Aftermarket July/August 2022 Issue

NEWS 6 AFTERMARKET JULY/AUGUST 2022 www.aftermarketonline.net May new car sales: Second weakest since 1992 Continuing supply issues helped to make May’s new car sales the second lowest since 1992, beaten only by May 2020, with a 20.6% drop compared with last year, according to the latest figures from the SMMT. The month’s total of 124,394 cars sold also put the market 32.3% below pre-pandemic 2019. On the plus side, battery electric vehicle (BEV) registrations were up 17.7%, and made up 12.4% of the total. At the same time, plug-in hybrid sales were down 25.5%, and hybrids were up 12%. This meant that three in 10 new cars sold in May were electrified. Despite ongoing EV enthusiasm, AA Cars CEO James Fairclough believes that demand for new cars could drop even further as supply issues continue to plague the industry: “With the exception of EVs, new car sales have been weak for much of 2022. The supply problems show little sign of abating, as lockdowns in China and the war in Ukraine exacerbate the shortage of key materials like steel and semiconductors, and hold back levels of car production. Against that backdrop, the apparent softening of buyer demand now threatens to create a perfect storm for new car sales.” However, it’s not all bad news according to James: “This emerging trend is prompting a steady stream of prospective buyers to switch their focus to the second-hand market instead, and many dealers report that sales of used vehicles are outpacing those of brand-new models. AA Cars research shows that a fifth of drivers are still planning to buy a car this year, and demand and prices are holding up well for the most popular second- hand models.” It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Aftermarket’s founder, Bob Sockl, aged 75, following a long illness. Bob was born in London in 1947. He began his career in sales at the newspaper Daltons Weekly. This was sold to publisher Morgan Grampian in 1972, where he went on to become Publishing Director on a number of titles covering the automotive sector, including Transport Week and Auto Trade. During the 1991 recession, Bob was made redundant, which provided him with the opportunity to start his own publishing company, Crystal Communications. The magazine he launched that year, Garage and Bodyshop Products (GBP), went on to become Aftermarket in 1992. He went on to create a number of additional magazines, including CV Aftermarket, Crash Repairer, and The Technical Book. In addition, Crystal Communications were responsible for the sales and marketing of the Commercial Vehicle Show, held at the NEC. Bob maintained a close relationship with show organisers the SMMT throughout his career. The Top Technician competition was also created by Crystal Communications, and remains a successful event to this day. Bob was Chief Executive of Crystal Communications until 2015, when he sold the business to DFA Media and retired. Bob had an incredible passion for our industry and was well- respected throughout. He was an aftermarket expert, mentor and friend to many people and will be missed. Many people who worked with Bob at Crystal Communications, and in the wider automotive aftermarket have been remembering Bob. Former GEA Chief Executive Dave Garratt said: “Bob always supported the GEA and myself. He was a great asset to the UK aftermarket and since his retirement was truly missed.” Former Aftermarket Editor, Alison Kent, said: “Bob interviewed me for an office junior job. I was 17 years old, and he gave me the job. Over the subsequent 14 years he pushed me, kindly and patiently, to be more than I thought I could be. In my mid-twenties, Bob offered me the Editorship of Aftermarket. I remember a lot of fun times, team late nights getting the magazine ready over fish and chips, and lunches. Bob taught me all about apostrophes and I still drive everyone mad with it now. He truly was the king of the aftermarket. If Bob was on your side, you were never alone with a problem.” Former Aftermarket Design Editor, Louise Ferne, said: “Bob was my boss from March 2000 up until his retirement in 2015. I stayed in touch with Bob after he retired. He was the best boss I’ve ever had. Bob was my mentor, and I am glad to say a friend. He taught me so much and I am grateful for all he did for me. I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without his guidance and advice. He was a bit like Yoda to me, wise and full of knowledge, which he liked to share.” CAT Editor Greg Whitaker, who was Editor of Aftermarket from 2010 to 2013 said: “I was at a trade show when I learned of Bob's passing. Although he had been retired for some years, I kept half expecting to see him checking over the stands. He loved the industry and events like that. I first met Bob in 2010 when he gave me a job at his company. Over the years I learned a lot about the trade, and about life in general from our frequent informal chats after hours. Bob was a great businessman, boss and friend to me. I will miss him a lot.” Industry colleague Rob James said: “So much respect. So much admiration. Words can sometimes be cheap, but Bob Sockl was, is and remains forever a giant of the automotive industry.” Bob is survived by his wife Bobby and daughters Debbie and Jo. If you would like to share your memories of Bob, a memory page has been created: https://bit.ly/3zCTDuO . Also, the family are collecting donations for Demelza Hospice Care For Children. To donate, also visit the memory page. Obituary: Bob Sockl Bob Sockl was, is and remains forever a giant of the automotive industry ” Follow us on Facebook @aftermarketmagazine