INSIDE THIS ISSUE…
REGULARS
2 Welcome note from the MD
3 For Your Information
10 Newsdesk
11 Take a Break
18 FPS Product Index
20 Competition Time
Your chance to win an LG Smart Ultra HD television worth £500,
courtesy of KLARIUS!
FEATURES
4 Bracing for the Aftermarket’s Future
VITAL NEWS investigates the future of the aftermarket with more
electric vehicles on the road.
6 A Year of Progress at FPS
FPS has gone through a massive year of growth. VITAL NEWS
explores where they are at with their progress.
7 Troubleshooting Series 1
CAMBIARE explores common issues with the very popular BMW
1 Series.
8 Mythbusting: Xenon Bulbs
RING Automotive debunks some common misconceptions about
Xenon Bulbs.
9 Fahren Steer The Way
FAHREN sheds some light on the importance of quality stabiliser
links.
12 Cool Parts. Hot Opportunities
GATES shares some opportunities with their water pump and
heavy-duty drive belt ranges.
13 Valve Facing Problem
FEDERAL-MOGUL speaks to VITAL NEWS about the types and
causes of valve face problems.
14 Braking Tradition
Electronic Parking Brakes (EPBs) present the aftermarket with
great sales opportunities, BLUE PRINT explains.
15 Reduce, Reuse, Remanufacture
REMY shares how their green strategy will continue despite new
ownership.
16 Raining Opportunities Over Winter
Discover upsell opportunities to some tried and true winter
essentials.
2 CONTENTS
WELCOME
Note from the MD
Welcome to the October issue of Vital News.
Winter is coming and many prudent motor
factors are bracing for the chill with their
cold weather stock. Every change of season
comes a set of opportunities that were not
previously relevant. Like any other industry,
the aftermarket follows a predictable rhythm
as we progress through the four seasons.
The automotive industry faces a
transformational period of change. The
push for more electric vehicles (EVs) in light
of the tightening CO2 emission standards
is undoubtedly creating ripples beyond the
industry. Changing the way we power our
vehicles goes beyond swapping combustion
engines for electric motors.
Huge considerations need to be made with our power grid infrastructure in order to
support EVs. As we live in a world where EVs and autonomous vehicles are beginning
to take centre stage, we are seeing the need for a huge paradigm shift towards the
value of aftermarket technicians and proper training.
When news broke of a Tesla Model X battery catching fire again, six days after a fatal
crash earlier this year, many questioned how prepared we are in handling in a road
full of EVs. Not only is there a growing need for proper training and qualifications for
roadside technicians, all emergency response teams must be equipped to handle the
eventualities that come with more EVs on the roads.
From a recent survey, The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) found that only a
third of parents would encourage their child to undertake an automotive related
apprenticeship while more than 1 in 10 people think that people who choose
vocational training are not as clever as those who take an academic route after
school. This further highlights how little understanding there is outside the industry
itself and, moreover, the career opportunities it presents. The disparity between
perception and reality needs to be closed to help to futureproof the industry.
On page 4, we explore the progress of EVs in the automotive industry and what this
means for the aftermarket. This may be a season for change; but like all seasons, it
comes with understanding where the opportunities lie in order to reap the benefits.
In this issue, we hear from our suppliers Cambiare, Fahren, Gates, Ring, Remy,
Federal-Mogul and more. Over on page 16 and right on schedule, we are also
highlighting some winter opportunities.
We hope you enjoy this issue and a successful period of trading!
Jonathan
PROUD TO SUPPORT
VITAL NEWS ISSUE 52