Factor & supplier news

Saab Parts UK has announced a new initiative to improve the availability of parts to the independent sector. It hopes to be able to better cater for the trade by increasing inventory and improving delivery. A range of 160,000 parts are available from 80 locations across the UK.

Top Technician 2014 has officially launched with the promise of a record prize fund and number of entries for next year.

The first stage of the competition will see technicians undertake an initial online test, before a more advanced test await those who make it through. The entrants will be whittled down to a final six who will compete on 16 May at the Honda Institute to determine who is crowned the winner.

Franchised dealerships are presenting the independent aftermarket with a golden opportunity, according to research by BTC.
The findings from the automotive training and consultancy firm shows that dealerships miss out on 57 percent of servicing work, which is costing them an average of £35.45 revenue per job.

LKQ Euro has added Iris Coatings and five UK distributors of paint and body shop supplies in its latest acquisition. The group who owns Euro Car Parts, has finally concluded the deal that sees them take a 100 percent shareholding in Iris Coatings, a sales and marketing specialist for refinishing distribution.

Scotland’s independent garages have been invited to the biggest aftermarket trade show in the area.

The 2014 CAT Awards open for nominations soon and will include a new Extra Mile Award for the aftermarket individual or company that has gone above and beyond.

It is supported by BEN, the automotive industry charity, sponsored by Simply, part of JRP Distribution Ltd, and will be presented at the 2014 CAT Awards

The campaign by original equipment suppliers to promote the quality of their parts is gathering momentum with the announcement of several new members to the group. The Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA) now has 16 OE manufacturers on board as Federal Mogul, Mahle, Corteco, Yuasa, Bosch and TMD Friction have joined the campaign

After months of negotiations and discussions LKQ’s Sator has acquired Kühne Nederland BV.
The move will see Kühne Automotive continuing and being integrated with QH Nederland, which will see Jan van Doorn becoming appointed as Managing Director for Kühne as well as QH.

Road transport infrastructure spend and the Department for Transport's capital resource have been given the biggest boost of any area in today’s Spending Round, but a squeeze on local authority budgets and a two-year freeze on council tax could impact on local road maintenance and repair.

Following its purchase of the Quinton Hazell intellectual property rights from Klarius, Tetrosyl has added QH France. CAT spoke with Tetrosyl Chairman Peter Schoffield to find out how the planned August relaunch of QH was going