AFT_B912

NEWS Bosch is buying Unipart Group’s workshop programmes in the UK, for an undisclosed price. Programmes covered by the acquisition include the Unipart Car Care Centres (UCCC), network, Unipart’s garage management software offering KiS, and the Unipartner Consumer App. It is planned for all existing customer contracts to be transferred to Bosch. Steffen Hoffmann, President Bosch UK and Ireland, said: “This acquisition perfectly fits with our growth strategy for the United Kingdom and Ireland. It is a significant step that increases our network of partner garages creating new sales channels for our automotive parts, diagnostics, and workshop services with these customers.” Robert Hilbert, Head for the Bosch Automotive Aftermarket division in the UK commented: “We are very excited to increase our UK footprint in the independent aftermarket with these new garage partners and are very much looking forward in welcoming our new colleagues from Unipart to Bosch.” Mike Ferris, Unipart International Managing Director said: “We’ve been working in close partnership with Bosch for many years on a number of joint initiatives and they share many of Unipart’s core values and principles. I am delighted that the Unipart Autoparts Garage Programmes will be transferring to a trusted business in Bosch who will further develop the programmes, whilst maintaining the needs of the garage and consumer at the forefront of their plans.” The Uniparts’ Car Care Centre network was originally established in 1995. Bosch will take over the marketing support and training services, and will also provide garages with access to its range of parts, diagnostics and workshop services. www.aftermarketonline.net 4 AFTERMARKET DECEMBER/JANUARY 2020 www.aftermarketonline.net Bosch to buy Unipart garage programmes Top Technician and Top Garage 2020 are underway, but to make sure you get the chance to go all the way through to the final, you need to have registered and passed the first rounds during January 2020. To enter, go to www.toptechnicianonline.co.uk and click on the ‘enter here’ tab and follow the instructions. If you wish to enter Top Technician use the voucher code: tt20-rd1 If you want to enter Top Garage use the voucher code: tg20-rd1 Hundreds of techs have already entered Top Technician, while businesses from across the country are entering Top Garage in droves. Enter now to avoid missing out on the fun of the competitions, and the chance to be lifting a trophy at the Top Technician and Top Garage Awards Evening on Saturday 20 June 2020. Top Technician 2020 and Top Garage 2020 are sponsored by Snap-on, VARTA and TechMan and come to you in association with ABC Awards, ADS, Auto iQ, the Garage Equipment Association (GEA), the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) and the Independent Garage Association (IGA). For more information on Top Technician and Top Garage 2020 turn to page 34 Sponsored by: Top Technician and Top Garage 2020: Enter now!