Autoparts 25 Anniversary Scots Auto Scene

ISSUE 132 2016 / AUTOSCENEUK.CO.UK / 43

NEWS


NEWS

Celebrating its 25th anniversary this month,

Autoparts UK, part of Arnold Clark is a

leading UK motor factor, providing over

60,000 car parts and accessories, from

mechanical items to consumables.

Scots Auto Scene caught up with Craig

McCracken, group factor manager of

Autoparts UK. The motor factor has grown

considerably over the past 25 years and we

discussed how it continues to re-invent itself

in order to remain relevant to customers.

“We’ve continued to invest in the business,”

said McCracken. “Customers want to see that

we are always looking to improve all areas of

our business so that the service they receive

is the best it can be.”

Today, Autoparts occupies 12 branches

throughout Scotland and Northern England,

with an impressive fleet of vans servicing

customers’ needs on an hourly basis. It has

also successfully trialed a new rapid delivery

service, which promises an immediate

delivery to independent garages.

“The new ‘rapid’ delivery service means that

customers get their orders now, when they

want it and not within an hour, he said. “When

the order is placed, we’re equipped to move

quickly and dispatch immediately.”

Motor factoring has certainly evolved in the

past 30 years, led by the increasing vehicle

parc and the number of parts required in

stock to offer sufficient vehicle coverage.

As a consequence, the market is heavily

segmented and fought over by larger multi-

branch operations and smaller outlets.

“Having stock on the shelf is vital,” said

McCracken. “Vehicle maintenance is essential

but can be a disruptive process for motorists

and so the role we have to play is to ensure

garages have access to the parts they

require, when they require them.

“To do this, we have to know more about a

customer’s business and impact positively

on all aspects of it.” McCracken continued

to cite the exclusive brands that Autoparts

UK supplies. From braking brands, Disctech

and Padtech, to oil brand Ultratech, coolants

brand Cooltec and emissions brand AirFlo, the

number of ‘exclusive’ brands in the Autoparts

stable numbers is growing fast.

What’s more, many of Autoparts’ exclusive

brands also offer the added benefit of

exclusive 20/20 warranty (20,000 mile / 20

month warranty).

Promotions are second nature to Autoparts.

Its Loyalty Link programme, that rewards

garages with discounts of garage equipment,

is incredibly popular and has been in operation

for several years. Read on further to find out

more about this programme. Customers also

eagerly look forward to seasonal mailers

where they can earn vouchers on a variety of

products.

“Promotions are our way of saying ‘thank you’

and giving something back,” says McCracken.

“Our promotions are designed to excite

customers, while at the same time highlighting

what’s new from the company.”

The motor factor is also working with garages

to offer a business management system -

Workshop Expert Online - that removes all the

hassles of running a business and allows users

to focuses on servicing customers.

“Workshop Expert is a crucial tool for garages

and one that is compatible with pre-existing

systems. With access to the latest vehicle

service schedules, accounting and marketing

tools, it provides garages with a significant

edge over the competition.”

So, it’s clear with Autoparts that the full

package of help and support is paramount.

In the past, the supply of parts was enough,

but Autoparts recognises and thrives on the

need to establish and maintain long term

partnerships with customers - how else will the

automotive aftermarket develop, it argues?

“Parts distribution has seen a number

of changes, but motor factors have a

responsibility to concentrate fully on their

customer base and to innovate in order to

offer garages the greatest level of support

possible.”

In 2015 Arnold Clark Automobiles Ltd

acquired Midwest Motor Factors Ltd. The

company employs 80 staff and has more than

40 vans.

Paul Yardley of Midwest said: “I was more

than flattered by Arnold Clark’s interest in the

business and on seeing its plans for growth I

am very confident of an exciting future for the

company, staff and customers. Service remains

key for independent garages and it’s clear

that there is a real hunger from technicians for

greater technical support and training. Arnold

Clark, as an innovator in this area, is ideally

positioned to provide this.”

Craig McCracken, group factor manager, added:

“Midwest Motor Factors is an extremely well

run business and the team here have excellent

working relationships with customers and

suppliers. As part of Arnold Clark, we are

developing these further and investing in

all areas of the business to ensure Midwest

Motor Factors continues to dominate parts

supply to garages in the West Midlands.”

The Monmore Auto Parts branch in

Wolverhampton and Diamond Distribution

were also part of the acquisition.

AUTOPARTS UK: CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF MOTOR TRADE SERVICE

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44 / AUTOSCENEUK.CO.UK / ISSUE 132 2016

NEWS


NEWS

YB is one of

the world’s

largest

manufacturers

of Original

Equipment shock absorbers,

with almost 1 in 4 of all

cars leaving production

lines worldwide fitted with

KYB as standard. The same

world class product quality

is available to the UK

aftermarket.

KYB Europe also manufactures

a comprehensive range of coil

springs, from its purpose built

factory in the Czech Republic.

Also available are taper wire

miniblock springs, plus side

load (banana) springs, both

of which are often used by

vehicle manufacturers.

KYB also has a market leading

range of suspension mounting

kits, which should always be

replaced at the same time as

the shock absorber. Protection

kits complete the line-up and

they protect the piston rod

from external elements to

prolong the life of the shock

absorber.

Technicians can benefit from

a wide range of support tools

from KYB. There are over 130

fitting videos on YouTube which

feature vehicles which may

differ slightly from standard

replacement methods. A wide

range of 360 degree images

are also available online, to

help ensure the correct part

is selected for the vehicle,

reducing returns and saving

time. Hundreds of shock

absorber parts have a QR

code on the packaging which

when scanned provide vehicle

specific technical information.

KYB continues to work on

additional support tools for

technicians and is always

happy to receive feedback

and requests for assistance on

specific vehicles.

Top tip from KYB:

A large number of vehicles

which come into the workshop

have broken springs but the

driver has no idea. Therefore

KYB recommends that

technicians check the springs

on every vehicle which comes

into the workshop. Stones

and other debris is regularly

flung against the springs as the

vehicle is driving. Over time,

this can chip away at the paint

and can eventually expose the

steel underneath, making it

weaker. During the winter, the

salt on the roads corrodes the

bare metal and then when the

vehicle hits a pot hole or speed

bump, the spring can break.

Keep in touch with KYB:

YouTube www.youtube.com/

kybeurope

Facebook /kybsuspension

Twitter @kybeurope

For more information:

www.kyb-europe.com

KYB: OUR PRECISION, YOUR ADVANTAGE

K

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NEWS

utoparts has been a

member of United

Aftermarket Network for

more than 10 years.

In this time, the motor factor

has grown considerably and worked closely

with the group and its suppliers to ensure

an in-depth range of stock is on the shelf for

garages to take full advantage of.

In order to provide the highest quality,

OE-matching quality parts to independent

motor traders and MoT stations, we need the

best product suppliers.

Craig McCracken, Group Factor Manager of

Autoparts UK commented: “Our relationship

with suppliers is a huge part of our success

and longevity over the past 25 years.

Since Autoparts was established, we have

changed only seven suppliers and are

extremely loyal to our suppliers, and we

work together very closely; it is all about

effective partnership.

“We only offer Tier 1 (OE) and Tier 2 (OE-

matching) products in our line-up, and are

committed to fully supporting each supplier

brand. But before this happens, our quality

assurance and stringent due diligence

measures ensures the products are tested

by official testing companies before we can

offer them to the market ourselves.

“When we launch an own-brand product, it

can take anything up to 12 months before

it is stocked by Autoparts, and we will only

source from major manufacturers.”

In order to maintain the company philosophy

to provide ‘Parts for Every Car’ at competitive

prices and highest possible quality,

Autoparts only stocks complete full ranges to

ensure the best availability.

Additionally, as soon as a new part number is

released, Autoparts will stock it automatically

meaning the latest products are always

accessible.

Not only does Autoparts supply and deliver

a vast range of products including OE

quality automotive parts and accessories, it

also specialises in workshop consumables,

garage and diagnostic equipment and

specialist hand tools.

Reward suppliers

Autoparts holds meetings with

suppliers regularly. And, each year,

hosts an event for its supplier of the

year award, as voted for by its factor

managers.

McCracken said: “It is great to get

together with the best suppliers in

the industry. It’s important we reward

those who work hard throughout the

year as their efforts not only make

our job easier, but it helps to unite the

automotive aftermarket as a whole.”

A

AUTOPARTS UK: OUR SUPPLIERS

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NEWS

Many automakers are adopting the engines

with stop-start systems which cut down the

fuel consumption.

The stop-start system shuts down the engine

at idle and immediately restarts it when the

driver presses the accelerator or lifts his foot

off the brake. In coming years, the majority of

cars will have the Stop-Start system.

Engine Control Unit (ECU) plays an important

role making stop-start systems work reading

the movement of accelerator and brake

pedal that make the Engine Stop & Start.

Depressing the brake pedal conveys a signal

to ECU that means READY to go & when a

car completely stops, the controller shuts the

engine down.

To give the engine an instantaneous start

ECU work according to the design of the

system, type of transmission, pre-position of

the starter motor drive etc.

Stop-start systems can cut down the fuel

consumption and pollution especially in the

City traffic.

As per reports a consumer can gain up

to 3.5%-6% of fuel savings on Stop-Start

system. Most systems work to restart in

half a second or less. Whilst doing this the

engine demands a lot from

battery & batteries are

getting better & better with

AGM type.

The starters can take up

to 400K cycles depending on their design

& make. Bosch, Valeo & Denso have

different number of life cycles starting from

200K-400K.

For more information: 0141 309999

STOP–START SYSTEM

oyalty Link is

an attractive

programme

that rewards

customers

for their parts spend

with discounts on garage

equipment products.

By being part of the

programme, workshops can

add brand new equipment and

keep up to date with the latest

developments, but without the

usual financial restrictions.

With Loyalty Link and

Workshop Expert Online,

Autoparts is supporting the

delivery of OE-quality brands

and products by impacting

positively on all areas of a

garage business. In many

cases, it can allow garages

to compete with larger

businesses on a new level.

“With Loyalty Link, we had a

dedicated garage equipment

section with 126 staff with

42 dedicated engineers and

won’t fit anything we can’t fix.

“We will provide equipment

to the garage upfront and

agree a monthly spend but

importantly, the product prices

do not change. It really is a

great USP and is a programme

that has proven very popular

indeed - we have customers

who are currently on their

fourth Loyalty Link deal,” said

Craig McCracken, group factor

manager, Autoparts UK.

“We operate a traffic light

system where we set the

garage an achievable target

to reach each month, with

payment holidays built

in for maximum peace of

mind. Similarly, we also

accommodate overpayments

allowing them to pay off the

equipment early - we have

had garages who surpass

their targets ahead of time.

Autoparts is highly

experienced in the successful

installation and maintenance

of garage equipment.

“Furthermore, when we sell

the right garage equipment

into a business, our training

arm, GTG, can facilitate all the

necessary training to ensure

the customer gets the most

out of the equipment. We

want to make the equipment

work for them, and training

is absolutely key to ensuring

this,” concluded Craig

McCracken.

AUTOPARTS UK: LOYALTY LINK

L

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NEWS

First Line is a renowned supplier

of premium quality aftermarket

components that is dedicated

to its customers, which is why it

is keen to celebrate Autoparts

UK’s 25th anniversary.

Autoparts UK distributes First

Line’s Steering and Suspension

range meaning that they can

provide an extensive solution to

their valued garage customers.

First Line has the most

comprehensive Steering and

Suspension range in the UK,

offering more than 8,000

references, all of which where

necessary are supplied with fitting

accessories. The company is also

an original equipment supplier,

providing British sports car

manufacturer, Zenos with a range

of products, including its premium

quality Steering and Suspension

components.

Dan Joyner, Managing Director

of First Line Ltd, commented

on this momentous occasion

for Autoparts UK: “We enjoy a

long and solid relationship with

Autoparts UK, not only are the

staff professional and welcoming,

they have a passion for the

components they sell and the

service they provide, which is why

they are such a rapidly expanding

factor with loyal customers.

“We are delighted to be

associated with Autoparts UK

and wish them every success

for their next 25 years!”


01869 248484

www.firstlineltd.com

FIRST LINE CELEBRATES AUTOPARTS’ 25TH ANNIVERSARYFIRST LINE’S STEERING & SUSPENSION RANGE

utoparts has launched

a range of ABS disc

kits under its exclusive

Disctech brand.

ABS rings are a device

used for slowing / stopping the brake

disc from rotating. Vehicle manufacturers

opted for this new technology for their rear

brakes to enhance the braking process,

believing it to be safer and more efficient.

ABS rings contain a magnetised area,

which consist of around 100 north and

south poles. The vehicle can judge how

fast the disc is rotating by how many

times the north / south poles are passing

the magnetic sensor. If the user presses

the brake while in motion the vehicle will

quickly assess how much braking pressure

to apply to the brake pads to slow / stop

the vehicle.

Advantages of ABS rings and bearing

discs

ABS rings and bearing discs come ready to

put onto the vehicle and there is no need

to press out the bearing on the old disc or

recover the old ABS ring and transfer.

Also, by not using the old bearing and

ABS ring, the user can be confident that all

parts are brand new and not damaged or

faulty. Finally, all components are precision

engineered to exacting OEM standards to

ensure all parts work together seamlessly.

Disctech ABS ring and bearing discs

contain the following: Magnetic ABS ring

(with plastic protective cover), Bearing,

Circlip, Steel nut (where applicable) Dust

cap (where applicable).

Brake gauge with any five sets of

Padtech pads

Autoparts UK is giving away a brand new

brake gauge with any five sets of Padtech

Pads.

This innovative tool is designed to

ensure brake pad thickness is accurately

measured and has eight preset

thicknesses to determine the status of

pads from 12mm to 2mm.

Autoparts’ exclusive brake pad brand

Padtech is one of the company’s fastest

growing brands and every single Padtech

brake pad is manufactured and tested

in the UK, which ensures garages are

confident of fitting an OE quality part with

full traceability.

Padtech and Disctech offers a 20,000

miles/20-month warranty on Padtech brake

pads and discs.

NEW ADDITION TO DISCTECH RANGE FROM AUTOPARTS

A

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NEWS


NEWS

t has been a pleasure

working with Autoparts

UK for many years now

and as a leading stockist

of Witter Towbars

products, we look forward to our

relationship continuing for many more

years to come.

Witter Towbars was founded in 1950 by

Colin Witter and for the last 66 years

has consistently set the standard for

quality, reliability, and value for money,

establishing the company as the UK’s

largest towbar manufacturer.

Continuing to set the industry standard in

towbars and towbar installation the Witter

Towbar online booking service is a unique

and comprehensive service offering

simplicity at the click of a mouse.

The process is simple to use, ensuring

customers get the towbar and electric

kit most suitable for their vehicle in a

simple Click-&-Fit format. Using the online

booking system of which Autoparts UK are

also a partner, customers will be sure that

their towbar is installed professionally and

they can also be safe in the knowledge

that everything is guaranteed by the UK’s

largest Towbar manufacturer.

Witter’s complete range of towing products

is designed for today’s modern lifestyles

- from bespoke towbars to award-winning

cycle carriers and commercial vehicle

systems. Witter is proud of its innovative

approach, shaping the direction of towbar

design and development throughout

Europe and beyond.

Following a successful design process

that includes 3D modelling, new towbars

are subjected to a range of tests to meet

EC Type Approval including a 2 million

cycle fatigue test. But Witter doesn’t

stop there! Testing is also carried out at

various test tracks in the United Kingdom

and these are widely recognised for their

ability to test every type of vehicle in use

today. The tracks are used by many of the

leading vehicle manufacturers to prove the

integrity and reliability of their vehicles and

systems.

When choosing a towbar make sure you

ask for WITTER, the UK’s number one.


www.witter-towbars.co.uk

WITTER TOWBARS CONGRATULATE AUTOPARTS UK ON THEIR 25TH ANNIVERSARY

I

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NEWS

At 3M we are partners with

every one of our clients.

We work with you to offer

products at every stage of the

repair process and provide

training for your team so

you get the best out of each

product.

All of our teams are dedicated

to researching new products

and developing our current

offerings, which sees us

launching new products

annually. Many of our

products are based around an

innovative mentality; we ask

ourselves, how can we help

clients achieve a high-quality

job in the most efficient way

possible?

A product we are particularly

proud of is the 3M™ Cubitron™

II range of abrasives. This

premium abrasive has

precision-shaped grain

technology, enabling it to cut

up to twice as long as standard

offerings on the market.

Cubitron™ II abrasives have

self-sharpening properties,

meaning that you can cut faster

with less effort, ensuring the

product lasts longer.

Products that promote

efficiency and productivity are

important to our clients, which

is why our original PPS™ Paint

Preparation System is such

a popular choice. It enables

painters to mix less paint and

reduce the amount of solvent

and time required for gun

cleaning. Overall, operator

efficiency can be improved by

as much as 15 per cent, as you

won’t need traditional mixing

cups and filters - it’s all in the

one system.

Our technical sales team is

highly qualified to deliver

training and always happy to

point you in the direction of

our detailed resources. They

are here to support you and

help you understand how to

use our products in the most

effective way possible. As

you can probably tell, having

strong relationships with our

customers is important to

us, which is why we aim to

understand your day-to-day

challenges. We take what

we do seriously, whether

that’s giving you the product

training you need or helping

you deliver labour, time and

productivity savings back to

your bodyshop.

Although we’re a global

company, we work with

companies of all sizes,

including local independent

bodyshops all over the world.

Wherever you are, it won’t be

too far away for us to give you

the information you need to

deliver your own customers

with the best possible results.

Autoparts UK is a bodyshop

we’re proud to work with and

we’d like to say congratulations

to them on their 25th

anniversary - it’s been a

pleasure.


www.3M.co.uk/bodyshop

3M. DRIVING SUCCESS IN YOUR BODYSHOP.

Autoparts UK has introduced

an exclusive engine

management brand, Edge, an

exceptional OE-quality range

designed to optimise engine

performance.

The range of products

Autoparts will now stock from

Edge includes: Ignition coils;

crankshaft and camshaft

position sensors; air mass

meters; Lambda sensors; EGR

valves; ABS sensor; throttle

position sensors; coolant

temperature sensors; knock

sensors; oil pressure switches;

radiator fan switches; brake

light switches; oil pressure

transmitters; idle control

Components; air temperature

sensors; electronic ignition

modules; contact sets and

condensers; and finally,

distributor caps and rotor arm.

Engine management systems

require components of

exceptional quality and

therefore Autoparts has

invested in this proven range

and brought its collection of

trusted components to market,

ensuring customers always

have access to reliable parts.

The range will also offer

customers the benefit of

Autoparts’ exclusive 20/20

warranty (20,000 mile / 20

month warranty).

AUTOPARTS HAS THE ‘EDGE’

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NEWS

NEW HAVOLINE ProDS ENGINE OIL PROACTIVELY PROTECTING ENGINESTo celebrate the launch of its

latest Havoline ProDS range

of engine oils this October,

Chevron Lubricants is offering

entrants from across Europe

the chance to win a luxury VIP

weekend in London, and a

Toyota Aygo XPlay.

The all-expenses paid trips for

two include a two-night stay

at a four-star hotel in central

London, an evening cruise

on the Thames, VIP tickets to

see hit musical Mamma Mia

and a visit to an iconic London

landmark. During the weekend,

the winners will also get the

chance to pit their wits against

each other to win a Toyota Aygo

XPlay.

The promotion marks the

launch of Chevron’s latest family

of high quality engine oils; the

Havoline ProDS range. The

range has been designed using

high quality premium synthetic

base oils, as well as unique

additives to care for the latest

generation of vehicles fitted

with low emission, fuel efficient

engines, including hybrids.

As engine technology evolves

to produce engines which are

smaller and more powerful,

with lower emissions and

greater fuel efficiency, the

engine oils that protect them

must also develop. The new

Havoline ProDS range covers

a number of grades to ensure

high performance in a variety of

engines and driving conditions.

The promotion will be open to

entrants from 28 countries in

Europe, with one pair of lucky

winners selected from each

participating country. It is open

from October 1 to November

30 2016 and entrants simply

have to fill in their details on

the promotion website (www.

texaco-competitions.com/

ProDS) to be in with a chance

of winning a luxury VIP London

experience.


europe.havoline.com

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NEWS

The Turbo Guy has consistently grown

over the last 5 years to become the

market leader in Scotland.

We have our roots in the Independent

aftermarket sector supplying direct to

Independent repairers and assisting them

with diagnosis and technical help. The

company was founded by engineers and

still has the same ethos today with sales

staff technically trained to assist and point

you in the right direction.

We have built our reputation providing

honest technical advice and trying to hold

stock of as many different turbochargers

to ensure we can always help and assist.

Our regular direct deliveries around West

Central Scotland, let you get the customer’s

car back on the road the same day.

As we have grown we have seen

an increase in demand from Motor

Factors, looking for a price competitive

remanufactured option, normally against

BTN. This now represents 50% of our

turnover and we are transacting with most

of the factor groups.

In addition to our existing 300+

remanufactured product lines, we also now

stock Brand new genuine units, gasket

sets and feed pipes for most common

applications and are normally cheaper than

main dealer. We aim to be truly a one-stop

shop for Turbo replacement.

The last year saw us launching our DPF

cleaning and testing facility “DPF Expert”

Having been involved in many turbo failures

going on to cause DPF blockages we

searched the market, initially for someone

to partner with to help our customers.

We found the market full of DPF removal

specialists and “on-car” DPF cleaning

technology which really doesn’t offer

the standard of final product we need.

After all a filter could never be cleaned

by trying to force more matter through

it. We made a significant investment in

bespoke technology which Flow checks

and cleans DPFs using a fully Biologocal

Osmosis process using repeated water

and enzyme pressure pulses to fully clear

and clean DPFs back to factory flow rates.

We continue to work with the University

of Abertay to improve the process and

promote a truly environmentally friendly and

legal alternative to DPF removal or costly

replacement.

As a supplier to Autoparts UK we would

like to congratulate Craig McCracken and

his team on their continued growth and

success and look forward to being able to

help them and their customers.


www.dpfexpert.co.uk

THE TURBO GUY

“Craig is a stalwart of the

UK Aftermarket whose

reputation for professional

negotiation and leadership

has seen the Autoparts UK

and, most recently, Midwest

motor factor businesses go

from strength to strength.

“As a DENSO customer Craig

has always acted with the

best interests of his business

and the wider industry in any

discussion. He is a valued

customer and we thank him

for the support he has shown

us to date and look forward

to continued support into the

future. DENSO would like to

congratulate Craig on this

milestone achievement and to

wish him a long and successful

future within our industry.”


www.denso-am.co.uk

DENSO: TESTIMONIAL

“He is a valued customer and we thank him for the

support he has shown.”

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NEWS

NISSENS: RENOWNED QUALITY SINCE 1921Nissens develops, manufactures

and supplies a catalogue of

engine cooling and climate

products, comprising more than

12,000 items.

“We have been a key supplier

to Autoparts UK since 2004

and are now into our 12th year

of continuous service providing

quality products,” said Duncan

Rainbird, Sales Manager Nissens

(UK).

“We are constantly widening our

range portfolio, and recently have

introduced A/C compressors,

heater blower motors and

intercoolers.

“We always aim to make a

product which is closest to, or

better than OE. The brand of

Nissens is known for quality

product which fits first time. On

our key product groups, we have

less than 0.4% of warranties per

annum which says a lot about our

dedication to reliability.

“In terms of the future, staying

ahead of development is

important to Nissens. This makes

it possible to influence the

direction it takes, instead of just

moving with the flow.”

Find your solution today.


www.nissens.com

One of the UKs leading independent aftermarket distributors; FAI

Automotive, has declared their appreciation and best wishes to

Autoparts UK and Group Factor Manager Craig McCracken for their

excellent supplier relations and commitment to growth.

FAI added that the 25th Anniversary currently being celebrated by

Autoparts is a huge milestone for the business and the fantastic

level of expansion in this period is an achievement to be proud of.

Autoparts stock a selection of FAI’s product ranges including

their market leading Timing Chain Kits. FAI’s timing chain kit (TCK)

program is the best in the aftermarket with over 320 part numbers,

covering a greater percentage of the European and Asian car parc

than the competition. The ethos of the TCK program was to bring

a complete solution to the aftermarket, so FAI take great care

to include ALL the parts needed to complete a TCK installation

right down to the last stretch bolt. Everything in the box is off high

quality OE specification for a truly reliable replacement option.

Every FAI timing chain kit box is sealed with an oil specification

warning label assisting the technician with which grade of oil is

required for the vehicle.

Also available from Autoparts are FAI water pumps and timing belt

kits; both of which use OE spec materials and components. The FAI

water pump range offers over 400 references covering in excess

of 4000 vehicle applications, all of which use OE spec bearings

and silicone carbide or ceramic seals.


www.faiauto.com

FAI DELIGHTED BY AUTOPARTS UK GROWTH

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Continually keeping up

with all the latest industry

technical advancements can

be ‘exhausting’, but the team

at European Exhaust and

Catalyst is firmly committed

to helping the industry learn

more about the vehicle

emissions system.

Our dedicated and experienced

Technical Trainers travel the

country meeting technicians

and sales teams regularly

helping them to learn more

about dealing with DPF and

Catalytic Converter faults. Most

common failures relate to air

problems and not over-fuelling,

issues with the filtration

systems and small air holes.

Do you already know how to

understand the values of a

4-gas analyser or the difference

between a SIC or Cordierite DPF?

Not just hot air

We believe that all parts of

the industry can have the

opportunity to make a real

difference to the end customer,

and our training can focus on

the most appropriate selling

techniques, how best to upsell

and understand why work is

being carried out.

We will work with you to sell

more to your customers in an

educational and understanding

way that helps everyone to

achieve more.

Outside of our training sessions,

our sales team regularly keep

in touch with you to assist with

stock re-profiling and sales

support, offering marketing,

promotional and upselling

opportunities.

We also provide a dedicated

customer technical line for any

enquiries, and regularly send

New To Range Notifications via

email, helping you to keep up to

date with the latest application

releases.

Would you like to know more?

European Exhaust and Catalyst is

the ‘driving force behind vehicle

emissions’, offering Catalytic

Converters, Diesel Particulate

Filters, Exhausts, Front Pipes

and Pipe Connectors and has

supplied Autoparts for over five

years.

We are committed to the highest

levels of customer service, so

you can keep you customers

happy, working to the most

relevant industry standards to

ensure the perfect finish and

fitability, we continuously look

for ways to reduce our business

impact on the environment and

are dedicated to helping you

grow through personalised

support.

If you feel you or your customers

could benefit from one of our

dedicated training sessions,

contact us today.


023 9224 5300 or

[email protected]

ARE YOU AN EMISSIONS EXPERT?

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NEWS

or more than

35 years Polyco

has been a

pioneer in the

design and

delivery of premium hand-

protection products that help

people work better and safer.

Driven by the core principles

of performance, quality and

customer confidence Polyco

is consistently developing its

already broad product range,

bringing innovation to life

through bold designs and

advanced functionality.

Through its UKAS-accredited

research and development

base in the UK and network

of experienced manufacturing

partners around the world,

Polyco determines customers’

needs and devises innovative

solutions. Its comprehensive

selection of high-performance,

cost-effective gloves includes:

cut-resistant, general use, hot and

cold handling, chemical-resistant,

disposable, critical-environment,

as well as specialist and niche

products.

Polyco’s ability to provide a

local service and build personal

relationships with its customers

allows it to offer great flexibility,

unrivalled response times and a

simple, straightforward service. By

continually canvassing the views

of customers, and using its expert

knowledge and understanding of

the market, the company makes

sure it can deliver what people

need now, and what they will

expect in the future.

We would like to like to

congratulate Autoparts Ltd

on their milestone 25th

Anniversary.


www.polyco.co.uk

POLYCO WORKING CLOSELY WITH AUTOPARTS TO PROTECT YOUR HANDS

F “bringing innovation to life through bold designs

and advanced functionality.”

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am Robinson

Product and

Brand Manager

TRICO said:

“When

we launched TRICO with

Autoparts UK three years ago,

it quickly became clear why it

is so successful and has grown

to be such a strong force within

the UK market.

“A real determination to

understand the needs of the

customer and understand how

we can best service them,

as well as its commitment to

offering recognised quality

products, means that business

has flourished rapidly from a

‘standing start’.

“On behalf of all at TRICO, I’d

like to offer our congratulations

on Autoparts UK reaching its

25th anniversary, and although

we have only played a small

part in the last few years of

that history, we look forward to

playing a much bigger part in its

next 25 years and beyond!”


www.trico.eu.com

TRICO: AUTOPARTS UK TESTIMONIAL

S

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One of the world’s largest

manufacturers of drive systems

for Original Equipment

was among the first major

automotive brands to offer

congratulations to Autoparts

UK, as it reached its 25-years of

trading milestone.

“This is a business that has been

consistently successful and has

generated a regular amount of

significant growth. That points

to a strong and sound business

model. Craig McCracken and

his team have implemented it,

developed it and helped it to

evolve. That’s what we look for

as a supplier,” said Gates District

Sales Manager Bob McAvan.

Business partnerships thrive on

trust and mutual respect.

Wherever Gates has introduced

new concepts and provided

training opportunities, Autoparts

has responded positively. As

a result, more garages are

installing more belt kits than

ever before and drive system

reliability has increased.

Gates has recently announced

an expansion of its belt kit

ranges for Synchronous Belt

Drive Systems and Auxiliary

Belt Drive Systems, in order to

deliver complete solutions to the

problems that face garages on

a daily basis. Some of the latest

initiatives include:

• Gates PowerGrip Timing Belt

Kit Plus ABDS Water Pump

• Gates PowerGrip Kit Plus Water

Pump Plus Thermostat

• Gates Micro-V Kit Plus Water

Pump

The successful introduction of

new concepts such as these

depend upon the support of

forward thinking motor factors,

which must deliver the Gates

message to the garages.

“Autoparts UK has the ability

to spot good business

opportunities but also has the

staff who are experienced

enough to be able to promote

them. I suspect that these are

some of the reasons for

its continued success

and that could be

why it’s one of the

fastest growing

independent

motor factor

groups,” added Gates UK

Regional Manager Darren

Spooner.

“Craig and the rest of the board

have been consistently strong

business partners for Gates and

we would like to be among the

first to wish them even more

success in the future.”


GatesTechZone.com

PARTNERSHIPS BEHIND THE SUCCESS

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“Dorset Tubes, in this our 60th year are pleased to support Autoparts in their 25th year.”

e are for 15

years, part of

the Lawton

Tube Company

Ltd, based

in Coventry, who are family

owned ‘British tube makers and

distributors’ for nearly 100 years.

Using quality raw materials, we

believe we offer the fullest range

of copper alloy tube products for

all of the UK and export markets

too.

In Dorset amongst other tube

products for industry, we

specialise in producing an

extensive range of aftermarket

automotive tubing, offering

material options and range of tube

thicknesses, in both metric and

imperial diameters and numerous

length options.

Our strength lies in understanding

our production processes and

applying these to particular

product and service needs.

The versatility and expertise

available within the company is

such that we can often (thanks

to our highly adaptable drawing

facilities) produce tube to the

specific requirements.

Supplied to distributors in the

UK, Europe and worldwide to

order leadtimes we are able to

supply market leaders such as

Autoparts with the competitive

quality products they need when

needed.

Offering choice, choosing quality,

available from Autoparts.


www.dorsettubes.co.uk

W

DORSET TUBESDorset Tubes, in this our 60th year are pleased to support Autoparts in their 25th year.

DORSET TUBES

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KILEN SPRINGS

The entire team at Kilen Springs would like to congratulate Autoparts UK on 25 successful years in business, and commend all sta� past and present for

their hard work and dedication.

ilen’s relationship with Autoparts

UK began in 2008, and in the eight

years since has blossomed into a

mutually beneficial partnership,

with Kilen‘s extensive range of

replacement springs available from Autoparts

branches throughout the country.

Kilen would like to wish Autoparts UK the very best

of luck for the future, and hope the company will

continue to thrive for many years to come.

Kilen Springs

Kilen have been manufacturing springs for more than

160 years, and today supply a market-leading range of

automotive coil springs featuring over 10,000 standard

and heavy-duty applications.

All production and development takes place in

modern, state of the art factories in Sweden,

where Kilen coil springs are manufactured

from high-quality spring steel and

are cold-coiled in computerised

automatic (CNC) machines. This

ensures consistent high quality

across the entire range.

Kilen coil springs hold the

same quality as those of vehicle

manufacturers and can therefore

be installed by authorised repair

workshops without any warranty

restrictions. Kilen springs use only

the highest grade steel from selected

mills to achieve the exceptional surface

and internal wire quality necessary for

modern suspension springs.

Each Kilen spring is protected from

corrosion using a chemical process

called zinc phosphating, and then

painted with an epoxy powder resin

which is much more durable than

standard paint. All Kilen parallel wire coil springs are

supplied with a three-year warranty. Tapered wire coil

springs come with two years’ warranty.

With distribution centres located in Sweden, Germany,

the UK, Russia, and the USA, Kilen hold a coil spring

stock of over 1.2 million units. This ensures high

availability, short delivery times, and low distribution

costs.

Kilen’s extensive range is available today - online or

in-branch - from Autoparts UK.


www.kilensprings.com

K

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NEWS

irstly, I

would like to

congratulate

Autoparts

on their 25th

Anniversary, wishing them

continued success in the future!

National has been reliably

serving the Independent

Aftermarket in the UK and

throughout Europe as a

manufacturer and distributor for

over 30 years. We specialise in

clutch and brake components

for passenger cars and light

commercial vehicles. Specifically,

clutch kits, clutch concentric

slave cylinders and conventional

solid flywheel replacement

kits for dual mass flywheel

applications, plus brake discs,

brake drums and brake pads.

Our aim is to consistently exceed

our customers’ expectations

by providing a service that is

second to none. With over 30

years’ experience, we know what

it takes to provide the service our

customers require. We are proud

of the market-leading reputation

that we hold for providing quality,

availability, service and range.

These are the foundations on

which we continue to develop

and build our business.

National’s quality assurance

system has been certified

in accordance with the

International Standard

ISO 9001:2008. All of our

products are supplied under

the category of ‘spare parts

of matching quality’, in line

with the requirements of

Commission Regulation (EU)

No. 461/2010.

Product availability is the

cornerstone of our business.

With consistently high

availability levels, we believe

our strength in this area is key

to our enduring growth and

success.

At National, we are committed

to achieving customer

satisfaction; in fact, it is

our number one priority.

We aim to keep pace with

customers’ changing needs

and expectations, which is why

we offer an own brand image

service as well as marketing

our product range under the

respected ‘National’ brand.

We are renowned in

the marketplace for our

comprehensive range of

clutch and brake components.

National’s range covers over

95% of the UK and European

vehicle parc and is maintained

by a continuous range

development programme.

National - the number one

choice.


www.national-auto.co.uk

NATIONAL AUTO PARTSWORDS BY GARY WALKER, SALES MANAGER NATIONAL AUTO PARTS.

F

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Autoparts UK has added a wide range

of new features to its web-based

garage management tool, Workshop

Expert Online, including implementing

a fresh, clean design to the ‘Document’

tab to ensure efficient access for users.

The motor factor has worked alongside

MAM software to develop key aspects of

the platform, improving site navigation

and user engagement.

A major feature that has been developed

is the look and feel of the ‘Document’

screen, allowing users to now see sub-

totals on jobs and also arrange the order

in which these jobs are presented on the

final invoice.

Garages can also combine jobs

and labour charges together in one

document in a ‘job group’, increasing

efficiency as it allows for a quicker

workflow and creates cleaner, easier-to-

read documents.

Developed in partnership with MAM

Software, Workshop Expert Online

supports all areas of a garage business

including accounting, daily workshop

management, parts lookup and ordering

and, customer relationship management

(CRM).

Key features include: Customer

reminders via SMS or email for MOTs,

services, check-ups and more; workshop

management including the creation of

quotes, job cards and invoices; access

to thousands of vehicle repair times and

recommended service schedules; and.

Workshop Expert support, from optional

technical repair data to access to a UK-

based telephone helpline manned by

MAM’s trained personnel 7-days-a-week

/ 24 hours a day.

Workshop Expert manages a garage’s

workload in the most efficient manner

possible. The upgrade will only add to its

range of benefits and we encourage all

users to utilise Workshop Expert Online

to its fullest capabilities.

WORKSHOP EXPERT ONLINE

ndependent Automotive

Aftermarket Federation

(IAAF) is now offering

members access to

exclusive health and

safety packages featuring a wide range

of valuable factors, including risk

assessment, accident investigation, audits,

inspections and certified training courses.

The vast range of benefits, provided

through new member GTG West Midlands,

will ensure members have the appropriate

health and safety procedures in place

within their business and can supply their

workforce with any training required,

carried out in state-of-the-art facilities by

highly experienced professionals.

Jeanette Breckles, Business Development

Manager at GTG Training West Midlands,

said: “Our dedicated health and safety

expertise, guidance and professional

resources enable us to deliver additional

benefits to the IAAF membership, removing

the need to employ full-time health

and safety professionals in businesses.

Members are not only provided with

specialist health and safety service

packages, but they also have access to an

extensive range of four training courses

at exclusive rates, ensuring their business

does not fall foul of the law and employees

are always in safe hands.”

“We’re confident that joining the IAAF will

have a positive impact on our continued

growth within the aftermarket; having

access to exclusive industry expertise

and opportunities to engage in a healthy

dialogue under IAAF’s professional umbrella

will be a great benefit to the company.”

The specialist training academy is the

newest addition to GTG and the first of its

kind to open in the UK.

GTG West Midlands specialises in two

different areas: automotive and transport

training, and its business section offers a

selection of courses from business skills,

computer and IT, and health and safety.

Wendy Williamson, IAAF Chief Executive,

said: “The specialist service GTG provides

is first-class and we encourage members

to visit the innovative venue for training

courses, meetings, conferences and events.

The benefits offered to members through

both the health and safety packages and

training courses are endless and are there

to ensure our members are able to run their

businesses as efficiently and smoothly as

possible.”

For more information: www.iaaf.co.uk

IAAF LAUNCHES NEW HEALTH AND SAFETY BENEFITS

IGTG exterior.

document in a ‘job group’, increasing

ORIUM Tyres is a recent

addition to the Autoparts

UK brand stable. Tyres are

manufactured in Europe by

one of the world’s largest

tyre manufacturers in an ISO

9001-accredited factory,

compliant with UNECE

regulations.

The ORIUM brand

meets the requirements

from installers for a

quality product, very

competitively priced. Based

on the guaranteed

production quality,

the ORIUM

brand provides

safe tyres for

passenger car and

light commercial

vehicles.

The ORIUM brand is available

in four different ranges:

Touring, High Performance,

Light Truck and SUV.


www.orium-tyres.com

ORIUM TYRES

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Autoparts 25 Anniversary Scots Auto Scene

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Transcript of Autoparts 25 Anniversary Scots Auto Scene