www.aftermarketonline.net JULY/AUGUST 2025 On the road: Automechanika NEC Birmingham 45 the course for the future. NGK Spark Plugs motorsport ambassador Charlie Martin make a special guest appearance, as did ambassador Max Coates. Ring and its parent company OSRAM took part in a Workshop Hub seminar, with its experts discussing vehicle lighting and the impact of glare on the roads. Henry Bisson, marketing director at Ring, said: “Lighting is a hot topic at the minute as there’s a lot of misunderstanding around dazzling light and the cause of this.” Bisson said the seminar tackled the problem head on and gave technicians the details needed to discuss the topic with customers. Supertracker launched its next-generation spacesaving, tablet-controlled CCD aligner. “This launch is all about listening to our customers and delivering a smarter, faster and more flexible alignment solution tailored for the modern workshop,” said Andrew Bates, Managing Director of Straightset. “By reducing the footprint of the system and integrating a handheld tablet for readings right at the vehicle, we’re offering a space-saving and convenient option, without compromising on accuracy or performance.” Thinkcar UK said it had record interest at this year’s show, thanks to live tool demonstrations and a clutch of exclusive offers. The diagnostics specialist showcased its most extensive line up to date, led by popular models such as the Thinktool Expert 391, Euro Max, and Euro 399, alongside new EVfocused solutions including the Master CE EVD and BoltOn EV Kit. Verification of Lubricant Specifications (VLS) welcomed workshop owners and representatives from across the industry o discuss the complexities of the lubricants market and its work to protect workshops and end users by investigating and resolving product complaints. Charman of Trading Standards-backed VLS, Harald Oosting, said: “Workshops face many challenges. Economic pressures are hitting garages and fleet operators hard. Workshops are trying to save money wherever possible by reducing ranges while maximising the number of specifications claimed. However, using cheaper, poorer quality oils or ones that do not meet the correct specification risks the protection needed for owners’ vehicles.” Awards time for winners There was also an opportunity to acknowledge industry’s finest at the Automechanika Birmingham Garage Awards 2025, hosted by the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation. Comedian Stephen K Amos was the special guest speaker at the event, for which the headline sponsor was LKQ Euro Car Parts, on the second evening of the show. This year’s winners were: Garage of the Year – Oldfields Garage. Highly commended: Ferdotti Motor Services. Multi-site Garage of the Year – EAC Telford. H/C: Tustain Motors. Best Single-Site Garage – Markhams Garage. H/C: Atkinson Autotech. Best Community Initiative – Hillclimb Garage. H/C: AG Motors. Best Marketing Award – Mini Repair Shop. H/C: Cleevely Motors. Best Customer Service Award – James Price Garage. H/C: Mouths Motor Company. Auto-Mechanik of the Year – Edd Hunt. H/C: Anthony Jhally. Content Creator of the Year – Marvelous Lara. H/C: Louise Baker. Young Mechanik of the Year – finalists: Cody Price, Josh Ross, Remo Virgilio, Stewart McIlwraith, Thomas-Jay Davies. Lifetime Achievement Award – Bryan Swales (Bryan Swales Auto Repairs); Steve Heath (Moseley Autocentre).
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