May 2020

MAY 2020 AFTERMARKET 5 www.aftermarketonline.net There could good news waiting for independent garages on the other side of the Coronavirus outbreak it has been suggested, with motorists looking to the sector for support once the pandemic passes. Mike Schlup, MD at Kalimex is predicting a surge in demand from motorists for their local mechanics’ expertise and problem-solving capabilities – once the COVID-19 lockdown ends. He explained the thinking behind his positive prognosis: “Experience shows that when we enter a period of economic uncertainty – the tightening of our belts as we will all invariably be doing in the coming months – our attention shifts from buying new to making do. With the automotive sector this translates into motorists keeping their existing vehicles; cars and LCVs on the road for longer rather than buying new, or opting to replace a vehicle with another used vehicle. We need look no further than the figures published in March for new car sales as an illustration this is already happening. Sales were down by 41% with the figure for April set to be even lower. “Undoubtedly the worthy winner in all of this is the mechanic. The motorist, the commercial customer and the fleet manager will be counting on their mechanic for repairs that represent good value. Problems solved without the need for an outlay that makes a significant dent in the budget. Problems nipped in the bud with high-quality additives.” Mike added: "By contrast, the large dealerships selling new cars with their accompanying service contracts will feel the chill from the last few months long into 2020 and possibly beyond.” Aftermarket: Magazine address redirection We are aware that as a result of the COVID-19 lockdown, many garages are shut. If you normally receive your copy of Aftermarket at work, but would prefer to have it temporarily redirected to your home address, please do the following: Go to dfamedia.my-subs.co.uk and login using your email address. If you have forgotten your password, you can reset it on the login page Click on ‘My delivery address’ Answer ‘No’ to the question ‘Are all of these details correct?’ Answer ‘I want this delivered to my home address’ to the question ‘Why is your address not correct?’ Enter your new delivery address, and save at the bottom. Alternatively, to receive a digital copy that can be read via your PC or handheld device, go to dfamedia.my- subs .co.uk/registrations/free Good news for garages, just over the horizon? Dayco helping to save lives Dayco is helping in the fight against Covid-19 by producing a vital component that helps convert a readily available snorkelling mask into a life-saving ventilator. The adaption of the mask, normally supplied via sports outlet Decathlon, transforms it into a vital resource that is already being used in hospitals in northern Italy and by the Italian Red Cross. Dayco’s contribution involves the production of the Charlotte Valve. This allows the conversion to a medical respiratory device, and Dayco is producing it on 3-D printers at its San Bernardo d’Ivrea facility in northern Italy. President of Dayco Global Powertrain Operations, Michael Weiss, commented: “We are now in contact with the Ivrea and San Giovanni Bosco hospitals along with the Red Cross, to help distribute the item, which can be installed quickly and easily, and in conjunction with the reversal of the three existing valves in the face of the mask, convert it into the life-saving device.” Follow us on Facebook: @aftermarketmagazine