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

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

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

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

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 ANNIVERSARY
FIRST 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

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

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’

NEWS
NEW HAVOLINE ProDS ENGINE OIL
PROACTIVELY PROTECTING ENGINES
To 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

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.”

NEWS
NISSENS: RENOWNED QUALITY SINCE 1921
Nissens 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

NEWS
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
marketing@eurocats.co.uk
ARE YOU AN EMISSIONS EXPERT?

NEWS
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.”

NEWS
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

NEWS
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

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

NEWS
KILEN SPRINGS
The entire team at Kilen Springs would like to
congratulate Autoparts UK on 25 successful years in
business, and commend all staff 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

NEWS
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 PARTS
WORDS BY GARY WALKER, SALES MANAGER NATIONAL AUTO PARTS.
F

NEWS
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
I
GTG 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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