June 2019

Snap-on has been awarded two Queen’s Awards, in the Innovation and International Trade categories respectively. Snap-on is one of a small number of companies to be awarded in multiple categories. The award for Innovation was presented in recognition of Snap-on’s all-in-one repair information resource, SureTrack. Mark Ost, General Manager for Diagnostics and Equipment at Snap-on, said: “It is a true honour and privilege for our achievements here at Snap-on to be recognised with the rare and prestigious accolade of two separate Queen's Awards for Enterprise. Snap-on continues to grow in all markets at home and abroad and we will continue to work hard on bringing exciting new products and technologies to the markets we operate in as well as continuously demonstrating our commitment to innovation.” The awards are valid for five years and will enable Snap-on to fly the Queen’s Awards flag. Used car dealer fined £53k NEWS A second-hand car dealer based in West Yorkshire has been ordered to pay £53,567 for misleading consumers. The fines were handed down at Leeds Magistrates Court after the company entered guilty pleas relating to six breaches of the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations. Motorsure Limited who trade under the name Motorhub in Keighley was investigated by National Trading Standards following complaints from customers who had purchased vehicles from the car sales company between August 2017 and May 2018. The company misled consumers through a range of practices to conceal a quality and safety issues with the vehicles. The complaints included sselling vehicles with covered or disconnected dashboard warning lights, failing to disclose recorded mileages were incorrect, not declaring that a vehicle had been subject to accident damage, and failing to disclose a vehicle had previously been used as a taxi. The company also relied on ‘No warranty’ claims to refuse to make refunds or repair vehicles when legally obliged to do so, and staff exhibited intimidating, aggressive and threatening behavior when complaints were made. The company entered guilty pleas to six offences at York Magistrates’ Court on 18 December 2018 following an investigation by the National Trading Standards Regional Investigation Team based at City of York Council. District Judge D J Bouch, Leeds Magistrates Court, said: “I find the culpability to be reckless… There is harm from both the financial loss to each individual and distress and inconvenience caused to all. I impose a fine of £10,000 for each offence but after credit for a guilty plea this is reduced to £6,600 on each offence”. The company was also ordered to pay £13,797.95 in prosecution costs and a victim surcharge of £170. Lord Toby Harris, Chair, National Trading Standards, observed: “The business misled consumers about the cars they were buying, concealing quality and safety issues. If you suspect other illegal activity like this is going on, I urge you to report it to the Consumer Advice helpline on 03454 040506.” According to Bill Fennell, Chief Ombudsman and Managing Director of The Motor Ombudsman, there ways for reliable and legitimate businesses to avoid disputes with customers: “With cars often being a significant financial commitment for consumers, and as highlighted by our Motor Industry Code of Practice for Vehicle Sales, retailers should always be fully transparent when selling either a new or used car, and not withhold any details about a car’s history, condition or usage, that could ultimately affect such an important purchase decision. However, if something should go wrong following the purchase, and the business is notified of a problem by the new vehicle owner, they should have a clearly defined complaints process which seeks to find a suitable resolution for both parties as quickly and as amicably as possible. This helps to avoid the opportunity for confrontation and gives the best chance of repeat business.” 6 AFTERMARKET JUNE 2019 www.aftermarketonline.net Queen’s Awards double-win for Snap-on Cool incentive from DENSO DENSO is offering workshops Love2Shop vouchers when they purchase a DENSO air conditioning compressor.The promotion started during May, and will continue right through June and July, with the campaign set to be one of the highlights of DENSO’s participation at Automechanika Birmingham. To redeem the £10 Love2Shop voucher, which can be used to purchase a host of products from outlets across the country, technicians just need to complete an online form and upload the invoice at www.denso- am.co.uk/compressorvoucher DENSO’s Assistant Project Manager Aftermarket, Fatiha Laauich, said: “We hope our distributors and their workshop customers take full advantage of this exciting promotion.” Mintex adds to its distribution network Mintex has expanded its distribution network with the addition of new stockists based in Oxford, Cowley and Witney. CR Marks Group now stocks a full range of Mintex products including brake pads and accessories, as well as brake fluid, available for next day delivery in three of its stores in Oxfordshire. The range of aftermarket brakes is also complemented by a wide range of brake discs. Nick Hayes, UK sales manager of TMD Friction, said: “Mintex has a renowned and established name within the industry, from classic and racing, to aftermarket solutions. As a name trusted for more than 100 years, it provides stockist with an attractive choice for braking.”