November 2019

term, ensuring that we get the parts to them in a reasonable timeframe, right through to the longer term where we are talking about warehousing in Europe. "Beyond Brexit, we are talking about the never-ending cost rise in precious metals. When you see the news in the UK about the increase in catalytic converter thefts, that is all linked to precious metals. Thefts are up 2,000% in the UK. That is in turn driving raw materials costs for producers. We are also talking about the fantastic increase in Euro 6 parts we have in our range now which are very relevant to the French market, so we are explaining those to the customers while we are here as well. Emissions standards were raised here in France last year so there is a lot of interest in our product. This is our second biggest export market, with the biggest being Germany. Exports is now nearly 65% of our business." Putting a stop to talk of Brexit for a moment, we thought we would try our luck on the Brembo stand. Apart from its product range, the braking systems manufacturer was launching its Xtra Play Xtra Win contest. Via a terminal on the company's stand playing the part of a fruit machine, visitors were asked to pick their favourite type of brake disc. They then had three chances to pick the winning combination of Brembo products. "The contest has been developed to promote the new range of Brembo Xtra brake pads," said Marco Moretti, Aftermarket Business Unit Marketing Director, "which are the ideal solution for keen drivers who value a sporting driving experience, without neglecting comfort and durability for on-road use." Players had to pair brake pads from the Xtra range with the most appropriate Brembo brake discs, to get the winning match. Four € 50 Amazon gift vouchers, five backpacks and 10 Brembo caps were up for grabs each day as prizes, with a IPHONE XR 128 GB available in the final prize draw. If you are reading this in the November issue, be aware you can still play online until 14 November by visiting www.bremboxtracontest.com Winners We did not win a prize on Brembo's stand, but it would be unfair if we did anyway. Speaking of winners, we next dropped by to see Sogefi, who had been awarded the 2019 Equip Auto International Grands Prix for Automotive Innovation in the Original Equipment category, with its world- first fully recycled plastic fuel filter. In collaboration with PSA Group and Solvay Technyl, Sogefi produced the filter, which is made of fully recycled polyamide 6.6. The product utilised a new plastic compound 100% recycled from airbag waste. Another winner was TRW, whose Electric Blue brake pads won the Equip Auto International Innovation Award in the Parts, Vehicle Equipment and Spare Parts category. The pad, specifically for electric and hybrid vehicles, was introduced by ZF Aftermarket in September 2018. “The innovation award for the TRW Electric Blue brake pad is confirmation of our role as an active designer of the next generation aftermarket,” said Head of ZF Aftermarket Helmut Ernst. “We are very pleased to be able to offer our partners this innovative product for almost all electric and hybrid vehicles in Europe – from Tesla and Nissan Leaf to Toyota Prius.” National and multinational Awards are a key part of the show, but what everyone is there to do is get up close and personal with the kit. In many cases, as we have seen, this can result in many actual sales taking place. For British companies operating in Europe, this is very helpful as it shows there really is life after the B-word. Yes, we mentioned that earlier too. Tyre Bay Direct were having a great show, according to Technical Manager Neil Stote: "This is much better than 54 AFTERMARKET NOVEMBER 2019 EQUIP AUTO 2019 Above: Snap-on stand www.aftermarketonline.net

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