July/August 2020

JULY/AUGUST 2020 AFTERMARKET 35 www.aftermarketonline.net legislation on emission targets, passed in 2009, committed vehicle manufacturers to cut the average CO2 emissions from new vehicles to 130g/km by 2015 and 95g/km by 2020. Figures of up to 250¤/gram of CO2/km may be charged based on the manufacturer’s average fleet emissions, which exceed the legislative level for the time period between emission reduction targets. This charge will be applied to every vehicle sold by that manufacturer. “With more dynamic eco-initiatives now mushrooming, again to help drivers save fuel and reduce vehicle CO2 emissions, the importance of deploying the highest quality battery technology is set to remain of prime importance.” Russell added: “AGM and EFB batteries are here to stay. Isn’t it then wise to start now, if you haven’t already, by adopting a philosophy of stocking and recommending a battery solution where you know the real beauty lies beneath the surface?” Opportunity COVID-19 continues to be a huge challenge overall. For garages, the impact on car batteries is a real opportunity according to HELLA Sales Director Martin McGreevy: “HELLA is highlighting the opportunity to proactively undertake battery checks and subsequently benefit from replacement sales.” HELLA’s battery range consists of four models: Classic, Premium, Supreme and AGM. “The Classic range is designed for smaller capacity engines and older vehicles,” said Martin, “providing a cost-effective solution for these applications because of its reliability and maintenance free convenience. For general purpose applications, HELLA has designed the Premium range for all classes of vehicle. The Supreme range provides a solution for vehicles with extremely high energy consuming demands. Finally, the AGM range is ideal for the growing number of vehicles featuring Stop/Start functionality.” Martin added: “HELLA’s battery finder provides fitting instructions, estimated fitment time and gives all of the technical information on the battery.” The free battery finder tool can be accessed via: http://hellabatteryfinder.com Get fit Yuasa are also highlighting the importance of identifying the correct battery, and is directing workshops towards its online trade lookup tool fit.yuasa.com . James Douglas, Marketing and Product Manager at GS Yuasa Battery Sales UK said: “Since its launch in 2012, we’ve helped over 350,000 mechanics and technicians all over the country save time and money by finding over three million batteries. “Our online trade battery lookup has by far the most comprehensive database in the industry with over 100,000 unique vehicle models listed. We urge all garages, distributors, technicians and mechanics to proactively use our lookup system to prevent unnecessary battery related failure due to the wrong battery being fitted. “Finding the right battery is just the start though, once correctly found, users can download detailed information. Data such as, battery location on the vehicle, accurate fitting times and location of OBD if appropriate. This is complemented by full step-by-step fitting instructions that can be printed for convenience. James added: “Garages can additionally use the online fitting system to help with customer quotations and other enquiries.” Training Making sure you are up-to-date with the latest technology is vital too. With this in mind, following the launch of its ONE BOX Stop/Start battery testing and installation solution, ECOBAT Battery Technologies, has released free Stop/Start battery training, assessment and certification. Laura Jones, Marketing Manager for ECOBAT explained: “The first element is a YouTube video, hosted by ECOBAT’s very own Christopher Jones – – which provides viewers with a step-by-step guide that takes them through the assessment, removal, replacement and validation processes and introduces them to the four parts that make up the ONE BOX package, and together, allows technicians to tackle start-stop battery replacement with confidence.” The video can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= EyAwPUAljWA&t=1s Laura continued: “Once they have viewed the video, technicians can undertake the online assessment – which covers not just the removal and installation process, but information concerning the battery and the start- stop system, to discover whether they have achieved the necessary score to have passed.” The assessment can be taken at: https://ebtuk.typeform.com/to/S8AO Wi “By visiting the ECOBAT website, the successful applicant is then able to download their certificate in a choice of branded Lucas, Numax or multiple (joint Exide/Lucas/Numax/VARTA) or non- aligned formats. They are then in a position to put into practice their new found knowledge to the benefit of motorist and workshop alike. Find the certificate at: https://uk.ecobat.tech/brands/one- box/one-box-assessment Laura concluded: “As Chris states at the conclusion of the video, ‘replacing AGM and EFB batteries is as simple as that’, which is the key message workshops need to grasp to unlock the massive potential still available to independents up and down the country.” Above: HELLA Battery Range Below: Battery tester from EBT’s ONEBOX