2 VN 53 | JANUARY – MARCH 2019
Welcome
Note from the MD
Happy New Year and welcome to the first issue of Vital News for 2019.
2018 has just flashed by and brought with it a
series of significant changes.
For FPS, we saw the completion of our
new 15,000sqft warehouse extension and
canopy at our Sheffield Distribution Centre,
the opening of our Launceston RDC and a
comprehensive reinforcement of our delivery
fleet in 2018. This year, we will be seeing the
launch of another new RDC in Carlisle whilst
our FPS Maidstone RDC will be relocated to
new and improved premises.
Whilst these changes are very significant
to FPS and our customers, we are merely a
drop in the automotive industry ocean. At
the time of writing, Volkswagen Audi Group
announced that it aims to introduce the last
internal combustion engine vehicles in 2026.
That’s just 7 short years away!
On the same tangent, VW has teamed up with
Tesco in announcing plans to install almost
2,500 charging bays at up to 600 stores by
2020. Decisions like these say one thing – the
future has arrived. In the midst of these moves and changes, we
cannot afford to be passive. As history unfolds
before our eyes, we have the opportunity to
embrace the changes, plot our own route and
steer ourselves towards the future.
While the emergence of electrified vehicles
plays a part in this paradigm shift, evolving
market trends and consumer behaviour
are forming ripples within the automotive
industry too. As we depend more on the data
derived from vehicles, organisations like IAAF
and FIGIEFA are lobbying for the aftermarket
to have fair access to this information from
VMs. It is prudent for us to stand behind this
cause for the sake of our future. Furthermore,
as Brexit looms, politico-economic
uncertainties are rife. In this issue, we celebrate change with a
rejuvenated cover and layout as we welcome
our new suppliers, KYB, NRF and NOCO. We
also discuss the current topics that members
of our sector should pay attention to in 2019.
We hope you enjoy reading this issue of Vital
News.
I wish you a successful 2019.
PROUD TO SUPPORT
Jonathan
Inside this issue…
REGULARS
2 Welcome note from the MD
11 Take a Break
19 FPS Product Index
20 Competition Time
WIN a Dyson Pure Hot and Cool Link Purifier,
courtesy of FAHREN.
FEATURES
3 The Paradigm Shift
VITAL NEWS investigates the various murmurings about
the future of the aftermarket. 12 The Genius Choice
NOCO shares what makes their Genius ® Boost
UltraSafe ® jump starters stand out from the crowd.
4 KYB Springs into Gear
KYB speaks to VITAL NEWS about why they are the best
choice for sales opportunities in 2019. 14 Turbo Performance
BTN TURBO & COMMA discuss the impact of oil on
turbochargers.
6 The Minor Differences
NRF sheds light on the difference between brazed and
mechanically assembled radiators. 15 First Class Offerings
FIRST LINE shares some insight on how they stay ahead
in the aftermarket with their wheel bearing kits.
8 Keeping it Clear
GLYCO elaborates on the importance of bearing
clearances in rebuilt engines. 16 Steering the Aftermarket
SHAFTEC speak to VITAL NEWS about their latest
investments in quality and efficiency.
9 Getting Technical: EGR Valves
CAMBIARE provides EGR valve fitting tips on the
potentially tricky Toyota Auris, Avensis & Corolla. 17 Beware of Belt Wear
GATES offers some insight on the tell-tale signs of
belt wear.
10 Blue Print Filtration
BLUE PRINT discusses why quality fuel filters are
essential in a diesel fuel system. 18 Bosch Braking – You can Count on it
BOSCH explains the measures they take to uphold the
quality and reliability in their braking products.