What have you been. reading online?

TRENDS DIGITAL DIGEST
What have you been. reading online?
As we push into the second-half of the year and look forward to a bumper few months ahead, we pause and look back at what’s been making headlines and attracting attention on our website. From news and business to trends and product spotlights, we have you covered!

Our visit to Arnold Clark Autoparts
We paid Arnold Clark’s Glasgow head office a
flying visit a couple of months back, keen to understand the strategy behind Autoparts, the car retailer’s motor factor arm since 1991.
PMF staff were chaperoned by Group Factor
Manager and IAAF President, Craig McCracken.
Donning the famous red and blue tie, the proud Scot was a fantastic host. Tours can be slow, tedious, but this was the polar opposite; Craig was on fantastic form, full of fun but mixed with experience, professionalism and leadership qualities.
GO TO www.rdr.link/FAH018

Duckhams Oils on the impact- or lack of one – following ICE-ban delay
Jabir Sheth, Duckhams chairman, delved into the ICE-ban delay and its possible effects: “Catering to the diverse and ageing vehicles on our roads, since 1899, Duckhams Oils has been offering high-performance engine oils formulated to keep engines of all ages moving. Improved reliability and the cost-of-living crisis means motorists are in no rush to switch to EVs.
“Whilst alternatively powered vehicles are increasing their share of new car sales, petrol was still the most popular choice for new registrations in the EU in September 2023, with petrol and diesel accounting for 46.8% of all registrations. Diesel continues to dominate new truck registrations and is still the most popular choice for new van registrations. These vehicles will still be on the roads by 2035 and beyond.”
GO TO www.rdr.link/FAH019

→ The evolving role of the motor factor
In part two of his interview, then GSF Divisional
Director, Simon McMullen, tackled the evolving role of the motor factor, shifts in product range and car parc, and
what advice he would give a young person looking to forge a career in this sector.
On the latter, he told us: “I advise my younger team to listen to the customers’ needs as individuals, opposed to a generic approach. All customers are unique, as are their requirements. Getting to know the customers as individuals opposed to them being just an account number is a key ingredient for successful long-term working relationships. Customer service is paramount.”

Autosupplies on Leisureways of Rotherham renovation
Rotherham branch, David Clarke, Autosupplies Group’s managing director, took time out of his schedule to answer questions about the transformation:
“Our recent refurbishment enhances stockholding, introduces a new retail area and office facilities, and improves amenities for our 25 staff members in Rotherham.
“Autosupplies Group has been gradually improving the premises since we took over in
2019, but due to increased retail and trade business, we took the decision to completely refurbish the entire building, which boasts an impressive selection of parts, paints, refinish products, tools and accessories.”

TotalEnergies looks at sustainable vehicle maintenance
Total Energies Marketing UK Business Development Manager, David Valentyne,
told us that demand
for sustainable vehicle maintenance products
is growing, so by
offering the right
lubricant, you can
deliver environmental
and commercial
benefits to your workshop customers.
He argued that while the ban on the sale
of petrol and diesel cars has been moved back to 2035, the transition to EVs remains a
key pillar of the government’s net zero policy. He claimed: “This delay may allow garages more time to adapt to a shrinking pool of ICE vehicles, but it doesn’t mean
they can’t or shouldn’t be adopting
sustainable principles today.”

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