March 2021

NEWS Motul join Top Technician/ Top Garage as new sponsor MONTH 2017 AFTERMARKET 5 www.aftermarketonline.net Motul has added its support to Top Technician and Top Garage, becoming a sponsor for 2021. Motul specialises in the formulation, production and distribution of high-tech lubricants of all types, as well as lubricants for industry via its MotulTech activity. It is the best- selling motorcycle oil range in the UK and is renowned for its widespread use in motorsport. The brand is now focusing its attention on the UK workshop sector as part of its expansion drive for 2021 and beyond, offering a product range that covers all servicing and maintenance requirements. Commenting on the move to back Top Technician and Top Garage, Motul UK and Ireland Country Business Manager Callum Goodland said: “Throughout the years, Motul has gained experience as an official supplier to many manufacturers and racing teams, and contributes with them to further technological development which often originates on-track, before filtering down into products for road use. “With OEM approvals from leading vehicle manufacturers, Motul stands for quality across its entire range and, as such, it is delighted and proud to be able to help champion drive for excellence in the UK garage industry through the Top Technician and Top Garage Award initiative.” Top Technician and Top Garage are sponsored by Snap-on, Varta, TechMan, Motul and LKQ Euro Car Parts, and come to you in association with ABC Awards, ADS, the Garage Equipment Association (GEA), the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) and the Independent Garage Association (IGA). MARCH 20 1 AFTERMARKET 7 Car sales in January: Worst new year start since 1970 New car sales fell by 39.5% in January, with the 90,249 vehicles sold during the month providing the worst start to a year since 1970, figures from the SMMT have revealed. The month saw a new national lockdown imposed across England, which meant showrooms had to close. Only click and collect provision prevented an even more significant drop. While petrol and diesel cars registrations fell by 62.1% and 50.6% respectively, battery electric vehicle sales were up 54.4% at 2,206 cars, representing 6.9% of the market. Combined with plug-in hybrids, they made up 13.7% of the total. The SMMT’s latest market outlook has now been downgraded to predict 1.9 million new cars being sold in 2021. While this would be 15.7% higher than 2020, it is still lower than the 10-year average of 2.3 million. Commenting on the figures, SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes said: “Following a £20.4 billion loss of revenue last year, the auto industry faces a difficult start to 2021. The necessary lockdown will challenge society, the economy and our industry’s ability to move quickly towards our ambitious environmental goals. Lifting the shutters will secure jobs, stimulate the essential demand that supports our manufacturing, and will enable us to forge ahead on the Road to Zero.” Sponsored by: UFI Filters exclusive supplier UFI Filters has become sole supplier of the fuel filtration systems for Volkswagen’s 1.6 and 2.0 litres EA288 EVO diesel engines. Used for the VW Golf, T-Roc, Tiguan, Touran and Passat; the Audi A3, Q2 and Q3; the Škoda Kodiaq and Octavia, as well as in the SEAT Ateca, Leon and Tarraco. The diesel filter cartridge is also available in the aftermarket. Rinaldo Facchini, UFI Filters Group CEO, said: “This project is another step forward with respect to our OE presence. Being the sole supplier of this filter also benefits our aftermarket clients who can avail of a product that is of OE pedigree in terms of quality, performance and size.”