November 2019

NOVEMBER 2019 AFTERMARKET 55 Below: Delphi stand www.aftermarketonline.net the shows in the UK. The level of interest in terms of people wanting quotes, buying machines from the stand, is huge and the return on investment for us is a lot quicker. The French market for Tyre Bay Direct has been fantastic. We have grown year- on-year for tyre bay here, so we are really pleased. Europe is a key market for us. We are going to expand down further into France, and in Belgium." According to Neil, Brexit is a bump in the road: "We have warehousing in France now, we are self-sufficient, and Brexit won't affect us. It is a win- win being here." Back on the multinational front, Schaeffler put its transmission, engine and chassis expertise on display. The company staged its presence around its augmented reality experience as seen at Automechanika Birmingham, as well as via technical presentations in the integral seminar theatre, and of course the products themselves. The latest introductions to the Schaeffler portfolio were the LuK RepSet 2CT wet double clutch repair solution, the INA Engine KIT comprehensive repair solution for engines with belt or chain-driven timing systems, and the new, comprehensive FAG range of chassis parts. Commenting on their attendance, Philippe Baudin, Vice-President Area France and Benelux, Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket said: "For Schaeffler, Equip Auto means aftermarket, trade, relations, innovation, services, training, networking and proximity. As the Schaeffler group shares all these values, it is only right that we are strongly represented with an impressive programme of technical demonstrations and product presentations for our customers’ benefit. We have been delighted to show mechanics a new array of comprehensive, profitable solutions that are easy to implement, and a selection of specialist technical training sessions to enable them to troubleshoot problems, and offer durable and professional maintenance and repairs." 2021 and beyond It's worth a trip to Paris to go to Equip Auto, just to see the sector from a different angle. If you fancy it, the next outing for the show will be in 2021. Bon chance!