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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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<strong>The</strong><br />
DO THE RIGHT<br />
THING AND<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 />
IS OUR DRIVE.<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
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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 />
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<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 />
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buffing<br />
to<br />
and<br />
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and composite surfaces to a bright lustred finish. It comes with<br />
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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 />
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Built to the standard of reliability you've come to expec<br />
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This unit features a robust cast iron base<br />
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With a built in motor delivering a<br />
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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 />
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THERMOBILE offers probably the most<br />
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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
Products and Services<br />
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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