• Automechanika Birmingham destined to become the UK’s largest and most successful automotive trade show.
• Needle scaler makes light work of weld spatter, rust and paint
• New 2kw Infrared Paint Dryer from Power-TEC
• 24-month warranty offered on premium quality Borg & Beck water pumps
• Brake bike with no hands!
• Mac Tools ‘Bruiser’ is ready for battle
• Independent Fast Pass pilots new MOT qualifications
• GEMCO Profile for Automechanika
• Visit Sealey at the 2016 Automechanika Show
Automechanika Birmingham
Destined to become the UK’s largest and most successful automotive trade show.
The UK automotive industry is enjoying unprecedented success, both in terms of vehicle production and sales. Every successful industry deserves a platform that showcases its products and services.
Automechanika Birmingham is designed to do just that, with the exhibition selling all available stand space at the NEC, it clearly is the exhibition demanded by the industry. The companies represented at this important new UK event are split between the automotive aftermarket and supply chain with the likes of Schaeffler, TRW, 3M, Denso, Delphi Unipart and Yokohama Tyres, with many more companies from both the UK and internationally.
The exhibition was originally planned to occupy just one hall at the NEC, but will now cover three halls amounting to 21,000sqm of space to cater for the 550 exhibitors.
UK exhibition destined to become the largest outside Germany

The new UK exhibition reflects the huge success generated by the original Automechanika event at the Frankfurt Messe, which has now expanded into exhibitions at 15 international locations, making it the most successful automotive trade show series globally. The UK version will become the largest Automechanika debut show in history outside Frankfurt.
“We have been staggered and delighted by the response from the automotive industry and we wish to thank all of our wide range of exhibitors for supporting this, the first UK Automechanika Birmingham event, which we firmly believe will become a staple and yearly event in the UK automotive calendar”, said Simon Albert, event director, Automechanika Birmingham”.
Not to be missed seminar programme
An extensive seminar programme has been planned for visitors, addressing many of the key issues facing the automotive business, with presentations by key industry leaders.
There will be three separate theatres running over sixty presentations throughout the three-day event – Keynote Theatre, Aftermarket Theatre and Technical Theatre, the latter covering both aftermarket and supply chain.
The Keynote Theatre will focus on important industry developments, topics and issues with presentations from a variety of sources, including the DVSA, the IAAF, IMI, Frost and Sullivan and the Automotive Council.
The Aftermarket Theatre, sponsored by Aftermarket magazine, will have over 30 presentations delivered by industry experts and technical personalities from the automotive aftermarket. The subjects will include technology and the retail sector, business seminars for workshop staff plus staff skills, training and apprenticeships.
The Technical Theatre will also feature a variety of subjects relevant to both the aftermarket and supply chain.
The not-to-be-missed presentations include the Frost and Sullivan “mega trends” – issues affecting mobility, the car of the future and the aftermarket.
Suzi Perry will be joining IMI’s Steve Nash covering the topic of professional registration for technicians.
There will also be a presentation from DVSA concerning the modernisation of the MOT.
Support from the SMMT
The exhibition is being organised in association with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)
Mike Hawes, SMMT’s chief executive said, “The huge interest in Automechanika Birmingham demonstrates this is the right show, at the right time and in the right place, signalling the strength of the UK automotive industry. Last year was another 12 months of manufacturing success in Britain and with the continued drive to reshore suppliers, this global event comes at an important time for UK suppliers”.
Endorsement from UK car companies
The UK event has been endorsed by some of the UK’s biggest vehicle manufacturers, including Jaguar Land Rover, Nissan and Vauxhall, demonstrating the value and importance on the UK automotive industry and its supply chain.
According to Jaguar Land Rover, “This is a great opportunity for our UK automotive suppliers and buyers to participate in the largest automotive focused event in the UK, the like of which we haven’t seen in the UK for many years. We look forward to celebrating and building upon this success with our current suppliers and meeting new suppliers”.
Register for free by visiting the website: www.automechanika-birmingham.com
The website also contains full details including a visitor brochure containing comprehensive information on the exhibition.
MOT Workshop Magazine
Needle scaler makes light work of weld spatter, rust and paint
An extremely useful attachment for your trusty air hammer or air chisel, this needle scaler (part number 6413) is excellent for removing weld spatter, rust, paint, underseal and other debris from many different surfaces.
When coupled to a powerful air hammer (such as the Laser 6031), the needle scaler makes light work of the toughest jobs and is suitable for use on heavier work such as chassis rails and box sections, its useful narrow profile making it ideal for hard to reach areas. It is 230mm long and features 19 3mm x 180mm needles. Spare parts are available: part no 6442 (spring) and part no 6441 (pack of 19 spare needles).
This is a professional workshop tool designed for professional results and is available now from your local Laser Tools supplier, typically priced at £45.72 + VAT, but remember to check for the best prices and special offers.
More details from www.lasertools.co.uk
MOT Workshop Magazine
New 2kw Infrared Paint Dryer from Power-TEC
Maximise productivity with this new 2kw infrared paint drying unit from Power-TEC (part no: 92442) – it provides a cost effective method of paint drying and with its 40º-80ºC output, curing can be achieved in just minutes.
The use of short wave infrared technology enables paints, primers and body fillers to be cured in typically ten minutes as opposed to 30-40 minutes in an oven. The Power-TEC unit is CE approved, operates from a single phase power supply and has a useful adjustable timer (one to thirty minutes).
Fully adjustable for height and angle to obtain efficient drying and curing, working distance is 500mm to 700mm.
The drying units run from a 230V AC supply and is supplied fitted with a 13 amp, three-pin plug. The two units are independently switchable and the frame features a wide, stable base with four castors, two with brakes.
A convenient and efficient addition to the bodyshop and available now from your Power-TEC supplier. Very good value at a typical price of £416.00 (price plus VAT). Spare bulbs are available (part no: 91914).
Further details at www.power-tec.co.uk or call 01926 815000.
MOT Workshop Magazine
24-month warranty offered on premium quality Borg & Beck water pumps.
Due to the premium quality standards demanded of all Borg & Beck components, these new CV Water Pumps are manufactured in ISO / TS certified factories and undergo extensive testing and quality during production.
This level of quality control is standard procedure for the company as it prides itself on the quality of its components, depth of range and excellent availability. Naturally, gaskets and seals are also included when supplied with the equivalent OES Water Pump.
All Borg & Beck CV Water Pumps are supplied in strong and striking packaging, which ensures the product gets to its destination safely and undamaged and provides a welcome alternative to many other aftermarket programmes.
The range also benefits from a 24-month unlimited mileage warranty against manufacturing defects, giving Borg & Beck customers total peace-of-mind that they are installing a trusted product, which is backed up with excellent availability and customer service.
For more information about the premium quality CV products available from the Borg & Beck, please call the sales team on: 01869 248484 or visit: www.borgandbeck.com/cv
MOT Workshop Magazine
Brake bike with no hands!
Simple ideas are always the best and this new motorcycle front brake holding tool (part number 6537) is an ingenious little gadget that will come in very handy time and again.
It is designed to hold the front brake on to prevent the wheel turning when loading the bike onto a rear stand. Fitted in seconds, the rubber sleeve is simply slid over the brake lever and then the plastic hook is placed over the handle. Also useful to prevent the bike sliding off stands when performing maintenance and particularly useful during transportation.
Suitable for all motorcycles and available now from your local Laser Tools supplier. Very good value at just £5.76 (including VAT), you’ll wonder how you did without it!
More details from www.lasertools.co.uk
MOT Workshop Magazine
Mac Tools ‘Bruiser’ is ready for battle
Premium automotive tool manufacturer, Mac Tools, announces a brand new 18-volt 1/2 inch cordless impact wrench that combines outstanding durability with immense power and comes with a three year warranty.
Nicknamed ‘The Bruiser’ thanks to its superior power (in excess of 1600 Nm) the new BWP151P2 1/2 inch impact wrench is more than man enough for any job in the workshop.
The wrench features a powerful brushless motor and heavy duty impact mechanism that combine to produce a fastening torque of 950 Nm and enormous breakaway torque of 1625 Nm.
The unit is powered by new 5 amp-hour R-spec lithium-ion batteries, a big improvement over previous models in the range. Produced alongside sister company DeWALT’s range, the batteries feature built-in rubber bumpers and LED charge level indicators, and benefit from virtually zero self-discharge with no memory effect.
Monitoring battery use and tool operation is an intelligent switch module that is designed to maximize performance and prevent possible damage caused by overload or temperature build-up; although Mac Tools has included a lightweight and durable head that quickly disperses heat from the motor, meaning temperature should rarely be an issue. Tool lifespan and overall performance are also increased with this head construction.
Everything about this new impact wrench has been designed with the user in mind. Speed and torque are quickly and easily adjusted via an easy-access switch, an LED light with time delay illuminates the work area both during and immediately after use, a hog ring drive end offers secure fastening and easy socket changes, and forward/reverse operation is easily selected with one hand.
The inclusion of a narrow, easy-grip handle also means better grip and balance as well as reduced user fatigue.
Mark Hallum, Product Marketing Manager for Mac Tools UK, is very excited about the launch of the Bruiser. “It’s been a while since we launched our previous flagship impact wrench and the Bruiser represents a real step forward,” he says.
“The huge power, battery upgrade and three year warranty on the wrench offer something our customers have never seen before and I can’t wait for them to try it out. Hopefully it will end up being as indispensable in the workshop as we expect.”
MOT Workshop Magazine
Independent Fast Pass pilots new MOT qualifications
Fast Pass Training is a leading automotive training provider working with the IMI and DVSA and they are committed and passionate about raising the level of skill within the industry. They claim to be the first independent training company to pilot the new MOT Qualifications.
Fast Pass say all their trainers and assessors have a wealth of experience, and all are current MOT Testers. Their training courses take place in a live MOT bay environment.
Fast Pass Training run small classes with plenty of one-to-one tuition available and say they only use new dedicated vehicles for training. They have a 100% pass rate and restrict their course size to a maximum of four candidates, enabling plenty of time for one-to-one tuition if required.
As well as IMI Accreditation Level 3 Light Vehicle Inspection Technician, MOT Training and the new MOT Qualifications, they also run courses in Hybrid Vehicle Safety Maintenance and Repair and Aircon Refrigerant Handling.
Trainees can be confident when they book with Fast Pass Training that they will receive the highest level of training, will learn new skills and be able to increase their income potential. Trainees will be taught by expert trainers who are MOT Testers themselves, who when they are not training, are testing.
Fast Pass say their friendly team are on hand to answer all questions to guide trainees through the whole process before, during and after their training.
Further information: Tel: 01206 793 399 www.atatraining.co.uk
MOT Workshop Magazine
GEMCO Profile for Automechanika
GEMCO claim to be the largest garage equipment sales and service company in the UK, offering a total one-stop-shop solution for all of its customers.
GEMCO’s extensive product range covers everything from two post lifts, scissor lifts, four post lifts, and manufacturer approved lifts, through to tyre equipment, and brake testers.
GEMCO is a wholly owned subsidiary of Stenhøj and the largest global distributor. GEMCO deliver the entire Stenhøj programme alongside other leading garage equipment brands, which includes: AutopStenhøj (the newly merged Stenhøj and Autop brand which will be launched at the Automechanika Birmingham show), Dunlop, Sherpa alongside new additions: Somers and Bradbury that celebrates its 120th anniversary in 2016.
From workshop layout drawings to civil works to installation and after-sales service, GEMCO can truly assist you with your every requirement – they say no project is too big or too small and they can assist you with the approval process and advise you of current legislations.
GEMCO’s strong market position is a result of dealing with distributors and national accounts. Focus is always, and has always been, on the customer regardless of whether it’s a one off purchase of one piece of equipment or an entire large workshop project.
Contact Details:
GEMCO Sales & Service, 153/165 Bridge Street Northampton,
Northamptonshire NN1 1QG
Call: 01604 828500
Email: sales@gemco.co.uk Website: www.gemco.co.uk
MOT Workshop Magazine
Visit Sealey at the 2016 Automechanika Show
If you are planning to attend the 2016 Automechanika show, be sure to visit Sealey in Hall 9/10, stand 9K58, where they will be showcasing the most recent additions to their vast range of vehicle servicing tools and equipment, plus existing best sellers.
Also on display are new models of the patented 360° Inspection Lamp, a selection of hand tools which don’t forget come with a lifetime guarantee, and a cross section of their consumable range.
The consumable range was first introduced in September 2015, and since then has not stopped expanding, resulting in Sealey just recently launching a new 80 page consumables catalogue which contains a further 700 new lines, bringing the total number of consumable items that they offer to in excess of 1,800.
Copies of the latest consumables catalogue will be available on the day.
If you don’t get the chance to come to the show and are interested in the tools mentioned, or any other Sealey products, please visit www.sealey.co.uk, where you can also request a catalogue and view the current special offers.
MOT Workshop Magazine