December 2020

MONTH 2017 AFTERMARKET 3 www.aftermarketonline.net DECEMBER/JANUARY 202 AFTERMARKET 5 Automechanika Birmingham moves to 2022 Automechanika Birmingham, which was due to take place in June 2021 will now be held 7-9 June 2022. The news comes following the postponement of Automechanika Frankfurt to September 2021, as a result of COVID-19. Simon Albert, Managing Director of Messe Frankfurt UK observed: “The market has requested to postpone the event, and we are delighted that almost all companies who committed to the original timing will be present in 2022. With over 50% of floor space already taken for the 2022 exhibition, the signs are good for an event with three years of pent up demand.” Simon added: “Now is a tough time for the global exhibition market, but it’s very positive to see that the UK aftermarket has shown its long-term commitment to the event. Despite almost no revenue globally for Messe Frankfurt since March this year, the company will weather the storm and continue to deliver successful Automechanika events globally.” NGK refreshes Part Finder NGK has refreshed its online Part Finder facility. Mark Hallam, Marketing Manager, NGK Spark Plugs (UK), said: “There have been a number of electronic improvements that have been made to make it even more user-friendly for our customers. “Image quality has been enhanced and we believe our customers will appreciate the new look which is in keeping with the company’s corporate identity.” To find Part Finder, go to www.ngkntk.com/uk Ben is making an urgent appeal to automotive industry leaders as it faces a 50% increase in demand for services against a £1m income shortfall, following the cancellation of fundraising events including Ben Ball. The crisis comes as COVID-19 continues to have an unprecedented impact on the health and wellbeing of the automotive workforce. The letter from Ben’s Chief Executive, Zara Ross, and Chair of the Board, Steve Nash, outlines how the industry can help ensure no- one faces life’s challenges alone. This letter is also being sent directly to industry leaders, as an urgent plea for support. Matt Wigginton, Fundraising Director at Ben, said: “The issues people are facing are more complex and more urgent than we have never seen before. If we're unable to fill this funding shortfall then we may not be able to support everyone who turns to us for help. That could have a life-changing impact on someone in your business. “The automotive industry is like a family, we have to look after each other. People will remember what the leaders of our industry do in a time of crisis and I urge everyone to consider how you can help ensure Ben is there for everyone, no matter what.” Matt added: "Amazingly, we have already received pledges for donations of more than £65,000 on the first day of this campaign. Every donation makes a huge difference to people's lives and we'll be celebrating each and every one publicly over the coming weeks. Thank you to those who have already pledged their support.” To show support, email now via pledge@ben.org.uk or call 01344 298135. To read the letter in full, turn to page 49 . Ben issues rallying cry as record demand collides with falling income Garage-speak baffles drivers 56% of drivers have struggled to understand language used by mechanics when describing faults with cars and what needs to be done to fix them, according to a new study. The research from RAC Breakdown has found that many terms used in garages are a total mystery to customers. 50% said they felt overcharged, with 15% also saying a garage carried out work they hadn’t agreed to. Commenting on the findings, RAC Consumer Roadside Managing Director Andy Baker said: “These figures show there’s a sizeable gulf between what garages say, and what the average driver actually understands. Getting the right repairs at a fair price shouldn’t come down to how well drivers understand industry terms and acronyms.” With this in mind, the RAC has developed a guide to garage-speak that explains some terms in simpler language: https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/know- how/garage-speak-our-guide-to-understand ing-mechanic-jargon/