Motor factors 40 www.aftermarketonline.net JUNE 2025 As the automotive industry continues to evolve, motor factors are constantly seeking new ways to stay ahead by offering the most relevant products to workshops and mechanics. Whether it’s providing the latest lubricants for ICE vehicles or for the growing number of EVs, the aftermarket is innovating to meet the demands of the sector. Castrol has recently launched MAGNATEC 5W-30 P, a lubricant that’s been specially formulated to meet Stellantis’ latest FPW9.55535/03 specification. This advanced engine oil represents a compelling proposition for motor factors looking to expand their product portfolio and cater to a broader range of vehicles with a single lubricant. With a significant proportion of Peugeot, Citroën and DS vehicles on the road, the demand for a high-quality, compatible engine oil is stronger than ever, Castrol said. MAGNATEC 5W-30 P has been designed specifically for engines including EB2 GEN 2, and is also fully compatible with EB2 Turbo GEN 1 and GEN 2, DV5R and DW12RU powerplants. It meets PSA B71 2290 specifications and is also approved for use in hightemperature conditions where PSA B71 2297 is required. For motor factors, this means a highly relevant product that covers 83% of Citroën models, 78% of Peugeot vehicles and 44% of DS vehicles, as well as select Vauxhall, Fiat, Toyota and Mitsubishi models. Meanwhile, engine wear remains a primary concern for workshops and mechanics. Castrol said its analysis shows that 75% of engine wear happens at the start of a journey and continues when cars accelerate, slow down and idle in city driving. MAGNATEC provides an advanced solution, offering 50% better engine wear protection for critical components, clinging like a magnet to the engine’s vital components, the lubricants brand said. And with the growing number of EVs on UK roads, motor factors need to be able to service these vehicles by offering the latest range of EV specific fluids. Castrol’s new fully synthetic, low-viscosity formulations of Castrol ON Transmission EV Fluid W2 and W5 have been specifically developed to deliver low electrical conductivity and enhanced system protection, helping the e-motor run at cooler temperatures and at optimal efficiency. For motor factors, this presents an important offering. Workshops need products that can meet the unique requirements of hybrids and EVs, while maintaining compatibility with the cars their customers drive. By offering Castrol’s growing range of products designed for both combustion and electrified vehicles, motor factors can help workshops future-proof their offering and enable them to better differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive market. www.castrol.com GSF hails Q1 sales boost GSF Car Parts has reported a 19% increase in turnover for the first quarter of this year, despite a challenging start to 2025 according to latest UK automotive aftermarket data. The company said its 194-branch network shows no signs of losing momentum, with March sales alone growing by 22%. The boost came as automotive trade association, the IAAF, reported Factor Sales figures revealing a 3.1% year-on-year drop in unit sales for the overall UK auto market and a 3% decline in value for the first nine weeks of the year. GSF said it has been finding ways to grow market share for several years, having already reported sales increases of over 20% in both 2024 and 2023, making a three-year run of record-breaking growth. The company has announced a raft of investments totalling more than £100 million over the last 12 months, including the opening of its National Distribution Centre near Wolverhampton. A new tranche of branch openings are also set to be unveiled. CEO Steve Horne said: “These results show that the opportunities are there, but our customers have options. “Our loyal suppliers and dedicated teams work tirelessly to keep improving as we must never take customers for granted or become complacent.” )XWXUH SURRᎮQJ PRWRU IDFWRUV
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