Mike Owen, head of the IAAF Garage Section

Independent garage champion Mike Owen has been appointed to lead the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation’s new Garage Section.

The IAAF was established in January 2010 when the ADF reformed with a remit to represent the entire independent aftermarket supply chain and bring solidarity to the sector.

Quintin Cornforth, IAAF past president, said: “We are pleased to announce that Mike Owen, a revered and passionate representative of the independent garage sector, has joined the IAAF team to head up our garage section.

“Mike is known as a no-nonsense personality whose experience in this particular role is second to none and he unquestionably fulfils all of our criteria for this position.”

Owen, who formerly headed up the RMIF’s Independent Garage Association, kicked off his tenure with a rallying call for independents to get behind the Federation.

“I am truly looking forward to this exciting new challenge,” he said. “The intention for the future of the independent garages through the IAAF is to create the premier association for the independent sector.

“However, this association is all about one fundamental point – to help independent repairers have a sound future, while delivering unquestionable quality to their customers and making proper profits.

“Independent garages should now rally to the flag and show their solidarity to an association that is totally focused on their wellbeing. I have every faith that the IAAF’s garage section will be that organisation.”