THE CANDIDATES: SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR

SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR

Bosch
Twice CAT’s Supplier of the Year, Bosch needs no introduction. It has been a pioneer of new technology ever since 1886. In 2009, it has invested heavily in its training schemes and Bosch Car Service network (the only OFT-approved scheme on the market), updated its popular KTS range of diagnostic equipment and launched a raft of other innovations.

Denso Aftermarket Sales UK
Denso Aftermarket Sales UK was established in 2003 as the company’s 1^st ‘localised’ aftermarket operation in Europe. The last 12 months have seen Denso’s growth accelerate with a raft of new product launches, including cabin filters and thermal systems. It is also gaining kudos among the trade with its sales support and training programmes.

Haynes Publishing
With a heritage that stretches back more than half a century, Haynes has become synonymous with automotive repair and in recent years has capitalised on its brand status with a range of gifts to support sales of its manuals – 1m have been sold in the UK in the last year. The company is a staunch supporter of the Right to Repair Campaign.

Klarius
Klarius is an OE and aftermarket supplier of exhaust systems, catalysts, lambda sensors, filtration systems and shock absorbers. It has 3 production facilities and 4 distribution platforms in the UK, France, Italy and Spain. The company has actively campaigned for the introduction of catalytic converter and exhaust type approval legislation.

Motaquip
Established in 1981, Motaquip supplies a comprehensive range of all-makes parts to more than 200 distributors. Its Partnership Programme, launched 10 years ago, has helped more than 59 motor factor start-ups into business, while its Garage Programme now has more than 400 members. Its electronic parts catalogue gets more than 1m hits per month.

NGK
NGK has been active in the UK since 1975 and today is the brand leader in the UK spark plug aftermarket. Central to its strategy has been a commitment to delivering “the perfect match for every engine”. It is an aftermarket favourite not just for its glow plug, spark plug and lambda sensor ranges but its levels of service and customer incentive schemes.

UK Batteries
The recession hasn’t stopped UK Batteries from growing in 2009. Among other developments in the last 8 months, it has installed a new IT system, relaunched its Platinum brand with new labeling and POS material, secured the rights to the iconic Oldham, Tungstone and Crompton brands and acquired 2 new distribution sites in Northern Ireland and Corby.