News 18 www.aftermarketonline.net July/August 2024 In association with ETB Wholesale is ramping up investment to position the firm as one of the biggest regional players in the sector — including a sales deal with Indian multinational tyre manufacturing company Ceat. The company said new tyre partnerships is part of its business drive along with promotions and a boost in its online presence. An ETB spokesperson told Aftermarket on June 10 financial details of the Ceat agreement are not being disclosed. However, ETB said the deal allows for a four-tiered tyre proposition for customers, with the super-budget, economy, mid-range and premium ranges all catered for. In addition, sell-out promotions are being introduced for the first time, while the business’ online presence is being boosted. ‘Compelling’ Sales director Paul Carter said sales have been extremely positive during quarter one and the firm has generated a lot of momentum. “We’ve achieved a great deal in a short space of time and thanks to the assets we’re bringing into the business, we’re extremely excited about our potential to become an even more compelling player in the wholesale sector.” ETB already has a huge selection of tyres to its name and is a leading operator in the Midlands, Wales, southwest England and Cornwall, stocking brands including Bridgestone, Davanti, Landsail and Ceat. The company operates from regional tyre distribution centres in Bridgend, Chepstow, Exeter, Plymouth, St Austell and Worcester, with a ‘rapid response’ on-demand service in selected areas. ETB Wholesale rolls out Ceat deal as business ramps up The National Franchised Dealer Association has unveiled seven key ‘asks’ of the next government to support the automotive retail industry. A call to overhaul the “flawed apprenticeship levy” is among requests contained in the NFDA’s election manifesto. The other six ‘asks’ in the manifesto, unveiled on June 4, are restimulating the private EV market, mandated annual public chargepoint targets, outlining a “clear plan for future road pricing”, removing what the NFDS said are unfair regulations for heavier, electric vans, increasing HGV MOT capacity by introducing delegated testing and reducing business rates. NFDA chief executive Sue Robinson said automotive retailers employ 78% of the 758,000 working in the sector, which sees a turnover of around £100 billion. “Our manifesto recognises the transformative changes sweeping through our sector as the UK transitions towards the electrification of its parc, whilst addressing core challenges such as the ongoing skills shortage.” “The next few years will be crucial for our industry, and it is essential that the next government works with the sector and offers robust support on these key issues,” Robinson said. 6FKDHᎱHUૼV call for garage video stars Schaeffler is urging garages to step into the spotlight and take part in a new series of videos highlighting the benefits of apprenticeships. The first of its REPXPERT ‘wrenches and wisdom’ series of videos, filming of which is scheduled to start in the autumn, aims to reflect real-life stories and experiences. The initial series of videos will tour UK workshops, reflecting on the journeys of those who have made a successful career in the garage industry and seeking valuable insights on how to best attract fresh talent. Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket UK sales and marketing director, Matthew Selby, said yesterday: “We are calling on garages to register their interest in participating and sharing their unique perspectives. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase your personal journey into the trade… or to offer innovative ideas on how to engage and inspire the next generation of automotive technicians.” Aftermarket reported in May that Schaeffler had hailed its first national REPXPERT conference for UK garages as a success. More than 200 attended Coventry’s Manufacturing Training Centre for the event, which was designed to capitalise on the company’s regional REPXPERT Academy Live events. NFDA in pre-election call WR RYHUKDXO ૻᎯDZHG OHY\ૼ
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