Editor’s comment 3 www.aftermarketonline.net SEPTEMBER 2025 Editor John Shepherd john@aftermarket.co.uk +44 (0) 1732 370 345 Head of Sales Angela Lyus angela@aftermarket.co.uk +44 (0) 7823 736 629 Managing Director Ryan Fuller ryan.fuller@dfamedia.co.uk Marketing Manager Hope Jepson hope.jepson@dfamedia.co.uk Production Design Anthony Wiffen production@aftermarket.co.uk +44 (0) 7851 612799 Finance Department accounts@dfamedia.co.uk +44 (0) 1732 370 340 Contributors Dee Blick | Darren Frogson Grant Thunder | Martin Turner Published by DFA Media Group 192 High Street Tonbridge Kent TN9 1BE +44 (0)1732 370340 ISSN 2516-9149 Aftermarket is published 10 times a year and is sent free of charge to applicants meeting the publisher’s criteria. All others may subscribe at £60 per anum, £120 Europe and £150 rest of the world. While every care is taken to provide accurate information, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or ommisions, no matter how caused. All rights reserved. No part of the publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior consent of the publisher. The views of contributors do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. Copyright: DFA Aftermarket Media Ltd 2026. Average net circulation July 2024 to June 2025 22,797 Gearing up for a new year of challenges Welcome to the first edition of Aftermarket for 2026. The automotive sector has some tough issues to consider as the months ahead unfold — not least understanding the real impact of the UK’s zero emission vehicle mandate targets. The European Commission unpacked an end-of-2025 surprise when it announced it was scrapping a proposed 2035 ban on the sale of new internal combustion engine cars, with car manufacturers required to comply with a 90% tailpipe emissions reduction target. This is an issue that now poses urgent questions for the UK, and the National Franchised Dealers Association is calling for the government to re-evaluate our own ZEV targets. Read more about this in the news pages. Meanwhile, one of the country’s leading motor factors is warning that independent garages are under pressure as businesses start to feel the impact of electric vehicles entering the MOT and servicing cycle. GSF Car Parts says it fears a lack of understanding of EVs in the market, paired with poor availability of parts, poses a major threat to the sector. But there is plenty to cheer about too. It’s still not too late to make a new year resolution, so why not set yourself a goal of giving your business brand a boost? Start by taking a leaf out of a new book by bestselling small business author, Dee Blick, who has some top tips for the aftermarket in her first column in this issue. Talking of aspiration and innovation, I was delighted to catch up with a young garage systems entrepreneur who is steadily making a name for his new company in the UK. Find out more about why Will Brunt is rapidly becoming a driving force in the garages sector in this issue’s Garage Visit. We’ve also got our regular packed features section highlighting musthave products on the market — plus latest insight and developments in electronics and engine management, filters, batteries, oils & lubes and more! Last but definitely not least, we are firing the starting gun on the 2026 Top Awards. This promises to be another exciting year as our search gathers pace to find contenders for the industry-leading accolades. Are you up for the challenge of putting your skills and expertise to the test in the prestige Top Technician, Top Garage and Top Apprenticeship competitions? If you’ve never entered previously — or are ready to join the fray again — find out more about all you have to do on pages 20 & 21. Then get to work on your entry and join the race to show our judges why you’re the best! John Shepherd Editor
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