October 2019

OCTOBER 2019 AFTERMARKET 49 www.aftermarketonline.net designs and their terminology, was dealt with through research gathered on behalf of EBT at Automechanika Birmingham, where technicians were asked to provide the correct meaning of the acronyms SLI, AGM and EFB. “Remarkably,” said Laura, “of the more than 400 technicians questioned during the event, less than 10% answered starter lights ignition, absorbent glass mat and enhanced flooded battery for the corresponding SLI, AGM and EFB acronyms.” Professional service A few months on from its introduction, EBT has worked with several workshops that, with the benefit of the ONE BOX package and a little training, have allowed their technicians to develop their skills and get the very best from the equipment. “This has enabled them to discover that fitting these batteries correctly is not a complicated process,” Laura stated, “and find that it also allows the workshop to project a more professional service to its customers, which naturally helps with its reputation and customer retention. “There is also a significant additional benefit to fitting Stop/Start replacements, which helps both the workshop and their supplying motor factor, and that is the fact that with each installation they are selling a more expensive battery, with a greater profit margin.” Laura added: “On top of this, because they are fitting a battery of the correct specification for the application, rather than a familiar, but ultimately inappropriate SLI version, customer satisfaction increases and warranty claims are reduced accordingly.” TPS and GS Yuasa make positive connection on battery supply TPS has extended its arrangement with GS Yuasa to supply their range of YBX batteries. As a result of the agreement, GS Yuasa will continue to supply their full automotive battery range through TPS. James Hylton, Managing Director for GS Yuasa UK Ltd, said: “We are delighted to extend our relationship with TPS and Quantum, having recently been awarded a new long-term supply agreement. GS Yuasa have been working with TPS since 2014 and the renewal of our partnership will allow us to continue supplying a full automotive battery range offer to the market through the group. “As UK market leader for vehicle batteries, our YBX automotive range provides dependable starting power, together with the performance, technology and market coverage to handle the demands of today’s modern vehicles. Yuasa are the number one choice for quality, reliability and performance.” TPS offer a range of five entry level Quantum batteries and a wide range of Yuasa batteries, from the entry level 1000 range up to their top-of- the range AGM 9000. The market for AGM and EFB Stop/Start batteries is growing significantly, as the vast majority of new cars now have Stop/Start technology as standard. Emma Clack-Palmer, Parts and Product Manager for Volkswagen Group Aftersales UK said: “We are very pleased to have awarded GS Yuasa the continued supply of our automotive batteries. The quality, reliability and support offered by Yuasa is excellent and enables us to provide our customers with all their automotive battery needs. We look forward to building on the good relationship we already have and working with Yuasa over the course of the contract.”