IMI Magazine

News: Bulletin Board

Car buyers 'overwhelmed' by choice

New voice for indy garages

The independent motor sector has been promised a stronger voice with the setting up of a new 'umbrella' organisation to represent its interests. The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation evolves from the Automotive Distribution Federation, which in turn began life as the Motor Factor Association.

The new organisation will continue to carry out the functions of the ADF, representing the UK's motor factors and the distribution sector as a whole, but is also seeking to support independent garages with practical, day-to-day help and a lobbying voice. A prominent feature of lobbying will be the 'Right to Repair' campaign to ensure a level playing field between independents and franchised garages. 

IAAF president Tony Sackett raised a question mark over the work of the RMI's Independent Garage Association when he said "it had become increasingly apparent that there was little effective lobbying being done on behalf of (independent) garages...the IAAF will address these needs and offer the quality of lobbying and representation for which the ADF has become renowned".

However, Sackett stressed that the new organisation "is not intended to replace any existing garage schemes or sector initiatives".

Chief executive Brian Spratt added: "There's room for both - the IGA currently represents around 20 per cent of independent garages - and we're keen to co-operate with all parties."

Services offered by the IAAF include legal advice, technical help and discounted membership of the MOT Club.

Multipart passes into new ownership

After a series of 'pass the parcel' ownership moves, logistics company Multipart has now ended up in the hands of India-based multinational group TVS.

It will become part of TVS Logistics Services and according to managing director Ramachandran Dinesh marks a key step to creating India's first multi-national supply chain company. "As well as growing our presence in the UK, we are also looking at further consolidating our presence in the US and Europe through joint ventures or acquisitions and will enter the South American and Chinese markets this year," he added.

Multipart can trace its origins back to 1914 when Leyland Motors opened a parts store in Chorley, Lancashire (still the company's HQ). After the collapse of Leyland DAF in the early 1990s, Multipart was taken over by its management. Two years later, the firm was bought by vehicle leasing group Lex and then by the RAC (itself taken over by Aviva) before it was again the subject of a management takeover before the TVS deal.

TVS, whose own beginnings go back to 1911, is listed as one of the top 10 groups in India, with activities including automotive component and vehicle manufacturing and dealerships. Companies with which it has manufacturing licences or joint ventures include Lucas, Delphi, Wabco, Firestone and Bridgestone.

As well as a distribution centre in Chorley, Multipart has three other sites in the UK. Combined, they employ 250 people and generate a turnover of more than £60m a year.

Commented managing director Chris Gateley: "TVS clearly recognised both the breadth and depth of our expertise and capabilities and saw this as a strong basis for the growth they are seeking. We already know that as we enter 2010 we will have some important announcements about contract wins and expansion into yet another industry sector."

Focus named as top used car

The Ford Focus has been named top used car of the decade by vehicle valuation company CAP.

"The Focus shook up a conservative small family car sector in which the only truly desirable car had, for a long time, been the Volkswagen Golf," said Mark Norman, chairman of the judging panel.

"As a used car, it has satisfied every criteria...quality, comfort, performance, durability, reliability, safety, economy, practicality and style. And for used car dealers, it's a 'safe bet' - they can be confident it will always be sought by customers.

"Other manufacturers are still bringing new cars to market which clearly take cues and inspiration from the Focus, even 12 years after its launch," Norman added.

CAP's other choices for used car of the decade were:

Ford Ka (small); Volkswagen Passat (large family); Audi A3 (executive); and BMW X5 (luxury).

Seat was named most improved used car brand of the decade.

BSI's 500th bodyshop landmark

Wedd and White Coachworks in New Malden, Surrey, has become the 500th bodyshop to obtain BSI Kitemark Certification.

The firm, set up 35 years ago, employs 20 people and is looking to recruit more staff as it prepares to expand its current premises.

"Certification made the business re-visit everything from top to bottom over a period of 18 months," said managing director Peter Needham. "ATA (Automotive Technician Accreditation) training also gave staff a boost."

Hot new opportunity for garages

Tyre heating equipment used in motorsport to improve grip and overall dynamic performance is now available for garages to rent.

According to Stuart Hepworth, founder and MD of Tyre Technology, the technology - known as Black Frequency - will appeal to businesses ranging from fast-fits to specialist or luxury vehicle suppliers as a potential revenue earner.

"No matter how sophisticated a performance tyre is, when it comes out of the mould its molecular structure is never perfect," explained Hepworth. "Black Frequency's heat treatment enables the spaghetti-like molecular bonds to expand and join together.

"When the tyre is allowed to cool and cure, these bonds lock together to give optimum performance. That means improved handling, cornering, feel and ride, plus it gives the tyre a longer life. Any tyre can be treated, and the recommended cost is £15 per tyre."

The Black Frequency machine features a powered roller with guides to hold up to four tyres at a time. An infrared emitter blasts the rotating tyre with heat for up to 25 minutes. After cooling, the tyres are left to cure for three days.

Hepworth developed and patented microwave and infrared based alternatives to the electric blankets motorsport pit crews use to keep tyres warm. He has also worked with Le Mans 24-Hour Race teams, including recent winners Audi and Peugeot, on tyre heating technology.

For more information, including details of how to rent the Black Frequency system, visit www.tyre-technology.com or call 01430 802026.

The power of Meerkat

Car owners looking for the best deal on motor insurance are invariably turning to price comparison websites, rather than going through the traditional brokerage route, according to latest research from EMB, a consultancy firm specialising in non-life insurance.

Out of 2,298 car owners questioned by EMB, only 5% claim not to have visited a price comparison site in the last 12 months. "This is a marked drop from the figure of 29% six months ago," said Ian Liddicoat, managing director of EMB marketing sciences.

 "Competition among the main sites is tightening, with Comparethemarket forcing its way into the reckoning on the back of its meerkat adverts," added Liddicoat. "What is notable about Comparethemarket's rise is that it has been achieved with about half  the share of 'media voice' of the main competitors. This shows the impact of its TV adverts, which have spun off into social media and viral marketing."