Aftermarket October 2022

OCTOBER 2022 AFTERMARKET 55 www.aftermarketonline.net starter motors and alternators, window regulators, wiper motors, ignition products and engine management products , as well as newer output for the EV market. These included EV charging cables and portable power bank charger. Commenting on being at the show, WAI MD Richard Welland said: “We pride ourselves on being a customer-driven business, so we’re thrilled to be back at Automechanika Frankfurt to meet with our customers face- to-face and show off our latest product ranges.” Incredible First Brands Group used its presence at the show to announce that it is bringing historic spark plug brand Autolite back into the European market. The company has been making spark plugs since 1935. While it has been consistently available and a leading brand in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Australia, the move represents a return to the European aftermarket. According to Group Brand and Marketing Manager (Europe) Sam Robinson Autolite spark plugs will be available from European distributors immediately after Automechanika Frankfurt concluded, with specific suppliers being announced imminently. He said: “Autolite is an incredible brand and one that will benefit the aftermarket hugely so we’re excited to see the feedback we get from visitors, as well as what they think of all of our other news.”Other brands represented on the First Brands Group stand included TRICO, as well as Airtex. A new image for the latter brand was on display for the first time at the show. SMP Europe also had new products for launch at the event. The company had a new EGR range, along with a new range of NOx sensors featuring 26-part numbers, covering a wide range of European vehicle manufacturers. With the EGR range, SMP Europe said registration of interest and pre-orders would commence once the show concluded, with, deliveries set to begin in January 2023. Shipping for the NOx sensor range is set to start over the course of Q1 2023, with pre-orders already being taken. Crucial platform The show was also the forum for the largest UK aftermarket overseas trade mission since before the pandemic. A dedicated UK Pavilion was on-site courtesy of the SMMT, with 22 companies taking part, covering everything from engine remanufacturing and suspension system design services to specialist components, lubricants and tyre sealants. SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes said, “As with the wider automotive sector, the aftermarket is set to undergo a massive transition driven by the shift to zero emission mobility. This presents new opportunities for many companies whilst also servicing and repairing the millions of conventional vehicles on our roads, keeping them safe and running. The UK is also a key European market for this important sector, with Automechanika Frankfurt 2022 a crucial platform to drive new business and trading relationships for aftermarket companies across Britain and the EU.” Final thoughts It has been said that the pandemic has led to an across- the-board relaxation of professional dress-codes. When it comes to trade events, this is probably a good thing. After all, for the likes of me, walking around a show like Automechanika Frankfurt 2022, with eight halls spread across 200,000 square metres of exhibition space clad in Mad Men-era formalwear makes little sense. Smart-casual is probably how it will be from now on; Sharp lines, but comfortable shoes. With this in mind, it was good of British Airways to lose so many suitcases for those attending the show last month, including mine, thereby accelerating the process. As a result, your erstwhile Editor spent three days in the same t-shirt, jeans and Converse combo, not being recognised by people he has known for years, as suited- and-booted has always been the order of the day for work. I felt I had to apologise at the start of every meeting due to my appearance, and fortunately was met with only understanding and empathy. I was not the only one either, which really helped. With typical timing, my case was returned to me after I finished my last day at the show. Believe me, the complaint to our illustrious national flag carrier is in the post. Oddly though, the stripping away of sartorial trappings seemed to make focusing on what was on display at the show itself more vital than ever. One also really saw the value of the relationships one has with colleagues across the sector. In what was another important moment for our industry, as we took another big step back to normal life, perhaps there is a lesson in all of this, apart from never putting your bag in the hold for a three-day trip, obviously www.aftermarketonline.net