6 AFTERMARKET APRIL 2024 www.aftermarketonline.net Three more Full Event Partners have been announced for Top Technician and Top Garage 2024, with Castrol & The Race Group signing up for the first time, and ALLDATA Europe and LKQ Euro Car Parts both returning to back the competitions. Following their debut as a Full Event Partner in 2023, ALLDATA Europe are back, and ALLDATA Europe Sales Director Simon Frost will also be returning to his role as a judge in the finals. He said: “Top Technician and Top Garage are awards that are coveted and deeply respected in the industry. At ALLDATA Europe, we understand the importance of rewarding excellence, and with the exceptionally high calibre of last year’s finalists, we are confident that this year’s standards will not only be met but possibly surpassed. “Furthermore, it’s another opportunity to demonstrate the authority and credentials of ALLDATA Repair. The need to invest in original VM data is as vital as ever, with the growing influence of EVs and ADAS, and we believe Top Technician and Top Garage will give us the perfect platform to demonstrate that.” LKQ Euro Car Parts meanwhile are long-term supporters of the competitions, and according to Kevan Wooden, Group Chief Executive Officer at LKQ UK & Ireland, the organisation is delighted to be back on board: “At what is such a pivotal time for the independent aftermarket, it’s more important than ever that we take the time to recognise the businesses going the extra mile to keep their customers’ vehicles on the road. “Top Technician and Top Garage are always a great opportunity to celebrate those driving the aftermarket forward – be it through the adoption of the latest technology in the workshop, or the provision of top-class customer service – and we look forward to hearing the stories of this year’s finalists.” Top Technician and Top Garage 2024 come to you in association with the Garage Equipment Association (GEA), the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) and the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI). Full Event Partners: Snap-on, TOPDON, JLM Lubricants UK, Delphi, ALLDATA Europe, LKQ Euro Car Parts and Castrol & The Race Group. Trio of major names to back Top Technician/Top Garage 2024 V-Tech teams up with Andy Savva: “Not just any ambassador deal” V-Tech UK has named The Garage Inspector Andy Savva as its new brand ambassador. Commenting on the move, V-Tech CEO Chris Coyle said: “There’s a huge amount of synergy and trust between Andy and V-Tech. This is highlighted by the fact we’re the first garage equipment supplier he’s ever worked with in this way.” He continued: “This is not just any ambassador deal. We’re making it customer-centric. This means, in certain cases, we’ll pay for customers to attend one of The Garage Inspector courses to help expand their skill set and maximise the long-term use of their garage equipment.” Andy added: “It wasn’t a hard decision to work with V-Tech, but I’m certainly not representing VTech to sell their products. Good products sell themselves. I’m here because I know they excel at service – and that’s what really matters to the customer.” New marketing portal MAHLE Aftermarket has opened a marketing portal offering branded merchandise including beanies, cups, pens, notebooks, water bottles, promotional snack boxes, air fresheners and clothing. Commenting on the opening of the new webshop, MAHLE Aftermarket Sales and Marketing Manager Jason Smith said: "By offering easy access to a wealth of branded materials, we're enabling our customers to enhance their visibility and sales. It's an essential tool for any of our customers looking to stand out in a competitive landscape." For more information, visit: www.mahleukmarketing.co.uk New Editor for Aftermarket A new Editor is joining Aftermarket. John Shepherd is taking over the role from Alex Wells, who is leaving to join sector PR and media agency Autotech Communications as Account Director. Commenting on his new role, John said: “I can’t wait to join the Aftermarket team in continuing our first-rate coverage of this sector and building on the great reputation Alex Wells has built for our magazine and online content to date.” DFA Aftermarket Media Managing Director Ryan Fuller observed: “John brings with him a wealth of media experience and a good understanding of battery storage, electric vehicles, and energy. He is looking forward to joining the automotive aftermarket and bringing his ideas and enthusiasm to the role. “He is taking on responsibility for our growing portfolio of industry-leading products; Aftermarket, encompassing the magazine, website and digital, Top Technician and Top Garage, as well as our new launch for 2024, The Aftermarket Event.” Ryan added: “We would like to thank Alex for all his hard work and I’m sure everyone would like to join us in wishing him well in his new role.” NEWS In association with: Full Event Partners:
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