December/January 2022

NEWS 6 AFTERMARKET DECEMBER/JANUARY 2022 www.aftermarketonline.net TRICO’s Big Christmas Giveaway unwrapped TRICO is running a Christmas- themed scratchcard competition through seven of its UK distributors, with every single TRICO wiper blade purchased providing a chance to win. The top prize is a PlayStation 5 and TV bundle worth over £1,000. There are hundreds of other prizes up for grabs too, including overnight breaks, Amazon Echos, Ring Doorbell, Amazon Firestick, craft beer gifts and shopping vouchers. The competition runs until Christmas Eve. TRICO’s main UK and Ireland distributors are taking part, including A1 Motor Stores, Autoparts Express, Carcessories, D&S Roe, EAG, Optimal UK and Pearl Products. First Brands Group Brand and Marketing Manager (Europe) Sam Robinson said: “We’re extremely excited to launch this national promotion with our distributors, there are some incredible prizes to be won and it’s a bit of fun as we get into the Christmas spirit. We’re sure this promotion will be a very popular end to 2021.” To take part, customers just need to purchase TRICO wipers from one of the seven participating distributors. They then receive one scratchcard for every TRICO item purchased. If they are one of the lucky winners, to claim their prize they just log on at: www.winwithTrico.com Castrol has launched a new own-branded workshop programme for larger independents in the UK, with the first garage to take it on based in Warwickshire. The Castrol Auto Service programme has been set up specifically for larger workshops that consume and sell over 7,000 litres of lubricant a year. The first business to sign up is Arden Garages in Stratford-upon-Avon, a former franchised dealer which is becoming an independent aftermarket business. Amanda Taylor, UK Marketing Manager at Castrol, commented: “This programme has been piloted very successfully in other European countries, so we’re delighted to now be able to offer it to build long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships between Castrol and the UK’s most respected independent workshops.” For more information, visit: www.castrol.co.uk/castrolservice Castrol launches new large garage programme The IMI is predicting that there will be a 35,700 shortfall of EV-qualified technicians by 2030, with 2026 marking the point at which the skills gap will become very apparent. Using the SMMT upper scenario on EV adoption, the IMI has predicted in a study that the number of TechSafe qualified technicians required by 2030 is 90,000. In 2020 there were just 15,400 qualified. As a result, the IMI is reiterating its appeal to the government for a £15m funding boost towards training for up to 75,000 technicians. The government already committed £1.9bn for charging infrastructure in the 2020 Spending Review to support the transition to zero emission vehicles. IMI CEO Steve Nash commented: “The investment in EV charging needs to be matched by an investment in EV skills training to help employers ensure the workforce is EV-ready and electrified motoring doesn’t come at a premium.” For more on EVs and hybrids, turn to pages 60-61 EV skills gap set to grow The British Motor Show, set to return from 18-21 August 2022 at Farnborough International, is again teaming up with the IMI as tech partner. The IMI will retain its sponsorship of the Tech Theatre, while The IMI Tech Zone will be a new addition for 2022. This will feature a number of automotive tech suppliers. Education exhibits will also be included and there will also be an expanded Automotive Careers Expo. Commenting on the partnership, IMI CEO Steve Nash said: “Whether it’s learning how the new generation of vehicles should be serviced and repaired or finding out about the exciting career opportunities, the IMI Tech Zone and Tech Theatre will provide many of the answers.” The British Motor Show CEO Andy Entwistle added: “Britain is very much open for business and continues to lead the field in automotive technology, which is why our partnership with the IMI is so exciting. It gives us a real scope to tell this story to a huge audience at the most interactive motor show ever.” To find out more about the show, visit: www.thebritishmotorshow.live IMI continues partnership with British Motor Show