Aftermarket April 2022

www.aftermarketonline.net APRIL 2022 AFTERMARKET 3 CONTENTS BUSINESS 10 Big issue: EV infrastructure 12 Adam Bernstein: Stop the hacker part 1 14 International Women’s Day 16 Garage Marketing: Websites 18 Second hand car market 20 Advertising feature: Distrigo 22 Advertising feature: TPS TOP TECHNICIAN/TOP GARAGE 24 The best of both worlds TECHNICAL 26 Aftermarket of the future 28 GEA: Vehicle lifts part 3 30 Frank Massey: Process not problems part 2 32 Snap-on: Motor control systems 36 Ryan Colley: Attack of the clones 38 Andrew Marsh: The Lotus eaters 40 Kalimex: Question Time IN FOCUS 42 Steering and suspension 46 ADAS/wheel alignment 50 Rotating electrics PLUS... 53 General products/Competition 54 On the road: Hella mega macs x launch 56 Garage visit: CM Automotive 58 EVs and hybrids 60 Apprenticeships: Full potential 62 Training update 64 Recruitment 66 Teabreak WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR? Editor | Alex Wells alex@aftermarket.co.uk | +44 (0) 1732 370 345 Sales: ryan.fuller@dfamedia.co.uk | +44 (0) 1732 370 340 Contributors Adam Bernstein | Damien Coleman, Ryan Colley | Natalia Gauth | Garry Jones | Andrew Marsh | Frank Massey | Paul Wakeling Managing Director | Ryan Fuller ryan.fuller@dfamedia.co.uk | +44 (0) 1732 370 340 Project Liaison Manager | Emma Floyd emma.floyd@dfamedia.co.uk | +44 (0) 1732 370 340 Finance Manager | Caren Brown caren.brown@dfamedia.co.uk | +44 (0) 1732 370 340 Chief Executive | Ian Atkinson ian.atkinson@dfamedia.co.uk | +44 (0) 1732 370 340 Published by | DFA Media Ltd 192 High Street, Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 1BE Alex Wells, Editor Average net circulation July 2019 to June 2021 18,265 aftermarketmagazine @aftermarket01 ISSN 2516-9149 Aftermarket is published 10 times a year and is sent free of charge to applicants meeting the publisher’s criteria. All others may subscribe at £60 per anum, £120 Europe and £150 rest of the world. While every care is taken to provide accurate information, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or ommisions, no matter how caused. All rights reserved. No part of the publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior consent of the publisher. The views of contributors do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. Copyright: DFA MEDIA LTD 2022. A little over two years ago, COVID-19 was a faraway problem, and a health issue too, so not something I expected to be writing about within the pages of Aftermarket. A couple of months later, I started running what I dubbed the Coronavirus round-up, where I collected all the industry-relevant COVID-19 stories from the last few weeks into one handy article. Late last year, we got to the point where I felt the strand had run its course, and I quietly shelved it. This time one month ago, Russian forces were massed around the Ukrainian border, and there were widespread fears that the country could be invaded. Fast forward a few weeks, and I have already written some articles covering the impact the situation could have on this sector, in terms of the supply chain issues. Let’s hope in two years time we have all left this crisis behind. By the way, this is my 50th issue of Aftermarket as Editor. When I agreed to helm the title in early 2017, I figured it would be more of what I was used to, i.e. extended blather about new car tech and parts. I didn’t expect to find myself covering global pandemics and international crisis. I guess you never know where work will take you. Onto the main contents of the April issue then. In Big Issue on pages 8-11, we look at whether the roll-out of EVs could be constrained by the slower pace of infrastructure development, and how this might affect garages. Then, on page 12, Adam Bernstein is back, asking if you have considered the risk posed by hackers. We next examine the issue of the women in the sector. That is on pages 14-15. We start a new series on marketing on page 16. On the technical side, on page 26, we begin another new series, Aftermarket of the future, with the return of an old friend of Aftermarket’s Neil Kennett. We also hear from the GEA, with their third piece on vehicle lifts. That is on page 28. Frank Massey’s look at process, not problems is on pages 30-31, while across pages 32- 35 Snap-on’s Damien Coleman examines motor control systems. Ryan Colley gets into some electronic issues with a SEAT Leon on pages 36-37, while on page 38, Andrew Marsh asks what the future might hold for Lotus. This section finishes off with Kalimex, which features a fascinating interview with DPF Doctor Network founder Darren Darling and a case study from member Keith Shanahan, see pages 40-41. On one of our trips out recently, we visited the HGS H.Q in Northamptonshire to see some of its new kit. That is on pages 54-55. We also dropped in on Top Garage 2021 winners CM Automotive in Bristol. You can find that on pages 56-57. We also have features on steering and suspension, ADAS and wheel alignment and rotating electrics. Lastly, on the Top Technician and Top Garage front, Top Technician 2022 is now into round 2, but Top Garage round 1 is still open. Have you entered yet? If not, do it now. There is so much to play for, and so much to win. Turn to page 24 now to find out how to sign up.