May 2019

The impact of technology on the garage sector and the changing face of training were just some of the topics covered at the first Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) Industry Briefing of 2019. Held at Stadium MK in Milton Keynes on Thursday 21 March, the sold-out event was kick-started by IAAF Head of Membership Development Mike Smallbone. He updated members on all the latest industry developments including the Your Car, Your Choice campaign and its new pilot project in Chesterfield, as well as a policy and lobbying update on key areas including Type Approval legislation, the Extended Vehicle concept and the Block Exemption Regulations review. Ben Stockton from new IAAF member Our Virtual Academy then took the speaker’s slot, addressing attendees on upskilling vehicle technicians using video technology to enhance their knowledge and expertise. This was followed by GiPA’s Quentin Le Hetet with a discussion on what the next five years held for the independent aftermarket. The next meeting will be hosted by Involution in its new company premises in Leeds on Thursday 20 June. IAAF is advising members to book early to avoid disappointment by emailing Ann Silvester at anns@iaaf.co.uk . Parts Alliance host conference NEWS The Parts Alliance recently held its first ever National Conference in Manchester, where 300 managers converged at the Concorde Conference Centre. Outgoing CEO Peter Sephton, who announced his retirement on Wednesday 20 March following six years with The Parts Alliance, opened the event before handing over to new President and COO Neil Croxson. Managing Director Jonny West and Divisional Directors Steve Gray and Emma Tiernan also provided updates on key projects and business targets. The event concluded with an evening meal where guests were treated to a surprise awards ceremony. GSF Banbury was crowned ‘Branch of the Year’, while SCMF Croydon was awarded ‘New Branch of the Year’. 6 AFTERMARKET MAY 2019 www.aftermarketonline.net IAAF: Changes in tech and training under discussion Primalec seals deal with Unicorn Primalec has established a strategic partnership with the Holland-based Unicorn Tools. The alliance will see Primalec open the UK market to a wider range of Unicorn’s product portfolio. At the same time, Unicorn will make Primalec brands available to more of its own customer base. The deal, according to the two companies, puts them in a stronger position to take advantage of opportunities presented by Brexit, while minimising potential threats. The partnership also extends an ongoing relationship between the two owner-managed businesses dating back many years. Primalec’s Richard Doran and Unicorn’s Ronald Viskil have known each other and traded regularly for more than 20 years. Richard Doran said: “The current political situation has been a catalyst for us to agree this strategic partnership which will enable us to offer a more stable and even better service to our customers." London ULEZ squeeze Older cars now pay to use the capital’s roads, thanks to the introduction of the Central London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), which came into force in April Pre-2006 petrol cars with engines below the Euro 4 level, and pre-2015 diesel cars using engines below the Euro 6 level are among the vehicles that will now pay for entering the ULEZ. The ULEZ operates in the same area as the current Congestion Charge zone, and replaces the T- Charge and operates alongside the Congestion Charge. There are two ULEZ charge levels: £12.50 a day for cars, vans and motorbikes and £100 a day for lorries, buses and coaches. It is claimed that the threat of the ULEZ has encouraged motorists that drive into London to upgrade to newer cars. Also, since the introduction of the T-charge in February 2017 there has been a 11,000 vehicle daily reduction in the total number of vehicles seen in central London.