Connect - Spring 2008 by Würth UK Ltd.

connect spring 2008

The magazine for

customers

TIME-SERT TECHNIQUE YOUR STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE AERIAL ARTISts Flying high with the flying gunners

great scott The brains behind the Triumph Triple Challenge GRAB YOUR HAMMERS SHAPING SHEET METAL WITH THE SPECIALISTS SPECIAL DELIVERY WURTH’s NEXT DAY SERVICE . .

MONSTER TRUCKS MAN’s military vehicles put to the test

PLUS…

JAMES TOSELAND, FORMULA 1 FIXER, NEW PRODUCTS P01 COVER ml1.indd 2

9/4/08 15:04:33

bike connect ad:216x276mm

20/3/08

12:10

Page 1

Würth I Bike Division CLEANING I VALETING I CLOTHING CARE I LUBRICATION I ADDITIVES I BRAKE CARE Würth UK have been supplying the motorcycle aftermarket for more than 30 years. With the quality, product range and support that Würth provides, it’s no surprise that Würth is highly regarded within the trade. This same high quality is now available to the individual from a number of stockists throughout the UK. For your nearest stockist visit www.wurthshop.co.uk

The Professionals Choice

CONTENTS

SPRING 2008 04

BULLETIN Latest Würth products, WOW! emissions testing, 500bhp Caterham, electric cars, Würth at Bike Expo, teaming up with Harley-Davidson

WORLD OF WURTH A solar modules building project in Beijing, rapid expansion in the Gulf, eco-products in Canada, and high-speed sell in A1GP

ANALYSIS Our resident expert gets tough on car owners who neglect the the safe up-keep of their cars

12 ONE OF THE MOST satisfying aspects of our business is building relationships with customers. The quality and diverse range of Würth products is certainly a big factor in the success of these partnerships. Alongside well-established favourites such as Time-Sert, we strive to introduce new, innovative products that will save businesses time and money – products such as the new emissions testing machine from WOW! But it’s not just about product, it’s about service too. Our cover feature is a case in point. Würth has worked with MAN trucks since 1997 but that relationship really prospered when Würth developed an innovative program of service which took control of every aspect of MAN’s essential consumables. Part of that service is Würth’s speed of delivery, which you can read about in this issue. Another of our well-established partnerships is with the Flying Gunners. Würth has supported the motorbike display team for two decades as they tour the country with their daring show. And spring’s CONNECT also features two of our more recent partnerships – first as the official supplier of Panasonic Toyota Racing, and also as a supporter of the Triumph Triple Challenge. We hope you enjoy the issue.

WURTH IN FORMULA 1 Würth has entered the demanding world of Formula 1 as the official supplier to Panasonic Toyota Racing

AERIAL ARTILLERY Connect joins the Flying Gunners motorbike display team as they prepare for their thrilling new show

CHILL FACTOR Before heading out on active duty with the Army, MAN’s new range of military trucks go through a testing series of climactic environmental trials

10 THINGS... Tracking the success of Würth’s next day delivery service

METAL WORK Back to school at Contour Autocraft’s sheet metalwork training course

TRIUMPH TRIPLE Connect speaks to the brains behind the British one-make championship

WORLD RALLY Preparing a family hatchback for the rigours of the Mexico Rally

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Customers speak out about the Würth products that improve their business, a day out with Würth’s Steve Donoghue, handy hints and tips, and when staff bought the business

NICK’S MASTERCLASS

WHAT I’VE LEARNED

Your step-by-step introduction to using Time-Sert

ANDY TRAFFORD | GARY THOMPSON MANAGING DIRECTORS, WÜRTH UK

Pianist, bike ace and top bloke – James Toseland

CONNECT WITH US... WURTH UK

CONNECT is published for Würth by

Editor Tim Oldham

1 Centurion Way, Erith, Kent, DA18 4AE, UK.

Atom Publishing Ltd, Clerkenwell House,

Assistant editor Brendon Hooper

Tel +44 (0)8705 987841 ■ Visit wurth.co.uk

45-47 Clerkenwell Green, London, EC1R 0EB, UK.

Art editor Marcus Ludewig

Tel +44 (0)20 7490 5595 ■ Visit atompublishing.co.uk

Publishing director Emma Tilley

WURTH IRELAND

CONNECT

Production assistant Georgina Wober

Monaclinoe Industrial Estate,

Würth marketing/Editorial consultant

Managing director Stephen Quirke

Ballysimon Road, Limerick, Ireland.

Barry Hunt

Repro Production Studios

Tel +35 (0)361 430200 Fax +35 (0)361 412428

Würth Marketing Manager Steve Butterfill

Print Headley Brothers

CONNECT

P3 CONTENTS ml.indd 3

9/4/08 15:06:49

make it three in a

bulletin

The latest WUrth products and projects, plus a few fun diversions

PROPER

n naturally aspirated form, the 40-valve 2.4-litre aluminium V8 develops 380bhp. Supercharged, you’re looking at the thick end of 500bhp, peak power chiming in at around 10,000rpm. Now drop this engineering masterpiece into a Caterham weighing just 520kg and the numbers start assuming warp-factor significance, namely 1,000bhp/tonne – twice that of the Veyron and up there with the Caparo T1. The RST-V8 engine has been designed and developed by Russell Savory, the founder of RS Performance in Hertfordshire. Savory’s engineering background stretches back to the early 1970s with Ripspeed before he moved into speedway. He worked on engine development for Kawasaki before then moving into Formula 1 during the insanely powerful turbo era. Savory started work on the RST in 1993 but the project was put on hold due to his busy bike racing commitments. Now, as part of Caterham’s performance arm, the 90kg engine has finally seen the light of day. You’ll be glad to know that the RS gets a sophisticated electronics package including traction and launch control to help get the phenomenal power down on the road. Caterham also provides a twoday driver training course when you order one of the very limited £115,000 road rockets. You’d be right to assume that this is one of the maddest cars ever. And so it would be, had Ariel not gone and dropped the same engine into the skeletal Atom. You’ll recognise that one by the twin rear intakes for intercoolers.

WoW! emissions testing January 2009 is a key date for the 19,000 MOT test stations up and down the country. By then, all garages will be required to use the new specification diesel smoke meters designed to deal with the lower emission levels produced by the latest generation of diesel engines. With Würth Online World (WoW!), Würth has provided garages with a fast, easy and cost-effective multi-branded diagnostic tool that can be easily updated or expanded. It’s been a great success and Würth has now introduced a WoW!branded emissions testing machine that will provide MOT test centres with an effective, state-of-the-art solution to meet these new emissions regulations. Like WoW! diagnostics, the system boasts powerful integrated software, accuracy, reliability and simple, easy-to-use

operation. The service package includes calibration, servicing and maintenance. Another important addition to the WoW! stable is the introduction of the Cargo Information System (CIS) for truck and trailer diagnostics. The system once again offers multi-branded coverage with integrated technical data and comprehensive help files. “These are two key launches for Würth,” says Andy Hornby, WoW! Business Manager. WoW! has been very well received by our customer base with customers large and small realising the benefits of the powerful multi-branded tools.” To make life easier still, Würth has also devised a series of finance schemes for WoW!. These range from interest free options with weekly or monthly payments to leasing schemes for larger organisations.

For details of the new products or payment schemes contact WoW! at www.wurth.co.uk/wow

CONNECT SPRING 2008

P4-7 BULLETIN v2.indd 4

9/4/08 15:09:33

it three in a row?

Get ready for

the open road It may not be the ‘official’ sound of spring, but the noise of dustsheets being dragged off motorbikes after the winter lay-off is as good a marker as any in our book. And for that freshly fettled feel, why not treat your bike customers to something off the Würth spring checklist? 1. Aluminium Polish (500ml) 0893 121 301 2. Bike Wash (1l) 5001 01 3. Motorcycle Spray Wax (500ml) 5001 03 4. Motor Cycle Polish (250ml) 5001 04 5. Engine and Wheel Cleaner (500ml) 5001 05 6. Brake and Chain Cleaner (500ml) 5001 14 7. High Performance Dry Chain Lube (150ml) 5001 21 8. Helmet and Visor Cleaner (150ml) 5001 08 9. Leather Care (500ml) 0893 012 9

1 4

2 5

W ü R T H TA K E AWAY

Battery power

wo wildly different electric cars will be hitting British roads in 2008. First, there’s the TH!NK from Norwegian electric vehicle pioneers Think. Not only is the two-seater urban car emissionfree, it’s 95 per cent recyclable. And unlike other lower-range examples, the TH!NK is a proper car. It may now be Norwegian-owned but a lot of the investment in the current car stems from when the company was owned by Ford. The top speed of 65mph and 0-30mph time of 6.5sec may not ruffle your hair but it has a range of 124 miles on a full charge and has been designed to meet the safety requirements of both Europe and the US, as a highway-safe road car. The Electric Lightning GT on the other hand offers a totally different electric driving experience. While America’s Tesla has been grabbing most of the electric sportscar headlines, the British Lightning is hot on its heels with impressive

power output figures – 700bhp and 0-60mph in four seconds. The key to this performance – and its future success – lies with the Lightning’s revolutionary battery technology. The NanoSafe batteries use nano titanate materials instead of graphite, which makes them far more thermally stable – there are no toxics or heavy metals either. The batteries have a life expectancy of more than 12 years – rather more than the customary 3-5 years – and retain up to 85 per cent charge capacity after 15,000 charges. The NanoSafe batteries are more powerful than conventional Lithiumion batteries and will recharge in just 10 minutes. Oh, and it’ll have a range of around 250 miles. With regenerative braking, electronically-controlled traction control and a relatively maintenance free motor it all adds up to an enticing package. It looks pretty cool too.

Run out of Rost-Off? In desperate need of a drill bit? Or do you fancy getting to grips with some of Würth’s latest discounted tools? Well now you can find what product you need from Würth’s huge range at one of the Trade Stores that have sprung up in the Glasgow area – the latest opening at the London Road Trade Park. Ok, it could be a fair way to go, but with over 20,000 automotive, metal, construction and wood division components available off the shelf, you could fill up the van. And the success of the Scottish Trade Stores could soon lead to more being opened around the UK. Call +44(0)845 880 3010 to find out more about the Trade Stores.

CONNECT

P4-7 BULLETIN v2.indd 5

9/4/08 15:10:13

BULLETIN

THE LATEST WURTH PRODUCTS AND PROJECTS, PLUS A FEW FUN DIVERSIONS

WIN

HARLEY’S ANGELS The Harley-Davidson UK Technical Training Centre in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, is a state-of-the-art training centre for its rapidly increasing network of international markets. Opened in May 2006, the facility provides technical training for Harley-Davidson distributors and dealers in Europe, the Middle East, and South Africa, as well as the company’s UK dealer network. New technicians are put through their paces on an extensive range of dedicated Harley-Davidson maintenance courses, which cover everything from general technical repairs to electrical diagnostics. And with up to 40 courses, each lasting two to four days over a training period of six months,

that translates to a lot of Harley equipment getting dismantled and assembled, over and over again. The training centre is equipped with the latest maintenance technology, but Würth products are also highly valued by the dedicated training team as they save time and money. “Time-Sert is a great piece of kit for when the students are training,” says Richard Woodworth, Harley-Davidson GB Technical Manager. “We may take a crankcase apart 20 times or so over the period of a course, and as most threads get tired after about 10 or 12 uses, Time-Sert can be used to repair the thread to make it work twice as long as that.”

BRITISH SUPERBIKES SEASON REVIEW 2007 In another closely fought series, last year’s British Superbike Championship was decided at the last round, and again it was Japanese star Ryuichi Kiyonari who took the title. This superb hardback book captures all the excitement of an amazing year of racing – on and off the track – with plenty of stats and action photography from every round. To win a copy, send an email marked ‘Superbikes’ to connect@atompublishing. co.uk, by 1 July.

MAGAZINE MAKEOVER How would you like to see the fruits of your labours featured in Connect? Well if you’re about to start a major restoration of a car or bike in the forthcoming weeks then let us know. We’d like to be that fly on the workshop wall documenting the transformation of tragic barn find into concours

condition headturner. Ok, it doesn’t have to be so dramatic, but the point is we’ll provide a range of Würth products – such as penetrants, lubricants, polishes – for you to use at each stage of the process. Speak to your Würth consultant or email us at connect@atompublishing.co.uk

CONNECT SPRING 2008

P4-7 BULLETIN v2.indd 6

8/4/08 13:31:00

N E W TO O L P RO D U C TS

ADJUSTABLE IMPACT WRENCH

STONER ON THE STAND A record number of visitors attended the Motorcycle Expo 2008 at Birmingham’s NEC in January and it seemed that most of them stopped by Würth’s stand over the three days. The show gave Würth’s bike specialists an opportunity to meet new and existing customers and show them a selection of workshop and retail products. One of the biggest draws to the stand was Training Manager Nick Broad’s regular demonstrations of Replast and TimeSert, although Casey Stoner’s 2007 MotoGP-winning bike could also have had something to do with the stand’s popularity. Stoner’s Ducati Desmosedici had been in huge demand since powering away with the title so it was something of a coup to get the bike on the Würth stand – a big thanks to Shell Advance for organising it. Suzi Perry (above) was among the many interested visitors to the stand – more for Stoner’s bike than Nick’s product demos it has to be said. Congratulations to Simon and Luke of Mototechniks Ltd (right) who won our Expo visitor competition. A six-drawer bottom box and five-drawer top box tool trolley will soon be gracing their premises in Suffolk.

PRAISE FROM PIAGGIO The Piaggio Group is made up of some of the most iconic brands in scooter history. There’s Piaggio itself, of course, then Vespa, Aprilia, Gilera and Derby. With a range like this, it’s easy to see why Piaggio is Europe’s number one manufacturer of two-wheelers. And from Piaggio’s stylish urban scooters, to the classic Vespa and innovative three-wheel, leaning MP3, the Piaggio Group now endorses Würth’s Replast bodywork repair kit to its entire UK dealer network. “The Replast kit is a very robust repair system – one that we recommend across the group,” says Simon Neal, Piaggio UK Aftersales Manager. “Plus, under certain circumstances, the kit may also be used on warranty repairs.” This level of approval for Replast is in line with other leading car and bike manufacturers such as Lotus. Indeed, Piaggio is planning a series of customised training seminars, especially for the company’s UK dealers.

Power and control is always the combination of choice, and this latest Adjustable Impact Wrench from Würth delivers on both fronts. Powered by a 19.2V DC battery, the motor supplies up to 398lb/ft (540Nm/m) of sustained torque and up to 2,600 impacts per minute. But with six adjustable settings, you can dial in a torque range starting from 62lb/ft (83Nm/m) for all the control you need. Weighing just 7.6lb (3.4kg) with battery, it comes in a smart, lockable plastic case, which has neat compartments to protect it and keep it organised (product code 1702 666).

DIGITAL TORQUE WRENCH Würth has released its new range of four Digital Torque Wrenches: 1/2 drive Digital Torque Wrench 64-340Nm (product code 1714 200 034) 1/2 drive Digital Torque Wrench 40-200Nm (product code 1714 200 020) 3/8 drive Digital Torque Wrench 24-135Nm (product code 1714 200 135) 1/4 drive Digital Torque Wrench 6-30Nm (product code 1714 200 003)

CURRENT TESTER Current measurement in automotive fuse boxes is often difficult with conventional multi-meters because of the contacts. These flat fuse Current Testers from Würth were specially W designed to solve this problem. Simply insert O KNO LIKE T OUT THE B into the fuse slot to get an immediate A MORE H TOOLS reading of current in the fuse circuit. Since WÜRT ? IONED the fuse is inserted into the Current Tester MENT while measurement is being carried r sales ct you call out, the circuit is also protected during Conta r ltant o 841, consu 7 8 measurements (product code 0715 53 9 )8705 +44(0 oting 090 standard fuses, and 0715 u q NG TSPRI 53 091 mini fuses). NNEC CO

CONNECT

P4-7 BULLETIN v2.indd 7

9/4/08 15:10:55

WORLD OF W URTH

GERMANY COURTYARD GIG Taking place right in the middle of the loading courtyard of Würth’s headquarters in Künzelsau, Germany, the 12th Würth Open Air festival in June will see some of Europe’s top artists and bands perform in front of hundreds of Würth employees and music fans. Spread across a whole weekend, headlining each night of the festival will be Christina Stürmer, the winner of Germany’s version of Pop Idol, as well as ‘80s rockers Foreigner and Nazareth.

C A N A DA GREEN SPROUTS Würth Canada has added more products to its environmental Green Line range. The latest additions are eco-friendly cleaning products such as Aluminium Wheel Cleaner, Fabric and Upholstery Cleaner and Window and Glass Cleaner (pictured). Biodegradable and made from sustainable resources, they clean without using harsh chemicals, and don’t produce dangerous fumes or use corrosive acids. “People have a misconception that green cleaning products don’t work as well as the products they are used to,” says Ernie Sweeney, CEO, Würth Canada. “But these products do what they claim to, and do it very well.”

AU ST R I A WORDS OF STEEL Former steelworker and woodsman Peter Turrini has won this year’s coveted Würth Prize for European Literature, along with a cheque for 25,000. The 63-year-old author is one of Austria’s most-performed contemporary playwrights – his plays have been performed all over the world and translated into more than 30 languages. Turrini is the fifth author to receive the prize from the Würth Group.

USA ELECTRIC PARTNERSHIP

GLOBAL

FOCUS

If you make a great product, it helps to have a great partner to distribute it. That’s why Würth Electronics Midcom, based in South Dakota, USA, has recently signed a global distribution deal with Digi-Key, one of the largest electronic component distributors in North America. Würth Electronics Midcom manufactures a range of analogue and digital components, such as transformers, inductors and modules, for the automotive and telecoms industries. “This partnership represents two companies that pride themselves as service leaders in the industry,” said Norbert Heckmann, president of Würth Electronics Midcom.

From generating business in the pitlane, to providing prizes for literature – Würth is found in sport, art and industry

CONNECT SPRING 2008

P8-9 GLOBAL FOCUS.indd 8

9/4/08 15:16:16

SWEDEN BEST IN SNOW Biathlon is one of the toughest endurance sports on the planet – calling for super-fit athletes. At the Biathlon World Championships in February in Östersund, Sweden, the Würth-sponsored Germany team put in a great performance, topping the table with a haul of eight medals, including five gold medals won by the women’s team alone.

U N I T E D A R A B E M I R AT E S GROWTH IN THE GULF The Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA) in Dubai was set up in 1985 to provide business and distribution facilities for international and local corporations. Situated close to both the airport and port, the zone is perfectly positioned for companies to access the Asian and African markets. Würth Gulf was founded in Dubai in 1999 and recently was awarded the fastest expanding company in the JAFZA – pipping almost 6,000 other companies. With sales in the construction and automotive sectors, Würth Gulf posted a sales growth of 46.7 per cent.

CHINA SOLAR RAILWAY

SOUTH AFRICA PITLANE PERFORMANCE

Würth Solar has teamed up with the Ruihua Construction Corporation in Beijing in the building of the city’s new South Railway Station – making it the world’s largest building integration of solar modules using CIS technology. “This project is a showpiece for building integration of solar modules,” explains Timo Bauer, product manager at Würth Solar. “It represents a successful crossover between architecture and solar technology, as the modules not only enhance the building ecologically, but also from an aesthetic perspective.” Besides power generation, the CIS modules in the roof also shade the interior and contribute to reducing the air-conditioning costs.

Where’s the best place to sell earplugs? Try the pitlane at an A1 Grand Prix race. That’s what the team at Würth South Africa did when the Durban leg of the championship rolled into town in February. Würth Netherlands already supports the A1 Team Netherlands outfit, but employees at Würth South Africa were busy demonstrating a range of consumables to the rest. Impressed with the quality of the products, eight other teams asked to buy products such as brake cleaner and lubricants.

CONNECT

P8-9 GLOBAL FOCUS.indd 9

9/4/08 15:17:04

ANALYSIS: BRIAN TAYLOR OUR REGULAR TAKE ON THE HOT TOPICS IN THE AUTOMOTIVE ARENA

MOTIVATING MOTORISTS TO CARE The industry needs to develop solutions that encourage motorists to keep their car safe and well-maintained

■ Brian Taylor is a speaker & consultant on aftermarket issues, with expertise in the automotive sector

MOT

ecent research carried out by insurance company esure shows that over 23 million motorists delay going to a garage because of the cost. Of those, 44 per cent said that they would rather spend the money on clothes or holidays – even when they knew there was a fault on their car. It shows a remarkable apathy towards car maintenance – apathy that garages have to deal with on a daily basis. Dave Cotterill of KC Autos, who worked on the study, points out the costs to motorists of this ‘head-in-the-sand’ approach to maintenance. “We frequently see customers with faults on their vehicles that began as a relatively minor problem, but they’ve allowed it to get worse until it becomes a danger to themselves and others on the road,” he says. “In addition to these safety issues, the cost of repair also increases significantly.” So what can the industry do to help tackle this false economy and safety issue? A few years ago, I was involved in a project with Britannia Rescue in which we found that for most people the main reason for having their car serviced was to prevent faults developing so they don’t cause a breakdown. This was more common amongst owners of older cars – typically independent garage customers and those without breakdown cover. As a result, we developed a scheme to counter the fear of a breakdown in which garages could purchase six months Britannia Rescue Breakdown Cover at a nominal trade cost and offer it for no cost as part of a premium six-months service package. The same cover would be offered again when the customer came back in six months’ time for another premium service. The scheme was a way of retaining customers as well as giving motorists peace of mind. Selling discounted breakdown packages to garages offering this premium service worked for Britannia because it increased its customer database. Not only that, the risk of a breakdown was reduced because cars were being well maintained.

Clearly, esure’s research indicates that freedom of choice in the aspect of having a car regularly serviced is currently having an adverse effect on safety. So, if the Government wants to proceed with their crazy new reduced MoT test regime ideas, they could do worse than consider replacing the dumped tests with a mandatory service. A service is far more thorough and predictive. And unlike the MOT test it’s more flexible because it gives the garage the opportunity of prompting the motorist

23 MILLION MOTORISTS DELAY GOING TO A GARAGE BECAUSE OF THE COST. OF THOSE, 44 PER CENT SAID THAT THEY WOULD RATHER SPEND THE MONEY ON CLOTHES OR HOLIDAYS to return for specific free safety checks (e.g. disc pads), based on wear information gathered during the service and predicted annual mileage. These sort of replacements often occur before the next MoT test becomes due. Over the last few years there has been plenty of noise coming from the Government on what motorists say they want from garages regarding quality of work, price and service levels. But when it comes to car owner responsibilities in this area there appears to be a wall of silence. Are politicians putting votes before safety? Surely not? ILLUSTRATION JAMES BIRKS

Brian Taylor will be back with more Analysis in our next issue CONNECT

P11 ANALYSIS.indd 23

7/4/08 16:52:47

PANASONIC TOYOTA RACING

At Panasonic Toyota Racing, new components are designed, built and tested in days... not weeks. The team demands the same speed, commitment and quality from its partners – a challenge that Würth has embraced as the team’s official supplier

CONNECT SPRING 2008

P12 TOYOTA.indd 12

9/4/08 15:18:21

WÜRTH IS THE PERFECT PARTNER FOR PANASONIC TOYOTA RACING BECAUSE WE ARE BOTH WORLDCLASS COMPANIES WHO ARE READY TO TAKE ON A GLOBAL CHALLENGE

hile all eyes were on Jarno Trulli and Timo Glock as they took the wraps off Panasonic Toyota Racing’s 2008 challenger at the team launch in January, the event also unveiled a new name to the team’s list of official partners – Würth. Now, along with its three million customers worldwide, Würth will also be an official supplier to Panasonic Toyota Racing, providing the Cologne-based Formula 1 team with a range of tools and fasteners. The company’s logo will feature in the pit garage, on team trucks and on all official communication. “Würth is the perfect partner for Panasonic Toyota Racing because we are both world-class companies based in Germany who are ready and willing to take on a global challenge,” says Toyota Motorsport GmbH President John Howett. Still, Würth is no stranger to the challenges of top-level motorsport. In recent years, the company was an official supplier to the BMW Sauber F1 team, and Würth continues to provide high-quality products to the factory Audi and Mercedes-Benz teams in the DTM championship. Yet the challenges of Formula 1 are unique. There are over 650

employees at Panasonic Toyota Racing’s headquarters in Cologne. The facility boasts 34,500sqm of workshop space, two wind tunnels, design studios, composite departments, engine workshops, test benches, paintshops and race bays – all geared to building two cars. But what cars they are. Along Monza’s straights, the TF108 will be touching 217mph, while at Montreal the carbon-carbon brakes will reach 800ºC as the drivers scrub off speed going into the hairpin. Yet while Toyota’s RVX-08 2.4l V8 engine is capable of around 740bhp (in a car weighing just 600kg including driver), it must last two grands prix. And the TF108’s gearbox – a masterpiece of lightweight construction and hydraulic-accuated seamless gearshifts, must stand the test of four consecutive races. The team is in a continual process to achieve the perfect balance of performance and reliability and is, as a result, a very demanding customer. Yet testing its products and services at the highest level is part of Würth’s culture. Throughout the season, Würth will bring its expert knowledge of fixings and assembly to Panasonic Toyota Racing’s Formula 1 challenge, providing the team with high-performance fixings for use on the TF108 car as well as in the pits and at the factory. WORDS TIM OLDHAM PHOTOS PANASONIC TOYOTA RACING

CONNECT

P12 TOYOTA.indd 13

9/4/08 15:19:22

FLYING GUNNERS

It takes weeks of practice and nerves of steel to put together the thrilling programme of high-speed crossovers, daring car jumps and trademark moving pyramid. Connect joins the Flying Gunners as they prepare for the start of a new show Words RICHARD FLEURY photos TOM WOod

ongmoor Army Camp, Hampshire. A noisy kind of squarebashing is in progress. The crunch of boots and bellowing of orders have been replaced by the wailing tailpipes of dirt bikes. They belong to the Royal Artillery Motor Cycle Display Team, the famous ‘Flying Gunners’. Between popping wheelies and pulling stoppies, the Gunners practice hair-raising, hair’s breadth crossovers, charging head-tohead from opposite corners of the arena at up to 50mph and missing each other by inches. “We’ve had motocross teams come down for the day and they say ‘you’re absolutely mad’,” says team coach Bombadier Karl Hannigan. “You’ve got to be a bit crazy to do any of this stuff. People say: ‘I can’t believe you’re just riding towards him at a closing speed of 100mph.” This high-speed ballet of synchronised near-misses takes months of winter training to perfect. Is it as scary as it seems? “You’ve got to be a little bit scared or you get complacent and that’s when accidents happen,” says Bombadier Hannigan. “You’ve always got to have your wits about you.” Practicing solidly for three months, five days a week, preparing a show is as intensive as rehearsing for a new West End production. Only the phrase ‘break a leg’ has a more literal meaning. “We’ve had a few injuries, the odd broken bone,” says Hannigan. “But they all mend. We have one or two a year but for a number of years we’ve not had any bad injuries on shows…

Y OU ’v e

G OT T O

BE CRAZY 14

connect spring 2008

P14-15 flying gunners v3.indd 14

Pic captions to go in here..... Pic

7/4/08 18:27:40

The Flying Gunners on parade at Longmoor

in two years, they’re performing fast crossovers, hitting the ramp at 40mph and jumping 30 feet

Riders develop great bike control, on the front wheel and the rear

touch wood. We get our injuries out of the way on training. That’s the idea.” For the first two months of training, the Gunners shut themselves away at Longmoor, riding on concrete because it’s easier. Then as winter turns to spring, they return to base at Larkhill on Salisbury Plain, the home of the Royal Artillery, to practice the show on grass. Then just over a month later, if Hannigan’s done his job properly, which of course he always has: “We do a show for our big boss, he signs us off and we’re ready to go.” Then the real work begins. The Gunners perform some 120 shows each six-month long season, taking in most of the UK’s big agricultural shows as well as TV appearances. At 37, Hannigan is the longest-serving member in the team’s history with 17 years in the saddle. “I did my bit and went to the first Gulf War,” he says. “Then came here.” As coach, it’s Hannigan’s job to make sure the show is polished, precise and comes together on time. Another vital member of the team – with an equally impeccable service

record – is Würth. For almost two decades, Würth UK has supported the Gunners with products to keep their machines in condition. “The bikes look brand new even though they’re two years old because we wash them down and use Würth cleaning products on them,” says Hannigan. “I reckon we’ve got half the Würth catalogue here. All the tools, socket sets, everything from cable ties to jubilee clips, nuts, bolts, screws. And lots of Ultra 2040.” The team is made up of 18 riders, regular and TA soldiers, who could be called away at any time. Historically, the Royal Artillery used motorcycles to guide its big gun convoys into

position. But as the army is phasing out bikes from the battlefield, they are reverting to their original role as recruitment tools. “Our whole thing is recruiting and showing the youth of today all the skills needed to be a young soldier – courage, discipline, fitness and above all teamwork. One guy had come to see us as a young child, joined the army because he wanted to do what we were doing, did something else for two years in the army and then came to us. So it does work.” No previous motorcycling experience is required to join, just natural aptitude and the ability to learn fast. And strong nerves… “We’ve got riders who came to us 18 months ago who couldn’t ride a bike. In under two years they’re performing fast crossovers, hitting the ramp at 40mph and jumping 30 or 40 feet,” says Hannigan with justifiable pride. The Gunners have used a variety of different machinery over the years. But now supported by Yamaha, they currently ride WR250Ss, with YZF250s for jumps. For their needs, a 250cc bike provides more than adequate power. Anything bigger and “you can’t keep the front wheels down!” “They’re brilliant bikes for what we’re doing,” says Hannigan. “Better handling, much quicker, better suspension and smoother. We also get a lot of support from Chevrolet Cars. Why? We do a car jump where we used to jump one, two or three cars. Now we’re jumping anything up to10 cars.” Go to www.army.mod.uk/ra/mcdt for details of the Gunners’ 2008 shows.

connect

P14-15 flying gunners v3.indd 15

7/4/08 18:28:41

MAN MILITARY

LIFE IN THE WORDS RICHARD FLEURY

Before heading out on active duty with the British Armed Forces, MAN’s military vehicles have been put through a testing series of climactic trials. Which means getting cold...very cold

trange, destructive things happen to a vehicle when the mercury plunges to Arctic temperatures. Below -40°C, diesel starts to wax, steel joints become brittle, rubber strips snap, batteries hibernate, and electronic systems act as sluggishly as a polar explorer with advanced hypothermia. Fortunately, the vehicles that recently completed a series of environmental trials at QinetiQ’s test chambers at MoD Boscombe Down have been designed to handle such hostility. Built by truck manufacturer MAN, they’re part of a major supply contract to the Ministry of Defence – one that will see MAN

build 7,825 vehicles for the British Armed Forces over the next six years. “This is a huge contract for us,” says Ed Simpson, head of government sales at MAN. “In fact, it’s probably the single biggest contract in the truck industry, certainly in Europe, in the last 25 years.” The contract of 4x4, 6x6 and 8x8wheel vehicles is worth around £1.3bn. The majority of the trucks are destined for the Army, but new vehicles will also be heading for operations with the Royal Marines and RAF. Operating as logistic workhorses, the trucks are expected to be in service for at least 20 years, moving vital supplies such as ammunition, food and water to wherever they are needed.

To make sure these trucks are able to cope with whatever nature’s more extreme landscapes throw at them, MAN and QinetiQ – a leading supplier of defence research to the UK Government – conducted 18 months of gruelling tests. While a team of test drivers put the vehicles through their paces around special cross-country courses, it was inside QinetiQ’s purpose-built mechanical torture chamber that the vehicles got their most demanding examination. The climatic environment chambers are big enough to swallow trains, articulated lorries and even aircraft. Twiddling the thermostat in here can bake vehicles to +49°C, or deep freeze them to -46°C.

CONNECT SPRING 2008

P16-19 COVER STORY ml1.indd 16

7/4/08 18:38:26

CONNECT

P16-19 COVER STORY ml1.indd 17

7/4/08 18:38:46

MAN MILITARY

COLD STARTS ARE JUST ONE TEST IN A RAFT OF TRIALS TO ENSURE EACH PIECE OF EQUIPMENT FUNCTIONS CORRECTLY – FROM CREW HEATING TO WIPER BLADES AND WINCHES

Either way, it’s a rigorous test of reliability before they’re sent out into the field. Each extreme presents its own specific challenges. At -46°C, just starting a frozen engine with a tank full of chilled blancmange is an achievement. “Viscosity of fuel fluid is obviously a key issue which requires a system of pre-heating using batteries,” says Simpson. “But batteries obviously don’t work as well at extremely low temperatures, so you have to be careful with your battery choice.” Next, there’s the problem of things leaking, cracking, shearing and snapping as the temperature drops. Metals become brittle in severe cold, while even metal to metal joints

come under scrutiny as different types of metal have different rates of expansion. And with much of a modern truck’s onboard kit controlled by computer, keeping the electronics functioning properly is also something of a design challenge. “Typically components suppliers guarantee their products to -40°C. So when we go down to -46°C, to a degree we’re in the unknown,” says Simpson. “The additional six degrees makes a huge difference. “In the tests they actually soak the vehicle down to those temperatures. In other words, they don’t just put it in a room, they sit it there for days until every last component is down at that temperature. From that point you have

a certain amount of time – typically an hour – to switch the engine on and drive away under your own power. It’s effectively replicating a situation where the truck has been left in the open and the crew turn up and drive it away.” But cold starts are just one test in a whole raft of trials designed to ensure every piece of equipment functions consistently, from crew heating and cooling systems, right down to wiper blades, winches, pumps and cranes. However, not all the vehicles need to withstand the worst of every environment as MAN has developed different specifications for different types of conditions. There’s a ‘winterisation’ pack for extreme cold, for instance, or a ‘waterproofing’ pack which

CONNECT SPRING 2008

P16-19 COVER STORY ml1.indd 18

7/4/08 18:39:17

MAN’s waterproofing pack gets a thorough trial

The advanced tubular space frame provides strength and protection for both occupants and engine when nose-diving into dunes

equips vehicles to wade through water up to 1.5 metres deep to operate from landing craft and cross rivers. “We soon worked out that the majority of those that needed winterising also needed waterproofing because they would go to the Royal Marines in Norway,” says Simpson. “So now all the Commando Brigade vehicles are waterproofed and winterised.” Today, of course, British military vehicles are more likely to be needed in hot, dry, Middle Eastern environments, and MAN has already started deploying trucks to Iraq and Afghanistan. QinetiQ’s testing facility can mimic these operational theatres too. Lamps simulate the fierce desert sun with solar levels

reaching 1,120 watts per metre squared to put vehicles’ cooling systems through their paces. “The engine and gearbox fluids and the driveline must be kept at certain temperatures or you overheat,” says Simpson. “So things like the routing of cooling pipes and pipe diameter becomes absolutely imperative. “You need a big radiator to cool a powerful engine in those kinds of conditions. One of the things we’ve done is put it behind the cab on the sides, so it’s beyond what we call the fouling zone at the front. A normal radiator position would soon be wrecked by all the rocks, branches and, if you think about the desert conditions that are prevalent at the moment, just being clogged up in a short time with dust and sand.” Simpson speaks from experience. He recently returned from Afghanistan, where he talked to senior brass about looking after the new trucks out in the field. “I recently visited bases in safe areas and at headquarters to discuss repairs with operational commanders,” he explains. “MAN is careful not to put its members in dangerous situations so it’s a delicate balance,” says Simpson. “But we did some reconnaissance into how we can best support the vehicle with repair, maintenance and technical advice once they are deployed and on active service.” This recent government order is a welcome continuation in MAN’s long history of military involvement; its German parent company has supplied trucks for military use since 1915. But technologically, this new generation of vehicles represents a serious step forward – a “technology uplift” says Simpson – from the existing British military fleet, some of which dates back as far as the 1970s. They are equipped with more comfortable cabs, air conditioning, the latest diagnostic systems and can also be fitted with an armour pack which is capable of protecting the crew in dangerous areas from small arms fire and even mine blasts. And in case you’re wondering where the fuel is going to come from to run this vast military fleet, MAN has that covered too. The contract also includes a 7,000litre unit support tanker, “taking the petrol forecourt to the soldiers,” as Simpson puts it.

WURTH AND MAN

ürth first started providing MAN with workshop consumables in 1997. When MAN acquired ERF in 2000, Würth developed an innovative program of service – one that has delivered excellent growth, as Roy Beton, UK parts sales and marketing manager for MAN, explains. “Würth supply quality products and regularly introduce innovative new propositions from their extensive range such as tarpaulin repair. They are also quality in terms of health and safety cover and have a first-class delivery service and excellent cataloguing. With a UK network of around 350 consultants and complimentary ORSY, the program we developed offered great added value. Würth consultants come in, recommend stock replenishment, get it delivered, merchandise the racking, clean and tidy. Having Würth simplifies the whole process – takes the pain out of ordering the essential nuts, bolts, washers and ties. In three years, we’ve grown the business 10-fold with Würth. And it’s not just about our own network members. One of the major success has been with MAN’s national accounts with logistics and delivery businesses such as GIST and TNT. These are our One Stop Shop customers, and along with Würth we’ve helped their businesses across the UK. Würth’s service helps streamline their operations – like us, they don’t have to worry about having people going out and buying consumables. The important thing is that Würth is part of our £120million parts sales business at the retail level.” The British Armed Forces will be getting over 7,000 new MAN trucks

CONNECT

P16-19 COVER STORY ml1.indd 19

7/4/08 18:39:42

wow connect ad:216x276mm

20/3/08

12:16

Page 1

IQ100

Diagnostics has never been so affordable. Purchase from as little as £14.77 per week* *Finance from Rural Finance Ltd. Subject to Terms and Conditions

Don’t waste time sending cars away to be diagnosed. Save time and money by diagnosing faults and repairing them in your own garage! Its easier, faster and more cost effective than you think! Würth Online World (WOW!) offers a modular diagnostic system that can be tailored to your requirements: • Laptop and handheld based solutions • Receive regular updates over the internet • Diagnose wirelessly with Bluetooth Technology • Can-Bus Enabled • Multi-marque vehicle diagnostics

IQ200

IQ300 Request a WOW! demonstration

TEL: 08705 987 841 FAX: 08705 987 842 EMAIL: WOW@WURTH.CO.UK

www.wurth.co.uk/wow

THE BLUETOOTH® WORD MARK AND LOGOS ARE OWNED BY THE BLUETOOTH SIG, INC. AND ANY USE OF SUCH MARKS BY WÜRTH UK LTD IS UNDER LICENSE.

10 THINGS

ABOUT…

.. WURTH’S NEXT DAY SERVICE ULD KNOW 10 THINGS YOU SHO

For small orders of popular products, the system is set up to create a small loop of the conveyor. This way, it can be ready within 20 minutes of the order being received in the warehouse. For larger or more complex orders, the box might travel along all of the 800m of conveyor belt. Even so, it will be ready for bubble-wrap packing and labelling within one hour.

WORDS TIM OLDHAM PHOTOS TOM WOOD

Whether your business is based in Land’s End or John O’Groats, as long as an order is placed by 2.30pm, your Würth products will be delivered the next day. That’s standard. For an additional payment, the order will be at your door by 9.30am.

The 5,265sqm warehouse is also home to a pre-packing department. Here, stock that has arrived in bulk is broken down into more usable sizes so that customers can order in more accessible quantities such as 10s rather than 10,000s.

Every Würth sales consultant who comes to visit is armed with the latest Psion Workabout PDA. These handheld devices speedily process your order and send it via Bluetooth and mobile connections to Würth headquarters in Erith, Kent.

One section of the warehouse is dedicated to PRiNT – the system by which Würth will print a customer’s company logo and business details on Würth-branded Air Freshener, Screen Wash or Handy Lube.

The order arrives in the warehouse and is given its own unique barcode – which distinguishes it from the other 2,000 orders Würth receives and processes each day. The barcode is placed on a packing box which then sets off on a fully-automated route around the warehouse.

The range of over 7,200 product lines is grouped in 15 different sections. As the box arrives at each section, a scanner reads its barcode and stops the box if the order includes products from that section. If not, the box sets off to the next station.

Completed orders are loaded onto one of two DHL trailers that will leave the warehouse that day. The first lorry pulls out at 2pm, the second leaves at 4.30pm. A long-term business partner, DHL uses a hub and spoke system of delivery. From Erith, the lorries travel to Once a box arrives at a station, pickers then use DHL’s Hatfield hub and wrist-mounted PDAs to scan each barcode order then on to regional hubs to confirm the product and number required. This before final transport to system ensures a high level of accuracy and also feeds the local spoke depot for back to the warehouse stock control so that levels are final delivery.

constantly updated and stock is always available.

Thanks to the systems and highly experienced warehouse employees – some having worked at Würth for over 30 years – 99.2 per cent of orders received are with the customer by the following day.

CONNECT

P21 10 THINGS.indd 15

9/4/08 15:20:38

BUSINESS PROFILE

It takes some

BEATING Words GILES CHAPMAN photos TOM WOod

Fancy learning something of the traditional art of sheet metal body work? If so, the Jaguar XK specialists at Contour Autocraft may have just the course for you

he Jaguar XK120 can teach you a helluva lot about bending metal. As one of Britain’s most shapely classic sports cars, its curves and planes form a design icon that still tugs at the heartstrings 60 years after its launch. What’s more, those sculptural body panels were originally replicated in their thousands by a thunderous press machine the size of a terraced house. But that dedicated stamping equipment has long since been scrapped… and spares aren’t stocked at your local Jaguar dealer these days. Can you imagine trying to reproduce one of these mass-produced masterpieces by hand? This is where Contour Autocraft step in; they know an awful lot about sheet metalwork. Company founder Iain Macleod was apprenticed at a coachbuilder in Kettering in 1953, and can probably beat the perfect panel while simultaneously playing Scrabble. Since 1976, together with his son and partner Bruce, he’s made Contour a Godsend for restorers of Jaguar XK sports cars worldwide, with replacement body parts for their XK120, XK140 or XK150. But there’s something different about this family business, based near Peterborough. For 50 days of the year, its metalworking facilities become a classroom, as the Macleods pass on their skills through a series of training courses. It was a few years ago when Iain and Bruce sensed there might be demand to learn

from their expertise. Today their two- and fiveday foundation courses, five-day advanced restoration course and five-day advanced making courses are regularly oversubscribed with up to eight students paying about £200 a day each to participate. They come from as far afield as the US and Australia, and Contour’s reputation is such that supercar-maker Bristol recently asked if they’d discovered anyone promising enough to join its own team of 30 coachbuilders. “They are literally from all walks of life,” says Bruce. “From 14-year-old work experience boys and young apprentices to amateur enthusiasts and professional restorers. You don’t need any previous experience – we can show you what to do from scratch.” Of course, after just a few days’ tutoring and practical work, you won’t be turning out a complete, self-hewn Jaguar wing indistinguishable from the machine-made original. That still takes Iain two weeks, which includes fabricating the complex headlamp pod and expertly welding the two parts. But, on the foundation courses, you will have grasped the fundamentals of cutting,

Courses are classroom and workshop based, and cover all levels of competence

connect spring 2008

P22-23 business profile v3.indd 30

7/4/08 17:05:35

TOOLS FOR THE TRADE

he quality of the 2x1metre blank steel sheets Contour’s students work on is crucial. It has to be 19-gauge, 1mm thick, just like Jaguar’s original, but Bruce Macleod constantly rejects batches from careless suppliers that are oversize… by a factor of 0.9mm! On the tools front, though, Contour has two strategies. It sources a large number of the key items it needs for its courses and its manufacturing from Würth’s range. This includes cutting tools,

hacksaws and reciprocating saws, grinders and grinding discs. Especially right for the job are Würth’s specialist steel-headed

hammers. They are, apparently, perfectly weighted and shaped for the kind of bespoke, painstaking work and concentration coachbuilding demands – and fill the workshop with rhythmic tapping. Würth’s penetrating oil is also essential. Raw steel rusts within a week from just one fingerprint, and this elixir is the perfect antidote to that. Oh, and the other strategy? When Contour can’t find the right tools, they make them themselves. Take those hefty, C-shaped wheeling machines – used for gentle smoothing and shaping of freshly-bashed metal. Some of these vintage workhorses still do sterling service at Contour, but the Macleods also designed their own, refined model to supplement them. It proved so good at its delicate tasks, they now sell replicas, often to students who’ve caught the bug and want to continue this absorbing craft in the garage at home…

w o kno Like t out the ab more h Tools r ü W t ? ioned ment

r sales ct you call Conta r t ltan o 841, consu 87 9 5 0 7 )8 +44(0 oting qu G CTSPRIN ONNE C

flanging, double-curvature shaping and butt-welding. This is how all panels begin life. You’ll also have been talked through the theory of pattern-making, jig-building and body construction. “The sexiest car shapes constantly change when you walk round them, and Jaguars are renowned for that,” Bruce explains. “As well as the actual skills, we try to teach people to think in three dimensions, to get a spatial awareness and appreciation of a quality of shape.” Iain chimes in: “The true skill, ultimately, is getting consistency so that, say, a door panel

is within one thirty-seventh of an inch of the gap, like the originals. When you can do that right first time, well, you feel really good.” While sitting behind a computer has rapidly become the leisure default, Contour’s handson courses have, ironically, proved a sell-out, and are booked out way into the future. “I suppose, for boys, there’s that Meccanothing about it,” says Iain, and Bruce adds. “It’s all hand work on manual machines – if there’s a power cut then we keep going, just as long as there’s enough daylight…” For further information contact Contour • +44(0)1406 330504 • www.contourautocraft.co.uk

connect

P22-23 business profile v3.indd 31

9/4/08 15:22:07

triumph triple challenge

man on A

Mission Words RICHARD FLEURY photos MARTYN BROOKS

Tony Scott is the brains behind the Triumph Triple Challenge series. He also builds the bikes. No wonder the bloke was busy when Connect came to visit

t’s barely midday and motorcycle race promoter Tony Scott is already chugging Red Bull at his desk. He looks exhausted. Creating a whole race series is tough enough but Tony’s also building the bikes. He’s bolting together every machine on the 30-strong grid for the first race of the 2008 Triumph Triple Challenge. It’s on Saturday. Tony still has four bikes to build. It’s Monday. “There’s a saying: ‘Be careful what you ask for because you just might get it,” he says, rubbing red-lined eyes as mechanics redline a screaming engine downstairs. “I asked for it…” There’s no deadline quite like the start of a race. And despite the mounting stress, every

bike will be there on Saturday. This is racing, and Tony’s been doing it a long time. A former racer (“I wasn’t very good at it,” he says) and respected engine tuner, Tony also ran the now-defunct European Superbike School, working with Randy Mamola, Mick Doohan, Frankie Chili and Niall MacKenzie. The race school was also the start of his eight-year relationship with Triumph. “I needed bikes for my instructors and the first bike was a TT600. If you cut me open I’m like a stick of rock with Triumph running through.” BRITISH ONE-MAKE RACE SERIES Tony launched the British one-make championship, the Triumph Triple Challenge last year. Riders on near-identical bikes battle it out at top circuits including Silverstone, Donington and Brands Hatch… a stone’s throw from Tony’s headquarters; a modest industrial unit in Wrotham, Kent... The new series came about after a Triumph 675 Tony built for young racer Ross Walter

notched up some blistering laps in the 2006 Motorcycle Racing Organisation (MRO) Supersport series. “Ross set lap records which meant he went faster on that Triumph than anyone in the history of MRO. End of story,” he says. “Triumph saw the success we had and asked if I wanted to run a one-make championship. “I thought: ‘This’ll be fun. Racing without the pressure of getting on the bike,’” he says with a little-did-I-know roll of the eyes. The Triumph Triple Challenge’s first season proved the series was competitive… and quick. “We were going faster on some circuits than the (Yamaha) R6 Cup,” says Tony. “That’s the benchmark for one-make championships. If the winners of the R6 Cup go on to do the British Supersport Championship, then the boys coming out of the Triumph series have every right to a shot at that as well.” It’s an exciting time for Triumph, which is back in world motorsports after a long gap and putting in some exciting performances.

connect spring 2008

P24-25 Shell Wurth v4.indd 30

7/4/08 17:11:57

“Triumph is becoming accepted as a race bike which is unusual considering the last 30 years of absence from racing,” says Tony. To encourage up-and-coming racers, the series winner gets a test with the factorybacked Triumph SC World Superstock team. FROM ROAD BIKE TO RACER Triumph Triple Challenge machines are based on Triumph’s 675 road bikes. Tony’s company, T3 Racing, prepares each one, swapping the original bodywork for lightweight race fairings and upgrading the running gear to track-spec. Which explains the pile of new Triumph fairing panels. “The bike comes to me as a road-going bike,” he explains. ”So I devoid it of all its bodywork, sort out the wiring harness and then fit all the peripheral kit. The first thing I fit is K-Tech internals in the front forks and WP or Ohlins three-way competition shocks on the rear. I’m a believer that handling will always outweigh power and if you’re going

Würth’s time-sert kit is particularly useful after crashes as things get sheared off and threads get left inside to bring youngsters into a championship, they need to be able to click something and feel a change. If they don’t, they’re not learning.” WURTH/SHELL ADVANCE PARTNERS But the televised series is not just for youngsters. Last year the oldest rider was 47, the youngest 16. There are two championships – the Michelin Young Guns class for U25s and the TDG Cup for older riders (“for those who’ve got a mortgage and for those who haven’t”). These are exciting times for the series, with Würth and Shell Advance stepping in to support the championship. It’s a natural fit.

Both companies work well together – Würth is the UK’s number one distributor of Shell Advance – and will bring quality products and support to the series. “When a bike comes from the factory it’s good enough for a road guy, but once you ask people to do 49-second laps at Brands, it wants to be adjusted that bit tighter and better. That’s where Würth comes in,” says Tony. “There’s everything I need – thread locks, silicon greases, penetrating fluid, brake cleaner. The other thing Würth gave me this year was a Time-Sert kit. It’s particularly useful after crashes because things get sheared off and threads get left inside. And I just use tons of brake cleaner. When I’m building 30 sets of forks everything has got to be mint clean. The right products make life so much easier.” As the hours tick away to the first race, for Tony, anything that makes his life easier will be worth its weight in gold. Visit www.triumphtriplechallenge.com for more information and race dates.

connect

P24-25 Shell Wurth v4.indd 31

7/4/08 17:13:23

WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP

ALL TERRAIN VEHICLE With heat, dust, water and a treacherous surface – all at power-sapping altitude – Rally Mexico is a brutal test. Survival is a matter of preparation as Tom Fowler, rally engineer at BP Ford Abu Dhabi, explains

rom the bitingly cold snow-banked roads in Scandinavia to the dusty, blazing hot temperatures of Greece, the FIA World Rally Championship is surely the greatest test of driver and car. It’s certainly one of the greatest sporting spectacles. The World Rally team crews play a hugely significant part in the success of their team. And for the past two seasons, the BP Ford Abu Dhabi Team masterminded by M-Sport in Cumbria has been doing it better than most, winning the manufacturers’ title in 2006 and 2007. They must prepare the car to suit the harsh climate and terrain and then hand it over to a driver who will drive it to – and beyond – the limit. At service intervals, the mechanics swarm all over the car to perform engineering miracles and send it back out for another attack. Würth is proud to have counted M-Sport as a customer for 17 years – top level motorsport providing a brutal testing ground for the durability of washers and fasteners as well as consumables such as Windscreen Seal. This season, loose surface roads are the dominant terrain in the series. Here, TOM FOWLER Rally Engineer to Mikko Hirvonen, outlines the specific demands of the Mexico Rally and how the team meets the challenge of keeping a race-prepared family hatchback in one piece.

AIRBORNE The cars are capable of huge jumps so we use stronger suspension components for the more aggressive rallies such as Mexico, Sardinia and the Acropolis Rally. We give the suspension more travel and there’s greater ground clearance to stop the car from bottoming out on landing. Gravel stages can be coated in loose stones – especially if you’re one of the first out, so the underside of the car is also well protected. The front half of the car is covered

by an aluminium plate that runs halfway under the car from the front bumper, under the engine and gearbox. It’s a thicker plating on gravel compared to tarmac. The rear is covered in a steel plate – a kevlar piece joins the two in the middle. On aggressive events such as this we now carry two spare wheels. The championship runs on Pirelli tyres and the anti-deflation mousse has now been outlawed. So now there’s an additional spare-wheel carrier which houses the wheel underneath to keep

the centre of gravity low. In Mexico, Mikko Hirvonen had just such a situation – punctures forcing him to change two wheels. This rally is the highest of the season, with the cars climbing to 2,737m and rarely dropping below 2,000m. The thin air takes its toll on power. It’s also a warm climate so engine cooling is an issue too. Air is ducted through the inlets in the front bumper and out through the bonnet vents. We’re running maximum cooling here so inlets are opened up to the full extent.

CONNECT SPRING 2008

P26-27 WRC_ml2.indd 12

9/4/08 15:22:47

DUST TRAIL Loose stones and rocks are a hazard but dust too can affect the car and drivers. The cars kick up huge plumes of dust so we use a high filtration system on these events. Attention is also paid to the seals around the doors, windows and boot to prevent dust from getting in. You’ll also notice a vent on the roof which draws clear, cooling air into the cabin.

WATER HAZARD The air intake is relatively high so we don’t have problems associated with water in that respect. However, when the water flows from the mountains the crossings can be deep and after a fast section the car can take quite a hard impact.

SERVICE STOP As on every rally, there are two services scheduled each day – one at lunch time and the other in the evening. On the Mexico Rally, we aim to inspect the car and change the dampers during the first service – which lasts 30 minutes. The

second service is in the evening. Here, the whole suspension is changed – dampers, wishbones, uprights. Then there’s new disc brakes and pads, all the oils and lubricants are changed in the engine, gearbox and rear diff, and the filters are replaced – all in the space of 45 minutes.

CONNECT

P26-27 WRC_ml2.indd 13

9/4/08 15:23:42

COMMUNITY FOCUS

real stories, real lives, revved up advice from wurth’s customers and staff

WE BOUGHT THE COMPANY People power and a programme of investment and training ensures WBC Automotive give customers a unique service Here’s the scene. You’ve spent two years turning the business into a success but the owner decides to sell. You and your 50 colleagues will lose your jobs unless you can put up the cash to buy the business... in seven days. That was the position employees at WBC Automotive in Bristol faced back in 2002. “We were then owned by Nationwide and the largest bodyshop in the UK – repairing around 350 cars per week,” says managing director, David Turner. The only way we could get the necessary cash was if everyone contributed. So that’s what we did. Every person who

worked here invested in the business with their own money and became a shareholder.” With the money sorted, the next step was to agree on a suitably inspiring name for the new venture. And after meetings with shareholders one name captured the popular vote. “We all came up with the idea really,” says Turner. “WBC Automotive – We Bought the Company seemed to fit.” The business had turned the corner into profit but was now armed with a new business plan. “We’ve got a 45,000sqft workshop facility here and were

one of the largest repairers in the UK,” says Turner. “However, in 2005, we decided to investigate the manufacturer-approved route, starting off with Lotus which we thought might be reasonably straightforward. The range of composites, plastics and glues on their cars made it a steep learning curve but stood us in good stead for the future.” Since then, WBC has achieved category A status for Jaguar and ranks in the top five of the Mercedesapproved network. Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Proton are also on the approved list. “It involves a continual programme of training and investment,” says Turner. “It took nearly two years to get Jaguar-approval Above: MD David Turner (jeans) with WBC shareholders

CONNECT SPRING 2008

P28-31 COMMUNITY ml1.indd 28

8/4/08 10:33:25

SDYE CSA TU

and a significant investment. We have five people in Stuttgart with Mercedes at the moment and four more have spent time at Jaguar for the new XF.” David has also invested in new management systems for the bodyshop – an area that Würth has been able to integrate its delivery and supply with. The BMS management system handles around 380 cars coming in for repair each month and

PHOTOGRAPHS: TOM WOOD

CUSTOMERS CAN TRACK THE PROGRESS OF THEIR CAR’S REPAIR ONLINE provides a full audit of everything the company does. Staff can immediately access details such as the number of cars on-site, awaiting estimates, awaiting insurance company authority, jobs started, and so on. Working off barcodes, the BMS system is also linked to parts order and supply as well as having integration into the Würth systems. “Customers can track the progress of their car online,” says Turner. “And the system gives us a record of efficiency, productivity and measures customer satisfaction. Added to the pride that comes with being a shareholder in the company, we think we offer a pretty unique service.”

PHOTOGRAPHS: TOM WOOD

NO.1

THE SPEC ■ TIM FERRIS, MD, FERRIS GARAGE LTD, FEOCK, TRURO, CORNWALL ■ NUMBER OF STAFF: 30 (MICHAEL GALTON, PICTURED ABOVE)

ROAD TO RECOVERY For Tim Ferris, WoW! has proved to be an invaluable piece of kit for making efficient diagnostic judgements “THE FERRIS FAMILY has owned the garage at Feock since it was built in 1954. The business started out as a petrol forecourt and workshop, moved into car sales and then, in 1980, expanded to include breakdown and recovery. We now work for most of the major national breakdown clubs such as the RAC, Green Flag and Britannia Rescue, and also local main Mercedes, Audi and VW dealers. We’ve also won

a contract with the police, and a salvage company. We have a second site at Mitchell where most of our 17 recovery vehicles are located. We pride ourselves at being at the forefront of technology and this policy has really helped in the growth in the recovery business. Our vehicles are fitted with sat-nav and data transfer and the trucks are pretty stateof-the-art too. We’re always open to new ideas and were

FAST FACTS – WOW!

■ Checks electrical components ■ Flags up faults ■ Performs system scan and provides live data list If you’d like to know more contact your sales consultant, or call +44(0)8705 987841, quoting CONNECTSPRING.

particularly interested in this new handheld WoW! device. We’ve used WoW! in the workshop for some time now and it’s the best diagnostic kit we’ve had. But we could really see the potential for WoW! in our recovery business, too, thanks to the number of call-outs as a result of fault codes coming up. With this handheld diagnostic tool, we can make a more efficient judgment and it’s worked extremely well in the few months we’ve been using it. Recently, we went out to the driver of a fairly new Jaguar who was having a problem with the alarm. With this WoW! kit, we could tell him it was a sensor fault but he’d be OK to drive it to his dealer. It gives the customer a better service and means we save time too as we’re not towing vehicles unnecessarily. We’re using it on one recovery vehicle with Michael Galton (above) but we’ve been pleased with the results so far. It’s a fantastic piece of kit.”

CONNECT

P28-31 COMMUNITY ml1.indd 29

9/4/08 15:25:17

COMMUNITY FOCUS

PHOTOGRAPHS: TOM WOOD

REAL STORIES, REAL LIVES, REVVED UP ADVICE FROM WURTH’S CUSTOMERS AND STAFF

SDYE CSA TU NO.2

THE SPEC ■ TIM ELLIS, SENIOR TECHNICIAN, J&S ACCESSORIES, BIRMINGHAM ■ NUMBER OF STAFF: 8

CHAIN GANG

There’s only one chain lube J&S Accessories prefer for their workshop and showroom “WE’VE BEEN HERE at Digbeth, Birmingham for nearly three years as the second branch of J&S Accessories. The company started out selling clothing and accessories and has expanded over the years into motorbike sales, repairs and servicing. Though we’re predominantly a Yamaha and Kawasaki franchise, we do pretty much everything for motorbikes – from factory recalls to full accident damage repairs and rebuilding, or general servicing. We sell about 400 bikes each year, but of course it’s seasonal, 30

so this spring and summer it’ll be rammed. We also have accessories sales staff who sell

FAST FACTS –

HIGH PERFORMANCE DRY CHAIN LUBE ■ Penetrates tight gaps and linkages ■ Low build properties repel dirt and grit ■ Increases chain’s life against further corrosion If you’d like to know more contact your sales consultant, or call +44(0)8705 987841, quoting CONNECTSPRING.

bike equipment such as gloves, boots, and LED indicators. One of the main products the guys sell in the front of the showroom is Würth’s High Performance Dry Chain Lube. And because we get a bulk order from our Doncaster distribution branch, we also use lots of it in the workshop. We get through about a can per week – for me, it’s definitely one of the best chain lubes around. It’s great for quietening the chain, and once applied it won’t fling off when the chain turns at high speed. Plus, we’ve

found that some other lubes can burn off rather easily. We also recommend it to customers as it increases the life of the chain too. We use a number of Würth products in the workshop, such as HHS 2000 and Silicone Spray, but High Performance Dry Chain Lube is the one we can’t get enough of.” WURTH’S HIGH PERFORMANCE DRY CHAIN LUBE WAS VOTED ‘BEST BUY’ BY RIDE MAGAZINE

CONNECT SPRING 2008

P28-31 COMMUNITY ml1.indd 30

9/4/08 15:28:38

O N T H E ROA D LAP-DANCING, FOOTBALL AND CHAINSAWS – WHIZZING ROUND THE SOUTHWEST AND WALES WITH STEVE DONOGHUE, CARGO AREA SALES MANAGER, AND NEW RECRUIT MARK CROCKER “I coach and assist eight Würth sales consultants and today I’m with Mark Crocker. A former estate agent manager, this is his first week after training. Our day starts with a coffee at Sainsbury’s in Plymouth, where we draw up a plan for the day. First call is Target Travel a coach company who serve the Plymouth area and run the coach for the Plymouth Argyle football team.

Here’s Chris from Nationwide (above) next to a 30m-high access platform – no chance of an action shot though, as he has They also carry out work on other coaches, one of which is on a mobile lap-dancing club (above)! Apparently it costs £170 per hour – I’m not sure if that includes private dances though… nobody would own up to that info.

a fear of heights. Most of this equipment ends up being used in dry docks to refurbish both civil and military vessels. Stocking up South Hams Garden Machinery is next, followed by a a spot of lunch at the Devil’s Point in Plymouth (left). This is where all the military ships have to round the small island in the distance to access the docks. Later, it’s on to Tavistock to see DS Bennett, a chainsaw and garden machinery specialist who also sells

WHAT ELSE CAN IT DO?

We know Würth products do their job brilliantly. But what we’ve also been finding out from customers is that they do other jobs brilliantly too. So here’s our top five products with alternative uses as suggested by you. BRAKE CLEANER Blasts off grease, oil and brake grime Also good for: spilt some oil on your overalls or carpet? Spray the area with Brake Cleaner, rinse, then wash as normal. ACTIVE GLASS CLEANER Outstanding dirtdissolving power yet gentle on paint, rubber and plastic Also good for: kitchen

and bathroom tiles, mirrors and cooker tops. It can also be used to remove dirt from car seats and carpets. HEAT SHRINK TUBING The flame retardant, high-performance, flexible tubing insulates electrical connections and protects from corrosion Also good for: making fishing tackle tidier. When heat is applied, the tubing releases an adhesive, which can

tightly cover knots in the line and make it appear black ULTRA 2040 Leading lubricant, penetrant and water displacer Also good for: bicycle chains and chainsaws. Can be sprayed into door locks to stop freezing. INDUSTRIAL HAND WIPES Remove oil, grease and dirt Also good for: removing permanent marker from hands, getting rid of rubber scuff marks from laminate flooring and getting tree sap off windows.

climbing gear. Mark makes sure the ORSY is fully stocked (left) and chats up a couple of bears (below). We end our day at LTC Scaffolding where Mark demonstrates Industrial Hand Wipes to Rob, who is impressed with the cleaning quality. It’s been a good day and Mark’s met all his objectives – I think he’ll do well in the future.”

10 TO CONSIDER... You know Rost-off, Ultra 2040, and the like – you rely on them almost every day. But there’s a range of 7,200 products sitting in our warehouse in Erith – even more in Germany. So, when you get a moment, try thinking what you might do with these...

• Graffiti-Ex Special • HTS High Temp Lubricant • Tar Remover • Insect Remover • Leak Detector • Polymer Surface Protector • Cleaning and Control Spray • Putty Repair Sticks • Rivet Nut Thread Setter Kit • Yellow Hard Hat

CONNECT

P28-31 COMMUNITY ml1.indd 31

9/4/08 15:29:20

WE COULD TELL YOU ABOUT THE MANY BENEFITS THAT MAKE TIME-SERT THE ULTIMATE THREAD REPAIR SYSTEM... BUT WE THOUGHT WE’D LET TRAINING MANAGER NICK BROAD SHOW YOU JUST HOW EASY AND EFFECTIVE IT IS

DETERMINE THE LENGTH of insert required. Lubricate the tip of the insertion tool and screw on the insert by hand. Start to screw the insert into the newly created thread.

HERE’S ONE I PREPARED EARLIER

Time-Sert can be used to repair damaged threads in all metal base materials, so has a wide range of automotive applications such as spark plug threads, engine blocks and heads, mounting brackets, gearbox covers, as well as numerous applications in the engineering industry STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

DRILL OUT THE old thread all the way to the bottom using a HSS drill bit – making sure you hold the drill vertical to the hole. Finish off with Multi Purpose Cleaner.

CUT THE THREAD with the lubricated thread tap tool down to the full depth. Again, be sure to keep the drill straight. Remove tool and clean the thread to remove all swarf and cutting oil.

ROTATE THE TOOL until the insert sits flush with the surface. The resistance then increases noticably as the lower internal threads of the insert are formed. In this phase, the semi-finished threads of the insert are pressed outward securely locking the insert into the base metal.

WHEN THE TOOL loosens again, the repair is complete. Remove the insert tool, the TimeSert insert is now seated and locked into position. All in a little over five minutes.

ROTATE THE SEAT cutter in the drill hole until the depth stop comes into contact with the workpiece. The shoulder of the tool controls the countersink seating to a uniform depth.

CONNECT SPRING 2008

P32 Nick Broad ml.indd 34

7/4/08 17:34:15

decal connect ad:216x276mm

20/3/08

12:12

Page 1

as easy as

• Rem

oves adh • Exc es ellen t for ive wi • For tho larg all ut d ea vehic blue li am rea ght le si ag a gn w pp veh l ica ing p rite icle t rs, ain bus s, bo ions tw . es dys or an ho ko d t ps rp ax , is. la sti cs

DECAL ADHESIVE REMOVER one litre 1893 141 100

ask your consultant for details or phone 08705 987 841 email - info@wurth.co.uk

WHAT I’VE LEARNED… THE PEOPLE, EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS THAT SHAPE OUR LIVES

JAMES TOSELAND

The youngest-ever World Superbike champion on hotel singalongs, dog racing and holding his breath I REMEMBER GOING TO SEE a careers officer and him asking me what I wanted to do. I told him I was going to be a bike racer, simple as that. He started looking through his files for something suitable and said: “Would you prefer to work weekends?” I remember thinking I only want to work weekends. Friday practice, Saturday qualifying and I’ll be home by Sunday. SUPERBIKES ARE LIKE A FORMULA 1 CAR in that it takes only an astonishing six seconds to roar from standstill to 100mph and then back to a dead stop. IT HAS BEEN fairly well documented that my second passion is music and that I perform around 20 gigs a year (with band Crash) outside my racing commitments. NEIL HODGSON (former World Superbike champion) was a perfect example for me and a huge and selfless help. He had the ability to inspire the boys in the garage to do their best for him, however late into the night they had to work. And his unstinting gratitude afterwards was yet another of his strengths. I AM MORE AFRAID OF FAILURE than injury: I bet that would be the answer any bike racer would give.

The awful frustration you feel when things don’t go the way you plan and the wins stop happening is far more intense and lasting than any hurt from a crash. TO KEEP CONSISTENT LAPS within the race takes a tremendous amount of concentration. In one race, I went from the first lap, to lap 28 with just three-tenths of a second separating all my lap times. If you get hold of a stopwatch and press it as quickly as you can, that takes three-tenths of a second.

restaurant, or, a particular favourite, go out for a bit of greyhound racing. IT’S ODD – if I brake late when I’m overtaking and I’m close to the guy I intend to pass, I hold my breath, I don’t know why, but it seems the natural thing to do until I’ve done the job. James Toseland: The Autobiography is published by

Virgin Books

I TAKE THREE SETS OF LEATHERS TO A RACE BUT PREFER TO WEAR ONES I’VE USED BEFORE BECAUSE THEY’VE MOULDED TO MY CONTOUR. THE MAKERS MEASURE YOU IN THE RIDING POSTURE SO WHEN YOU STAND EVERYTHING TIGHTENS WHENEVER I BOOK INTO HOTELS, the first thing I do is check if they have a piano lounge. If the manager or the customers enjoying a few drinks don’t mind, after practice or qualifying, I like to get a singsong going with a few Elton John or Billy Joel numbers. BEFORE A RACE I go through a ritual of carefully strapping up the toes of my left foot with surgical tape and corn plasters as padding against the rubbing of the gearshift that can scrape all the skin off. I’M AWAY FOR SUCH LONG SPELLS, it’s a treat to get back home and do the normal things lads of my age do – chase the girls, go to the pub, (not that I’m a big drinker) or go to a good

CONNECT SPRING 2008

P34 JAMES TOSELAND.indd 34

9/4/08 15:30:03

print connect ad:216x276mm

20/3/08

12:13

Page 1

W端rth quality products with your company logo on the label

Book the product to the job as part of a vehicle service

Leave the product in the customers car to advertise your business

Three products available: Screenwash Air freshener Handy lube

Create awareness! Increase professionalism! Make a profit!

Sell the product over the counter to create a profit

Choose your product

Place your order

Make a profit

FREE DELIVERY ON ALL ORDERS! ORDER NOW! TEL: 08705 987 841 FAX: 08705 987 842 EMAIL: INFO@WURTH.CO.UK

PRiNT Profit Return in No Time

W端rth UK Limited 1 Centurion Way, Erith, Kent, DA18 4AE, UK. n Tel: +44(0)8705 987841 n Fax: +44(0)8705 987842 n www.wurth.co.uk W端rth Ireland Limited Monaclinoe Industrial Estate, Ballysimon Road, limerick, ireland. n Tel: +35(0)361 430200 n Fax: +35(0)361 412428

P01 COVER ml1.indd 1

9/4/08 15:05:10