OESAA Chairman: ‘OESAA and workshops working together to create a brighter future’
OESAA Chairman: ‘OESAA and workshops working together to create a brighter future’
Following his decision to step aside as managing director of Schaeffler, one could be forgiven for assuming that Nigel Morgan was ready to sail off into the sunset; however, as Original Equipment Suppliers Aftermarket Association (OESAA) chairman, he is as dedicated as ever and committed to supporting workshops by championing the benefits of original equipment (OE).
Back in 2013, concerned about misleading claims of ‘OE matching quality’ products in the aftermarket, Nigel sought to put any rivalries with other OE manufacturers (OEMs) to one side and collaborate to confront the issue:
“A number of OEMs agreed that they needed to unite. The job was too big for one company to take on; resources, personnel and knowledge were needed to contest misconceptions in an industry that had standards to uphold,” he said.
“There were well-documented concerns and critiques of the idea, many of whom claimed this new alliance was attacking the right of the workshop to choose which parts to fit; however, the reality was that it was protecting the workshop, by highlighting the fact that the industry was becoming saturated with suppliers claiming to be selling OE or matching OE parts when they weren’t.
“The group wanted to highlight the benefits of OE, pointing out that OEMs work hand-in-hand with vehicle manufacturers (VMs) when designing, manufacturing and testing components, so they will possess unique knowledge that can be passed on to workshops should they seek advice.”
Spreading the message at trade events
Part of its initial strategy was to pitch itself in front of technicians at trade events, such as Autoinform Live and MECHANEX, to generate an awareness in the industry. OESAA members also produced a series of posters that workshops could utilise, to help convey the important message of fitting OE parts to customers’ vehicles.
Over the years, as the influence and size of buying groups has grown, price difference between OE and non-OE has shrunk, according to Nigel, which means affordability should not be a contentious issue; however, Nigel believes there are still some workshops that require assistance and believes OESAA can play a pivotal part, highlighting digitalisation as one of the areas that workshops should focus on.
In a bid to understand the attitudes and needs of the workshop better, OESAA has expanded its network and enlisted the help of several workshop owners. The OESAA Garage Forum is designed to analyse and debate ideas and trends in the marketplace, as well as share thoughts on how the organisation can support and futureproof workshops.
Nigel explained: “One of the forum members claimed that her workshop required appropriate equipment to sanitise keys, to ensure that handover between workshop and customer was COVID-secure and both were more comfortable, so OESAA agreed to launch the ‘We’ve got you covered’ initiative, which featured refillable spray guns and an anti-microbial key tray. OESAA distributed 4,000 packs to workshops, by recruiting leading UK distributors to help deliver them, which was a phenomenal success.
“In addition, OESAA has begun a series of joint technical workouts and presentations, utilising the facilities of the forum members, to diagnose and replace parts with OE components. Step-by-step guides will be produced, available to view either in the automotive press or online, which will prove invaluable.”
‘Workshops will need to think about a specialism’
As the organisation welcomes a trio of new OEMs in the form of Brembo, Motul and Fil Filter, with a high probability of welcoming even more before the end of the year, Nigel is confident that OESAA has a bright future, with each member having an important role to play.
As for workshops, Nigel believes it is only a matter time before they have to focus on a specific product category, to cater for the ever-changing aftermarket:
“I am convinced that workshops will have to become specialised because of the proliferation of brands, vehicle technology continuing to evolve and the increasing complexity of vehicle repairs. As a result, I think it’s vital that workshops liaise with OE brands to help achieve that.”
Representatives from Banner Batteries, MAHLE, DENSO, Bosch, Schaeffler, and Brembo will showcase the pedigree of the automotive aftermarket and highlight their expertise to students and apprentices nationwide as OESAA Academy Live makes its return. Three events at Gloucestershire College , Exeter College , and Fareham College will take place on the 16th and 17th October, as well as the 14th November, respectively. These events aim to bolster practical knowledge, showcase technological advancements, and prepare the next generation for successful careers in the automotive sector. The successful format of previous OESAA Academy Live events will be repeated, featuring informative presentations, dynamic demonstrations, and engaging seminars delivered by dedicated OESAA members. DENSO’s Mike Sadler will provide an in-depth exploration and demonstration of spark plugs. He will offer valuable insights into their various functions and importance, as well as the type of plugs available in the automotive aftermarket. Brembo’s Siti Abdullah, meanwhile, will present an overview of braking systems. Her presentation will introduce the importance of safety in using OE and share best practices to enhance the quality of repair and replacement. Colleagues from Schaeffler, MAHLE, Banner Batteries, and Bosch will also showcase their unique skillset at OESAA Academy Live. They will be united in their approach to providing the next generation with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in their studies and future careers. OESAA Chairman, Nigel Morgan, added: “It feels great to be returning to colleges after the summer break. Our members are equally refreshed and excited to get back on the road, ready to deliver inspiring and thought-provoking sessions to students and apprentices. “The aforementioned colleges have been tremendous; they’ve subscribed to our approach and, like us, want to deliver outstanding OESAA Academy Live events. It’s vitally important we demonstrate the attraction of the automotive industry.”
Gloucestershire College is eagerly preparing to host OESAA Academy Live. This highly anticipated event, set to take place on Wednesday 16 th October, will offer a unique chance for students and staff to engage directly with industry leaders and explore the latest advancements in automotive technology. Following the successes at Trafford College, Suffolk New College, and HEAT at Blackburn College, OESAA Academy Live continues to provide invaluable insights and hands-on experience to automotive students and apprentices. OESAA Academy Live will return after the summer break, with Gloucestershire College set to host the first of three events: Exeter College and Fareham College will also welcome OESAA on Thursday 17 th October and Thursday 14 th November respectively. OESAA Academy Live will help students “familiarise” themselves with industry standards Gloucestershire College is proud to be part of this initiative, which aims to bridge the gap between education and industry. Gloucestershire College Lecturer in Motor Vehicle, Robert Papps, is thrilled at the prospect of students receiving information first-hand from OEMs for the first time. He said: “Gloucestershire College is excited to be involved in OESAA Academy Live, as it gives both our students and staff the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the latest, industry-standard products the group has to offer. “For many of our students, this will be the first time they hear key information directly from a manufacturer, giving them the opportunity to ask questions and hear first-hand from those already in the trade.” Robert also focused on the real-world experience and guidance students and apprentices will observe and absorb. He added: “By attending this event, our students will gain vital experience. It will prepare them for the working world and equip them with crucial skills for when they start their time in the industry.” The event will feature a series of informative presentations, dynamic demonstrations, and engaging seminars. These are all designed to showcase the latest products and technologies, best practice techniques, and potential career pathways within the automotive sector. This direct interaction with OESAA members, OEM representatives, provides students with a unique perspective on the industry and its future. OESAA Chairman, Nigel Morgan, emphasised the continued importance of these events. He said: “OESAA Academy Live has garnered positive feedback from both students and tutors. Our curriculum, organisation, and passion have resonated well. We are confident that our members will once again deliver valuable content to learners at all levels. “These events are crucial; giving back to the grassroots of the industry is essential and demonstrates to everyone involved that the sector is dynamic, inclusive, and profitable.
The Original Equipment Suppliers Aftermarket Association is pleased to announce three new locations and dates for its successful OESAA Academy Live college roadshow. Following triumphs at Trafford College, Suffolk New College and HEAT (Hybrid Electric Automotive Training) at Blackburn College – where hundreds of students and apprentices got a front-row seat as to how OEMs are shaping the sector, what technologies, challenges and innovations are likely to shape the industry, and what successful careers they could forge in the future – OESAA Academy Live will return after the summer break with events at Gloucestershire College , Exeter College and Fareham College . OESAA’s members will visit Gloucestershire and Exeter on back-to-back dates of Wednesday 16 th and Thursday 17 th October respectively, while Fareham will host the final event of the year on Thursday 14 th November. Informative presentations of the latest products and technologies, dynamic demonstrations of best practice and diagnosis techniques and engaging seminars that illustrate potential career pathways will be on the agenda once more. Participating OESAA members will be revealed in due course; however, all are united in their quest to prepare students and apprentices the best they can, as they embark on a livelihood in the automotive arena. OESAA Chairman, Nigel Morgan, said: “OESAA Academy Live has been well-received by both students and tutors. Our approach – curriculum, structure and enthusiasm – have hit the mark, so we’re confident our members will be able to provide valuable content to learners of all levels once again. “These events are extremely important; being able to give something back to the grassroots of the industry is vital and illustrates to all involved that the sector is vibrant, welcoming and profitable.”