Edition: 04/2022
news www.autodistribution.international
Ukrainian crisis
ADI
STANDS AS Responsible editor: Autodistribution International, Kortenberg, Belgium
ONE
GB
Dear Colleagues and Partners, Shortages of semi-conductors, disruption, availability rate, scarcity and increases in the cost of sea freight, shortages of certain raw materials, stoppage of production lines or factory shutdowns, lockdowns in Europe or China, short-time work, absenteeism, teleworking, a reduction in kilometres travelled, electrification of vehicles, access to manufacturer data, etc. This is a non-exhaustive list of issues which have been of particular concern to us almost daily for the past 2 years as they have an impact on the smooth running of our business and its future. Added to this in recent months has been the issue of inflation: raw materials, automotive parts, energy, fuel, boxes, wages. All these issues represent challenges for the automotive aftermarket as a whole: I have complete faith in the ability of ADI’s members and partners to grasp them in full and to get through this turbulent period with common sense, in dialogue and exchange, with pragmatism and a long-term vision. These are all issues that nevertheless seem futile and derisory in the face of the horrors of the war unfolding in the territory of our colleagues from AD Ukraine, to whom we send all our thoughts of solidarity and support, while raging at our helplessness. NO TO WAR! Stéphane Antiglio
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Our supplier portfolio ADI’s supplier portfolio counts more than 40 leading parts manufacturers, all with OE pedigree.
IN THIS NEWSLETTER 4
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EXIDE strengthens its Marine & Leisure equipment range with six new LI-ION batteries
Autodistribution Tunisie
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5
AD Parts announces its attendance at Motortec 2022
AD Denmark: a constantly expanding network with state-of-the-art logistics
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SWF 100 Year Anniversary
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Update on Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulation (MVBER)
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AD UKRAINE
latest news from the AD Group
Responsible editor: ADI BV (Ltd.) (Autodistribution International), Kortenberg, Belgium This magazine is distributed to all business relations and distributor members of the ADI group. To subscribe or unsubscribe contact us at ADI BV (Ltd.), Leuvensesteenweg 272, 3070 Kortenberg, Belgium, (T) +32 2 759 29 95 or (E) news@adi.be.
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EXIDE strengthens its MARINE & LEISURE equipment range with six NEW LI-ION BATTERIES Boasting excellent coverage, suitable for most applications in the Marine & Leisure Equipment market, the Exide Equipment Li-Ion offers a wide range of choices: •
12, 24 and 36V options
•
From 50 to 200Ah capacity, from 640 to 3800Wh
•
Various box sizes (including L05) and terminal options
Exide just enlarged its Marine & Leisure Equipment range with six Li-Ion (LiFePO4) batteries – perfect for boats, caravans and motorhomes requiring dedicated battery banks for equipment supply, such as navigation, emergency, safety and comfort. These new types represent the pinnacle of Li-Ion technology, ensuring an extremely high level of safety, outstanding performance and an extended lifespan vs. standard batteries. On top, they come with a Bluetooth connection and a free smartphone app. The Exide ML Li-Ion Monitor App enables boat and Motorhomes users to monitor the state of charge and other important health parameters of their battery bank at any time.
Main features and benefits:
Monitor: - Charge/discharge currents - OCV
Cuts operating costs: 3x the lifespan and 2x the available capacity vs. conventional batteries reduce the total cost of ownership Faster recharge: Exceptional charge acceptance
- State of charge - State of health - Cycle counter - Temperature and more...
Lightweight: 70% lighter than a conventional battery Heating function*: Essential feature for cold climates down to -20°C* Battery Management Systems (BMS): For safe operation and best performance Bluetooth connectivity*: The Exide ML Li-Ion Monitor App connects directly to the BMS
*where available
FILIALKORT AD DANMARK Afdelinger/regionslagre og forsyningslinjer – marts 2022
AD DENMARK
a constantly expanding network with state-of-the-art logistics
Afdelinger med varetur
FILIALKORT AD DANMARK
Regionslagre med varetur
Afdelinger/regionslagre og forsyningslinjer – marts 2022
Vareture under forberedelse Afdelinger kun med afhentning Afdelinger med varetur
Forsyningslinjer x 1 Forsyningslinjer x 2 Forsyningslinjer x 3
Regionslagre med varetur Hjørring Frederikshavn Vareture under forberedelse Afdelinger kun med afhentning Brønderslev
Thisted
AD Denmark, part of thansen Group and owned by its CEO, Bent Jensen, joined ADI in 2016 and has since been very successful in expanding activities in Denmark.
AALBORG
Hjørring
Nørresundby Thisted
Randers N
Skive
Struer
Rønne
AALBORG
Hobro Lemvig
Viborg
Randers
Års
Nykøbing Mors
Holstebro
Grenaa
Hadsten Egå
Lemvig Skanderborg
Ikast Silkeborg
Rønne Hobro
TILST
Herning Ringkøbing
Århus Viborg
Vejle N
Grenaa Hillerød Hadsten Frederikssund Ølstykke Egå
Ringkøbing
Århus
Holbæk
Ikast Silkeborg Kalundborg
Skanderborg
VibyRoskilde J
Fredericia Skjern
Kolding Vejen
TILST
Herning
Horsens
Vejle
Kolding DK
Nyborg Vejle
Faaborg
Korsør
Helsinge
København S
Helsin
Frederiksværk
Hillerød
ESBJERG Sønderborg
Nakskov Haderslev
Assens
Maribo
Nyborg
Slagelse
Sorø Ringsted
Korsør
Aabenraa
Glostrup Brøndby
Køge Haslev
Næstved
Faaborg
Nykøbing F Svendborg
Rødekro
Tønder
Roskilde
I
Vordingborg Odense M
MIDDELFART ODENSE
Ribe
Herlev
RØDOVRE
Holbæk
Kalundborg
Næstved
Ølstykke
Fredericia
Kolding Kolding Svendborg DK Vejen
Rødekro Aabenraa
Østerbro
Valby Ishøj Tårnby
Køge Sorø Ringsted Horsens Slagelse Haslev Vejle N
Odense M ODENSEGrindsted
Tønder
Glostrup Brøndby
Frederikssund
Varde Assens Haderslev
Søborg
Herlev
RØDOVRE
Odder
MIDDELFART
Ribe
Helsingør
Randers Frederiksværk
Holstebro Odder
Grindsted
Helsinge
Randers N
Skive
Struer Viby J
Skjern
ESBJERG
Frederikshavn
Brønderslev
Års
Nykøbing Mors
Varde
With a central logistics hub in Middlefart, located in the middle of the country, and another 6 regional warehouses of 56 000 sqm in total, AD Denmark covers the entire country. To keep up with the ever growing activities the group will invest in further expansion and new technologies: as of Q3 2022, they will build the biggest Black Line robot system by Autostore, with 100 Black Line robots operating 160 000 boxes. Additionally, 2024 will see the construction of a new 60 000 sqm AD Denmark central logistic centre in Middlefart.
Forsyningslinjer x 1 Forsyningslinjer x2 Nørresundby Forsyningslinjer x 3
Vordingborg
Sønderborg
Nakskov Maribo
AD Denmark’s ambition is clear: to become the leading aftermarket network in Denmark. From a total of 84 outlets, 36 are dedicated to the supply of parts and products to professional repairers, and during 2022, the number of outlets for professionals will be increased to 50, each one being supplied 3 times a day from the central warehouse. Also the fleet (130 cars today) will be expanded to 175 delivery vehicles, each one equipped with a geo-tracking device that allows customers to see the status of their order live in the online catalogue, including estimated time of arrival and order fill rate. #RED08032022
#RED08032022
The group is dealing with all garages in Denmark, including the Bosch Car Service network.
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Nykøbing F
Update on Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulation (MVBER)
From its headquarters in Brussels, the European federation of the automotive aftermarket distributors, Figiefa, monitors and accompanies the development of European and International legislation affecting the automotive aftermarket. Figiefa represents the interests of its members towards European and international institutions. In a series of articles in this newsletter, Figiefa and ADI, who is assisting Figiefa in various dedicated working groups, intend to give you an executive overview of key topics that are bound to affect tomorrow’s IAM playing field. In this editon: the Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulation.
Executive summary
Background
Mid-January 2022, the European Commission has announced its intention to extend the “core legislation”, the Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulation (MVBER) itself “as is” by five years, and to update its Supplementary Guidelines to reflect technological developments. FIGIEFA therefore welcomes in principle the European Commission’s announcement, which tends to indicate that the sector specific regime will be maintained, hence in any case not be abandoned, which is already a very positive signal, compared to the option of abandoning the MVBER. FIGIEFA will suggest proposals for improvements needed in view of recent technical and market developments.
The sector-specific competition framework consists of Motor Vehicle Block Exemption 461/2010 and a set of Supplementary Guidelines, both of which date from 2010 and were set to expire in 2023. The framework helps to ensure access to spare parts and technical information, by outlawing restrictive covenants between vehicle manufacturers and their authorised repairers or OE parts manufacturers. The framework includes essential guidance on warranties, dual branding and the ability of independent wholesalers to sell original/matching quality parts to authorised repairers. Without these rules, vehicle manufacturers could also impose greater restrictions on the ability of OE parts manufacturers to sell their products as spare parts to the entire aftermarket. The European Commission’s Evaluation Report of May 2021 cites market
evidence showing that the MVBER has been quite useful, i.a. to facilitate the trade in original and matching quality spare parts as well as access to technical information, and to prevent anticompetitive warranty terms. As the current rules are approaching their expiration date, the European Commission consulted with the EU Member States and stakeholders since 2019 (Roadmap), in 2020 (Ernst & Young Study), and the “backwards looking” public consultation was in 2021. Among the policy options of the EC were: (a) letting the sector-specific rules expire altogether, (b) allowing the Block Exemption Regulation to expire and replacing it with non-binding guidelines, and (c) continue with a robust framework consisting of a sector-specific Block Exemption Regulation as well as Supplementary Guidelines. FIGIEFA advocated that the sector-specific competition framework consisting of a Regulation as well as Guidelines should be maintained to protect competition in the automotive aftermarket, i.e. between vehicle manufacturers and their contracted networks on the one hand and independent, multibrand operators on the other. FIGIEFA shared this message with the European Commission through its contribution to public consultations, its own FIGIEFA Evaluation Report (with examples gathered through
the FIGIEFA Working Group), co-ordination with other stakeholders and meetings with officials. FIGIEFA would like to thank all associations, companies and individuals who contributed to these efforts.
Next steps FIGIEFA is of the opinion that the current framework needs indeed an update, and this not only for the Guidelines, but also for the MVBER itself. However, the European Commission has indicated a willingness to consider limited updates to the guidelines, and announced that it intends to “extend” the MVBER, implying that changes to the MVBER itself are likely to be very difficult to obtain. Nevertheless, even a “simple” extension of the MVBER accompanied by an upgrade of the Supplementary Guidelines is a first positive step forward, as some stakeholders had begun to question the continued need for sector-specific rules. As said, the European Commission’s recent statement indicates a willingness to update the Supplementary Guidelines. These guidelines contain essential and very concrete provisions on the trade of spare parts, access to technical information, and servicing of vehicles under warranty. The revision of these guidelines is aimed in particular at taking into consideration recent technological developments.
FIGIEFA intends to contribute to the upcoming public consultation with concrete, practical proposals to make this essential legislation fit for both today’s and tomorrow’s challenges. Depending on market-based evidence and regulatory developments, FIGIEFA will insist on the following points to upgrade the Supplementary Guidelines: TRADE OF PARTS. FIGIEFA is reflecting on submitting ad- ACCESS TO IN-VEHICLE GENERATED DATA. The European ditional provisions in order to improve wholesale access to Commission might want to refer to this issue in the framework of the MVBER, but this has not yet been confirmed. The OEM captive parts to lower the anti-competitive impact of EU type approval rules and the EU’s Data Act (to be unveiled selective distribution channels as they are currently used. on 23 February) will also influence the coherence and com ACCESS TO TECHNICAL INFORMATION. In view of new pleteness of the future competition framework. If DG COMP technological practices, FIGIEFA agrees that a review and intended to include access to in-vehicle data, it should be modernisation of the rules on accessing technical informaemphasised that independent operators don’t need “the tion (abbreviated as “repair and maintenance information” same as what authorised networks get from the vehicle RMI) is absolutely necessary. In close cooperation with AFmanufacturers”, but require proper and independent access CAR, and in particular with ADPA, FIGIEFA is reflecting on to what the vehicle sustains (hence what the VMs have at substantiated demand to make sure that the full range of their availability) to be able to provide competitive and intechnical information is made available to independent novative services and solutions. operators, irrelevant of what authorised repairers receive or not. These proposals include for example provisions on SERVICING OF VEHICLES UNDER WARRANTY. FIGIEFA reflects on how updated guidance could be provided on restricRMI for new types of powertrains, or RMI being embedded in proprietary OEM diagnostic tools and not available to IOs. tive warranty terms. The objective is in particular to better capture misleading practices, such as the (ab)use of extended warranties, and the burden of proof lying with the vehicle manufacturers or their authorised networks when warranty is denied following the use of an independent service or part. 7
AU TO D I S T R I B U T I O N T U N I S I E Autodistribution Tunisie, a partner of the ADI group, is part of the electromechanical division of the UTIC group, the 5th largest group in Tunisia. AD Tunisie specialises in the distribution of spare parts for cars and heavy goods vehicles, automotive paint, industrial supplies, garage equipment and lubricants.
Apart from the introduction of new brands and the development of new product lines, since the beginning of 2021, AD Tunisie has relied on a digital marketing strategy that has brought it closer to its customers. More specifically, 4 official FACOM, EXPERT, STANLEY and KÄRCHER stores have been launched on the largest marketplace in Tunisia. In addition to operating the B2C channel, these stores have increased brand awareness among the Tunisian public. The proximity of its individual and professional customers being paramount in its marketing strategy, AD Tunisie has just launched the first Kärcher Center in Tunisia (official opening in March 2022), AD Tunisie benefits from distribution agreements with the largest where its customers can live the Kärcher experience on site with the automotive suppliers and manufacturers, enabling it to meet all the assistance of a Kärcher sales expert. needs of its customers throughout Tunisia. In an uncertain economic environment and a global health crisis, AD Tunisie has managed to maintain its market share and remain the leader of its sector in Tunisia, thanks in particular to its ability to adapt to change in the economic and political environment, by focusing on a strategy of innovation and continuous development.
Upcoming projects: In the same vein, in the second quarter of 2022 AD Tunisie is launching its B2B e-commerce platform to serve its customers and take advantage of this new channel to increase its market share by targeting potential new customers throughout Tunisia.
Inauguration of the new Kärcher Center - March 2022 First Kärcher Center opened in Tunisia, in the presence of Mr Khelil Chaibi, President of AD Tunisie and Mr Axel Stolz, Vice-President, Export, Kärcher.
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OLA Energy Tunisie - November 2021 The Bosch Car service network is expanding with a new partnership #OLAEnergyTunisie. Inauguration of the first ‘‘Express Bosch Car Service’’ centre at the OLA Ezzahra petrol station in Tunis.
Expansion of the Bosch Car Service network Several partnerships with the largest distribution operators or petrolium products have been established over the past year. In particular with OLA Energy Tunisie and Shell Tunisie.
Launch of B2C official stores
Shell - October 2021 -
Several official stores have been launched on the largest marketplace in Tunisia. Below, the Kärcher By AD Tunisia store.
#Boschcarservice launches its new concept «Express Bosch Car Services» at Shell petrol stations
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AD PARTS ANNOUNCES ITS AT TENDANCE AT MOTORTEC 2022
The leading distribution group AD Parts will occupy an area close to 1,400m2, the largest stand in the history of the Motortec trade show. After several years of absence the AD group returns to the Motortec fair in order to present its comprehensive offer to the entire repair sector. AD Parts will have two stands, located in halls 5 and 7, where it will display its service programs and added values for the different actors in the repair sector, including the areas of mechanics, bodywork, workshop equipment, tools, paint, oils, tires, ... A prominent place at the AD Parts stand is taken by Grup Eina (AD Technical Center) with a 360°offer of services in training and technical assistance for the modern mechanic. AD Parts will show the different services managed under the umbrella of the Millennium Program, with the presence of the most important brands that are part of the group’s portfolio, as well as the visibility and services of the AD Parts Group’s flagship networks: AD, Elite, Premium, Auto Taller and the AD Expert Service Car Network. The AD Parts Group consists of 27 distributors in Spain and Portugal, with 550 distribution outlets and more than 5,600 professionals and 3,000 delivery vehicles providing the best service to installers. At Motortec, AD Parts demonstrates its clear support for the automotive aftermarket distribution and repair sector and maintains its strong track record of serving professionals.
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S W F 100 YE A R A N N I V E R S A RY
The Valeo Group is proud to celebrate the 100 year legacy of SWF, a brand that combines tradition and innovation, a brand which belongs to Valeo, the N° 1 worldwide leader in Wiper Systems*. SWF, with all of its expertise and innovations, offers to the aftermarket a full range of premium wiper blades to address different needs.
Let’s discover its fascinating history:
1922: the SWF history started in Bietigheim (Germany) under the name “Spezial Werkzeugfabrik Feuerbach” 1927: the first wiper blades and development of electrical motors, washing systems, lighting and other automobile parts arrived in 1927 1935: the first wiper blades for curved windscreens dedicated to light vehicles were launched 1958: in order to provide a global solution to customers, the first wipers blades specially designed for truck and commercial vehicles were introduced into the market 1974: the 1 meter wiper blade for buses and first integrated spoilers was introduced 1998: SWF joined Valeo Group and became a major supplier in the wiping industry 2000: the wear indicator, Valeo’s innovation, was introduced to SWF wiper blades 2002: the first flat blades for Original Equipment were developed and launched
2012: Valeo Group wins a PACE award for its Valeo AquaBlade™ system produced in Bietigheim, Germany. SWF leadership designing Original Equipment, the legitimacy, expertise and innovation continues. 2013: the growth continues and the full complete Flat Blade range for Trucks - VisioFlex® is introduced to its catalogue 2014: a complete Hybrid range of single blades was incorporated in the passenger cars offer 2017: SWF Connect was launched, a range dedicated to customers looking for an optimised Flat Blade range with maximum car parc coverage for front and rear applications being the first Premium rear multi connection range in the market 2018: SWF welcomed into its range the exclusive Valeo AquaBlade™ made in Germany, bringing to the aftermarket its latest Original Equipment innovation and becoming the only IAM actor to cover vehicles equipped originally with Valeo AquaBlade™ (more than 1 million vehicles already covered). Valeo AquaBlade™, a cutting-edge technology to increase safety on the road. * 2019 Original Equipment market shares for passenger cars
A brand that combines tradition and innovation Now, 100 years later, the SWF brand is sold in more than 50 countries and it has become a leading worldwide wiper specialist: designing and manufacturing in Europe wiper blades, motors and components. Offering to the aftermarket a full range of premium wiper blades to
address different needs with a European coverage rate close to 100% for passenger cars and heavy-duty vehicles and buses. SWF, strong heritage, a brand you can trust, celebrating 100 years of expertise and legacy and so many more to come! 11
AD UKRAINE
In the aftermath of COVID, which was perceived as the worst worldwide crisis in the last 70 years, the critical situation in Ukraine and Russia is likely to have an even more devastating impact on the Nations involved, and on the rest of the world. In this, ADI and its Partners stand as one and join forces to relieve the immediate distress in the impacted regions and surrounding areas. Apart from supporting humanitarian organizations such as Médecins sans Frontières and Red Cross, AD international and its Partners provide direct relief through AD organizations close to the borders of the affected area. Especially AD Polska and AD Auto Total (Romania) have put in place dedicated operations providing shelter, clothing and food to families fleeing the conflicted zones. Other ADI Partners are in stand-by to assist if necessary. In this trying period AD International and its Partners consider it their duty to preserve a Europewide network of automotive parts businesses that employ 10s of 1000s of people and support a function that has proven so vital during the sanitary crisis: mobility for people and goods.
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