Nationwide Autocentres is performing well for Halfords one month after its acquisition.

It has delivered like-for-like sales growth of 5% in the four weeks since the buyout was completed on February 18, 2010.

Rebranding the 224-strong chain of service and repair centres as Halfords Autocentres will begin in the coming financial year.

RETAIL STRONG

In the UK retail market, Halfords also reported positive trading for the 11 weeks to March 19, 2010. It posted increased revenues of 1.3% with like-for-like sales 0.8% higher than the previous year.

But it was margin-enriching car maintenance products and services that led revenue performance, delivering like-for-like growth of 13%.

This reflects the effect of the prolonged winter weather together with a record quarter of fitting participation of bulbs, blades and batteries, the company said in a statement.

The news was not so good in the leisure category, which traded below expectations. Cycle revenues in particular delivered disappointing performance with revenues only increasing by 1.9% on a like-for-like basis.

SAT NAV CHALLENGES

The company also said that the satellite navigation market remains challenging with revenues continuing to decline sharply year on year.

David Wild, Halfords CEO, said the results point to a strong year of trading for the group with full year earnings now expected to grow by 25%.

“The acquisition of Nationwide Autocentres, completed during the quarter, logically extends our successful service proposition and provides a further opportunity for future growth,” he said.

“The financial year has been a positive one for Halfords and with both of our divisions continuing to trade strongly in the fourth quarter, we expect that full year Group earnings before exceptional items will be ahead of market expectations.

“Looking forward, while the consumer environment remains challenging, we are confident that our leading positions, combined with further cost saving initiatives, will enable us to deliver another good result in FY11.”

COST SAVINGS

Halfords plans to make cost savings of around £6m by changing its distribution centre infrastructure and “realigning” store labour.

The group’s performance in Central Europe has not mirrored UK activity, with the operation posting an operating loss of £2.8m. Halfords will close its seven stores in the Czech Republic and Poland this summer.

The AlcoSense One breathalyser retails at £24.99

The recent drink drive prosecution of rugby legend JPR Williams has prompted AlcoSense to come up with a list of urban myths about bluffing police breath checks.

Williams tried to get away with drink driving by putting a penny under his tongue. And failed.

So next time you’re trying to sell one of Alcosense’s breathalysers, you’ll have the following objection busters at the ready…

URBAN MYTHS – BUSTED

1. Strong coffee will keep me alert, sober me up
   Wrong! Only time will rid your body of alcohol. Caffeine in coffee cannot keep you alert and restore judgment
2. Bigger people can handle their alcohol better
   Body size can affect in the rate alcohol is absorbed but you must also consider individual metabolism, the amount of rest you had and when you last ate
3. Put a piece of metal in your mouth, suck a copper coin
   Scientifically proven to be a load of old claptrap
4. Hold your breath before the test
   This will actually have the opposite effect and make your breath reading falsely high because the concentration of alcohol in the air in the lungs will become higher because the air is not passing through them
5. Hyper ventilate before the test
   This will lower your breath sample but the Police are wise to it – that’s why they’ll talk to you for a few minutes before the test to make sure you haven’t got the chance
6. Spray fresh breath spray into your mouth before the test
   Most breath sprays have a very high concentration of mint, which can fool the breathalyser into reading higher!
7. Burp it out
   Again, this one’s more likely to put you behind bars of the metal variety! It causes alcohol from the stomach to rise up into the esophagus and mouth, where it will stay until it has dissipated
8. Drink lots of water
   A breathalyser measures the content of alcohol in the air in your lungs and contrary to popular belief has nothing to do with your stomach or urine

Retail prices for Alcosense breathalyers start at £24.99.

A1MS has increased its warehouse space by 9000 sq ft

In a recession bucking move, A1 Motor Stores has opened a brand new warehouse just two years after branching out into distribution.

The retailer buying group has relocated its Distribution Centre to new 13k sqft premises in Hinckley, Leicestershire, after outgrowing its original 4k sqft Peckleton depot.

“This gives us tremendous scope to widen the range of products we supply and bring members additional profit opportunities,” A1MS chief Derrick Lawton told CAT magazine.

And, appealing to new members, he added: “Because we are not-for-profit and are owned by our members, the cost saving we offer is just so great.”

This April will see a focus on bike tyre safety

Tyre retailers and motorcycle accessory shops are being urged to make use of free campaign materials now available from tyre safety organisation TyreSafe.

The campaign, in connection with April’s bike tyre safety month, aims to make riders aware of the dangers associated with poor tyre condition, pressure and tread dept.

Stuart Jackson, Tyresafe chairman, said: “During April, many riders will take their bikes out on their first ride of the year. It is vitally important that these riders have their tyres checked properly.”

Bikes stored over the winter are at risk of tyre damage as a result of cracking or rubber deterioration, which could mean potentially unsafe or illegal riding.

Jackson added: “We hope that many dealers across the UK will once again support the campaign by displaying promotional materials and offering free tyre safety checks and advice.”

Car cleaning on the cheap

Watch out retailers: Dri-Pak, a seller of natural cleaning products, is urging car proud motorists to look no further than their pantry for upholstery and carpet cleaning products.

It is advising consumers that good old-fashioned white vinegar – on the market for around 99p – can do the job just as well as new-fangled chemical lotions and potions.

“To get your car interior sparkling again,” it says, “start by vacuuming mats, carpets and upholstery to remove any loose dirt or debris.

“In a clean trigger spray bottle, mix a solution of equal parts white vinegar and warm water and shake well.

“Spray the vinegar solution onto affected areas and rub with a soft, clean cloth. Repeat the process until the stain has disappeared.”

But removing lingering odours may take a little longer than using modern products.

The company advises: “Sprinkle the affected area with Bicarbonate of Soda and leave for 4 to 6 hours before vacuuming away.”

The digital radio switchover debate has begun

SMMT chief Paul Everitt has been questioned by The House of Lords Communications Committee on the challenges facing industry over the move to digital radio.

The Government’s Digital Britain report states that by 2013 all vehicles should be fitted with digital radio as standard.

And by 2015, when the FM content will move to digital radio, all vehicles on the road should be equipped to receive the digital signal.

At the Inquiry, Everitt explained: “A pan-European approach to the introduction of digital radio in vehicles is vital to a successful switchover.

“Every one of the 31 million vehicles currently on UK roads will be affected by the switchover, so coverage and content concerns must be satisfied, in addition to a means of converting existing FM radios to receive the digital signal.”

The Committee heard that the Government should clarify how a digital platform could support traffic information, as well as the feasibility of continuing transmission of traffic information on FM.

The Inquiry also heard that satellite navigation relies on the FM signal for its traffic information and that significant investment will be required to enable the full functionality of these devices post-switchover.

Everitt stressed that it was important for broadcasters to engage with consumers to raise awareness of digital radio and the breadth of content on offer to increase demand for as-standard equipment in vehicles.

GT’s Geoff Clarke (right) receives his award from Peter Barker, general manager, Thule UK

GT Towing has been awarded Thule UK’s 2009 Dealer of the Year award along with £1000 worth of products.

The Hertfordshire-based company impressed its supplier with its “strong in-store displays, excellent aftersales service and implementation of the monthly [Thule] electronic trade letter”.

“We are very proud to receive this award,” said Sally Smyth, GT’s director. “Thule have a large display area in our showroom and this has clearly paid dividends.

“We ensure that our staff are thoroughly knowledgeable on our full range of products and services available and also provide a complete fitting service.”

Atlas Autos in Manchester and Epic Accessories of Leicester were close contenders for the title. Epic Accessories also won Window Display of the Month in August 2009.

Meanwhile, Bob Bleazard has been named Thule’s Salesman of the Year after achieving a 40% increase in sales over the last 12 months.

He said: “All the agents found 2009 tricky for sales but the strength of the Thule brand has led us through to a stable overall outcome.

“Considering the circumstances, we have all achieved well.”

Light output difference between halogen (top) and xenon (bottom) headlights

Drivers who use xenon headlights drive up to 70 percent more safely but many are put off by the price, according to research by the German ADAC motoring association.

The study found that xenon light provides two to three times more light than halogen versions. However, it also recognised many drivers are put off by the comparatively expensive xenon versions.

“The price is not wholly to blame as the study showed 56 percent of car drivers still do not know enough about xenon,” commented Hella lighting expert Steffen Pietzonka.

“Common misconceptions about the alleged strong glare caused by xenon headlights were strong although researchers found that xenon does not generally cause more glare than other headlights.”

Revolution's new Subaru web shop

CAT Magazine’s Retailer of the Year, Revolution Performance Motorstores, has had a busy start to the new decade, not only winning the 2010 accolade but expanding its internet retailing operations.

The Gateshead-based retailer has launched a new website targeting Subaru Impreza owners. The online store deals solely with lines for the Subaru marque and has a particular emphasis on the Impreza.

The website includes fitment guides and Revolution claims the wheel section houses Europe’s largest online wheel and tyre store for the Subaru marque.

It has more than 150 styles of wheels on display and offers 33,000 fully priced wheel and tyre packages.

Tuning, styling and maintenance products are also well served with secure online payment facilities that use 3D encryption technology and password account protection.

“We are genuinely excited about this next chapter in Subaru online retailing,” said managing director Glenn Campbell.

“By grouping all these products on one dedicated site, we’ve created a convenient facility for our customers, helping them to navigate more quickly and easily.”

80 new Halfords Autocentres will open in 3 years

Halfords has ramped up its share of the £9 billion car aftermarket by buying the UK’s largest independent service, repair and MOT chain.

The retail empire announced its £72.3 million purchase of Nationwide Autocentres from Phoenix Equity Partners to the city this morning.

Phoenix acquired Nationwide in February 2006 alongside the senior management team: Duncan Wilkes, CEO, Bull Duffy, COO, Andy Stevens, CFO and Mark Taylor, commercial director.

Since then, the chain’s turnover has increased by 30 percent to some £97 million and profitability is up by 75 percent.

Duncan Wilkes and Bill Duffy will now join Halfords with Nationwide.

Halfords already operates a bulbs, blades and batteries fitting service as well as a Scratch, Chip & Dent body repair service at its 446 retail outlets in the UK.

Its existing car maintenance portfolio together with cycling contributes some 60 percent of the company’s total revenues.

Halfords now takes ownership of Nationwide’s 224 workshops across the UK and will rebrand them Halfords Autocentres.

The company also plans to double the size of the network, with 80 new sites expected to open within the next three years.

It says the additional autocentres will create around 1000 new jobs.

David Wild, Halfords CEO, said the expansion into the car servicing and repair market is a logical move:

“Car maintenance is a large and highly attractive sector where there is increasing demand from motorists for reliable service at affordable prices.

“We have grown strongly in this market through the provision of expert advice and our “wefit” services, and Halfords Autocentres will complement our retail business closely.”