NTDA appoints first ever chairman from the aftermarket

Roger Griggs hands over to Prashant Chopra

Published: 26 June, 2017

The National Tyre Distributors Association (NTDA) has appointed the first ever national chairman to come from the aftermarket since the organisation’s inception in 1930.

Prashant Chopra, Managing Director of Autogem Invicta Ltd was named as the new national chairman at the NTDA AGM, held on 7 June at Automechanika Birmingham.

NTDA chief executive Stefan Hay believes the appointment illustrates the changing make-up of the organisation: “Prashant adds a whole new dimension as his company is an aftermarket supplier member of the Association, which in itself is an indication of how the NTDA is rapidly becoming an association for both tyre professionals and the associated autocare aftermarket, where, over the past three years, we have experienced incredible membership growth.”

Prashant takes over from Roger Griggs, communications director of European Tyre Enterprises Ltd, who has served for an extended period of three years in order to support the implementation and execution of the three year strategic plan introduced by Stefan Hay in 2014.

New UFI light vehicles catalogue
UFI’s Aftermarket catalogue offers an extended total of 3,359 filter references and heat exchangers.

This includes 2,176 LV, 1,065 HD and 118 for motorcycles. Its filters consist of customized media made from premium cellulosic, glass fiber and fully synthetic materials. The range continues to grow, with 227 products for LV, 211 for HD launched over the last three years. UFI covers more than 98% of European vehicles. The digital version of the catalogue is available to download on the website.
UFI Filters enhances UK offering
New names at MAHLE
A pair of new appointments have been made at MAHLE Aftermarket UK. Jason Smith has been named as UK Sales and Marketing Manager. He joined from Ring Automotive, and has 25 years overall sector experience from his career with companies such as Exide and DENSO. Commenting on his new role, he said: “The opportunity to join such a brand like MAHLE was a huge factor in joining the team.”
IAAF Academy launched
The IAAF has launched a new training offering; IAAF Academy. Commenting on the new IAAF Academy, IAAF CEO Mark Field said: “From virtual to practical training, the IAAF Academy will cover all areas of an automotive aftermarket business, helping companies and their teams learn and familiarise themselves with new technology and legislation, while also enhancing personal development skills.

The Academy will also look to work closely with schools, colleges and universities, and in collaboration with School of Thought, the not-for-profit organisation that works to raise the profile of the automotive aftermarket within schools and colleges. As part of the venture, the IAAF has set up partnerships with Heart of Worcestershire College, West Notts College, and East Coast College.
More product innovations from Nissens Automotive
Nissens Automotive (Nissens) is forging ahead with its intense product and service extensions, which it will showcase at this year’s Automechanika Frankfurt.

These portfolio product extensions confirm the premium quality component manufacturer’s strong commitment to expanding its footprint in the automotive aftermarket and support the needs of its wholesale distribution partners by growing their sales potential with new products, many of which will reflect the innovations that play an increasingly important role in the aftermarket with new technology vehicles.

Ongoing component electrification
Electronically-controlled system components, which offer improved efficiency and optimised control, have been an original equipment (OE) feature in vehicle design for a long time. As a result, Nissens has developed the skills and expertise necessary to introduce various new product groups that provide independent workshops with dependable, Nissens Genuine Quality, replacement components for these vehicles.