<br />

provider.”<br />

THE GARAGE 33<br />

32,33 people.indd 2 21/12/2023 10:01


NEWS<br />

MAHA UK and David Drinkwater<br />

secure fifth 750 Motor Club title<br />

MAHA UK is delighted to announce that David Drinkwater, the reigning 750 Motor Club Hot Hatch<br />

champion, has asserted his dominance on the series once more by securing his fifth consecutive<br />

championship title.<br />

In a remarkable display of skill,<br />

determination and consistency, David<br />

secured nine wins out of the 14 races<br />

entered, overcoming the challenge of<br />

carrying 45kg of ballast throughout the<br />

season.<br />

Despite the added weight, which<br />

dropped the BMW E36 Compact from<br />

145bhp per tonne to 139 bhp per tonne<br />

(145bhp being the Class C limit), David and<br />

car worked in perfect harmony, showcasing<br />

their prowess and class on the track.<br />

<strong>The</strong> increased weight posed a significant<br />

challenge, particularly in straightline<br />

speed, requiring David to use his<br />

experience and compensate when braking<br />

and precision in cornering.<br />

Winning relationship<br />

<strong>The</strong> historic partnership between MAHA<br />

UK, David, and TWG Automotive owner and<br />

BMW specialist, Will Gibson, continues to<br />

demonstrate its effectiveness, securing<br />

another championship title in the face of<br />

formidable competition.<br />

Louis Tunmore, MAHA UK’s dynamometer<br />

expert and the architect behind the<br />

championship-winning car, commended<br />

David’s skill and pace on the track:<br />

“David’s achievement is a testament to<br />

his exceptional driving skills, navigating<br />

challenges with the added weight to secure<br />

yet another title. MAHA UK is proud to be<br />

part of this continued success and looks<br />

forward to more victories in the future.”<br />

David acknowledged the difficulties<br />

posed by the extra weight but expressed<br />

gratitude for the collective effort that<br />

contributed to a fifth triumph:<br />

“It’s been a challenging year, dealing<br />

with the extra weight affecting our<br />

straight-line speed. However, both the<br />

car and I adjusted accordingly, allowing<br />

us to secure the title once again. Huge<br />

thanks to everyone involved; winning the<br />

championship for the fifth time is truly<br />

special.”<br />

MAHA dynamometers trusted by 750<br />

Motor Club<br />

MAHA UK’s commitment to excellence<br />

extended beyond the racetrack, with the<br />

company’s FPS 2700 dynamometer playing<br />

a crucial role in maintaining fairness and<br />

safety in the 750 Motor Club series. MAHA<br />

UK’s dynamometers uphold rules and<br />

regulations related to power-to-weight<br />

ratios, classifications, and power caps.<br />

For more information about the 750 Motor<br />

Club, visit http://750mc.co.uk<br />

34 THE GARAGE<br />

34,News MAHA.indd 1 21/12/2023 10:03


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<strong>Garage</strong> Pulse Fillers V2.indd 1 21/12/2023 10:07


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IGA.indd 1 21/12/2023 10:35

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