GARAGE IRELAND Vol 3 2019
THOSE WHO KNOW QUALITY, KNOW BM. Bill, one of our Production Managers, knows that details matter. Rather than compromising on quality, we invest in our own world-class manufacturing processes even down to producing the smallest components in-house. Make us part of your quality standard.
Discover how we can help improve the quality and performance of your product range. Visit: bmcatalysts.com/quality Call: +44 (0)1623 663 800 garageTRADER
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EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS
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SOME COMPANIES HAVE EXPERTS. ONLY SCHAEFFLER HAS REPXPERTS. Our innovative precision components & systems are not only fitted by every leading vehicle manufacturer, they are also the first choice of professional mechanics around the world - but Schaeffler is about more than just OE parts. We are also the ‘Repair Experts’, with a world class technical team to back up our world class products. As well as our fleet of training vans, manned by dedicated REPXPERTs, we also offer a free online portal that provides everything a modern workshop technician needs; TecDoc catalog system, TecRMI vehicle manufacturer installation instructions and specifications, labour times, training videos, product bulletins and much, much more*.
* All TecRMI information related to Schaeffler products and systems is free to REPXPERT members. Information for non-Schaeffler products and systems (including diagnostic codes etc.) can be purchased using the bonus points found in every Schaeffler box.
Best of all, registration is free at www.repxpert.co.uk
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CONTENTS GT
TAKE A LOOK INSIDE... www.garagetrader.co.uk
GARAGE IRELAND GARAGE IRELAND Vol 3 2019
Vol 3 2019
THOSE WHO KNOW QUALITY, KNOW BM. Bill, one of our Production Managers, knows that details matter. Rather than compromising on quality, we invest in our own world-class manufacturing processes even down to producing the smallest components in-house.
THOSE WHO KNOW QUALITY, KNOW BM. Bill, one of our Production Managers, knows that details matter. Rather than compromising on quality, we invest in our own world-class manufacturing processes even down to producing the smallest components in-house.
Make us part of your quality standard.
News
Make us part of your quality standard.
Discover how we can help improve the quality and performance of your product range. Visit: bmcatalysts.com/quality Call: +44 (0)1623 663 800 GARAGETRADER
IJ1448_BMC_Garage Trader Advert_240x330.indd 1
Discover how we can help improve the quality and performance of your product range. EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS Visit: bmcatalysts.com/quality Call: +44 (0)1623 663 800 19/07/2019 10:47
GARAGETRADER
EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS
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4 The Government recently published the Climate Action Plan, led by Minister Richard Bruton, which will ban the sale of petrol and diesel cars by 2030.
19/07/2019 10:47
2019 Vol 3 ROI
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GARAGE IRELAND TO ADVERTISE IN THE MAGAZINE CALL: 028 9278 0108 REGARDING EDITORIAL CALL: 028 9278 0108 General Manager Gladys Greer gladysgreer@greerpublications.com
Editor
Pat Burns patburns@greerpublications.com Publishers James & Gladys Greer Designed by Shaun Byrne, Design Stics Unit 34 Crescent Business Park, Lisburn, BT28 2GN Tel: 028 9278 0108
Greer Publications © 2019. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the prior permission of Greer Publications.
6 Gabriel Keane, who is Managing Director and owner of Kia Liffey Valley, Dublin was elected President of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI), at the organisation’s AGM held recently in Killashee Hotel, Naas, Co. Kildare. 45 The Gowan Group, the family owned holding company, has announced an agreement with Opel Automobile GmbH to acquire Opel Ireland.
Special Features
9 Wrights Accident Repair Centre has invested in four new state of the art Todd Engineering Poseidon spray booths at their Saintfield Road, Belfast branch. In a major redevelopment of the workshop, Wrights have also installed 13 new car lifts on the shopfloor of the 40,000 square feet premises. 33 North-West motor retailers, Eakin Brothers, have opened their new purpose built Isuzu showroom facility at Maydown. The 750sq metre building represents an investment of over £1 million and occupies a prime two-acre site adjacent to the main A2 Londonderry – Coleraine dual carriageway. 38 The North-West Regional College in Londonderry has recently introduced new equipment to both motor vehicle workshops on its Springtown site. Designed primarily as a vocational complex, the motor vehicle department moved from the city’s main Strand Road campus a few years ago to facilitate the multi-storey expansion that now stands on the original workshops.
People 7
FG7 Motor Factors enjoy a thrilling day out with Comline.
25 Serfac customers get to meet US ‘Hoonigan’ star Ken Block in Donegal. 46 We talk to Gavin Fegan of George Fegan Tyres about his very successful Stock car racing career.
COMMENT
The recently launched Government Climate Action Plan will ban the sale of all petrol and diesel cars in Ireland from 2030. Commenting on this, SIMI Director General Brian Cooke said, “The Motor Industry continues to be supportive of the drive towards zero emissions transport. The Climate Action Plan is hugely ambitious and it is important that we get greater clarity on the detail of any proposals, both short term and long term. “The Plan underlines the big growth in zero-emitting vehicles will happen from 2024 onward, and in that context, it is important that the State and the Industry start an engagement process now to consider policies that will support change both pre and post 2024. “Lessons have to be learnt from the past, when dramatic changes to the taxation systems contributed to extensive job losses in the Industry, and any short-term changes must support the new car market and not undermine used car values. This means in the short term any changes should be gradual, as implementing measures too quickly can undermine used car values which will only make it more difficult for motorist to change to a new lower emitting car, which would ultimately hinder the drive towards zero-emissions.” -Pat Burns, Editor
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NEW
Action Plan to ban petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030
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he Government recently published the Climate Action Plan, led by Minister Richard Bruton, which will ban the sale of petrol and diesel cars by 2030. The far-reaching plan sets out over 180 actions, together with hundreds of sub-actions, that need to be taken at a time when the warning signs are growing, and the time for taking action is rapidly reducing. The report states that “at a time when we should be radically reducing our reliance on carbon, Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions have been rising rapidly. We are currently 85% dependent on fossil fuels. We have a short window of opportunity to reverse this trend and secure a better, healthier, more resilient future for the country. This means changing the way we heat our homes, the way we travel and the way we power our country. “This plan identifies how Ireland will achieve its 2030 targets for carbon emissions, and puts us on a trajectory to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. It uses the same model as the Action Plan for Jobs, which was also spear4- garageTRADER
headed by Minister Richard Bruton and was instrumental in restoring Ireland’s economy. The Plan embraces every relevant sector: electricity, enterprise, housing, heating, transport, agriculture, waste, and the public sector. It’s ambitious but realistic and will: • Bring 950,000 electric vehicles onto our roads, deliver a nationwide charging network, an electric vehicle scrappage scheme and legislation to ban the sale of petrol / diesel cars from 2030; • Eliminate non-recyclable plastic and impose higher fees on the production of materials which are difficult to recycle, implement measures to ban single-use plastic plates, cutlery, straws, balloon sticks and cotton buds • Establish a new Microgeneration Scheme, allowing homeowners to generate their own electricity and sell what they don’t use back to the national grid; • Move to 70% renewable electricity by 2030, currently only 30% of our electricity comes from renewable sources;
Commenting on the Government’s Climate Action plan, SIMI Director General Brian Cooke said “The Motor Industry continues to be supportive of the drive towards zero emissions transport. The Climate Action Plan is hugely ambitious and it is important that we get greater clarity on the detail of any proposals, both short term and long term. “The Industry is a key stakeholder, as the provider of vehicles to this project, and in particular welcomes the State’s commitment to supporting the implementation of an extensive nationwide charging infrastructure that will support the roll-out of these vehicles. The Plan underlines the big growth in zeroemitting vehicles will happen from 2024 onward, and in that context, it is important that the State and the Industry start an engagement process now to consider policies that will support change both pre and post 2024. “Lessons have to be learnt from the past, when dramatic changes to the taxation systems contributed to extensive job losses in the Industry,
and any short-term changes must support the new car market and not undermine used car values. This means in the short term any changes should be gradual, as implementing measures too quickly can undermine used car values which will only make it more difficult for motorist to change to a new lower emitting car, which would ultimately hinder the drive towards zero-emissions. “So far this year 1,949 new electric vehicles have been registered which is a 58.1% increase on total registrations in 2018 (1,233). Clearly the incentives are working well, as we see registrations continuing to grow, and we would call on the Government to extend the current incentives that are in place, including the VRT relief, the grant scheme and the BIK benefit, out beyond the current expiry date of 2021. Change can happen with the right measures, but cannot happen overnight, and sensible policies aimed at encouraging motorist to make the right choices can lead to clean affordable and convenient mobility solutions.”
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NEWS
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Autonomous Killarney
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orld Class speakers from the tech world together with the auto industry, research community and stakeholders in Connected Cars, Autonomous Vehicles, Alternative Power Trains & Mobility were in Kerry recently for the Autonomous event. The event was hosted by the original Top Gear presenter and motoring rights campaigner Quentin Willson. Jeff Aherne, Electronomous cofounder and Director Engineer, Cartell.ie said: “The discussion has moved to mobility, in its various forms, and how technology is shaping the changes we are already seeing around us in this sector. This requires the involvement and attention of Governments around the world. We really are looking at the future here and Cartell. ie is delighted to be driving this discussion.” Already the Leading Car Technology Event in Europe the event attracts C-level Industry executives, Engineers operating with OEMs, owners and operators of lease or rental fleets, regulatory bodies, insurance companies,
technology providers, product developers, telecommunication operators, car sharing and automotive mobility solutions providers. Maik Stephan, Executive Director Corporate Strategy, Volkswagen AG, commented: “Our mission is e-mobility for everyone, with attractive vehicles at affordable prices. Volkswagen wants to make a substantial contribution to climate protection with e-mobility. We are clearly committed to the goals of the Paris climate protection agreement. For this purpose, it will be necessary to make mobility entirely CO2-free.”
area that most manufacturers don’t see as a potential market and actually those areas have the biggest pollution.”
Other speakers included Monika Mikac, Chief Business Officer, QEV Tech who stated: “I think the answer electric or gas powered is already decided. World is going electric but the bigger change is happening in a way how we use vehicles. At QEV Technologies we are focused on innovation through Formula E and we have a goal to electrify mass transport in emerging countries,
The event provided a unique glimpse at how technology will affect the Automotive Industry, Insurance industry, Car Finance Industry, Car Sales, Motoring and Mobility into the future. It also offered an opportunity to Network with Industry leaders and leading experts in the field, while also providing a great platform to create new business relationships. Sara Hill, SVP Advanced
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Technologies, Enterprise Ireland commented: Ireland is in a unique position to excel in the connected and autonomous vehicle sector through a diverse cluster of companies, universities and research centres offering technical, industrial and engineering expertise and solutions. We have over 20 Irish companies in attendance at the conference.” Hollywood Star and Racing Driver Michael Fassbender led the gathering when he chatted with Quentin Willson. garageTRADER - 5
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NEWS
New President for SIMI G
abriel Keane, who is Managing Director and owner of Kia Liffey Valley, Dublin was elected President of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI), at the organisation’s AGM held recently in Killashee Hotel, Naas, Co. Kildare.
take this into account in the next budget in October, by implementing any changes in vehicle taxation that will allow the Industry sell more new cars in 2020”. Having joined the Motor Industry nearly 30 years ago, Gabriel has gained extensive experience. His previous roles included Director of Nissan Ireland and Managing Director for the Windsor Motors. In 2014 he established Kia Liffey Valley, which has become the largest Kia dealership in Ireland and one of the top ten Kia dealers in Europe.
Speaking at SIMI’s AGM, Gabriel Keane commented that he has experienced the highs and lows of the industry. “Some great years and some terrible years. And unfortunately, 2019 will not go down in the annals as a great year. Over the last three years we have seen the new car market decline by nearly 25%. Obviously, Gabriel Keane, MD Brexit was the main car market has also declined in cause of this downturn 2019 because of the increases in and while we are by no means out Vehicle Registration taxes in the of the woods on Brexit there is a last budget. feeling that a softer Brexit may become a reality. I do believe that if The result is that the government’s this happens, we will see growth in tax take on new cars will be down the new car market in 2020.” this year despite the tax increases. Mr Keane remarked that “the new
This is a loss for our industry and a loss for the Exchequer. He stated that “achieving a better taxation regime for cars and having environmentally cleaner cars on our roads is a key objective for the SIMI and called on the Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe to
Mr Keane thanked the members of the Society for allowing him the honour of being President and looks forward to serving the members in the coming year. By profession he is a Chartered Accountant and worked as an Accountant in KPMG in Dublin and in Deloittes in London. He previously was a director of Nissan Ireland and in 1994 he joined Windsor Motors as Managing Director a role he held for twenty years. In 2014 he established Kia Liffey Valley which has become the largest Kia dealership in Ireland and one of the top ten Kia dealers in Europe.
Carcessories make progress with Granville oil
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arcessories are delighted with the uptake on the Granville range from their motor factor customer base. Sales director, Greg Lonergan says “We moved over to Granville 7 months ago now. At first it took time for our customers to get used to a new range from ourselves but gradually more and more customers have changed over to the brand. Granville’s oil look up tool, which is so important with newer engines, has been a big success. The performance range of oil covers everything that a factor will be asked for, while the hypalube range gives a cost effective alternative.” 6- garageTRADER
range with the new branding on the aerosol tins, the Gunk range, and the Turtle Wax range have all added to the offering we can put to our customers.”
Greg adds, “While the lubricant range has been the success we expected, the most pleasing aspect has been the other ranges from Granville that have sold really well. The chemical
“We are confident that next winter will see us gain some extra market share thanks to the Coolant and Anti-freeze pricing that will be on offer to the motor factors and the excellent range available from Granville,” adds Greg. If you are interested in any of the Granville products or indeed any of Carcessories range please contact them at sales@carcessories.ie check out the website: www.garagetrader.co.uk
COMLINE GT
FG7 AND COMLINE TAKE ON THE GREAT OUTDOORS
COMLINES STEERING AND SUSPENSION HIGHLIGHTS • High -quality range, tailored for the Northern Irish market • Exceptional coverage of the European, Japanese and Korean vehicle parc • All components backed by an impressive three-year / 60,000-kilometre warranty • Quality assured thanks to precision engineering, state-ofthe-art production processes and extensive testing • Available now through FG7 the range includes: − Control arms, − Stabiliser links, − Ball joints, − Tie rods, − Tie rod ends − Suspension bushes
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omline and FG7 further strengthened their solid relationship this month as the two companies came together to enjoy an action-packed day of ‘Outdoor Pursuits’. The event, which took place at Northeast Adventures in Carlingford, included activities such as Blind Driving, Extreme Off Roading, Axe
Throwing and Air Rifle Shooting. Designed to be different the activities saw participants supporting each other during the various challenges. One of which involved guiding a blindfolded team member, from the back seat, as they piloted a vehicle around a mountainous course littered with
obstacles such us broken down vehicles, water troths, and steep descents. “Great fun was had by all,” said FG7’s Chief Operating Officer, Kevin O’Kane. “It was a fantastic event which gave us a chance to come together, unwind, and build upon the solid relationship we enjoy with Comline - one of our most significant aftermarket partners. Testing our skills in slightly unorthodox scenarios promoted comradery within the team and, of course, provided many comical and some slightly nerve-racking moments.
with them on a more personal level. In a world where time is precious, we thoroughly appreciated the group making time to join us for what was a very enjoyable day” Of course, if was not all fun and games, as the day drew to a close the group moved to a local hotel for dinner where business was firmly on the agenda. A main focal point was the imminent launch of Comline’s Steering and Suspension range, which is now available through FG7.
Comline’s General Sales Manager, Peter Cox, also added: “The FG7 group are one of our biggest and most valued customers and we relished this opportunity to connect
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Strictly for professionals
CONCEPT AND SURF-ACE PRODUCTS - ONLY FROM
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Carcessories Ltd. JFK Avenue, Naas Road, Dublin 12 Sales: 01-450-2771 | Office: 01-450-2770 sales@carcessories.ie check out the website: www.garagetrader.co.uk
DIRECTORY
PAINT
RADIATORS : OIL COOLERS : INTERCOOLERS : AIR CONDITIONING : FUEL TANKS : SHOT BLASTING : HEAT EXCHANGERS : GENERATORS :
Area distributor for KAPCI range of paint products
Main stockists ETALON refinish products Stocking thinners, primers, masking tape and paper, wet’n’ dry compounds, tools and equipment
刀刀
Contact us on: 028 92 667788 E: sales@autoradz.com www.autoradz.com
127 Mahon Road, Portadown, Co. Armagh
Neville Cornett: 07841 433538
Unit 15 Rosevale Industrial Estate, Law’s Yard, Moira Road, Lisburn BT28 1RW
Garage Equipment
Roberts Automotive Garage Equipment
SALES & SERVICE Tel 01432 357707
•
CNC Wheel Lathes
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Alloy Wheel Repair
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Filtration/Extraction
•
Blast Cabinets
•
Curing Systems
•
Power Coating
•
Paint Repair
Call +44 (0) 1535 691888 www. aycesystems.com info@aycesystems.co.uk
DOWN Garage Equipment Services Ireland Distributors for M & B Engineering Italy – Manufacturers and suppliers of Tyre and Wheel Equipment
Available from
180 – 190 Donegall Avenue, Belfast BT12 6LY
www.Coachfinish.com Email:
Castlewellen Co.Down Mobile: 07762908124 check out the website: www.garagetrader.co.uk
sales@coachfinish.com E: alan@downgarageequipment.co.uk Tel: 028 9044 8184 Alan Mob: 077 1112 6788 Paul Mob: 078 4335 0071
www.downgarageequipment.co.uk Follow us on
Open hours: Mon – Fri 8.30am – 5pm After hours fax order line
028 9032 0541 garageTRADER - 41
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Refinish
Practical tips: Maximise the benefits of the Standox Xtreme System
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tandox, the global refinish paint brand from Wuppertal, Germany, sets new standards for fast and energy-efficient car refinishing with its innovative Xtreme System. Our expert, Kevin Welling, Training Academy Manager for Axalta in the UK and Ireland, explains how professional bodyshops can reliably get the most out of it. Use the Xtreme products together All the products in the Xtreme System - the U3000 Express Prep Wipes, the Standocryl VOC Xtreme Filler U7600, the VOC Xtreme Wet-on-Wet Filler U7650 and the Standocryl VOC Xtreme Clear K9580 - are all applied one after the other, in one operation because they have been formulated to work together. In order to realise the system’s full potential, Standox recommends that all components of the Xtreme System are used together, from the Prep Wipes to 42- garageTRADER
the Clear. The rapid drying of the individual products allows a new part to be refinished in just 36 minutes. Familiarise yourself with new technologies When using some Xtreme products, the workflow is different, so refinishers should ensure they refer to the Technical Data Sheets (TDS) before they start application. For example, the Standox U3000 Express Prep Wipes are not used for cleaning the substrate. They ensure excellent corrosion protection of metallic substrates and good adhesion of the subsequent layers. It is also important to note that after they are used, VOC Xtreme Filler U7600 or VOC Xtreme Wet-onWet Filler U7650 must be applied within 15 minutes. Benefit from flexible application and energy savings The outstanding advantage of
the Xtreme System is that all components dry very quickly - at 40°C or at just 20°C. This gives refinishers the opportunity to work flexibly, adapt their workflow and spray booth capacity while also addressing energy consumption. By eliminating the need for forced drying, bodyshops can save up to 70 percent on energy costs – while freeing up the spray booth for other jobs.
Standox videos offer more practical tips The series of training videos from Standox - Standovision – can be found at www.youtube.com/ standoxonline. They provide valuable expert tips on how to use the Xtreme System, efficient weton-wet filler application, setting up the spray gun properly and other practical preparation tips to ensure refinishers achieve fast, highquality and right first-time results.
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NEWS GT
KYB Launches New Motorsport Website K YB Europe Aftermarket has launched a new website, dedicated to it’s motorsport activities: www. kybsport.com
KYB sponsors a number of teams in a variety of high profile motorsports around the world. This website brings those together in one place to present each team’s progress through the year. The sponsorships cover a diverse range of events, from fast-paced tough World Rallycross to endurance races such as the Asia Cross Country Rally and the speed of Super GT. By pushing ourselves to the limits of engineering, KYB can learn lessons and share new improved technology throughout KYB Corporation. KYB Corporation has a team of dedicated motorsport engineers with a huge amount of experience
in developing highly specialised products for use in racing. The demand for cutting edge components in this competitive environment requires world-class precision and quality. KYB Electronic Power Steering (EPS) systems are widely used in motorsports and particularly in endurance races such as the Le Mans 24 hour race. KYB suspension components are also trusted by a number of motorsport teams across a number of varied racing disciplines.
Teams featured on the KYB Sport website include APR Racing, EKS, Toyota Gazoo Racing, Goodsmile Racing, Team JAOS and Monster Energy RX Cartel. The website also features up to date news and
blogs on the motorsport activities connected to KYB. “The new website is a great place for KYB to show off its high performance engineering” says Jordan Day, Marketing Manager
KYB Europe, “ we want a place to show introduce our European customers the great teams we sponsor around the globe, as well as providing information on the KYB brand to the fans of these teams around the world.”
Textar is first to market with brake discs for the new Hyundai i30
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remium brake brand, Textar, is first to market with aftermarket brake discs for the new Hyundai i30. Utilising cutting-edge technology, Textar products are precision engineered to offer maximum safety, performance and comfort. This uncompromising approach to product excellence has been the ethos of the brand for more than 100 years and has led to Textar being a trusted partner to the world’s leading vehicle manufacturers. Textar, which is manufactured by global leader in brake friction technology, TMD Friction, covers 99.9% of the UK car parc and includes pads, discs, accessories and brake fluid available for next
day delivery. The range of premium brakes pads is further complemented by a wide range of brake discs, including high carbon as well as composite discs. As a global premium brand offering a selection of OE and aftermarket products, Textar has a renowned reputation for high quality, performance and endurance. This makes it the brand of choice for factors and garages.
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Aftermarket One for all: Versatile control arm in MEYLE-HD quality now also available for Land Rover models
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ew MEYLE-HD control arm kit replaces all three OE control arm versions of Land Rover models Range Rover IV and Range Rover Sport • Individual camber setting by continuously variable adjustable ball joint • Sustainable repair solution with individually replaceable MEYLEHD ball joint • 4-year guarantee on all MEYLEHD parts Hamburg, 20 June 2019. One for all – MEYLE presents another application of its innovative MEYLE-HD control arm kit. With this, three different versions of the OE part can be replaced by one MEYLE-HD part for the Land Rover models Range Rover IV and Range Rover Sport. The continuously variable ball joint with exact position display allows camber correction during axle alignment directly on the vehicle. The forged aluminium control
arm also scores with the individually exchangeable ball joint and the technically refined MEYLE HD bushings with profileoptimised inner sleeve, which are also available separately.
A new MEYLE-HD control arm replaces three OE control arm versions for the Land Rover models Range Rover IV and Range Rover Sport and makes the usually complex repair work easier for workshops: thanks to a continuously variable adjustable ball joint and exact position indication, the new MEYLE-HD control arm can be used for three different wheel camber settings, thus replacing three different OE parts. This not only saves workshops time in the search for articles and installation, but also storage space, logistics and transport costs – instead of six references, only two control arms
WAI rotating electrics range coverage grows
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AI global has added four new-to-range OE quality alternators to its extensive portfolio of rotating electrics. The additional alternators cover a number of popular makes and models, including Mercedes C Class, Vito and V Class (2015 >); Mazda 3, 6 and CX5 2.2D (2012); Vauxhall Astra CDTi (2009 > 2015); and Nissan Pulsar, Qashqai, Renault Kadjar, Megane and Scenic Dci (2014 >). The new-to-range parts are listed online alongside comprehensive cross referencing. WAI has marked each part with its traffic light ordering system whereby if the product is marked as green then it has been labelled as fast-moving and therefore distributors are recommended to stock the product. However, if the product is marked 44- garageTRADER
are required for the repair of the Range Rover models Range Rover IV and Range Rover Sport. The ball joint and the reinforced bushings – both in technically advanced MEYLE-HD quality – can be replaced individually and turns the MEYLE-HD control arm kit into another sustainable repair solution. The ball joint is additionally provided with a highquality corrosion coating. With the innovative seal made of wear-
The MEYLE-HD control arm kit for Land Rover can now be ordered: MEYLE No. 53-16 050 0027/HD (left) and 53-16 050 0028/HD (right).
FAI Timing Chain Kits available from ADE Lisburn and Dublin FAI’s timing change kit offers top quality at a great price and the range covers the vast majority of vehicles fitted with timing chains.
amber WAI recommends stocking it in a central warehouse, and if it is marked red then customers can rest assured that the supplier will have the part in stock should the distributor require next-day deliver. A full technical support service that provides comprehensive advice on fitting procedures and in-service issues is available as standard when ordering each part. www.WAIglobal.com
resistant rubber including shielding ring, the ball joint is a reliable and durable spare part, saving time and money in everyday workshop life. Workshops can also win over their customers with the 4-year guarantee on MEYLE-HD parts.
There are over 500 part numbers available, covering 16,500 types of cars and light commercial vehicles, many of them exclusive to FAI. Each kit contains everything needed for the installation of a new chain, including stretch bolts and the packaging always features an oil warning label, stressing the importance of using the right oil. Like all FAI products, the timing chain kit range us subjected to numerous test cycles to ensure the best production standards with a combination of endurance,
durability, destruction and thermal shock testing paired with stringent inspection makes sure that the new chain has a long and reliable service lifespan. FAI kits include the latest technologies adopted by OE vehicle manufacturers including newly developed high torque chains for many modern cars. Flex in FAI chains are confined to a maximum tolerance of 0.3 per cent, maximising the chain lifespan and exceeding the aftermarket average of one to three per cent. Latest additions to the range include the TCK 178 kit for VW Group applications. FAI timing chain kits are available from Auto Diesel Electric in Lisburn and Dublin.
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NEWS
GT
Gowan Group Acquires Opel Ireland G
owan Group, the family owned holding company, welcomes the announcement of an agreement with Opel Automobile GmbH to acquire Opel Ireland. The conclusion of the transaction is subject to Irish CCPC approval.
On completion, Gowan Group will be Opel’s wholesale import partner in Ireland. This move is in line with Opel’s business strategy in selected European markets to enhance agility, efficiency and competitiveness. Michael Dwan, CEO, Gowan Group.
Gowan Group will assume responsibility for all of Opel Ireland’s operations and current Opel employees will transfer on completion of the transaction. Gowan Group has been involved in motor distribution in Ireland for fifty years, importing Peugeot vehicles since 1969 and Honda vehicles since 1984. “We are delighted to become Opel’s import partner in Ireland”, says Michael Dwan, CEO, Gowan Group. “We have an in-depth understanding of the Irish motor market and a strong appreciation of the Opel brand. The close engagement with our colleagues in Russelsheim through this process, together with the expertise and capability within the Group and within Opel Ireland, the strong dealer network and customer base and the exciting new product pipeline all underpin our belief that Opel will fully realise its potential in the Irish market in the years ahead. We look forward to welcoming the Opel Ireland team into the Gowan Group.”
New Premises for Kevin Burke Tyres
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evin Burke Tyres has moved to a new purpose built tyre depot just off the Galway to Dublin motorway at Athenry. Established 20 years ago, the company was previously based in Caheroyan but has now moved to Furzy Park. Over the years, Kevin Burke Tyres has developed from being a local tyre retailer to one of the largest tyre wholesale providers in the country. These new state of the art premises will allow the company to hold an ever wider stock and offer a top quality level of service
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DRIVER’S SEAT
Gavin Fegan, George Fegan Tyres
Gavin Fegan with nephew Shay and son Caolan
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avin is the son of George Fegan owns George Fegan Tyres on Belfast’s Antrim
Road. George Fegan Tyres has been in business for 40 years, but George’s experience in the tyre trade goes back much further – he changed his first tyre at the age of 9 ! It’s a similar story with his son Gavin who was brought up on the heady mix of tyres and stock car racing. Gavin has been racing since he was 10 years old and worked in his father’s tyre depot during the school summer holidays, while also helping to prepare his Mini Stock car.
I’m glad to say I don’t really have one!
Keeping up to date with the latest technology in modern vehicles.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Tomorrow is another day…
What is your most effective or personal asset? My family.
Whom do you most admire? My father George. What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
You’ve won the lottery….what car do you rush out to buy? A motorhome race truck to transport me and my family to race
meetings. How do you relax? I have a beer or two! Tell us something surprising about yourself? I have been racing stock cars for 30 years and am BRISCA F2 Irish Open Champion.
Gavin progressed through the ranks of stock car racing and now competes in a Ford 2 litre Pinto powered F2 car. What was your biggest disappointment? 46- garageTRADER
Gavin Fegan with his father George check out the website: www.garagetrader.co.uk
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Happy Belated 40th Anniversary George Fegan Tyres We didn’t really forget your special day, we just figured you deserved more than one.
Every moment of every day our focus is keeping you moving 47AngarageTRADER LKQ Company
check out the website: www.garagetrader.co.uk
GT
CTR 9 ®
FULLY AUTOMATIC SPOT WELDER
TELESCOPIC SUPPORT ARM LIQUID COOLED TRANSFORMER GUN SWIVELS 355O ERGO-GRIP EASY-TO-USE CONTROL UNIT WELD LOGGER
Collision Repair is our business. Learn about all of our solutions and custom-made offers. info@car-o-liner.co.uk | Tel: +44 1788 574 157 | www.car-o-liner.com 48- garageTRADER
Award Winning Collision Repair Equipment The CTR® 9 fully automatic welder comes with a new, revolutionary light-weight transformer C-tong. With its 355o swivel handle featuring “Ergo-Grip” it enables perfect working postions for anyone, for any job.
“Save time - Make money”
check out the website: www.garagetrader.co.uk