Garage Trader Ireland: Vol 2 2019 by Greer publications

GARAGE IRELAND Vol 2 2019

BRAKING POWER

HISTORY IN THE BRAKING

EVERYDAY GOOD VALUE BRAKES garageTRADER www.don-brakes.com

Fast Acting Degreaser

Quickly and easily removes grease, oil, grime and dirt.

Fast Release Penetrate

Fast-acting formula, penetrates and releases rust from seized locks, nuts and bolts etc.

Fast Drying Contact Cleaner

Fast, non-conductive cleaner with no residue. Ideal for automotive electrical components.

High Performance White Lithium Grease

Heat and water-resistant, non-run lubricant. Ideal for linkages, springs, gears, bearings, battery terminals.

Anti-Friction Dry PTFE Lubricant

Dust-resisting, superior lubrication for high temperature components requiring reduced friction.

High Performance Silicone Lubricant

Fast-dry, water resistant, non-stain and dust-free formula. Perfect for hinges and rubber mountings.

High Performance PTFE Lubricant

Long-lasting lubrication to reduce friction and is suitable for cables, axles and hydraulics.

Multi-Use Product

The workhorse in your toolkit. WD-40 Multi-Use Product is the No.1 toolbox essential for the automotive trade.

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CONTENTS GT

TAKE A LOOK INSIDE... www.garagetrader.co.uk

GARAGE IRELAND GARAGE IRELAND Vol 2 2019

Vol 2 2019

BRAKING POWER

HISTORY IN THE BRAKING

EVERYDAY GOOD VALUE BRAKES GARAGETRADER www.don-brakes.com

BRAKING POWER

EVERYDAY GOOD VALUE BRAKES GARAGETRADER www.don-brakes.com

2019 Vol 2 ROI

subscriptions: (UK £18.00 Outside UK £27.50)

News

4 Applegreen roll out new premium unleaded and diesel fuel while James Barry Motors wins top Seat dealer award. 5 Latest SIMI figures show a decline in new car sales while imports continue to rise. 6 The SIMI announce plans to recruit 150 new apprentices.

GARAGE IRELAND

7 Klokkerholm brake shields and MOOG suspension parts are added to the Euro Car Parts range.

TO ADVERTISE IN THE MAGAZINE CALL: 028 9278 0108 REGARDING EDITORIAL CALL: 028 9278 0108

10 George Fegan has been working in the tyre business since the age of 9 and his company, George Fegan Tyres and Auto Repairs, is celebrating their fortieth year of business.

Special Features

19 Serfac adds NOCO battery and power products to their brand range. 20 A preview to the Automechanika Show at the NEC in Birmingham on June 4-6.

General Manager Gladys Greer gladysgreer@greerpublications.com

Editor

Pat Burns patburns@greerpublications.com Publishers James & Gladys Greer Designed by Shaun Byrne, Design Stics

27 The latest developments in braking from Motaquip, Mintex Don and Brembo. 30 PPP are producing products from used tyres and offer a completely documented collection and recycling service.

People 23 If you are single and lonely, Soiree Society could offer some companionship. 32 We talk to the team from Rotating Electrics in Cookstown

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.

35 Riverpark Training have yet another apprentice through to the World Skills finals in Kazan, Russia. 36 Transport Training Services are planning to recruit 100 new apprentices to the motor trade. 38 We talk to Damian Kenny, Business Manager, PPG Refinish Ireland about his career in the refinish sector.

COMMENT

The Motor Industry employs over 42,000 people throughout Ireland in a variety of positions. While there is currently a shortage of apprentices within our Industry at present, this has also been seen in other trade sectors. The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) announced at the Intreo Careers Fair, Dublin Castle, that the Irish Motor Industry is looking to recruit 150 Apprentices throughout Ireland. Apprenticeships include Motor Mechanics, Heavy Vehicle Mechanics, Vehicle Body Repairs, Agricultural Mechanics and Construction Plant Fitting. In order to undertake an apprenticeship a candidate must find a suitable employer to take them on for the duration of their four-year apprenticeship. They then register with SOLAS, who oversee the Training programme and award of the National Craft Certificate Standard. The motor industry is suffering from a lack of apprentices and now is the time to act. -Pat Burns, Editor

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NEWS ROI

Applegreen rollout new premium unleaded and diesel fuel

pplegreen has announced the launch of fuelgood PowerPlus, Applegreen’s most advanced, premium fuel to date. This new fuel uses a more concentrated additive that cleans up a vehicle’s engine as it drives, restoring the car to a ‘like new’ condition by reducing the deposit build up and enabling advanced engine performance. Commenting on the launch of fuelgood PowerPlus, Aisling Ryan, Head of Marketing, Applegreen said; “At Applegreen we are committed to bringing the best to our customers including our fuel, coffee and food offerings.” Irish international hockey player and World Cup Silver Medallist 2018, Nicci Daly has a passion for cars having worked as a data engineer in Indianapolis, “the home of motor racing” for the Juncos

Racing team, and she has also spent time working as a test engineer for Ford. Nicci Daly said; “I love driving, which is just as well because it’s in my blood! My late dad Vivion Daly was a racing driver, my uncle Derek Daly raced in the Formula One Grand Prix and my cousin Conor Daly is an IndyCar driver. With this in mind, I know the importance of looking after your car’s engine to get better performance and better power from it and keep it in the best shape it can be. With a homegrown brand like Applegreen, the fuel is from a trusted source and delivers on what I need for my car. fuelgood PowerPlus is for people who want to get more from their cars, and it ticks all the boxes on what I demand from a fuel.”

James Barry Motors wins SEAT Dealer award

imerick-based dealership James Barry Motors has been announced as SEAT Ireland’s Dealer of the Year 2018. One of the newest additions to SEAT Ireland’s 24-strong dealer network, James Barry Motors, which has been in business for just four years now, has exceeded all expectations delivering phenomenal results for 2018. Performance areas for which the dealership was commended for include an exceptional sales performance, particularly in new car sales with a high penetration of those sales financed via SEAT Financial Services. Customer satisfaction from both a sales and aftersales perspective was also singled out for praise, along with a high percentage of customers purchasing their car also bought service plans from James Barry Motors and genuine parts performance was another area of excellence which demonstrates

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the level of customer loyalty associated with James Barry Motors. James Barry Motors has been retailing the SEAT brand for two and a half years and is comprised of a core team of nine, including; Dealer Principal James Barry, SEAT Brand Manager Larry Keogh, Aftersales Manager James Casey, Senior Neil Dalton Head of Marketing and Product at SEAT Ireland, Niall Phillips Brand DirecTechnicians Billy tor of SEAT Ireland presenting the award to James Barry Dealer Principal of James Lane and Richard Barry Motors, and Carlos Bermejo Head of Sales at SEAT Ireland. Murray, Sales Executive Ger Sheehan, Service award from SEAT Ireland. I am very best possible value. I have Advisor Bistra Peric incredibly proud of my dedicated no doubt this achievement will and Technicians Rachel Cahill and team who work relentlessly help fuel our motivation for the Scott O’Gorman. to provide customers with the future. We will wear it as a badge Commenting on the recognition, very best advice and knowledge of honour and are grateful to SEAT James Barry said: “We are empowering them to choose a car Ireland for the support they have honoured to receive this prestigious that suits their every need, at the shown us.” check out the website: www.garagetrader.co.uk

NEWS

New Car Decline Continues; Imports still rising says SIMI

he Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) recently issued the new vehicle registrations statistics for April along with their Quarterly Motor Industry Review Q1 of 2019. New car registrations for the month of April were up 10.8% (8,923) when compared to April 2018 (8,053). While new cars registrations year to date remain 8.5% (73,044) down on the same period last year (79,813). New Light Commercial Vehicle registrations (LCV) were slightly up 1.12% (1,812) on April 2018 (1,792) and year to date are down 9.95% (12,892). While New Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HGV) have increased 27.27% for the month of April (308) compared to the same month last year (242) and are up 3.11% (1,194) year to date. Imported Used Cars increased by 2.8% for April 2019 (8,886) when compared to April 2018 (8,644) and year to date are 2.75% (35,717) ahead of 2018 (34,761) The SIMI Report shows that while the Irish economy is still positive, both new cars and commercial registrations declined in the first quarter of 2019 with the exception of both electric cars and used car imports. External threats such as Brexit uncertainty, greater consumer caution and the ongoing growth of used imports continue to undermine new car sales. Another contributing factor is the increase in the VRT on new cars, arising from the fact that no allowance was made by the Irish authorities for the first step in the move to the new WLTP testing regime. Brian Cooke Director General, SIMI commented: “This rise in new car registrations for the month of April is in reality a timing issue. Easter is a key period for car-hire business and with it falling later than usual in 2019, this pushed some car-hire that normally occurs in March into April. The real indication of the new car market environment is the year to date figures, which show a nearly 11% decrease on last year. The outlook for the remainder of the year is still

very uncertain for the Industry. Looking forward to 2020, with the next phase of the WLTP Testing due for implementation, it is vital for the Industry that any changes to taxation systems are flagged well in advance of their implementation date to allow the Industry plan their businesses in a normal and effective manner”. Jim Power, Economist and author of the SIMI Report said: “It is still a challenging environment for consumer-facing businesses as the personal sector is pressurised due to a combination of high and rising housing costs, an onerous personal tax burden, subdued wage growth over the past decade, and Brexit is an overhanging dark cloud that is creating major uncertainty and caution in the psychology of consumers and businesses across

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the economy.” 2019 new car registrations are forecasted to reach around 112,000 which would represent a decline of 10.8% on 2018 while used car imports by contrast are projected to increase marginally to around 101,000. Similar to last year Brexit related uncertainty looks set to continue, largely due to the uncertain performance of sterling and the impact of used imports from the UK. The SIMI Report also highlights the cost of motoring. The average price of a new car in Q1 2019 was 0.7% higher than a year earlier; interestingly consumers are spending more on higher specification cars with the average OMSP (Open Market Sales Price) up 3.9% on Q1 last year. The cost of Motor Insurance in March 2019

was 5.9% lower than it was a year earlier; while Motor Insurance costs since July 2016 have declined 23.8%. The cost of fuel increased in March 2019 with Petrol prices 0.2% higher and Diesel prices 5.5% higher than a year earlier. The new cars sales fuel type in Q1 of 2019 is also changing with new diesel registrations accounted for 48.27% of the market a decline from 56.27% on quarter one last year while petrol accounted for 40.83% of the total up from 37.51% on Q1 of 2018. Average CO2 emissions for new cars sold were 1.5% higher in the first quarter of 2019 when compared to a year earlier. The recent move away from diesel to petrol has resulted in average CO2 emissions now trending upwards again after a prolonged period of desirable decline. garageTRADER - 5

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NEWS

SIMI to recruit 150 apprentices

he Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) announced at the Intreo Careers Fair, Dublin Castle, that the Irish Motor Industry is looking to recruit 150 Apprentices throughout Ireland. Apprenticeships include Motor Mechanics, Heavy Vehicle Mechanics, Vehicle Body Repairs, Agricultural Mechanics and Construction Plant Fitting. In order to undertake an apprenticeship a candidate must find a suitable employer to take them on for the duration of their four-year apprenticeship. They then register with SOLAS, who oversee the Training programme and award of the National Craft Certificate Standard. SIMI’s member companies have committed to recruiting 150 apprentices. Details of the companies and apprentice positions, are available on the SIMI’s website www.simi.ie

The Motor Industry employs over 42,000 people throughout Ireland in a variety of positions. While there is currently a shortage of apprentices within our Industry at present, this has also been seen in other trade sectors. Events such as National Jobs week are helping to highlight the opportunities and careers options that are currently available. Regina Doherty, TD Minister for Employment Affairs & Social Protection present at the announcement commented “I am delighted that SIMI and the Irish Motor industry is taking part in Jobs Week and it’s great to see so many opportunities available within the sector. These apprenticeships are a great example of the scope and scale of opportunity available within our growing economy and reflect the variety of careers we have been

Regina Doherty TD Minister for Employment Affairs & Social Protection with Sarah Sweetman, Apprentice with Joe Duffy Ford and Karl McAllister Apprentice with Spirit Motor Group.

highlighting all week.” Brian Cooke ,SIMI Director General Designate said “This is a wonderful opportunity for those who wish to pursue a technical career while experiencing both a college and a working environment.

With the transition underway to cutting edge automotive technologies, such as electric cars, hybrid vehicles, and autonomous vehicles, gather pace there has never been a more exciting time to be a part of the Industry.”

motorcycle and industrial batteries, our sponsorship programme is key to maintaining our brand profile.

the past year under the guidance of Eamon Scallan.”

Yuasa sponsors Wicklow Hurling Team

uasa sponsor Wicklow Hurling and the first appearance of the new strip sees the team win a league final Yuasa and Wicklow Hurling got their new partnership off to a winning start as the team won the Allianz Hurling League Roinn 2B Cup on 10 March. The match was the first time the team wore their new branded strip featuring Yuasa as the title sponsors. The partnership between Yuasa and Wicklow Senior Hurling Team was arranged and administered by Somora Motor Parts Ltd, a customer of Yuasa based in Ireland. Wicklow played Derry in the Division 2B Hurling League Final and Michael Boland’s goal in the final moments of the second-half sealed victory and promotion to Division 2A for the Wicklow hurlers, ahead of the 2020 season. The win comes at the end of a remarkable debut league season for new manager Eamon Scallan. Man-of-the-match went to Stephen Kelly and overall the team fought hard, battling against 6- garageTRADER

windy conditions in Inniskeen.

Hurling is the fastest game on grass. It is also one of the oldest with its traditions set in the mists of ancient Irish history. As a stick and ball game, the sport uses skills from lacrosse, field hockey, and baseball. It is played by teams of 15 on a grass pitch with H-shaped goals at each end. The primary objective is to score by driving the ball through the goals or putting the ball over the bar and thereby scoring a point. Three points is the equivalent of a goal. James Douglas, Marketing and Product Manager, said: “It was only last month that Yuasa confirmed the sponsorship of Wicklow Hurling so to see the senior team win their first game at the end of the league season is fantastic! “As the world’s leading manufacturer of automotive,

“We wish the team every success as they look ahead to a Christy Ring Cup challenge in May.” Stephen Lawless, Sales Manager at Somora Motor Parts, said: “It’s great to see Yuasa looking at grass Roots level sponsorship in Ireland, and acknowledging the up and coming Wicklow Senior Hurling Team for their achievements over

Yuasa has a strong sponsorship programme, including a long heritage in motorsport. The leading battery manufacturer has been title sponsor of Honda Yuasa Racing in the British Touring Car Championship since 2012 and also sponsors Repsol Honda in MotoGP. In addition to motorsport, Yuasa has sponsored a diverse range of sporting teams and individuals over the years.

check out the website: www.garagetrader.co.uk

NEWS

Euro Car Parts moves for MOOG®

uro Car Parts has further bolstered its extensive range of steering and suspension parts, with the introduction of more than 2,500 product codes from MOOG®. The dynamic partnership launched in March 2019, with Euro Car Parts rolling further references out across its branch network throughout the year.With a well-deserved reputation for quality, MOOG® is a global leading provider of steering and suspension products, all of which are produced and tested to stringent ISO standards. A growing percentage of the range also includes MOOG®’s innovative Hybrid Core Technology, which delivers greater durability – even under extreme conditions. This bespoke offering means MOOG® can provide a distinguished final product with a fivefold increase in durability. The system which incorporates a carbon fibre bearing and induction heat treated ball stud, is applied

to ball joints, track control arms, wishbones, axial rods and tie rod ends. A 50-year affiliation with NASCAR demonstrates the high-performance qualities of MOOG® products, with the manufacturer’s ball joints and tie rod ends mandated on every Sprint Cup Race car. Furthermore, with hundreds of new applications

added to the MOOG® range every year, it is fast-becoming an important brand in the independent aftermarket. The introduction of MOOG® boosts Euro Car Parts’ steering and suspension offering considerably, adding to the factor’s existing range which includes high quality chassis parts from Starline and ZF Lemforder, among other leading

manufacturers. Speaking of the partnership with MOOG®, Helen Robinson, marketing director at Euro Car Parts, commented: “We’re hugely excited to be bringing the worldrenowned MOOG® range to repairers throughout the UK and Ireland. We’re working closely with them to develop one of the largest portfolios of MOOG® products.”

the risk of any serious brake safety issues.

director, commented: “Wintry driving conditions can cause significant wear and tear on brake shields and disruption to the normal operation of the brake system.”

Euro Car Parts introduces Klokkerholm brake shields

uro Car Parts has made it easier for repairers and restorers to access replacement brake shields after agreeing a supply deal with established manufacturer Klokkerholm. The factor is now offering a range of brake shields from its nationwide network of more than 300 branches.

Situated behind the brake disc or the drum of a brake system, brake shields play an important role in protecting the braking system from dust, debris and water exposure. Shields are particularly useful in wintry driving conditions when the elements are at the extreme. Dirt, grit, debris and rock salt can all cause braking systems to malfunction by coating the surface

of the disc and contaminating the friction material, reducing its effectiveness.

Accumulation of dirt in caliper mechanisms can also cause actuation issues, resulting in a sticking caliper as well as uneven pad wear. In instances where the brake shield is badly corroded or missing, the brake disc is exposed to excess water, snow, ice and salt. This slushy mixture can cause a reduction in brake power and rapid cooling of the discs, thus increasing the potential for brake warranty issues.

An established manufacturer of high-quality automotive parts and a recognised name in body panels, Klokkerholm’s brake shields come with a three-year guarantee. The portfolio available from Euro Car Parts is available in aluminium, galvanised steel, steel painted and zinc-coated variants. These are vehicle-specific and suitable for the core applications of the vehicle parc, including VAG, BMW, Mercedes and other OE manufacturers.

Offering a Klokkerholm brake shield replacement ensures the brake system remains safe, reliable and efficient, while minimising

Speaking of the introduction of Klokkerholm brake shields to Euro Car Parts’ ever-growing portfolio, Helen Robinson, marketing

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“We’re making it easier for repairers and enthusiasts to source the correct replacement brake shields at the right price, with same-day or next-day availability from our extensive branch network. By bringing a respected brand such as Klokkerholm to the independent sector, we are continuing to offer repairers and enthusiasts the highest quality parts. Whether that’s for restoration on vehicles like the BMW E30, replacement from wear on a Vauxhall Zafira or crash damage on a Mercedes C-Class, we have stock available.” garageTRADER - 7

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SOMORA Somora Motor Parts move to new premises

New Somora premises in fonthill Business Park

omora Motor Parts has moved to new premises in Fonthill Business Park, ideally located close to the M50 and N4. Established in 1985 by Seamus Moore, the company’s first base was a converted two storey cottage in Cornelscourt, south Dublin and as the company has expanded and developed it moved to the Robin

Cormac Moore of Somora 8- garageTRADER

Hood Industrial Estate in 1987 and then to Park West in 1998. The new state of the art premises means the company can offer an even greater range of products to the aftermarket trade in Ireland. Somora now offers an impressive list, ranging from body panels, lighting, steering, suspension, timing belts and batteries. The new premises feature man-up order pickers that improves efficiency, availability and offers space for future expansion. Seamus is still involved in the business, though his son Cormac is now the Director. “Crash repair has always been at the core of our business,” says Cormac, “and making available the right products at good value prices has been the key. “We have always tried to offer a complete solution for customers, not just fast moving parts. By providing access to the panels a customer needs quickly, we have been able to build up a strong customer base. Things like paint and consumables were a natural related diversification for us and initially we saw areas

such as steering and suspension and radiators as a logical range extension, since they are often in demand when a vehicle has front end damage,” continued Cormac. “We quickly found that once we had some strong expertise in these sectors there was very strong demand on the mechanical side and we have developed our distribution to meet this demand. We recognise that motor factors are at the core of our business and the only way that we can effectively get our products to the market. Many of our customers have grown with us and we see these continued long term partnerships as vital to the future of Somara. “The Irish aftermarket is now changing faster than ever, but

with a very knowledgeable staff team, excellent product range and now a brand new and highly effective distribution hub, we are very confident that we can rise to any future challenges.”

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BODYSHOP Mirka shines with intelligent new cordless polishers

irka is introducing a new range of batteryoperated cordless polishers designed to meet the high productivity demands of the automotive refinish sector. The new polishers are convenient additions to the Mirka tooling range to ensure the perfect finish can be obtained within paint rectification processes. The mini polishers are designed for the polishing of small areas including bumpers and spoilers. The AROP-B 312NV (Angle Random Orbital Polisher-Battery) with its 3-inch/77mm pad and 12mm orbit, non-vacuum tool is aimed at the automotive OEM (AOEM) market. The ARP-B 300NV (Angle Rotary PolisherBattery) with its 3-inch/77mm pad and 0mm orbit, non-vacuum device is suitable for the automotive refinishing, tier 1 and composites sectors. The polishers’ intelligent batteries provide more efficient use of the battery power, prolonging their life and an LED indicator provides a useful reading of how much power is remaining. The tools can also

be connected to the myMirka app, enabling users to view the vibration measurements to address health & safety issues as well as available capacity. Both polishers operate at high torque that is critical for polishing effectively. A locking and limiting variable speed trigger on the on/ off switch manages the rpm range,

allowing the user to control the speed during the polishing process, avoiding the risk of burning the surface. There’s also an autostop and RPM range management function built-in, available as an inapp purchase in the myMirka app. Steve Smith, national sales manager, surface finishing of Mirka UK, says, “We believe

our new polisher range is a game changer for polishing at AOEM plants and bodyshops, providing a whole new polishing concept that minimises noise and vibration levels, while carrying out faster yet more controlled operations. We’re confident the automotive sector will reap the benefits of these intelligent polishers.”

New Spies Hecker primer surfacer ideal for large surfaces

pies Hecker has developed a new product for the special requirements of commercial vehicle painting - Permafleet® VHS Primer Surfacer 4050. Large body panels and new vehicle parts can now be processed even faster and VOC compliantly.

Effectively refinishing commercial vehicles relies on bodyshops having efficient work processes and emission guidelines compliance. And products that can be applied quickly and with good opacity support the refinisher and ensure satisfied customers. This is exactly where Spies Hecker comes in with its new Permafleet VHS Primer Surfacer 4050, which can also be used as a primer for new parts. Versatile application This two-component primer

surfacer that is based on polyacrylic is suitable for repairs on commercial vehicles, construction and agricultural machinery as well as the refinishing of OEM parts and industrial items. Both standard wet-on-wet application and sanding produce excellent results on steel or polished steel. Fast drying times Due to its high solids content, the new Permafleet VHS Primer Surfacer 4050 can be applied in higher layer thicknesses efficiently and quickly. It can be combined with three different VHS activators as well as four different HS activators for bodyshops with 2K mixing machines. The primer surfacer is available in white, light grey and dark grey, each in a practical 10L container.

check out the website: www.garagetrader.co.uk

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NEWS John Mulholland Motors to raise £40,000 for Friends of the Cancer Centre

ohn Mulholland Motors are planning to raise £40,000 for Friends of the Cancer Centre at Belfast City Hospitalthis year and they are already well on their way having raised £14,400 in the first quarter of the year. John Mulholland was diagnosed with kidney cancer in June 2018. Recalling the early days after his diagnosis John said, “When I was diagnosed with cancer it came as a complete shock. We went from a normal family with busy lives to a family that was now facing a tough road ahead, which was devastating.” John soon started his treatment, which included time in London before going to the Cancer Centre in Belfast. “I went to London for part of my treatment and the care and facilities on offer there were fantastic. When I started treatment at the Cancer Centre a few months later I was

immediately struck by the quality of care available right on our doorstep. It was just as good, if not better, than what I experienced in London. From the number of radiotherapy machines to the exceptional staff, it is world class. “I also think it’s fantastic that this

charity is supporting the world class care and facilities on offer in Northern Ireland and as a family and a business, we are determined to do what we can to support this great work. I know it will make an incredible difference to so many people, just as it has to me.”

During this year, John Mulholland Motors will make a donation for every car sold and serviced as well as encouraging employees and customers to take part in the charity’s fundraising events. You can donate via www.justgiving. com/campaign/MulhollandMotors

Fyfes’ team fully charged by GS Yuasa training day

eading distributor Fyfes Vehicle and Engineering Supplies Ltd continues to show that people are at the heart of its business after its branch managers and areas sales managers successfully took part in a GS Yuasa training afternoon. The training, held at the Ballymena head office training room, was carried out by GS Yuasa training manager Ian Newham and covered a number of critical issues surrounding batteries and future technologies. The presentation began with the impact of emissions reduction and how this is affecting battery technology, before it moved on to technology and terminology, empowering the Fyfe team to enhance their understanding of the various technologies and how to deal with technical issues and reduce warranty issues, such as through incorrect application choices. The team also gained insight

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into Yuasa’s “Always Check The Battery” scheme, which enables workshops to routinely test a vehicle’s battery every time it goes in for service or repair work. The Yuasa Battery Check covers three key criteria including specification,

battery state of charge and battery state of health, while also offering useful tips such as why batteries fail. Tony Fyfe, Fyfes Managing Director, said: “It’s important that our team are fully aware of the

emerging technologies and how to communicate these to customers. We stock the widest range of batteries across our branch network so it’s essential customers have access to the right battery first time for a specific application.”

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NEWS GT IAAF appoints Terry Knox as new president

erry Knox has been appointed the new Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) president, taking over from Lawrence Bleasdale who stepped down at IAAF’s AGM on 14 February. This comes at the same time as IAAF’s Honorary Treasurer Richard Welland has been appointed the new vice president. Knox, who became IAAF vice president in April 2018, has been a Member of the IAAF Council since 2016, and is managing director of CD Group, a third-generation family business with previous managing directors, grandfather Stuart Knox and father Ken Knox. The company was established in 1963, with Knox joining in 1999 to help establish the company’s operations in the Republic of Ireland. CD Group’s largest trading name, Component Distributors, is a warehouse distributor, supplying Motor Factors throughout Ireland. Headquartered in Belfast, the company employs close to 200 people. Richard Welland is the Managing

Director of one of the UK’s largest rotating electrics suppliers, WAIGlobal. With extensive experience in the automotive industry and a proven track record of growing each business he has worked in, managed and owned, he has presided over numerous mergers and acquisitions, as well as been a pioneer in breaking down the boundaries over supply and price issues. Welland will also assume presidency of IAAF in two years’ time, after Knox steps down at the end of his term. On his new appointment, Knox said: ““I feel that the past year has armed me with invaluable insight into the tireless activity of IAAF. Throughout my term as president I look forward to helping continue its work, and will give my all in promoting and securing the future of the independent aftermarket to the benefit of our members and the sector.” Welland added: “I’m delighted to have more of an active role within IAAF and very much look forward to my term as vice president. There is still a long road ahead for the

Terry Knox

aftermarket in overcoming many challenges, which the federation along with its members will continue to address with belief, commitment and courage to achieve a fairer outcome for all.” Wendy Williamson, IAAF chief executive said: “I’m extremely pleased that IAAF’s relationship with both Terry and Richard

has been further strengthened in their new roles as respective president and vice president. So far their contributions in helping us determine a strategy to combat the ongoing challenges faced by the aftermarket cannot be underestimated. Their drive and in-depth industry expertise make them a natural fit for their roles and I wish them every success.”

For Sale

1 Sprayable oven – extra-long 3 Corchi Scissor Lifts 1 Blackhawk Jig with a computer alignment system 3 small car lifts 1 Auto Robot body jig (already refurbished) plus assortment of other body jigs

Contact : Mark Wright, 077364 87694 Wrights Accident Repair Centre, Belfast, Tel: 028 90 817181 or Donald Wright 077 7636 6059 check out the website: www.garagetrader.co.uk

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COMLINE

TOTAL CONTROL: COMLINE STEERING AND SUSPENSION NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH FG7 •

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Comline’s steering and suspension range is now available through Northern Ireland’s FG7 Group Quality range, tailored to the Northern Irish market, providing exceptional coverage of the European, Japanese and Korean vehicle parc All components backed by the brand’s impressive three-year / 60,000-kilometre warranty Quality assured thanks to precision engineering, stateof-the-art production processes and extensive testing

Comline - one of the fastest growing automotive brand’s in Europe – has further underlined its valued and longstanding partnership with FG7 as the group introduce the brand’s successful steering and suspension line up. Under the ‘Total Control’ banner, Comline’s steering and suspension package has been carefully designed to meet the specific demands of the Northern Irish aftermarket. Offering excellent coverage of the European, Japanese and Korean vehicle parc the quality line-up, which is backed by the brand’s impressive three-year, 36,000-mile / 60,000-kilometre warranty, delivers outstanding quality, exceptional value, and total peace of mind.

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Kevin O’Kane of FG7

“Our steering and suspension range has been developed with an intentional focus designed to put our customers in ‘Total Control’ of their business.” said, Comline’s General Manager, UK Sales, Peter Cox. “Analysing the vehicle parc in Northern Ireland we have developed a carefully tailored steering and suspension package

perfectly attuned to the market place. Thanks to this bespoke approach, we are able to ensure our range delivers absolute quality and exceptional value-for-money on the parts which really drive our customer’s business. I am delighted to cement our valued relationship with the FG7 Group further, and I am confident that this diverse product line will prove a big hit with their membership in Northern Ireland.” In-stock and available for delivery from the end of May via FG7’s Cookstown warehouse, the range includes; control arms, stabiliser links, ball joints, tie rods, tie rod ends and suspension bushes. “We are delighted

to broaden our extensive Comline offer to include the brand’s steering and suspension range,” said Kevin O’Kane Chief Operating Officer, FG7. “We have a longstanding partnership with Comline, a brand which our members know and trust. This latest product line will sit alongside our Comline, friction and filtration ranges, which have been proven to deliver outstanding quality and performance at a great price point. Set against a growing demand for steering and suspension parts this latest addition to our range is great news for FG7, our members and the Northern Irish garage trade.” Produced in state-of-the-art ISO compliant manufacturing facilities, all Comline steering and suspension components are precisely crafted for quality and reliability. This is proven by the brand’s exhaustive quality testing cycles, which includes checks for full tension, compression and hardness, weld penetration, life performance and corrosion resistance. Quality has also been validated in the realworld with Comline steering & suspension being widely trusted in markets all over Europe.

check out the website: www.garagetrader.co.uk

COMING TO FG7 IN MAY 2019

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check out the website: www.garagetrader.co.uk

www.fg7.co.uk

Total Control is the ethos under which every Comline steering & suspension product is developed and manufactured. Combining world-class production facilities, high-quality raw materials and comprehensive testing, each component is carefully crafted for consistent, reliable performance and comes equipped with a class-leading three-year warranty.

Comline distributor for Northern Ireland

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DRIVER’S SEAT

Damian Kenny, Business Manager – PPG Refinish Ireland.

Tell us about your career so far? I started in a bodyshop in the mid 80’s and worked away happily until I saw an advert for a Technical Rep role and that was it, I wanted that job more than anything else. I got it and I was hooked. From there I progressed through different roles and companies up to having recently been appointed the Business Manager for PPG Refinish in Ireland.

Engineering and we had to get a summer placement within the motor industry. This was during the big Irish emigration period but luckily, I got a place in a bodyshop and decided to stay.

Did you plan to get involved in this industry? Yes. I was doing a course in Electrical and Automotive

What was the best piece of advice you ever received? Do not be afraid to ask for help. Whether it is paint or a life-

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What was your biggest disappointment? That I did not listen enough in Irish class. It would be nice to be a fluent Irish speaker.

changing event, never fear seeking the advice of others. Only the fool thinks they know everything. Whom do you most admire? Apart from the obvious of my family and friends, I would have to say Brian O Driscoll. He always gave 100%, was a real team player but also a great ambassador for Irish sport. What is the most difficult aspect of your job? Switching off. Like most of us trying to find that work / life balance.

What is your most effective or personal asset? Enthusiasm. Although, it is easy to be enthusiastic when you love what you do. You’ve won the lottery. What car would you rush out and buy? Maserati Quattroporte How do you relax? Chance would be a fine thing! I have three kids. I plan to relax when they move out. Tell us something surprising about yourself… I was born on Skellig Michael.

check out the website: www.garagetrader.co.uk