P13 WIN 2 TICKETS TO THE TOURING CAR CHAMPIONSHIP NOVEMBER 2019
GET CONNECTED WITH NEW NGK IGNITION LEADS
AUTOMOTIVATION - FOR THOSE WHO NEED TO KNOW!
IAAF REVEALS DETAILS OF UPCOMING INDUSTRY BRIEFING PAGE 13
ABSOLUTE ALIGNMENT OFFERS 3D & BLUETOOTH EQUIPMENT PAGE 09
IMECHE RELEASES POLL SURROUNDING DRIVERLESS CARS PAGE 08
RESEARCH REVEALS WHICH COUNTRIES HAVE THE MOST ELECTRIC CARS PAGE 07
NOVEMBER 2019
BUREAU VERITAS WELCOMES GOVERNMENT’S SPENDING PLEDGE
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ISSUE ONE
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WELCOME TO AUTOMOTIVATION
P15 CHARGE-UP YOUR BUSINESS! With shorter intervals between injection and ignition, coupled with leaner air fuel mixtures, today’s advanced gasoline direct injection (GDi) engines place greater demands on the ignition system. Making it the perfect time to launch our new OE multicharge ignition coil technology.
VICTORIA FIELD - EDITOR
P19 YORK MOTOR FACTORS YMF have plenty to celebrate. The business has a loyal and growing customer base, whose needs have been met with an on-going expansion programme. 2019 sees them celebrate their 50th birthday with a trading name change to YMF Car Parts.
P52 GET CONNECTED WITH NEW NGK IGNITION LEADS NGK has today reaffirmed its position as the World’s leading automotive ignition specialist by launching a new range of ignition lead sets in the UK.
Automotivation is published by A & P Media Ltd. Company registered in England & Wales, number 3391408. All material is the copyright of A & P Media Ltd. All rights reserved. Automotivation Magazine is the property of A & P Media Ltd. This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form whole or part without the written permission of a Director of A & P Media Ltd. Liability: while every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, the publishers can not be held responsible for the accuracy of information herein, or any consequence arising from it. In the case of company or product reviews or comments, these have been based upon the true and honest opinion of the Editor at the time of going to press.
NOVEMBER 2019
AS WE COMPLETE THE LAUNCH ISSUE OF AUTOMOTIVATION NEWS, THE BREXIT DEAL LOOMED HIGH AND HAD THE POTENTIAL TO BE A DISASTER FOR UK IMPORTERS AND THE INDUSTRY WAS HOLDING ITS BREATH AND LOOKING TOWARDS THE 31ST OCTOBER TO WHAT DEAL BORIS JOHNSON AND THE UK GOVERNMENT COULD SECURE But now the British government has asked the EU to delay Brexit and the EU has approved this request. This rules out the possibility that the UK will leave without a deal. The new date for the UK’s departure is 31 January 2020 (midnight, Dutch time). However, the UK may leave earlier if the UK and EU parliaments approve the withdrawal agreement before then. Before Brexit was introduced, the automotive industry saw investments around the £2.6bn per annum year on year in research and development, but this has fallen to lows of £90m due to lack of confidence around Brexit. With a no deal outcome, this could cause huge demands on the government to introduce tax breaks to help companies survive. The car manufacturing industry has already been hit with bad news recently as Honda and Ford have announced plant
closures in the near future, let's hope Boris can secure a deal that will see the UK Automotive industry bounce back and start to flourish again. On a high note, Jaguar Land Rover has announced that it will build an electric version of the Jaguar Xj saloon at its castle Bromwich Factory, Securing 1,500 jobs, lets hope this is one of many announcements to show how the UK industry can and is a competitive place to do business. With all this said, the aftermarket industry is a key factor in keeping the country moving, safe and roadworthy and provides motorists with a wide choice of products and services and a huge contributor to the UK economy.
Victoria Field
AUTOMOTIVATION EDITOR
PUBLISHING DIRECTORS Paul McNeill Andrew Hirst
SUB-EDITORS Paul McNeill Sonia Mortimer
DESIGN TEAM Jamie Quarmby Paul Roper
ADVERTISING SALES Andrew Hirst
PRODUCTION MANAGER Tina Coffey
ACCOUNTS Steve Glover
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RESEARCH REVEALS WHICH COUNTRIES HAVE THE MOST ELECTRIC CARS Norway has been credited as leading the electric car revolution in new research which shows the Scandinavian country to be claiming the highest market share of battery-electric vehicles during 2019. As the effects of the Climate Emergency become more apparent and accepted, an increasing number of drivers are reportedly foregoing the pump and topping up with the plug. eCo2 Greetings, manufacturers of the world’s greenest Christmas cards, has broken down the top 10 nations for the highest levels of ownership of electric cars, including the most popular models, up to the midway point of 2019. Despite China and the USA leading the market for units sold, Norway has the highest BEV market share of all new cars sold, with
45%. This is five-times that of the Netherlands, which has the second-highest market share with 8.9%.
The Top 10 European Countries for BatteryElectric Car Sales (based on market share BEVs have of all new cars sold through June 2019) were: • Norway • Netherlands • Iceland • Sweden • Switzerland • Portugal • Austria • Ireland • Denmark The Tesla Model 3, Nissan Leaf and Renault Zoe were all credited as being popular choices of electric cars for the top countries mentioned in the research, with the Tesla coming out on top overall.
RING SUPPORTS TYRESAFE CAMPAIGN Ring has announced it will be showing its support for TyreSafe’s latest campaign, ‘Look Who’s Talking’, which will raise awareness of tyre care and maintenance throughout October. The charity hopes that by using the ‘Look Who’s Talking’ theme and applying simple messaging to reiterate the three key areas of
NOVEMBER 2019
routine tyre maintenance – Air pressure, Condition, Tread depth and ACT – it can encourage motorists to put the theory into practice. One particularly important call to action from the campaign is for drivers to check their tyres every month and before long journeys, in a bid to avoid problems and
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possible accidents before they occur. A video will also feature on the TyreSafe website and will use two cartoon tyres as characters to put the dangers into context. Posters, banner adverts, leaflets, promotional templates and digital videos will all be available for partners, such as Ring, to share. Stuart Jackson, Chairman at TyreSafe, commented: “Our annual Tyre Safety Month campaign every October provides the platform for all drivers to get into the habit of checking their tyres. By getting into the routine of checking their tyres once a month and before long journeys not only reduces the risk of being involved in an incident on the roads but also helps them save money. We thank Ring for sharing this potentially lifesaving message.” Henry Bisson, Marketing Manager at Ring, added: “Although checking tyres may not be a priority among many motorists, we believe that if more people were aware of the dangers of driving with unsafe tyres, they would follow the ‘ACT’ guidance that TyreSafe is working so hard to share. “As a leading supplier of products to the automotive aftermarket, including a range of Tyre Inflators, we appreciate the benefits to good maintenance and will be using October to push this message even further with our customers and colleagues.”
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AUTOMOTIVATION - FOR THOSE WHO NEED TO KNOW!
ISSUE 01
BEN LAUNCHES CRITICAL RESPONSE SERVICE The free service will see Ben working with automotive industry businesses to provide appropriate, often immediate, support for employees when they experience an unexpected or traumatic incident or event. This specialist service will support employees who have recently experienced: • Death of a colleague or customer • Serious injury to a member of staff or customer • Physical or psychological threat (life threatening risk or situations of extreme violence) • Incidents where the circumstances are so unusual or the sights and sounds so distressing, that individuals need support to cope with the trauma experienced. Ben has been developing this onsite trauma support service since 2017, after being approached for support by automotive Ben4Business partners following a traumatic incident affecting their employees. It is hoped, that the official launch of the service will demonstrate Ben’s commitment in responding to the needs of the industry and supporting its people in times of need. Ben states it has seen a rise in employers requesting support with critical incidents, so this newly launched service will see the charity supporting
more individuals. Last year, Ben’s Critical response service supported over 140 automotive industry employees in response to a critical incident. To date, the service has seen Ben predominantly supporting employers and employees who have been affected by a colleague taking their own life. As part of the service, Ben provides: • Employer guidance, support and reassurance from a single point of contact • Employee briefings providing awareness on emotional responses and coping strategies • Assessing the wellbeing of individuals who have been affected, through 1:1 engagement meetings • Referral pathway for ongoing support (such
as counselling) for individuals when needed • Specialist information and self help resources for employers and employees. Rachel Clift, Health & Wellbeing Director, said: “While businesses do everything possible to minimise risk to staff or customers, there are occasions when a traumatic incident happens. These incidents can impact everyone who was directly, or indirectly, involved and cause emotional distress. “At Ben, we understand that, when a traumatic incident occurs, it’s essential to deal with the situation promptly and efficiently. Employers need to gauge the reaction of their employees and assess the impact of the incident on their wellbeing. That’s where we come in – we’re here to support employers and their employees every step of the way. “Since 2017, our Ben4Business partners have approached us for wellbeing support during a crisis and we want to ensure we continue to meet this need. When we first provided this service, it was mainly offered directly to individuals, but employers are now also supported and can benefit from our expertise. We have since developed this service by working with our Ben4Business partners and we have developed this service around their needs and supporting their people.
IMECHE RELEASES POLL SURROUNDING DRIVERLESS CARS According to a new opinion poll from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), nearly a third of UK adults think there will never be a complete switch to driverless cars. The poll also revealed that 60% of people said they would always prefer to drive themselves rather than use a self-driving vehicle. Following a similar survey run by the Institution in 2017, the poll also found that the public remains wary of driverless technology with two thirds of people uncomfortable with the idea of travelling in an autonomous car, the same level as two years ago. More people (32%) would also like the vehicles to be restricted to driving only up to than 30 mph, up from 27% in 2017. The poll results are said to outline the challenges car manufacturers and technology companies face in building public trust in
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autonomous driving systems, which was impacted last year by news of the crash of a driverless Uber vehicle in Arizona, which killed a pedestrian. In its report on the survey, “Public Perceptions: Driverless Cars”, the Institution has called for more trials with autonomous vehicles sharing the roads so that people can see the cars in action and have a chance to ride in them. Dr Colin Brown, Chief Executive of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, explained: “Consumer confidence is essential for autonomous technology to succeed, but if anything, that confidence has waned in the last two years. During that time, there have been very few controlled trials on our roads to allow people to experience the vehicles at first hand. As engineers, we remain convinced of the need to explore the potential advantages the technology offers. “The Government has plans for trials of
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self-driving cars on roads in Edinburgh and London by 2021, but we would like to see more taking place in other locations in the UK.” The poll further revealed that attitudes towards autonomous technology varied significantly by gender, age and region. A third of men are comfortable with travelling in a driverless vehicle, whilst less than one fifth of women said the same. The poll was carried out by ICM and surveyed 2,014 adults in the UK in July 2019.
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ABSOLUTE ALIGNMENT OFFERS 3D AND BLUETOOTH EQUIPMENT Absolute Alignment has announced it will be at MECHANEX 2019, supplying information and advice on its range of wheel alignment equipment, which can be used on a variety of vehicles from a standard recovery truck to a MINI. Garages and workshops can offer fourwheel alignment services for commercial vehicles and passenger cars with Wheel Alignment’s Bluetooth Pro Wheel Aligner, currently one of the company’s top selling products. The team at Absolute Alignment has the knowledge of setting up this six-sensor fourwheel alignment technology, which has been specifically designed for a wider customer base. The Bluetooth Pro Wheel Aligner is fully wireless and can be used with four and twopost lifts and in-ground wheel-free scissor lifts. The direct contact charging and calibration system means the whole wheel alignment package is 100% cable free for a safe workshop. Each measuring head also has a remote control to allow users to run the full wheel alignment process from any corner of the car.
Chris Dear, Absolute Alignment’s Technical Director, said: “Bodyshops need to be flexible in terms of the vehicles they can work on, to keep up with demand. The Bluetooth Pro Wheel Aligner is truly one of the most versatile pieces of wheel alignment
equipment on the market today. It helps workshops grow their business profitably, while benefiting from first class training and support services from Absolute Alignment technicians. “New for this year, an extension pack is also available which means that car recognition is almost immediate. Just input a vehicle’s registration plate or take a photograph of the car on a tablet, and allow the sophisticated system to do the rest.” Absolute Alignment will be exhibiting at this year’s MECHANEX coming to Sandown Park, Surrey, 12th & 13th November. Visit its stand to see a range of its products on display and find out more about its wheel alignment equipment.
DVSA ANNOUNCES BAN FOR LONDON MECHANIC DVSA has revealed that a South East London car mechanic has been banned for eight years after causing a company to take prepaid orders from customers despite knowing they would go unfulfilled. Reconditioned Gearboxes was incorporated in April 2015, with Kevin Woods, from Belvedere, South East London, appointed as Director. The Erith-based car mechanics supplied and fitted reconditioned gearboxes. Just two years later, however, Reconditioned Gearboxes experienced difficulties and by March 2017, the business closed down before the company entered into Creditors Voluntary Liquidation. An insolvency practitioner was appointed to wind-up the affairs of Reconditioned Gearboxes when they reportedly received a number of complaints from customers. Complaints ranged from customers not receiving goods and services they had paid for, parts were faulty, and, in some cases, customers had to go to another mechanic to correct defective work. Some customers were also said to have
NOVEMBER 2019
reported their vehicles were damaged while they were in the care of Reconditioned Gearboxes, while others said they had not been refunded for poor work. These complaints were passed to the Insolvency Service and following enquires, investigators were able to establish several instances of further misconduct. Reconditioned Gearboxes had reportedly taken prepaid orders, which remained unfulfilled when the company went into liquidation and owed close to £127,000 in unpaid taxes at the point of insolvency.
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And despite knowing the company was about to enter into liquidation and could not complete the work, Kevin Woods reportedly caused the company to continue taking payments from unsuspecting customers. In September 2019, the Secretary of State accepted an eight-year disqualification undertaking from Kevin Woods. Effective from 27 September 2019, he cannot, without the permission of the court, be involved in the formation, promotion or management of a company, directly or indirectly. David Brooks, Chief Investigator for the Insolvency Service, said: “Customer satisfaction was clearly not a priority for Kevin Woods. Not only did he provide a poor service while the company was trading but even when he knew the doors were about to close, he continued to take money from customers without being certain the work would be carried out. “Eight years is a significant amount of time to be banned from running a company and prevents Kevin Woods from causing any more harm to customers who simply wanted to fix their car.”
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BUREAU VERITAS WELCOMES GOVERNMENT’S SPENDING PLEDGE Bureau Veritas has welcomed the government’s recent vow to end austerity and boost public spending by almost £14bn, stating that the extra funding will be vital to making tangible progress on sustainability. In his first budgetary announcement as Chancellor last week, Sajid Javid’s Spending Review pledged to increase investment in the environment, education, transport and health. This includes a £7.1bn cash boost for schools and a £6.2bn increase to NHS spending, as well as £200m to transform UK buses to lowemission vehicles. What’s more, £422m will be made available to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to help tackle climate change and meet the government’s net-zero emission targets, with £30m set aside to improve air quality. Commenting on the issue, Ken Smith, Country Chief at Bureau Veritas UK, said: “Amid an incredibly turbulent political and
economic climate, there has been concern that Britain’s green agenda has lost momentum in recent years. However, this vast spending pot along with the government’s pledge to become the first nation to achieve net zero by 2050 is a clear indication of its commitment to continue
leading the charge on tackling climate change. “As a business currently working with local authorities to tackle air pollution, we are particularly delighted at the extra funding for low-emission buses which we believe will go a long way in making headway on the issue. “It is important to remember, however, that realising a truly low carbon economy requires much more than a big cash injection – it also relies on a more joined-up approach between national agencies, local councils as well as private businesses. “In terms of the reducing our reliance on cars and improving air quality, for example, Parliament may dictate national policy but the onus is on local authorities to roll it out and ensure a coherent approach. In turn, there is still a big job to do within the transport sector in helping make public transport easier for the masses while for businesses it’s about actively encouraging employees to use it through company schemes and incentives.”
IGA TEAMS UP WITH THE IPO The Independent Garage Association (IGA) has announced a collaboration with with the Intellectual Property Office (IPO).
NOVEMBER 2019
The collaboration will aim to highlight the dangers of counterfeit and consumer supplied car parts within the IPO’s Crime
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and Enforcement Report 2018 – 2019. The IGA’s section of the report explains how proving the authenticity of a part can be difficult if it is not bought directly from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), and the risks that are posed by consumers asking a garage to fit a part of unknown origin. The report also highlights the IGA and IPO’s counterfeit car parts campaign that provides advice to consumers on how to identify fake vehicle parts, tips for buying parts online, and how to report counterfeit goods. Frank Harvey, IGA Head of Member Services, stated: “We are pleased to see this issue being highlighted by the IPO, as there are huge liability and safety implications surrounding counterfeit and consumer supplied parts. “We are continuing to work with the IPO to raise awareness of the dangers to both garages and consumers, and we maintain that garages should always supply and fit parts themselves to guarantee provenance and provide the appropriate warranties for the work they undertake.”
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CITNOW REVEALS TWO THIRDS OF UK DRIVERS APPROVE REPAIR WORK REMOTELY According to research conducted by CitNOW, nearly two thirds of UK drivers prefer to approve repair work remotely. Convenience is said to be a priority for most drivers when dealing with workshops, with 65% of motorists preferring to approve repair work remotely, as services like personalised video reportedly continue to help build transparency into the customer journey. CitNOW found that nearly a quarter (22%) of motorists give the green light for work online – either on a computer, smartphone or tablet – or via instant messaging. The study follows CitNOW’s ‘Evolution of the Car Buyer’ report, which examined how car-buying and servicing habits could change in the near future. As car owners’ preferences have developed, personalised video and remote approval has reportedly become a major player in the workshop customer journey.
CitNOW states that by providing motorists with a convenient and transparent service to swiftly see and approve necessary work, means the technology can reduce the time a car is on the ramp and increase the amount of work approved. Nearly eight in 10 motorists (78%) will book in their car service remotely, with 45% preferring to ring them up, and a third (32%)
booking in online on their smartphone, tablet, and computer or via instant messaging, the research revealed. Ollie Parsons, Head of Sales and Client Services at CitNOW, commented: “With people so timepoor, building a convenient customer journey by helping people book or approve work remotely – whether over the phone or online – will reap the rewards. “That convenience can’t come at the expense of trust or repair quality, which is why personalised video has been so successful in the sector, combining ease of use with transparency throughout the customer journey. “Personalised video can put workshop customers at ease, reassuring them that repair work being carried out on their car is both necessary, and up to standard.”
TRICO JOINS FORCES WITH OPTIMAL UK TRICO has announced it has signed a distribution agreement with Optimal UK to supply the Exact Fit, Flex, Neoform and TX wiper blade ranges to its network. Each style of wiper blade has been designed for a specific purpose but are said to all be made to the same OE standard. Managing Director, Geoff Jones, explained: “We take great pride in our Optimal brand and its OE quality products, offering only the highest standard of components throughout the entire range. “We see TRICO in the same way, with an OE product and an established brand in the aftermarket. We are looking forward to working closely with TRICO.” Made from natural rubber and steel, the Exact Fit replacement range is said to make it easy for motorists to restore their vehicles to factory pedigree. TRICO Flex wiper blades not only replace OE-fitted beam blades, but also upgrade conventional hook arm blades to the latest beam technology. With 97% car parc coverage and 14 part numbers, the slimline collection allows customers to offer a comprehensive wiper solution with minimal stock commitment. Neoform, meanwhile, is a stand-alone range, upgrading conventional wipers to premium beam technology. Like the Flex
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range, Neoform is made with a memory curve steel beam, and also features a dualpoint coupler, which works to eliminate streaking during extreme weathers. Finally, the TX range of wipers has been designed for heavy-duty vehicles. These are described by the company as high-strength, all-metal conventional blades that cover the needs of the truck and bus sectors. TRICO Senior Brand and Product Manager, Sam Robinson, concluded: “We’re delighted to welcome Optimal on-board as a
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national distributor of TRICO products. In the short time that we’ve been working together, we’ve been impressed with the team’s enthusiasm, knowledge and desire to get the TRICO brand and products out to customers. “We’re looking forward to even more buying group members and independent retailers having access to the highest quality wiper blade products available in the aftermarket.”
NOVEMBER 2019
ISSUE 01
AUTOMOTIVE COMPETITION
AUTOMOTIVE COMPETITION!
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watch&
win!
TO WIN 2 TICKETS TO THE TOURING CAR CHAMPIONSHIP, WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE AND ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTION: WHAT IS THE RACING NUMBER OF THE LAST CAR YOU SEE IN THE VIDEO? T&C APPLY: WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF AUTOMOTIVATION. WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN AT RANDOM, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. EMAIL YOUR ANSWER TO ANDY.APMEDIA@GMAIL.COM
In Partnership With... NOVEMBER 2019
AUTOMOTIVE COMPETITION
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ISSUE ONE
AUTOMOTIVATION - FOR THOSE WHO NEED TO KNOW!
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CHARGE-UP YOUR BUSINESS! WITH SHORTER INTERVALS BETWEEN INJECTION AND IGNITION, COUPLED WITH LEANER AIR FUEL MIXTURES, TODAY’S ADVANCED GASOLINE DIRECT INJECTION (GDI) ENGINES PLACE GREATER DEMANDS ON THE IGNITION SYSTEM. MAKING IT THE PERFECT TIME TO LAUNCH OUR NEW OE MULTI-CHARGE IGNITION COIL TECHNOLOGY. Designed for the challenging engine operating conditions in GDi vehicles, Delphi Technologies' multi-charge ignition coil, fires multiple times, in quick succession. By increasing both spark duration and spark energy, it ignites the fuel mixture at just the right time, for optimum combustion. This enables spray guided GDi engines to achieve up to 20 percent better fuel economy and reduced emissions, versus competitor timecontrolled multi spark ignition systems. It also helps to limit emissions under cold-start conditions, by ensuring complete combustion of the fuel in the cylinder. No wonder the world’s leading vehicle manufacturers are
NOVEMBER 2019
fitting Delphi Technologies as OE! But what about the aftermarket? Well here’s the good news! With our new ignition coils for Mercedes Benz and Nissan, you and your customers can now enjoy a high-quality repair, too. And with over 14 million coils, already fitted as OE to popular applications including Mercedes A220, C180, C200, E200, GLA200, Vito and Nissan Q50, Q60, plus future OE business through to 2028, you'll be seeing plenty of these vehicles on your ramps for repair in the coming years. So, whether you’re a distributor or garage, give your sales a little extra spark with Delphi Technologies’ superfast, multi-charge ignition coils.
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AUTOMOTIVATION - FOR THOSE WHO NEED TO KNOW!
ISSUE ONE
THE REAL BEAUTY LIES BENEATH THE SURFACE!
THIS PHRASE, TOGETHER WITH ‘BEAUTY IS ONLY SKIN DEEP’, IS MORE OFTEN THAN NOT ASSOCIATED WITH HOW A PERSON’S CHARACTER IS FAR MORE IMPORTANT THAN HOW THEY LOOK. However it also has its place in the field of automotive parts, nowhere being more important than the car battery. Why? Because this all-important component of today’s modern motorcar is far more than it ever used to be. It’s not just a means of providing starting power, but so much more. So let’s look at exactly how much power a modern car requires and, to make this more compelling, compare it to that of a typical 3 bedroom semi-detached family home. The figures are quite simply staggering. The power consumption on the domestic front is approximately 10,000 Watts per day, whereas that of the car isn’t too far behind as it uses a staggering 6,500 Watts. And if you find this hard to believe, the illustration opposite (below) clearly demonstrates the plethora of onboard features that the ‘humble’ battery is required to power. In this instance some 31! So demand for delivering more power has therefore resulted in manufacturers – those with an O/E pedigree for sure – to develop the current generation of starter batteries that continue to lead the field. Here, of course, we
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and EFB batteries in terms of the role that they play and what needs to happen when they are replaced.
Legislation Drivers
RUSSELL SHEA – BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
are talking about EFB (Enhanced Flooded Battery) and AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) or Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) batteries. Traditional lead acid batteries are still on the scene, although their lifespan is now in increasing jeopardy. Alarmingly, despite having been in existence for a number of years now, there is still some confusion about AGM
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Firstly, it’s important to remember that these battery technologies are here to stay. Not just purely on the premise that they have the ability to deliver power above and beyond, but against the all-important eco-initiatives that Governments are implementing to meet EU legislation. The current EU legislation on emission targets passed in 2009, committed vehicle manufacturers to cut the average CO2 emissions from new vehicles to 130g/km by 2015 and 95g/km by 2020. And legislation discussions have stated figures of up to 250€/gram of CO2/km may be charged based on the manufacturer’s average fleet emissions, which exceed the legislative level for the time period between emission reduction targets. This charge will be applied to every vehicle sold by that manufacturer. It is against this backdrop that O/E battery manufacturers continue to work closely with
NOVEMBER 2019
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AUTOMOTIVATION - FOR THOSE WHO NEED TO KNOW!
vehicle producers to deliver power solutions that not only exceed automotive power output requirements, but which are also emission friendly.
IN ORDER TO DELIVER ON THESE TWO FRONTS, THE FOCUS REMAINS ON O/E BATTERY MANUFACTURERS PRODUCING A SOLUTION THAT IS DESIGNED AND PRODUCED TO EXCEED AND NOT MEET A NORMAL LIFE EXPECTANCY. THIS MEANS USING ONLY THE HIGHEST QUALITY COMPONENTS RATHER THAN PRODUCING ON PRICE ALONE.
resistance tyres, gearshift indicators, not to mention new radical technologies that include electronic camshafts or electronic valve timing systems that allow the engine tune to be optimised to driving style. Okay, so these latest technologies may be some way off from impacting on the automotive aftermarket, but when it comes to AGM and EFB batteries they’re here to stay. Isn’t it then wise to start now, if you haven’t
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already, by adopting a philosophy of stocking and recommending a battery solution where you know the real beauty lies beneath the surface? THE AGM BATTERY IS ONE OF THE FORERUNNERS WHEN IT COMES TO TODAY’S MODERN STARTER BATTERIES.
Advanced Eco-Initiatives So let’s not forget that O/E manufactured batteries of the EFB and AGM type are proven to perform both on the car and in favour of the environment. But the story isn’t about to end there. With more dynamic eco-initiatives now mushrooming, again to help drivers save fuel and reduce vehicle CO2 emissions, the importance of deploying the highest quality battery technology is set to remain of prime importance. Recent eco-initiatives centre on tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), low rolling
NOVEMBER 2019
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A MODERN CAR USES A STAGGERING 6,500-WATTS OF POWER ACROSS A PLETHORA OF ONBOARD FEATURES.
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Introduction YMF have plenty to celebrate. The business has a loyal and growing customer base, whose needs have been met with an on-going expansion programme. 2019 sees them celebrate their 50th birthday with a trading name change to YMF Car Parts. The complex back office processes allow local parts deliveries to be made inside an hour. The way the company goes about developing and retaining customer relationships with over 500 independent garages, is a world away from when husband and wife founders Bill and Mary O’Brien began trading at the end of the 1960s. The couple quite literally opened up shop in a former butchers. Within two years, they had outgrown these premises and had moved to the other side of York’s Layerthorpe Road. Although much expanded and modified since, this site remains at the heart of YMF’s operation.
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04 | YMF CAR PARTS WWW.YMFCARPARTS.CO.UK
The nature of the products they sold would change massively as the years passed. Initially, staff were kept busy selling renewables such as spark plug leads, distributor caps, points and condensers. These were fitted to cars with short service cycles that required frequent adjustments and rolling maintenance to keep them running properly. By the 1980s, many cars were becoming more reliable, service intervals were getting longer, but increasing technical sophistication meant that the range and complexity of the products they needed to provide had also increased. There was also a move towards non-mechanical parts such as relays and solid-state ignition components. In the past decade this process has accelerated massively. The increased sophistication of vehicle electronics and safety critical parts along with a requirement for emission reducing components has fuelled a technological revolution in vehicle manufacturing. Engines have also changed and developed hugely over the past half century. When the company began selling lubricants there were few options for oil types, with 20W-50 oil having a near monopoly. Nowadays, with mechanical parts working to extremes in terms of tolerances and temperatures, there is a burgeoning range of vehicle specific engine oils. This means YMF now stock 23 different oil specifications with more new ones to be introduced shortly.
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BUYING POWER In 1994, YMF were invited to join the country’s premier buying group, the IFA (Independent Motor Trade Factors Associated Ltd). This has enabled them to trade with some of the world’s biggest brands at competitive prices. Nowadays, car owners can’t live without their cars for long periods, so it is important that vehicles are serviced and repaired quickly. With this in mind, YMF keep a huge range of parts in stock for servicing and braking jobs.
EXPERTISE The company’s wider spares portfolio has also broadened beyond recognition. Stock lists are now overseen by dedicated staff members, who are not only experts at number crunching, but can drill down into component lists so that there aren’t any errors when selecting superficially similar parts. Both YMF and their suppliers, constantly monitor levels of demand, which allows data to be used to select parts that have the largest vehicle coverage. This gives YMF the confidence that their customers can be helped quickly and efficiently.
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Malton
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CONTINUITY Today, YMF remain a family business with second generation O’Briens Phil and Barry at the helm. They have retained the ethos that they are in business to assist the local independent garage sector. This means developing long and lasting relationships, having the right parts on the shelf at the right price and delivering them quickly. The company has a headcount of around 100 full & part time staff and is looking to the future of their work force. They recognise the need to give their staff the tools and training required to work effectively for their customers. To back this up, they have recently appointed a full time training manager to provide the help and support needed at each branch to make this happen. Many YMF staff have been part of the business for decades! This shows that YMF is a great place to work and to build a career.
RAPID RESPONSE Nowadays garage customers demand rapid access to components as they need to get customers cars back on the road as soon as possible. Gone are the days of garages stocking parts due to the large amount of alternatives fitted to vehicles. This means that deliveries within the hour are now the norm.This is facilitated by a modern van fleet, which was recently expanded to 40 vehicles, and driven by a dedicated team of drivers. YMF’s vehicles are a familiar sight on the roads of York, Malton, Scarborough and Selby. They also deliver further afield in some areas and these are completed on timed runs throughout the day. Even garages on the outer limits of the company’s delivery areas can expect up to six deliveries per day! Having sites in Layerthorpe, Poppleton, Selby, Malton & Scarborough means YMF has a linked distribution network stretching from Selby, all the way to the North Yorkshire coast.
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LOYALTY Although mainly a trade outlet, YMF is also a welcoming place for over the counter sales for the DIY enthusiast. They also have a range of tools and accessories and a new revamped range of car care products to keep customers busy at the weekend. For trade accounts, the company operates a 24 hour, No Quibble returns service. This means that parts ordered, which are no longer required can be returned without any hassle. The customers account will also be credited within 24 hours of YMF receiving the goods. Also available is their 48 hour No Quibble warranty service. Parts returned under warranty will be credited or replaced within 48 hours of the goods being received by YMF. YMF have recently launched an online loyalty rewards programme for their trade customers giving one point for each £1 spend as long as the garage spends over £1,000 per month. These points can be redeemed on a wide range of items including electronic gadgets, food & drink, technology products and many more! Simply head to ymf.mythanks.co.uk to sign up.
MAKING THE NEWS Although YMF are working hard on new ways to support their customers they haven’t turned their back on more traditional ways of keeping in touch, as readers of their bi-monthly magazine will know. Smart Choice Magazine is an ideal platform to inform customers of new product launches, technical updates, recent news and much more. There are also competitions with chances of winning prizes such as fully stocked tool boxes to name a recent item.
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Selby
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Poppleton
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SPECIALIST SKILLS Adapting to customer needs has been one of the secrets behind YMF’s sustained success, and a good example of this is how they stock niche products, including gas welding bottles, number plates and TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring Sensors) which since 2015, have taken on a greater importance as they are now covered by MOT test regulations. Bodyshop customers with spray booths can now benefit from two recently introduced paint mixing stations. These use paint ingredient weighing technology linked to vehicle colour code information. This means the company can produce more than 77,000 paint colour combinations. This allows them to supply paint in quantities sufficient to operate spray booths together with touch-up and smart repair kits.
THE NEXT CHAPTER As YMF looks forward to sharing a series of celebration events with their customers, the company is looking at avenues to further streamline practices, improve efficiency and find new ways to help those customers run their businesses more efficiently. Further expansion is on the cards, and YMF is preparing for the massive expected shift in vehicle technology that is probably now only a few short years away. However, one element of their business model won’t be changing: YMF will continue to be run for the benefit of local garages in North Yorkshire. YMF will shortly be launching their new VRM (Vehicle Registration Marque) driven website, www.ymfcarparts.co.uk. This will allow customers to enter a vehicle reg number and order parts for that specific car, with options of click & collect or direct delivery.
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50 Years in business backed up by our trusted partners, Thanks for your support!
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Where to find YMF Car Parts Layerthorpe 62 Layerthorpe, York YO31 7YW T 01904 628828 E sales@yorkmotorfactors.co.uk
Malton 5 Seph Way, York Road Industrial Estate, Malton YO17 6YF T 01653 602700 E sales@yorkmotorfactors.co.uk
Selby 11A Selby Business Park, Selby YO8 8LZ T 01757 403300 E sales@yorkmotorfactors.co.uk
Scarborough Unit 2 Stadium Works Barrys Lane, Scarborough YO12 4HA T 01723 413104 E sales@yorkmotorfactors.co.uk
Poppleton Unit 13, Rose Avenue Rose Centre, Nether Poppleton YO26 6RX T 01904 917280 E sales@yorkmotorfactors.co.uk
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AUTOMOTIVATION - FOR THOSE WHO NEED TO KNOW!
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OE QUALITY PRODUCTS FOR ALL VEHICLES INFORM THE DRIVER ABOUT SACHS OE QUALITY AFTERMARKET CLUTCHES – AND REAP THE REWARDS With tailored product and service solutions under its product brands: ZF, Lemforder, Sachs and TRW, the business is leading the sector into the next generation of mobility. And with its impressive new and remanufactured portfolio for passenger cars, trucks, buses and motorcycles, ZF Aftermarket proves that environmental sustainability, cost effectiveness and efficiency can be optimally combined now and for the future. Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows that over four million used cars have changed hands in the UK in 2019 to date, which is good news for suppliers of aftermarket parts as it means there’s a big chunk of the market up for grabs.
Fit Sachs Clutches for Success Sachs OE quality clutches tick every box: safety, quality, range & innovation.
And that’s a FACT The Sachs offer is backed by a FACT based multi-media brand campaign which marries its
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great engineering traditions with its modern, innovative capabilities. Explaining how the engineering expertise of the company is directly transferred into the aftermarket, the overriding message is one of inclusivity. That thanks to the high-quality materials, reliability and long service life of its parts, all drivers can benefit from Sachs driveline and chassis technology; not just the elitist domain of motorsport. In addition to individual high-quality products, Sachs offers a number of practical installation kits which simplify assembly by
THE LATEST REPORT IDENTIFIES THE TOP MAKES OF USED CARS SOLD IN 2019 AS BEING: FORD, VAUXHALL, VOLKSWAGEN, TOYOTA, BMW, AUDI AND RENAULT – AND WITH ITS SACHS BRAND, ZF AFTERMARKET OFFERS CLUTCHES FOR ALL THESE VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS, AND MORE.
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including everything that’ necessary in one box. This also offers a safer drive as when a clutch needs replacing it’s recommended that all relevant components are replaced at the same time – to make sure that all parts work together well.
Good News for Garages The OE pedigree of Sachs clutches ensures that the products will fit correctly straight out of the box, saving time for the installer and boosting workshop throughput. And as these are the same OE products as fitted on the factory production line by many VMs, replacing the original clutch and accessories with Sachs product means that the VM’s specifications are fully retained. ZF Aftermarket operates a first to market ethos - for even the newest vehicles and all Sachs clutches carry a two-year, unlimited mileage warranty.
For more information, visit: https://aftermarket.zf.com/us/en/sa chs/home/
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AUTOMOTIVATION - FOR THOSE WHO NEED TO KNOW!
ISSUE ONE
GET CONNECTED WITH NEW NGK IGNITION LEADS
NGK HAS TODAY REAFFIRMED ITS POSITION AS THE WORLD’S LEADING AUTOMOTIVE IGNITION SPECIALIST BY LAUNCHING A NEW RANGE OF IGNITION LEAD SETS IN THE UK. The range comprises more than 40 part numbers including copper core, carbon and inductive resistor types, all manufactured to original equipment (OE) standards. The ignition lead sets – available from October 1, 2019 – deliver: • High resistance to heat and vibration • Outstanding electrical conductivity • Superior performance under extreme conditions The launch follows hard on the heels of NGK’s introduction earlier this year of a new range of premium NTK camshaft and crankshaft sensors (also known as engine speed & position sensors). The sensors – comprising more than 200 UK-specific part numbers with excellent UK vehicle parc coverage – opened up further OE replacement opportunities for aftermarket customers and followed the introduction of 20 new wide band Lambda sensors – commonly referred to as ‘5-wire’ Lambda sensors Mark Hallam, Marketing Manager, NGK
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“NGK HAS LONG BEEN RENOWNED AS A SUPPLIER OF OE SPARK PLUGS AND GLOW PLUGS, WHILE ALSO INCREASINGLY ADDING TO ITS NTK RANGE OF SENSORS, AND I AM SURE THIS NEW IGNITION PRODUCT RANGE WILL PROVE POPULAR WITH OUR CUSTOMERS WHO KNOW AND TRUST THE COMPONENTS WE PUT OUR NAME TO.”
increasingly adding to its NTK range of sensors, and I am sure this new ignition product range will prove popular with our customers who know and trust the components we put our name to.”
For more information about NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd and its products and services, please visit the website www.ngkntk.com
Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd, said: “NGK is always looking to further improve its product offering to customers and is delighted to introduce this new range of ignition lead sets with the technology that meets the OE standards of car manufacturers and further consolidates its position as the leading ignition specialist in the UK market-place. “NGK has long been renowned as a supplier of OE spark plugs and glow plugs, while also
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NOVEMBER 2019
Unit 1d Denby Dale Business Park | Wakefield Road | Denby Dale | Huddersfield | HD8 8QH WWW.AANDPMEDIA.CO.UK