Aftermarket March 2023

MARCH 2023 AFTERMARKET 63 www.aftermarketonline.net The seventh episode in the ongoing video series “Suspension Fundamentals – powered by BILSTEIN Academy” has been released to YouTube. This instalment covers which applications suit which BILSTEIN shock absorber. In the video, Rainer Popiol and Mustafa Yavuz, BILSTEIN’s shock absorber experts, offer suggestions on how to provide customers with the right shock absorber. Mustafa Yavuz from Technical Support at commented: “If the customer was satisfied with the driving characteristics of the intact OE suspension, then the B4 is exactly the right shock absorber for them. The BILSTEIN B6 shock absorber, with its special damper setting, is particularly suitable for vehicles that are often heavily loaded, for trailer operation or for cars with a gas tank. Based on the B6 shock absorber, BILSTEIN also developed the B8 shock absorber. It is the perfect high-performance shock absorber for especially racy driving. It is shortened and can thus ensure the preload of lowering springs or sports springs. The BILSTEIN B8 shock absorber is designed for almost all lowering spring sets and OE sports suspensions and offers a noticeable advantage in terms of safety and sportiness.” To view the video, visit: https://youtu.be/sOj6Zl9246w New suspension video from BILSTEIN ACADEMY The winners of the IMI’s 2022 Skills Competition have been named, and their victory means they will be going international at the World Skills Competition in 2024. 23 winners for the Light Vehicle Technology, Body Repair, Refinishing and Heavy Vehicle categories emerged from an original cohorts of 500 students and apprentices. Having been nominated by their tutor or employer, each competitor undertook an online quiz, participated in a one-day practical national qualifier and underwent training days and employer visits. The finalists then gathered at Cardiff and Vale College for a two-day practical live final for World Skills UK. They completed their final six tasks in front of a team of volunteer judges. The Winners Light Vehicle Technology Gold: Ewan Griggor, AM Philip Truck Tech, Skillnet Silver: Robert Griffin, Cecil & Lerter Volvo, Calex UK Ltd Volvo Bronze: Charlie Taff-Lavill, Volkscraft, South Devon College Body Repair Gold: Ieuan Morris-Brown, IRG Pontypridd, Cardiff and Vale College Silver: David McKeown, JMAR Accident Repair, Riverpark Bronze: Ben Priestley, Bordersdown Bodyshop, Riverpark Refinishing Gold: Adam Neville, Lookers, Charles Hurst, Belfast, Riverpark Silver: Bethany Creaser, FMG RS,Remit Bronze: Dominic Everington, Steer Group, EMTEC Medallion of Excellence: Liam Shipp, FMG RS, Thatcham Heavy Vehicle Gold: George Hinkley, Scania, Remit Silver: Max Winter, Adams Morey, Skillnet (DAF) Bronze: Aleksander Zielechowski, PCL West Thurrock, Remit IMI Competition Manager Richard Hutchins observed: “2022 has been another challenging year for the sector, yet we have seen a cohort of highly skilled automotive apprentices, of all ages, step forward. Once again, we have been impressed with the determination, commitment and technical skill of all applicants for this year’s Skills Competition. The judges had a tough job to select the winners.” Following their win, the 23 successful candidates will be going to the World Skills International competition, taking place in Lyon in September 2024. For more information, visit: www.theimi.org.uk/landing/imi- skills-competitions/ IMI names Class of 2022 Skills Competitions winners