Professional Motor Factor

Here is your October issue of Professional Motor Factor ▶ https://lnkd.in/eZSKDksk 🇩🇪 Automechanika Frankfurt kicked off the usual, hectic finish to the year, and this issue provides a comprehensive diary report from the Messe. It was a vibrant event and plenty to see – enjoy the long read! Comline Auto Parts Ltd has moved into 🆕 digs and has taken the front cover to emphasise a new era for the company. Inside, we have an exclusive report from inside the facility at Bedford Commercial Park – featuring Ishan Kamdar and Leigh Davies – and there’s a surprise or two in-store too! 🤩 Elsewhere, Amy Blick FCIPD ⚡️ of exhilHRate HR Consultancy returns for her second column, 🔑 Autowave reveals how it has helped a motor factor achieve ‘fantastic profit’ from replacement keys, Brake Engineering shares some worrying results from an independent study and Ivor Searle Limited waxes lyrical about remanufacturing. Our batteries & ignition 🔋 feature includes Niterra UK Ltd, Ecobat, GYS UK, Autoelectro Ltd, Ring Automotive Ltd, DENSO Aftermarket Europe and VARTA Automotive. Meanwhile, Sealey Tools and Laser Tools comprise of the tools & equipment 🛠 round-up. Tom Henman Robert Gilham Alex Dilleigh Kieran Nee Kelly Newstead Lydia P. Matthew Boase Joe Captieux #PMF #motorfactor #automotiveaftermarket #automotiveindustry #automotive #car #mechanic #garage #mechanex

🤔 Having previously drawn attention to the "comparatively high failure rate" of the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve used in more than seven million European VAG diesel applications utilising the 1.4, 1.6 and 2.0L TDI units, Nissens is keen to update you and highlight the increased range of replacement products the company has added to address this ongoing problem. 💬 The EGR valve in these applications can be particularly problematic, according to Nissens Marketing Manager, Jan Zieleskiewicz: “It is especially susceptible to heat and vibration, as well as excessive engine load. "Naturally, the faulty valve has to be replaced, but as the issues are largely due to the design of the OE part, factors must be aware that these malfunctions can occur both in the original and replacement part, so opting to supply their workshop customers with a superior solution provides them with a great opportunity, particularly in light of the growing range of references that Nissens now offers." #PMF #motorfactor #Nissens #automotiveaftermarket #EGR #motoring #automotiveindustry

⚙ 📊 Demand for alloy wheel fixes are soaring as potholes continue to wreak havoc on Britain’s roads, according to Revive! UK To date, it has experienced a “staggering” 58% increase in alloy wheel fixes over the past two years. The business claimed repair jobs climbed from just over 8,000 in 2021 to in excess of 12,600 in 2023. In fact, Revive! continued, four-in-10 (41%) of its fixes, which also include bodywork dent, scuff and scratch repairs, are now alloy wheel repairs, up from three-in-10 (33%) just two years ago. 💬 Revive! Managing Director, Mark Llewellyn, said: "We have seen a substantial increase in demand for our alloy repair service in the last couple of years, and considering the state of many of the UK’s roads, it’s little wonder." #PMF #Revive #motorfactor #bodyrepair #pothole #roads #Britainsroad #motoring #automotiveindustry

🏆 GSF Car Parts has hosted its annual Servicesure Autocentres awards. Adam Green Motors won the customer service award, while Andover Car Repairs was crowned best newcomer. After the regional winners were congratulated, all that remained was to celebrate Servicesure Autocentre of the year winners, Ashwell Motors, in the EV category, and R C Motors as the overall winner. The awards, of which there were 19 handed out, took place in the surroundings of Coombe Abbey Hotel in Warwickshire. It celebrated the "exceptional standards, customer service and innovation of the 600-strong UK network of independent garages". 💬 Steve Horne, CEO of GSF Car Parts, said: “The annual Servicesure awards is always a moment to reflect on the tremendous work that happens across the GSF Car Parts network. From suppliers to customers, thank you for making the event a success, GSF is delighted to recognise the hard work and achievement of these exceptional garage businesses.” #PMF #GSF #motorfactor #automotiveaftermarket #automotiveindustry #motoring #awards

🎙 Following the announcement of Kerridge Commercial Systems’ takeover of Rain Data Ltd, we had the opportunity to put some questions to KCS Managing Director UK and Ireland, James Mitchell. One those was how will Rain Data’s solutions integrate with existing KCS systems? 💬 James responded: “Rain Data provides a number of services to help OE and aftermarket parts suppliers with their catalogue data. This may involve helping a supplier to map its data to a vehicle index for the first time, mapping supplier catalogue from one index to another (TecDoc to MAM MMI) or analysing supplier catalogue data against a vehicle index to identify range gaps. “KCS already utilises a number of these services on behalf of catalogue subscribers and will look to grow them.” #PMF #KCS #RainData #motorfactor #automotiveaftermarket #automotiveindustry #motoring

🕰 In anticipation of the clocks going back this Sunday, OSRAM has launched Bulb Check Week. With the clocks going back, nights will begin earlier and, therefore, headlights will be used a lot more. OSRAM believes now is the perfect time for motor factors and workshops to be reminding drivers to check their bulbs. 👍 Here are the company's top tips, in preparation for the clocks going back, that can be shared: 💡 Look at bulbs for dimming, flickering and any signs of wear and tear. 💡 Use the reflection in a branch window or a garage door to check the bulbs are functioning as they should be and balanced correctly, or ask someone to help look. 💡 If a bulb has blown or is not working correctly, be sure to change it with a premium quality product that can be trusted. #OSRAM #PMF #motorfactor #workshop #BulbCheckWeek #winter #motoring #car #automotiveaftermarket

🤝 Kerridge Commercial Systems has bolstered its product information and data solutions with the acquisition of Rain Data Ltd. The company believes the acquisition marks a “significant step forward”. 💬 KCS CEO, Ian Bendelow, said: “We are excited to welcome Rain Data to KCS. This acquisition represents a significant milestone in our journey to empower businesses to achieve significant improvements with enhanced product information and data solutions. This acquisition underlines KCS’ commitment to innovation, best in class industry specific functionality and providing market leading solutions for the automotive aftermarket globally.” #PMF #KCS #MAM #motorfactor #automotiveaftermarket #automotiveindustry #data

👨🔧 Mechanex - PMMLive is just a few weeks away, and preparations are ramping up. If you're a motor factor, perhaps looking to learn something new or network with customers and suppliers, a trip to Sandown Park during the 12th and 13th November could be perfect timing – just ask Matthew Pope of YMF Car Parts Ltd, who enjoyed his visit to the Harrogate event earlier in the year: 🗣 “I found Mechanex Harrogate to be very worthwhile. It was well attended and proved to me that the North needed such an event. The overall buzz of the show was fantastic, with a range of different suppliers, and there was some great feedback from the customers I met on the day. Hopefully, it will be bigger and better in 2025.” 📲 Discover more information and register for a free ticket to the trade show designed for the automotive industry at https://lnkd.in/etW-vWc2 #PMF #Mechanex #YMF #motorfactor #Sandown #Harrogate #garage #mechanic #car #repair

🤝 Klarius Group Limited, which includes Klarius, Emissco, KMT, Autologistiks and TIMEC, has announced it has been acquired by the private investment company, CorpAcq. This acquisition represents a "positive new chapter" for Klarius Group, with no disruption to daily operations or the team’s existing management structure, which the company believes will provide stability and continuity for all employees, customers and partners. 💬 Klarius Group Finance Director, John Hood, said: “We couldn’t have wished for a better outcome. This acquisition marks an excellent opportunity for the company, allowing us to continue business as usual while benefiting from the expertise and resources that CorpAcq brings.” #PMF #Klarius #motorfactor #automotiveaftermarket #exhaust #manufacturing #automotiveindustry

🤝 Brembo has signed an agreement with Tenneco for the 100% acquisition of Öhlins Racing AB, a manufacturer of high performance suspension technology for motorcycles and cars. This deal is said to be the largest acquisition in Brembo’s history. 🏁 Öhlins has a presence in motorsport championships, namely MotoGP, Formula 1, Superbike, NASCAR and others. 🗣 Brembo Executive Chairman, Matteo Tiraboschi, said: “Öhlins is a strong fit for Brembo. It is a world-renowned brand, with a solid business and an unrivaled reputation, both on the racetrack and the road. "We welcome Öhlins to our group as a great opportunity to expand our offerings for the automotive market. With this addition, we take another step forward in our strategy to provide integrated intelligent solutions to our customers, leveraging synergies across key technologies in the vehicle’s corner." #PMF #Brembo #motorsport #motorfactor #automotiveindustry