Factor & supplier news

Aftermarket businesses are more likely to get accepted for finance than they think and could provide a significant boost to the economy if they applied, a new report out today suggests. The British Bankers Association (BBA) survey of 15,000 small to medium-sized enterprises found that just 37 percent thought they would be successful if they applied for finance.

Independent garage franchise concept iAuto UK has opened
its second branch with plans to double the network by March this
year and offer dozens of locations by the end of 2015. Local MP
Lorely Burt and town Mayor Joe Tildesley opened the new garage in
Solihull this morning. It comes two years after the first location
was opened in Coventry and will be followed by franchises in
Croydon and Guildford this spring.

Schaeffler’s clutch division LuK has launched a new clutch repair solution aimed at commercial vehicles. The German giant has a high performance, long-life repair solution which is ideal for CVs doing high mileages and which are expected to be in service for a long period of time.

It has quickly emerged that Wendy Williamson will be Brian Spratt’s successor at the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF). She has been named as the new Chief Executive, and will take over the reins from Spratt in July.

[caption id="attachment_2984" align="alignright" width="300" caption="ECP to start doing collision repair parts"][/caption]

Euro Car Parts (ECP) has opened its third national distribution centre (NDC), as it looks to future proof the business.

The new Bonehill facility situated in Tamworth, Staffordshire has been created to help with ECP’s push towards 165 branches across the UK by the end of 2014.

Carrying on the Inside Line series, we move on from looking at fleet favourite Vauxhall Insignia and turn our attention to the BMW 1 Series. Now in its second generation, this car remains a firm favourite with those wanting an entry-level BMW. In this issue we are focusing on the first generation 1 Series, BMW’s attempt to break into the hatchback market, and it was up against some stiff competition with the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus and Audi A3 among others all competing for a piece of the pie.

Nationwide commercial vehicle parts factor Intertruck has gone into administration.

The Solihull business provided truck, trailer, light commercial, bus and coach parts through its network of 30 branches.

Euro Car Parts and MANN+HUMMEL have entered into a new agreement which will see the filter company join the factor’s product offer from early in 2014

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has built a new partnership to give technicians the opportunity to gain their ATA DAB accreditation.

Denso and Motor Parts Direct have joined forces to inspire the next generation of technicians at a special event host by South Devon College. The day will mark the recent relocation of MPD to nearby the college by hosting two technical sessions for students of the Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair course