OESAA Garage Forum member proud to be on ‘front-line’ in championing OE quality
OESAA Garage Forum member proud to be on ‘front-line’ in championing OE quality
The owner of Original Equipment Suppliers Aftermarket Association (OESAA) Garage Forum member, Wiseman Motor Services, has described the association with OE manufacturers as like being on the ‘front-line’ in advocating OE quality at workshop level.
Matt Wiseman recently welcomed technical manager, Alistair Mason, of OESAA member, Schaeffler, to deliver presentations and training demonstrations, featuring LuK wet double clutches, FAG steering & suspension, INA torsional vibration dampers and INA switchable water pumps.
Alistair gave ‘bite-size’ presentations, to update Matt and his team about systems, best practice, diagnosis and future technologies, which generated a lot of conversations about repairs that Matt had seen come through his workshop.
The main topics were around the benefits of an OE switchable water pump, experience in finding inferior torsion vibration damping crankshaft pulleys and why Matt has changed the business’s buying policy to increase profit margin.
Matt recalled: “I experienced a situation where a vehicle’s cooling system was not getting up to temperature, following a timing belt and water pump replacement at another workshop. We eventually traced the fault to the water pump; the original had been replaced with a ‘copy’ non-switchable water pump and, therefore, affected system temperatures and cost the customer another repair.
“With Alistair’s in-depth knowledge of INA switchable water pumps, he explained the difference between the two and the costly effects of fitting the wrong one. This now gives me a better understanding and confidence of the systems, and I will be able to diagnose those type of issues more accurately and quickly in the future.”
Switching attention to the discovery of sub-standard torsional vibration dampening crankshaft pulleys, Matt said: “Sadly, there are alternative parts available on the market which are simply not up to the job. I was horrified with the examples I was shown, which proves to me that I am doing the correct thing by fitting OE quality parts.
“Those components risked the safety of road-users, as well as the reputation of our workshop if we hadn’t of been aware of them.”
Finally, on the point about how he’s improved the business’s profit margin, Matt said: “I’ve learned that constantly revisiting the ‘main dealer’ to buy all the parts I needed was having a detrimental impact on my profit margin. After looking at OE suppliers into the aftermarket and talking to my suppliers, I am now receiving OE parts from my local motor factors and seeing my profit margin returning.”
Dialogue across distribution chain ‘critical’
These kinds of discussions won’t only help Wiseman Motor Services; the messages emanating will also spread to other workshops, ensuring they’re able to stay ahead of the curve and remain profitable.
OESAA Chairman, Nigel Morgan, believes the dialogue between manufacturer, workshop and organisation will be critical in OESAA’s objectives to safeguarding quality up-and-down the distribution chain.
He added: “Having the likes of Wiseman Motor Services as a Garage Forum member is critical. As a group of manufacturers, we need to smell the oil under workshops’ fingernails – we need to receive real feedback, so we can align our messages accordingly and help where appropriate.
“From conversations with Matt, we’re learned a tremendous amount; likewise, he’s shared his concerns and we can support him and other workshops in a variety of ways, whether that be technical or business advice.”
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.”