March 2018

Autoelectro unveils revised surcharge plan NEWS Support for Top Technician and Top Garage 2018 is flooding in from across the industry. A host of top sponsors, all well known brands, have recently signed up to support the competitions. “Snap-on has been a sterling supporter for many years, and was the first to give their backing for 2018,” said Aftermarket editor Alex Wells. “Their continued patronage provides a solid foundation for the ongoing success of TT, and the growth of TG.” Ring Automotive was a main sponsor for TT in 2017, as well as being long-term supporter of the competition. They have also returned for 2018. Commenting on their sponsorship of the 2018 competitions, Ring Automotive marketing manager Henry Bisson said: “This will be our third year of sponsoring TT. For us it is great platform to communicate to the mechanics and technicians directly. Seeing how the best of the best work helps us gain valuable insights into how we can develop and improve our products.” He added: “Being associated with such prestigious events reinforces our commitment to supplying the best workshop tools to the aftermarket.” Joining Snap-on and Ring Automotive for 2018 are Pico Technology and Pro-Align. Commenting on Pico Technology’s sponsorship, Alex Wells said: “We are delighted to be working with Pico Technology. Their equipment is a key part of the toolkit of many techs taking part in TT, and a common feature in garages involved in the TG competition, so it is great synergy to have them be part of the competitions in this way.” On their sponsorship, Pro-Align director Kathryn Beaurain said: “Pro-Align have for over 26 years been proactive in educating and supporting garages and technicians at industry events and our own training centre. We’re delighted to sponsor both TT and TG 2018 to help promote and recognise the huge amount of talent out in the aftermarket sector today. We also want to use our expertise to help nurture, develop and praise the hard working technicians and garages aspiring to achieve the next level. As TT competitor feedback has demonstrated in the past, the benefits to the technician themselves and their garage continues long after the competition has finished. This is not just from their own personal advancement but also with workshops reaping the rewards by delivering a premium level of service and seeing the business prosper.” She added: “Here’s to a successful 2018 set of competitions and good luck to all who have entered. Pro-Align are proud to be part of it too.” TT/TG 2018 project manager Ian Gillgrass observed: “The support being given to TT and TG this year by these key sector businesses is a testament to the esteem in which the competitions are held within the industry. Along with Snap-on, we are delighted to be supported by Ring Automotive, Pico Technology and Pro-Align. These brands will add further value to the well-respected industry leading competition for the both independent garages sector along with dealer businesses. They will bring their expertise together with superb knowledge of both with the technical and business aspects. The competition is a great opportunity for both technicians and businesses to gain knowledge and experience from the best in the sector.” Both Top Technician and Top Garage 2018 are currently open for registration, with round one of Top Technician is due to close on 28 February. The first round of Top Garage will continue until April. Read more on page 28 . Top Technician/Top Garage 2018: This year’s sponsors sign up 4 AFTERMARKET MARCH 2018 www.aftermarketonline.net Autoelectro is unveiling a new surcharge strategy, with many part numbers now surcharge-free. From 1 March, more than 2,000 references will have their surcharge charges cut. Meanwhile, the 10 bestselling and over half of the top 100 part numbers will be surcharge-free. In November, the company launched a short surcharge-free range of non-exchange (NEX) units to complement its full remanufacturing programme of more than 4,000 individual references. Over the coming weeks, managing director Tony Bhogal will give an insight into how Autoelectro reached its new surcharge structure. At the same time, UK sales manager Nick Hood will be using his ‘Nick Says’ column, emailed out with Autoelectro’s regular updates, to present an assessment of what it means for the company’s customers. Next, at the beginning of April, Autoelectro will be launch of a tool that will give full surcharge transparency and will assist in securing maximum profits from stock. Top Technician – Top Garage 2018 Aligning your brand with the industry’s finest. Top Technician and Top Garage in association with: Sponsored by: