News 10 www.aftermarketonline.net OCTOBER 2026 4XLFN Ꭾ[HVଉ The Independent Garage Association (IGA) has confirmed that Allianz returns as the headline sponsor of the British Independent Garage Awards for 2027. The AA has revealed that deer strikes cost businesses almost £350,000 in damages in 2025. Halfords Group has become one of the latest organisations to become members of The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) GSF’s 14th new branch of 2026 has opened in Blackpool Technology Park in Bispham, Lancashire. NAPA Racing raised over £32,000 for Race Against Dementia at the Knockhill BTCC weekend in early August. Servicesure has expanded into Northern Ireland, welcoming Auto Pro Services in Craigavon as its first member. Alliance Automotive Group UK & Ireland (AAG) has acquired the Irish online retailer of car parts and accessories MicksGarage.com. Over 80% of UK motorists want new drivers to demonstrate basic tyre knowledge when learning to drive according to Bridgestone. Castrol become Chinese vehicle company Chery’s recommended aftersales engine oil and ancillary products partner across Europe. Delphi has become an Associated Partner of Brake as part of its commitment to raising awareness of braking safety *6) ODXQFKHV+RW6WUHDN ZLWK e PLOOLRQ SUL]H SRW Schaeffler is to bring its LuK, INA and FAG aftermarket brands under a more unified Schaeffler identity, with a phased global rollout beginning in the second quarter of 2027. The change will see Schaeffler become the main brand across packaging, advertising, brochures, digital materials and point-of-sale communications. However, the familiar LuK, INA and FAG names and logos will continue to be used as supporting brands. FAG will be the first to make the transition, with new packaging appearing from Q2 2027. Schaeffler says the FAG name will remain visible on the packaging to help maintain recognition during the changeover. Importantly for workshops and factors, the move does not mean changes to the products themselves. Schaeffler says product quality, specifications and part numbers will remain unchanged, along with existing business processes and online catalogues. LuK, INA and FAG branding will also continue to appear on the components. Maik Losleben, Head of Repair and Maintenance Solutions at Schaeffler Vehicle Lifetime Solutions, said the single-brand approach would simplify decision making for installers while retaining the recognition built up by LuK, INA and FAG. The company will also introduce common global product naming standards as part of the transition, with training and customer information planned ahead of each stage of the rollout. 6FKDHᎱHU EULQJV DIWHUPDUNHW EUDQGV XQGHU RQH LGHQWLW\ GSF Car Parts has unveiled a huge line-up of rewards as its “Hot Streak” trade promotion returns. The prize pot is valued at £3 million, and customers can earn a range of rewards, including the latest tech. In addition, one lucky GSF customer will win the keys to a brand-new Range Rover Sport S. Running for ten weeks from 14th September to 21st November, each participating customer will have the chance to earn a choice of rewards including large-screen TVs, the latest game consoles, flagship smartphones, coffee machines and premium headphones and all items will be delivered before Christmas. Customers who regularly achieve their target will automatically be entered into the prize draw for the Range Rover Sport S. Featuring a 3.0-litre 6-cylinder twin-turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive, the latest technology and premium materials. Hot Streak is open to all independent garages with a GSF trade account. To be included in the promotion, garages can register now via the GSF TradeHub (https://trade.gsfcarparts.com/ hotstreak) or contact their nearest branch for more information.
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