• The UK’s biggest aftermarket event set to be even bigger
• New Training Academy flourishes
• Compact but fully featured digital multimeter from Gunson
• Solder and heat shrink your wiring connections in one operation with the new set from Laser Tools
• Clarke CHAMP3 2HP Portable Air Compressor
• The Power-TEC Hy-Jacks – move vehicles quickly, easily and safely
• New heavy duty plastic car ramps and versatile under car body board from Laser Tools
The UK’s biggest aftermarket event set to be even bigger
by: Chloe Hyland
Automechanika Birmingham has made some new and exciting changes for 2017 and is set to deliver the UK’s biggest automotive event once again from 6th-8th June 2017, NEC Birmingham.
Growing to be 70% bigger than the 2016 event, hosting over 750 quality exhibitors located in a new hall format and offering a packed seminar programme of talks from industry experts on tomorrow’s technologies and aftermarket business challenges, Automechanika Birmingham has confirmed itself as the must attend event of the year.
What’s new for 2017?
The who’s who of the aftermarket and hundreds of new names
Over 550 quality aftermarket exhibitors will present the latest in parts, components, accessories, tools and diagnostic and garage equipment.
The list of confirmed exhibitors includes almost all of the major players from the aftermarket: Schaeffler, ZF, JHM Butt, Delphi, Denso, NGK Spark Plugs, Draper Tools, HELLA, Mahle, TEXA, Osram, Mann+Hummel, Bilstein, Yokohama Tyres and many more. Amongst 250 companies exhibiting for the first time at the show are Liqui Moly, Euro Repar Car Service, Yuasa, Devilbiss, Hofmann Megaplan, Milwaukee Tools, Crypton and Comline.
Amongst the companies already confirmed, Bilstein will be promoting first class products from brands Febi, SWAG and Blue Print specialising in products for cars and trucks. Whilst presenting special show offers on their stand, and meeting with new and existing customers, the UK sales team will also be announcing the grand opening of their latest state of the art distribution centre.
Taking a 60% larger stand in 2017, MANN+HUMMEL plan to raise their profile at Automechanika Birmingham 2017 and build on their success from 2016.
Helen Nixon, Marketing & Media Coordinator from MANN+HUMMEL says “The MANN-FILTER stand will demonstrate the absolute parity between original equipment filtration supplied by the parent company and its premium brand products, so popular in the UK Aftermarket”
Looking forward to the event in 2017, Andy Swann UK and Eire Country Director from Delphi said “Time flies when you’re having fun. And it certainly did at the first-ever Automechanika Birmingham, back in June last year. It was a great show for Delphi! And we can’t wait to go back for more.”
New halls and new layout
Re-locating to halls 6 and 17-20 and following feedback from 2016, the show will adopt an improved hall layout where exhibitors are grouped into dedicated Aftermarket and Supply Chain Zones. The change in format will allow visitors to easily find new and existing suppliers, with 70% from the UK and 30% from abroad, all under one roof.
Enhanced aftermarket seminar programme and new Workshop Training Zone
The large-scale event offers beneficial opportunities to enhance visitors’ industry knowledge, including a packed seminar programme.
Over 40 aftermarket sessions and talks from industry experts covering topics such as industry trends, advanced IT and connectivity, business management, skills training and future drives will be presented.
New for 2017, a Workshop Training Zone will host Technical Talks and Ask the Expert sessions, presenting the latest in Diagnostics & Connectivity, Battery Technology, Diesel Engines, ADAS, Tyres, and Hybrid & Electric Vehicles.
Visitor registrations open and ahead
Visitor registration opened in early January and was welcomed by a huge number of people registering in the first week.
Simon Albert, Event Director of Automechanika Birmingham, said “Visitor registration has opened and we are already ahead of where we were this time last year. The market speaks for itself, with significantly more exhibitors booked for 2017 and higher visitor registrations; we’re set for a brilliant event in June. ”
Watch the new video here. Visitors are encouraged to register early to receive fast track entry and to receive the regular show updates and news to help plan their visit.
To register free, head to the registration page online: reg.buzz/amb-prj
MOT Workshop Magazine
New Training Academy flourishes
As the MOT Tester Training deadline of 31st March looms, the growth of companies offering training services proliferates. MOT Academy is one of the more recent arrivals on the scene, headed by Managing Director Clive Matthews.
We recently spoke to Clive Matthews and asked how he was finding launching a new company into the MOT training market. “It’s been a successful six months for MOT Academy” he responded, “in fact, having doubled in size since opening, we are now building additional classrooms and investing in additional trainers to cope”.
We asked what measures MOT Academy were taking to ensure maximum take-up of their offering.
Value for money
“We continue to offer small focused classes, at a value for money price. Our level three course and Award in MOT Testing remain at 2016 prices at £795 each and we also offer unlimited re-sits for only £100 extra.”
Recapping on what happened last year and what’s new this year, Clive explains: “April 2016 saw the introduction of the much awaited MOT Annual refresher CPD and online Exam.
On May 31st 2016 the NTTA qualification was finally laid to rest and replaced by the New Award in MOT Testing qualification. In April one of the biggest changes to the MOT training sector since 1960 was the introduction of the new Annual refresher training and continuous professional development.
It’s fair to say this new approach is, whilst a step in the right direction, still in the most part a mystery to the MOT sector. With over 60,000 Testers needing to take the Annual refresher online exam it’s estimated that with just a few weeks to go, around half of the sector has still to complete their CPD training and online exam”.
“With all the changes thrust upon the industry, training providers like MOT Academy are constantly educating the industry on the changes and updates on a daily basis.
“Take the new Annual CPD the exam, current until the end of March 2017; based on Drivers View of the Road, Lighting and the new training legislation. The pass mark is 50%. Being ‘open book’ (ie entrants are allowed to refer to text books during the exam) it’s hardly the most difficult test but rather an exercise in getting the MOT industry used to taking an annual refresher exam. “From this April 2017 it will be a very different affair, as the pass mark rises to 60%, with subjects to include Tyres and Vehicle Structure and a recap of the 2016/17 subjects, again, of Driver’s View of the Road and Lighting.
MOT Academy are already planning to release free training templates in late April for the industry.
He continued: “It’s going the extra mile for the sector that has helped MOT Academy become a market leader in the new world of MOT Tester training. It’s now clear that price/cost effectiveness is offering the industry a better choice than ever before. MOT Academy now has a history of high pass rates, quality of support material, practice questions, e-Learning support and 12 months ongoing free CPD training. MOT Academy is trying to build an ongoing relationship with the MOT industry.
Growth of MOT Training
We asked Matthews what he believed would contribute most to continued growth in the training industry.
His response: “We believe that great service drives sales, and we relish helping the MOT industry with their training needs throughout 2017”.
Clive then offers advice to MOT Testers seeking training support: “Our advice to anyone thinking of taking any training should consider this: check out customer reviews, don’t pay over the odds, make sure they are a direct claim centre, make sure they support you for 12 months after qualifying not just for the exam; is the training venue a genuine MOT Test Station with multiple ramps and brake rollers? Are the classroom sizes restricted to ensure high quality training delivery – there should should be no more than four for the Award in MOT Testing and six for the IMI LVI – are you getting pre-learning support material, practice questions, 800+ videos etc?
Finally, we asked, is the new Award in MOT Testing fit for purpose?
“If the IMI Robust EQA process is anything to be judged by then absolutely! The UK’s training centres are kept on a very short leash to ensure they remain so.” he responded.
To learn more visit www.mot.academy or call 01604 438 428
MOT Workshop Magazine
Compact but fully featured digital multimeter from Gunson
The Gunson 77038 is a fully featured but compact auto range digital multimeter for measuring DC and AC voltage, resistance, capacitance, frequency, duty cycle, diode and continuity.
Measurements are displayed on the bright LCD screen and a useful LED spotlight is also included for working in dark areas. The multimeter is powered by two 1.5V AAA batteries (included).
The DC voltage range is 400mV– 600V and AC voltage range is 4V– 600V; resistance range is 400Ω to 40MΩ; capacitance range 4nF – 100μF and frequency can be measured in the range 9.999Hz to 10MHz. Audible buzzer for continuity.
Over range protection is provided for all ranges and the device will power off after 15 minutes of inactivity.
A useful addition to the toolbox and available from your Gunson supplier, typically priced at £78.22 (price includes VAT), but remember to check for the best prices and special offers.
More details from www.gunson.co.uk
MOT Workshop Magazine
Solder and heat shrink your wiring connections in one operation with the new set from Laser Tools
This impressive little kit from Laser Tools (part number 6616) combines a convenient butane powered heat torch with a useful (72 piece) set of connectors that includes both heat shrink crimp and heat shrink solder joiners plus a selection of heat shrink crimp fork and eye terminals.
The compact and lightweight butane heat torch quickly and cleanly produces directional hot air, particularly suited to heat shrink tubing when making repairs to automotive wiring and cabling. Piezo ignition ignites instantly and the torch is soon up to working temperature. The clear gas reservoir enables the level of liquid butane to be seen.
The crimp connectors are crimped in the normal manner then sealed with the heat shrink insulation, but the heat shrink solder joiners are particularly useful and convenient, having a plug of low-temperature pre-fluxed solder in the centre and sheathed with heat shrink insulation.
Twist the two wires to be joined, then slide the solder joiner over the joint until the plug of solder is at the centre of the joint. Use the heat torch to shrink the insulation sheath while at the same time melting the solder around the joint; the solder is drawn into the wire strands giving a secure connection.
Makes professional joints and connections every time and particularly suitable for kit car and classic car owners. Available now from your Laser Tools stockist at a typical price of £63.59 (+ VAT) but remember to check for the best price and special offers.
See the 6616 kit in action on the Tool Connection YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/kDO8mGZiEvY
MOT Workshop Magazine
Clarke CHAMP3 2HP Portable Air Compressor
This is the perfect compressor for any tasks involving fixing, spraying, inflating and dust/debris blowing while on the move.
The Champ3 packs a powerful 7cfm with a max operating pressure of 8 Bar and a simple to use on/off automatic pressure switch control.
Boasting an easy to carry design with a comfortable grip, handle and durable steel frame also providing air storage, this is a convenient, tough, lightweight (25kg) and highly portable air compressor.
The Champ3 also comes included with 1.6 metre of cable and a hose or cable storage plate.
This model is available for only £167.98 Inc. VAT.
To view this product on our website, please click here: https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/clarkechamp3aircompressor/
MOT Workshop Magazine
The Power-TEC Hy-Jacks – move vehicles quickly, easily and safely
Solve all your workshop vehicle positioning problems with the new Hy-Jacks from Power-TEC (part number 92438). Hy-Jacks are the ultimate method for moving vehicles in confined areas; once fitted, they let the vehicle roll easily in any direction.
Two Hy-Jacks permit a full 180 degree vehicle pivot, four Hy-Jacks give full manoeuvrability.
Sold in pairs, they lift the vehicle in seconds. The Hy-Jack is positioned around the tyre, then a few pumps of the hydraulic foot pedal progressively lifts the vehicle tyre between the rollers until the tyre lifts smoothly and quickly off the ground. The rollers touch only the tyre; there is no contact with the vehicle’s bodywork or chassis. After lifting, the low centre of gravity makes the Hy-Jacks safe and stable in use, and the vehicle can effortlessly be placed in the required position in the workshop or garage.
To lower, no further pumping is necessary, simply release the hydraulic valve and the tyre is lowered smoothly to the ground.
Slide a vehicle into a confined space, move a disabled vehicle, or remove a vehicle obstructing an entrance when no keys are available – whatever the reason, vehicles can be moved easily, quickly and safely. Particularly useful in the bodyshop.
The Hy-Jacks are suitable for a maximum tyre width of 305mm; the frame is adjustable from 345mm to 630mm. Weight capacity is 1369kg per pair (single wheel capacity 680kg). Each unit is equipped with four tough nylon casters, and a safety hook and chain for the pedal. The Hy-Jacks are CE certificated and GS/TUV approved.
Available now from Power-TEC and typically priced (per pair) at £299.00 + VAT.
MOT Workshop Magazine
New heavy duty plastic car ramps and versatile under car body board from Laser Tools
Get out and get under with these terrific, heavy duty plastic car ramps (part number 6793) and the super-practical under car body board (part number 6680), both designed to make life a little easier when accessing areas under the front or rear of your car.
The plastic car ramps have a 2.5 tonne capacity and raise the car by 158mm (6.25 inches) which gives an easy working height under the car. The generous 254mm (10 inches) width means even wide wheels can be accommodated.
Although light in weight, the ramps are super stable and will hold the weight of the car securely. They feature a rubber grip on the leading edge which takes the weight of the wheel keeping the ramp still and secure on the ground as the wheel moves forward up the ramp.
Once the car is on the ramps, reach for the Laser Tools Racing branded body board, generously sized at 1050mm in length and 460mm wide (41.5 x 18 inches). Once under the car you’ll feel comfortable on the thick (30mm) cushioned EVA material, its closed-cell construction being splash resistant to fuel, oil and water.
The board features cut-outs on each side to stop tools rolling away. As used in the garage of the Laser Tools Racing BTCC team.
Although both these products are ideal for mechanics and race team technicians they are equally suitable for the car enthusiast who works on his own car and especially classic car owners.
Available now from your Laser Tools stockist at a typical price of £63.86 for the Laser Tools Racing body board (6680) and £148.66 for the pair of plastic car ramps (6793), both prices include VAT.
Remember to check with your stockist for the best prices and special offers.
More details from www.lasertools.co.uk