OESAA member Brembo inspires workshops confidence and practice improvements following visit
OESAA member Brembo inspires workshops confidence and practice improvements following visit
The owner of Avia Autos
has hailed Original Equipment Supplier Aftermarket Association (OESAA)
member, Brembo, for its professionalism and influence during a visit to her workshop.
Hayley Pells and her team welcomed Brembo Aftermarket Area Manager, Siti Abdullah, to her workshop, who provided comprehensive business, marketing and technical advice and demonstrations throughout her stay.
Hayley, whose award-winning Avia Autos workshop is an OESAA Garage Forum member, heralded Siti’s trip as “rewarding” and “thought-provoking” and, following her recommendations, has implemented a series of workshop practice improvements and bolstered her assortment of consumables and hand tools.
‘Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) go the extra mile’
As part of the visit, Hayley and her team conducted a front brake disc and pad replacement on a Renault Mégane.
Step-by-step, such as checking the connected parts to exclude any external issues that might cause brake issues in the future, stressing the importance of measuring components to ensure a ‘complete repair’ and using the appropriate tools to clean and replace the necessary parts, Siti observed and advised accordingly to ensure an accurate and professional job.
Siti said: “Part of our discussion was the lengths that OEMs go to guarantee the quality of brakes, which is a safety-critical product; for example, infrared cameras are used to find structural flaws, OEMs are given tolerances and the performance of the surrounding parts, so the OE part will perform to the exact requirement of the vehicle – no guess work or reverse engineering.
“There is no compromise on performance or durability of OE, which provides customers with the highest safety levels and value-for-money.”
Hayley added: “Having a job on the ramp and being able to start from scratch was a valuable continuing professional development experience. I was very impressed with the amount of technology involved in the disc and pad kit; Siti’s depth of product knowledge was impressive, no-less expected from someone entrenched in an OEM business, and I enjoyed learning about the production process.
“I was also pleased to see that the fitting kit was included, as presenting a ‘hidden cost’ when the original retaining clips cannot be repurposed can be an awkward conversation with the motorist.”
Start of a long-term relationship with Brembo
Siti shared details of the Brembo Expert
programme with the Avia Autos team and how workshops could increase knowledge. Learning can be logged and assessed, and, as a result, it can be communicated to motorists, which Hayley described as an “excellent marketing tool”.
Hayley said she is excited at prospect of developing the working relationship with Brembo, as she continues her campaign in championing the use of OE products at workshop level.
Such as her eagerness, Hayley is close to completing her Brembo Expert training and has already starting to think about a digital marketing strategy to continue the “story-telling” style that has proven effective and complements Avia Autos’ passion for fitting OE – the core message of her business.
Hayley also revealed how Siti’s guidance has given her a “significant” confidence boost: “I feel more confident in my use of language when it comes to diagnosing and discussing specific brake issues with customer – I can articulate what the root cause of problems are or what they’re attributed to.
“As motorists seek to keep their cars for longer, it is important my team and I ready to correctly advise on long-term vehicular health – braking being one of the principal areas of concern.
“Upselling is fast becoming a relic, and I am glad to see the back of that style of sales strategy in the industry. ‘Right-selling’ will protect motorist engagement and, regardless of powertrain, all vehicles will still be required to steer, stop and stick to the road. If technicians are unsure of which area of technology to invest time for training, they should always have time for brakes.”
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.”