Steering, suspension and linkage - internal guide 2023

Steering and suspension guide

Unlimited Mileage Warranty *

For internal use only

Shock absorbers and coil springs overview

4 Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty *

2 Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty *

Aftermarket

Original Equipment

About Starline All Starline shocks and springs go through comprehensive testing and manufacturing:

About SACHS SACHS are part of the ZF group – one of the largest OE suppliers to the automotive industry • SACHS is the market leader for OE quality shocks and springs. Many automotive manufacturers equip their new vehicles with SACHS parts as standard • Ten million new cars each year roll off assembly lines with SACHS fitted as standard • Number one for European parc coverage with 125 years OE heritage. Matching OE quality for spring and shock absorber Leading developer of Continuous Damping Control (CDC) shocks which have additional electronic functions.

• Life cycle test: 600,000 cycles with 50% pre-load condition life test of loaded strut to combine coil spring with bare strut • 100% coil spring compression test • Analysis of salt spray test of surface coating • Starline shock absorbers are 100%GAS charged as standard which benefits from improved ride comfort and reduction in potential noise. Starline is exclusive to LKQ Euro Car Parts and is our go to aftermarket brand for our customers.

Now even better with a four year warranty. Quality product with an affordable price.

5 Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty *

2 Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty *

Original Equipment

Original Equipment

About Monroe Monroe is an OEM premium brand supplying suspension components to most major vehicle manufactures • Application-specific, OE quality and performance • Monroe brand has 100+ years heritage • Monroe’s gas charged technology facilitates faster and more precise response to changing road conditions. Eliminating internal corrosion issues associated with compress-air designs. More than 8.5 million shock absorbers are produced each month for both OE and Aftermarket 1 in 5 new passenger vehicles are factory-equipped with Monroe technology exclusive cyclical salt spray corrosion tested.

About BILSTEIN • BILSTEIN develops innovative state-of-the-art shock absorber technologies for original equipment on a par with global premium car manufacturers • The company is also traditionally at home in international motorsport. Numerous racing victories in both popular and top-level sport around the globe speak for performance made by BILSTEIN.

BILSTEIN’s exceptional expertise and the experience gained in OE development and motorsport directly benefit the aftermarket: BILSTEIN offers a wide range of OE-quality products for OE replacement. BILSTEIN produce around 13 million shock absorbers every year.

* Our steering and suspension warranty is no quibble. It does not include off road use (4x4 days, track days). It does not cover alterations of the manufacturers specifications.

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Product groups

Part number breakdown Shock absorbers: 635

Coil springs: 627

The first three digits represent the product group i.e. Shock absorbers .

The next three digits are sequential as new parts get added to the range.

635

11

019

9

The following two digits identify the vehicle marque for example, BMW .

The final digit represents brand of product such as Starline .

Starline brand identity digit: 9

Monroe brand identifying digit: 6

SACHS brand identifying digit: 0

BILSTEIN brand identity digit: 5

KYB brand identity digit: 2

Brand positioning

Aftermarket

OEM

Our brands

Competitor Brands

Unlimited Mileage Warranty *

Our industry leading unlimited mileage warranty is the ultimate simplified, no fuss, cover which puts the customer first. It offers extra peace of mind at no additional cost, and makes an attractive proposition for the garage to their customer. We are removing the mileage restrictions which have been considered the standard rules and replacing with our unlimited mileage cover. There’s no catch for our customer, simply fit and forget and we take care of the rest.

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4 Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty *

Aftermarket

Shock absorbers and coil springs This range of quality shock absorbers are manufactured using the latest technology complying with prescribed OE specifications. Our emphasis is placed on maximum safety – greater stability while ensuring better vehicle handling. Our offer also includes complete assembled kits for selected vehicles allowing quick and easy replacement of all shock absorber components.

We’ve upgraded our Starline warranty for steering and suspension to four years!

Coil springs specifications: • Manufactured using only high-quality spring steel 55CrSi • Each spring is subject to a full life-cycle test up to 600.000 cycles • 100% coil spring compression test • Every batch receives a raw material tensile strength test • Analysis of salt spray test of surface coating • Salt spray tested.

Shock absorbers specifications: • Follows high precision production processes – the piston rod alone goes through 20 procedures of precision processing • Starline shock absorbers are 100% gas charged as standard

• High quality materials used • Quality control assurance.

Our Starline shock absorbers are all gas as standard – low- pressure nitrogen gas is added to provide enhanced comfort and noise reduction.

* Our steering and suspension warranty is no quibble. It does not include off road use (4x4 days, track days). It does not cover alterations of the manufacturers specifications.

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NEW

Starline air suspension also available, click here to find out more.

4 Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty *

Complete coil and suspension struts This new product group introduced into the Starline range is a complete and ready to fit coil suspension strut assembly. These have been developed as a quicker and safer alternative to changing individual components. The complete coil strut comes ready assembled with shock, coil and top strut mounting including bearings. Saving ever increasing labour costs and workshop time. The complete strut can be changed with limited tools and time.

Application (Front, Left) Vauxhall Corsa D (standard suspension) (Front, Right) Opel/Vauxhall Corsa D (standard suspension) (Front, Left) Ford Fiesta Mk V 2001-2008 (Front, Right) Ford Fiesta Mk V 2001-2008 (Front, Left) Ford Fiesta Mk VI 2008-2017 (petrol) (Front, Right) Ford Fiesta Mk VI 2008-2017 (petrol) (Front, Left) Ford Fiesta Mk VI 2008-2017 (diesel) (Front, Right) Ford Fiesta Mk VI 2008-2017 (diesel) (Front, Left) BMW 1Series (2004-2013) without M Sport (Front, Right) BMW 1Series (2004-2013) without M Sport (Front, Left) BMW 1Series (2004-2013) with M Sport (Front, Right) BMW 1Series (2004-2013) with M Sport (Front, Left/Right) Audi A1(8X) / Skoda Fabia (6N)/ VW Polo (6R)

How does this new range help a workshop?

1. There is no need to use a spring compressor.

2. There is no need to worry about damaged top mount bearings, when or after changing the spring.

3. There is no need to worry about a worn shock absorber failing quickly after changing the coil spring.

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2 Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty *

Original Equipment

SACHS car shock absorbers are of the highest quality, which is one reason why numerous well-known automotive manufacturers fit them as standard in new vehicles. Every year, over 10 million new cars roll off the assembly line fitted with SACHS shocks. Equally, SACHS applies its OE expertise to spare parts production, so its aftermarket shock absorbers are always state-of-the-art, which means a safer, more comfortable and contemporary drive. No matter what challenges the road presents, the chassis performance and dynamics SACHS aftermarket shocks provide ensure perfect road grip and cornering.

SACHS has a car shock absorber for every requirement, e.g. monotube and twin-tube dampers, suspension struts, spring carriers (shock absorbers with spring plate) and suspension cylinders (auto shocks with hydraulic levelling system).

* Our steering and suspension warranty is no quibble. It does not include off road use (4x4 days, track days). It does not cover alterations of the manufacturers specifications.

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SACHS offer the world’s largest range of coil springs, featuring more than 10,000 applications covering the majority of European and Asian vehicles on the road today. All springs are corrosion resistant through the use of Zinc Phosphating, adding an additional layer of protection between the paint and the spring. SACHS produces all springs from parallel steel ‘spring wire’, with a consistent wire diameter throughout the length of the spring.

Why SACHS? • Exceptional Matching OE quality, optimised reliability, with a long service life • Premium quality parts manufactured from high-quality materials • State-of-the-art technology and processes.

• SACHS offers an extensive high-quality range of products for the European and Asian vehicle markets, including suspension springs and other complementary products for passenger cars for all needs • Number one for European parc coverage • Ten million new cars each year roll off assembly lines with SACHS fitted as standard • Leading developer of Continuous Damping Control (CDC) shocks which have additional electronic functions • SACHS are part of the ZF group – one of the largest OE suppliers.

Coming soon Major range extension on “Dust Cover Protection Kits” product group: 634,

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2 Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty *

Original Equipment

BILSTEIN – partner to the automotive industry The technical knowledge conveyed over 140 years is the basis of BILSTEIN’s success. BILSTEIN is only too pleased to pass on its know-how as a leading suspension experts to smaller auto businesses. What began as a family company in 1873 has been structured as a group since 1988 and as a 100% thyssenkrupp subsidiary since 2005 with the corresponding economies of scale to open up international markets with BILSTEIN products so that more and more drivers all over the world can convince themselves of the benefits of shock absorbers and suspensions in BILSTEIN quality in future.

* Our steering and suspension warranty is no quibble. It does not include off road use (4x4 days, track days). It does not cover alterations of the manufacturers specifications.

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Comprehensive product portfolio BILSTEIN combines original equipment (OE) and motorsport development with aftermarket and tuning competence in a very special way. It is not only original equipment know-how that flows into the shock absorbers but also the relentless attention to detail, which is expressed in the intensive road tests to ensure the optimum coordination of the shock absorbers. In addition to development and manufacturing, “Made in Germany”, the BILSTEIN road test is a unique and every coil over suspension has been put to the acid test in a road test at the company’s own test circuit in Papenburg or at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Uncompromising quality and top performance are the goal of every BILSTEIN application.

Why BILSTEIN? • BILSTEIN develops innovative state-of-the-art shock absorber technologies for OE on a par with global premium car manufacturers • The company is also traditionally at home in international motorsport. Numerous racing victories in both popular and top-level sport around the globe speak for performance made by BILSTEIN • OE development in motorsport directly benefit the aftermarket • BILSTEIN offers a wide range of OE-quality products for OE replacement • BILSTEIN produce around 13 million shock absorbers every year • Made in Germany.

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5 Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty *

Original Equipment

Monroe is one of the global automotive industry’s best known and most trusted brands, delivering innovative original equipment and replacement ride control solutions – including shock absorbers, struts, and steering and suspension components. This heritage, with more than 100 years of delivering leading-edge products for passenger cars, light trucks, SUVs, buses, vans, severe service applications and commercial vehicles, has made Monroe a leading brand among vehicle manufacturers, service professionals and consumers worldwide.

Monroe helps bring innovative solutions to the aftermarket as each new generation of original equipment ride control technology will eventually become an aftermarket service opportunity. As a premier supplier of OE ride control products to vehicle and equipment manufacturers worldwide, we’ve helped establish a standard of excellence for product reliability, endurance and ride and handling performance. Our global OE leadership is more than a quality advantage – it also helps ensure quality replacement products are available for virtually every popular vehicle model, at every stage of its service life.

* Our steering and suspension warranty is no quibble. It does not include off road use (4x4 days, track days). It does not cover alterations of the manufacturers specifications.

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Monroe offers options as well presenting high-quality ride control solutions designed and crafted to surpass the original ride and handling qualities of each vehicle. Offering mid-level technologies that deliver exceptional performance, dependability and value, as well as reliable and cost-effective products tailored for older vehicles.

Why Monroe? • 1 in 5 new passenger vehicles are factory-equipped with Monroe technology • More than 8.5 million shock absorbers are produced each month for both OE and Aftermarket • Every day, 800 million kilometres are driven on Monroe shocks • Exclusive cyclical salt spray corrosion tested • Bi frequency and fatigue tested for durability with 67,000+ hours invested annually • Application-specific, OE-style quality and performance • 100% on-vehicle tested and fit-checked to ensure OE-style fit.

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Top Strut Mounting overview

4 Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty *

Aftermarket

Starline top strut mounting Top mountings are a hidden suspension component, but are just as vital as shock absorbers and coil springs. Many top mountings have a bearing which the suspension assembly pivots on. They also help absorb road vibrations being transmitted through steering components to the driver thus giving a quieter drive free from vibrations caused by uneven road surfaces and potholes.

Our Starline top strut mount range covers a high percentage of the UK and Ireland car parc with excellent availability and depth of stock. But what else makes this product range stand out: • Starline is competitively priced for the trade • Professional quality and fit • Tested to a high standard • Large number of products come with bearings.

All Starline products are manufactured by renowned suppliers who have substantial knowledge and experience working with these selected products groups meaning you get a trusted “Automotive Solution” every time.

Check the suspension strut mounts every 12,000 miles and replace them every 56,000 miles Always check the suspension strut mounts during inspection and make sure to replace them in pairs. Recommendation Also recommended to replace during the coil or shock replacement. Already included in the labour so why not replace while already stripped down.

* Our steering and suspension warranty is no quibble. It does not include off road use (4x4 days, track days). It does not cover alterations of the manufacturers specifications.

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1 Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty *

Original Equipment

NTN-SNR is one of the world’s leading designers, developers, and manufacturers of bearings, linear modules, constant velocity joints, encoders, tensioners, vehicle spare parts, maintenance products, and servicing solutions NTN-SNR top strut mount suspension kits contain products for each type of vehicle, including: • Includes the latest generation strut bearings. While simple in appearance, the strut bearing is in fact a very technical part that integrates an increasing number of features (spring seat, bump stop seat) as technology evolves, thereby saving both weight and space • Strut mount with 2 filter zones to separately filter vibrations from the spring and the shock absorber rod to ensure OPTIMAL comfort • Additional components are available when required for assembly, including rebound cups, washers, bolts, nuts, etc.

Why NTN SNR • Quality and performance • Original quality products • A range covering the majority of European vehicles • Complete kits, with all the elements for a complete repair • A strut mount with high-quality rubber and metal inserts.

1 Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty *

Original Equipment

Corteco is one of the leading suppliers of components for the Independent Automotive Aftermarket. As a member of the global Freudenberg Group, we supply over 26,000 products in OEM quality. Independent garages trust in Corteco spare parts and therefore benefit from the original quality made by Freudenberg. Corteco has manufacturing plants/ distribution centres in over 15 different countries. What’s available from Corteco • Suspension strut mount without ball bearing • Suspension strut mount with ball bearing • Suspension strut mount with integrated ball bearing • Complete repair solution includes: dust cover, bump stop, spring cap, strut mount, nuts, bolts and washers, rubber buffer.

Why Corteco • Leading OE • OEM quality and performance • A range covering the majority of European vehicles • Strut mounts include ball bearings.

* Our steering and suspension warranty is no quibble. It does not include off road use (4x4 days, track days). It does not cover alterations of the manufacturers specifications.

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Steering product overview Integral to its ride, handling and safety, a vehicle's steering and suspension system is an intricate network of linked components. Since this system is also typically one of the first affected when it comes to the ever changing road surfaces, those same parts can be the first to wear out or even fail – accelerating wear and tear on other parts, and compromising the vehicle’s stability, control and ultimately safety. Our linkages range is split between Aftermarket, Premium Aftermarket and OEM, meaning we have a range of product to suite any application and any budget for our customers.

Steering and suspension products take the brunt of what our road networks have to offer, equating to over 19% MOT failures.

4 Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty *

3 Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty *

Premium Aftermarket

Aftermarket

About Starline The Starline brand has been at the forefront of the automotive industry, supplying high quality products at affordable prices for workshops • As well as a comprehensive range of steering linkage parts, Starline also includes a range of 150+ subframes and 100+ axles. The Starline linkage range consists of over 3,500 parts with new parts added continuously, giving coverage to over 98% of the UK car parc with a four year unlimited miles warranty. Starline brand is exclusive to LKQ Euro Car Parts.

About Optimal • For over 30 years, OPTIMAL have gained

a reputation for quality engineered parts with their steering and suspension linkage parts which comply with European and international standards for the aftermarket, i.e. IATF 16949:2016 and ISO 9001:2015. • Over 1,000 parts in the OPTIMAL range have the further quality accreditation TUV underlining their quality credentials. We have over 2,500 OPTIMAL parts in our steering and suspension linkage range. These offer better quality materials than the standard aftermarket brands e.g. high quality grease used in ball joints reduces wear, environmentally friendly E-coating on the arms provide highly effective protection against corrosion, chemicals, impacts, scratches and bending so the parts function longer.

2 Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty *

Original Equipment

About Lemforder / TRW • Lemforder and TRW are the only true OEM brands in the UK • Over 50 vehicle manufacturers use Lemforder parts as OE, 75% of all Aluminium control arms used by EU vehicle manufacturers as OE are supplied by Lemforder • Part of the ZF SACHS Group.

Lemforder and TRW offer the most comprehensive OE quality range of steering and suspension linkage in the UK aftermarket. 2 year warranty, OE manufacturer, 98%market coverage.

* Our steering and suspension warranty is no quibble. It does not include off road use (4x4 days, track days). It does not cover alterations of the manufacturers specifications.

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Product groups

605 Inner tie rod / tie rod assembly

615/616 Front suspension arm 650 Anti roll bar bush

614 Anti roll bars

606 Tie rod end

617 Ball joint

618 Suspension bush

623 Subframe bush

624 Rear control arm

630 Steering knuckle

632 Stabiliser link

684 Rear axles

685 Subframes

Part number breakdown The first three digits represent the product group i.e. Front suspension arm .

The next three digits show the specific part and will follow in sequence.

615

59

306

9

The following two digits identify the vehicle marque for example, Ford .

The final digit represents brand of product such as Starline .

VM, Febi, Firstline, other supplier brand identity digit: 0

Corteco, Hutchinson, Lemforder brand identifying digit: 5

TRW brand identity digit: 6

Starline brand identity digit: 9

OPTIMAL brand identifying letter: F

Brand positioning

Premium Aftermarket

OEM

Budget

Aftermarket

Our preferred brands

Other brands we may stock

Competitor brands

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4 Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty *

Aftermarket

Why choose Starline With over 20 years of experience in sourcing and manufacturing parts, all centred around a skilled team of professional people who are working to create a range that can be used in every workshop. • Starline has a wide range of linkage components under the Starline brand including ball joints, tie rod ends, suspension arms, stabiliser links, bushes, tie rods, wishbones and also a growing range of subframes, radius arms, rear axles and stabiliser link repair kits • Our linkage range consists of over 3,500 parts • High quality aftermarket product, tested to meet the highest standards

Workshop benefits • An extensive portfolio of trusted products spanning over many categories • Excellent availability • Aftermarket brand, 98% market coverage • Consumer confidence, by driving down our returns rate through continuous improvement • Always affordable professional quality • Exclusive to LKQ Euro Car Parts • 4 years warranty and unlimited mileage.

* Our steering and suspension warranty is no quibble. It does not include off road use (4x4 days, track days). It does not cover alterations of the manufacturers specifications.

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Find out more about subframes and why they fail an MOT

Click here to read

4 Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty *

Starline subframes and axles Starline offer a range of subframes and beam axles which cover the most popular applications and are available same day/next day. Our Starline products use OE spec or better material and, in cases where the possibility of corrosion is extreme, we increase the thickness of the plating and add additional drain holes and points.

What’s in the range? • 100 rear axles which offer a solution where changing the complete axle is a much better than changing a worn bush • 150 front and rear subframes for popular vehicle marques such as BMW, Citroen, Ford, Mercedes, VW and many more available on demand • 4 years warranty and unlimited mileage.

* Our steering and suspension warranty is no quibble. It does not include off road use (4x4 days, track days). It does not cover alterations of the manufacturers specifications.

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3 Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty *

Premium Aftermarket

OPTIMAL For 30 years the OPTIMAL brand has gained a reputation for high quality engineering. The parts are manufactured in line with OE methods, using quality materials and equipment. OPTIMAL Automotive GmbH guarantees excellent quality for you by carrying out regular inspections throughout the entire manufacturing process. This is why our steering and suspension parts are so reliable. The majority of these items are put through special tests, certified and approved byTÜV SÜD. So that we can keep up with today’s demands for the newest generation of parts, we are constantly expanding and continuing this process.

We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to pull together a premium offering that is comparable to OE. Over the next coming months we will be increasing our stock holding in all branches, so that you have the stock you need to offer to your customers confidently.

Why OPTIMAL steering and suspension • Manufactured to exacting standards using the same processes to those used for OE components • Tested to withstand temperatures of 120°C to -40°C • Salt spray testing for 1,000 hours • Over 1,000 steering and suspension products certified byTÜV SÜD • Covered by a 3-year warranty • The range offers parts suitable for hybrid and electric vehicles.

* Our steering and suspension warranty is no quibble. It does not include off road use (4x4 days, track days). It does not cover alterations of the manufacturers specifications.

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Click here to read our latest OPTIMAL brochure

What’s in the OPTIMAL range • Stabiliser links • Bushes • Tie rod and tie rod ends • Control arms • Steering knuckles.

Why OPTIMAL is unique OPTIMAL parts are OEM quality made from cast steel, sheet steel and aluminum lightweight materials with environmentally friendly e-coating which provides highly effective protection against corrosion, chemicals, impacts, scratches and bending. The ball joints are life-lubricated with semi-synthetic grease which reduces stick-slip, minimises starting and running moments and offers high corrosion protection. OPTIMAL has the widest range of TÜV-SUD tested steering and suspension parts.

Get ready for electric Electric and Hybrid vehicles are generally much heavier than ICE vehicles due to the battery weight and, as such, will require stronger, more durable parts. OPTIMAL offer more than 900 parts suitable for over 200 Electric and Hybrid Vehicles.

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2 Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty *

Original Equipment

Full range of steering linkage products With a wide and varied product range, TRW/Lemforder cover a huge selection of requirements which is why they are your one-stop solution for OE products in the aftermarket. Manufacturing all sorts of linkage products from tie rod ends to control arms and ball joints, TRW/Lemforder have developed forged aluminium, forged steel, nodular cast iron and stamped steel to give our customers lightweight parts for efficient and flexible performance.

A deeper look at some of the products in range

Stabiliser links With corrosion resistant stabiliser links made from glass-fibre reinforced plastic, you can give drivers safe, efficient and strong performances at all times. The use of such high-quality materials allows us to reduce the weight and damping vibrations of our stabiliser links and where glass fibre material is unsuitable due to space restrictions, we’ll supply proven steel steering linkages.

Tie-rod ends and assemblies Our tie-rod ends use a two-seat design as standard, which means there is no need for a spring, which will extend the life of the part. A 24-hour salt spray test means that they can be trusted at all times, but to be sure we’ll also perform dynamic and elasticity tests as well. TRW tie rod assemblies are all adjustable to the needs of each individual chassis, and with a large selection, we’ll even provide a full OE standard repair kit to go with them.

* Our steering and suspension warranty is no quibble. It does not include off road use (4x4 days, track days). It does not cover alterations of the manufacturers specifications.

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Why TRW / Lemforder • Premium brand of linkages, TRW and Lemforder are both from the ZF Group • Circa 1900 SKUs for Lemforder and 600 for TRW • Both these brands cover off Linkage parts • TRW/Lemforder are OEM on the majority of vehicle manufacturers • Excellent Car Parc coverage up to 97% • Some linkage parts are made from aluminium to keep down the weight of the vehicle – These parts will be specified from vehicle manufacturer • Aluminium parts are more durable in adverse conditions (Cold weather, potholes etc) • EV applications, these are more hard wearing to cope with weight (Upgraded bushes / Better ride through treated bushes to give better damping effect). Other products in the portfolio include: • Front and rear tie links – offering better straight-line stability • Centre links – ensuring an efficient, straightforward connection with the idler arm • Idler arm – providing pivoting support for the steering linkage • Pitman arm – converting the angular motion of the sector shaft to linear motion • Wish bones, ball joints, anti roll bars, bushes and track control arms all form part of the range.

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Don’t miss opportunities to increase your branch income and exceed your individual targets. Steering and suspension products are what are known as ‘just intime’ products and feature heavily when a vehicle has an MOT. This means they are products garages need there and then because the vehicle tends to be on the ramp. Make sure you exhaust every option when it comes to placing an order for a customer. If they don’t buy from you they are most definitely getting this product from a competitor. With our line up of product we have a depth of range that will suit most customers, whether they want an Aftermarket product or OEM –WE HAVE IT. Identifying opportunity with customers

Think about the vehicle type Look at vehicle age when identifying which brand to push. It is likely that a customer with a 15 year old ford fiesta would want a lower priced product (i.e. Starline) than a premium product such as SACHS or TRW.

Know your customers Segment your customer base into specialist and all-makes so you know what products to push depending on which customer you are talking to.

What the challenge? Each branch has been set a target for their TSMR workshops. Targets differ based on current steering and suspension sales, but also the identified customer opportunities in your area. The product targets are broken down by the following months:

• September – shocks, springs and linkages • October – shocks, springs and linkages • November – shocks, springs and linkages What’s the reward?

Each month, every branch that hits their steering and suspension target £ and their overall branch margin target £, will receive £333.33 into their Branch Rewards Account – meaning if you hit the target each month – you will have racked up £1,000 for your branch!

Who to target and why

Steering and suspension repairs are critical to workshops of all sizes, and are a staple for MOT centres, which see almost 20% of their failures caused by this product group.

With our updated product pricing, and contact plan customers tweaked prices – you can sell any of our brands, with their market leading warranty, with confidence.

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Upselling

Unlimited Mileage Warranty *

There are various ways you can upsell when it comes to steering and suspension.

Remember Our biggest upsell opportunity is our warranty. No other manufacturer offers “unlimited mileage”. If our products don’t last the warranty period we can replace*

* Our steering and suspension warranty is no quibble. It does not include off road use (4x4 days, track days). It does not cover alterations of the manufacturers specifications.

Offer shock absorber dust covers and strut dust cover boots. These fit over shock absorbers and struts within the coil spring. Their main job is to protect your shock absorber and struts from dirt and contaminants. Recommend these when components are stripped down.

It is best practice to replace shocks and springs in pairs to maintain optimum performance. Always recommend to customers in pairs.

On certain vehicles, try recommending the Starline complete coil and suspension strut. An easy fit with no tooling needed.

Next steps

• Run reports to show where customers haven’t spent on steering and suspension over the course of 3 or so months. You can call these customers to find out why they aren’t ordering from you and in turn address any issues they may have and bring them back to us • Use Yell/Google in addition to your MIS list to identify possible opportunities for new accounts in general and this in turn will create orders and opportunities to sell. Upselling/cross selling • If you have any queries regarding products, look at our Product Manager directory on Sharepoint to find out who to contact.

• Is our offering closely aligned to the customers’ requirements? If not, work with your manager to create an offering that is more appropriate for your customer • Look over your customers historical spend on steering and suspension and the % split between other product groups as well as brands. You can then see where you need to adapt to the customers changing needs • Do you know what your customers are buying from your competitors? If you know this, you have a clear target group – you can target customers when we have promotions on certain brands, if they haven’t ordered from you in a while, you can try and entice them back – they are ordering their products from somewhere make sure it’s us

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August 2023

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