As high street retailers start to reopen with restrictions beginning to ease, it has been ‘business as usual’ throughout the pandemic for automotive suppliers, distributors and workshops that have continued operating to keep essential vehicles on the road.
As a longstanding member of the Federation of Engine Remanufacturers (FER), Ivor Searle has maintained production during this challenging time, acting decisively at the start of the pandemic to ensure continuing supply of its reman engines and other major units, by introducing robust safety measures to protect staff and suppliers.
Looking at market trends, the surge in home delivery to support online sales, which according to the ONS grew by 46% in 2020, has created strong demand for light vans. Alongside fleets, a large number of vans are run by owner operators, which are typically older vehicles. Ivor Searle has seen this trend translate into strong growth in demand from workshops needing replacement major units for LCVs, alongside an increase in diesel van DPF cleaning volumes.
Overall, the economic argument for remanufactured products has never been stronger, providing garages with the opportunity to save up to 40% against the cost of buying a brand new OEM unit. When it comes to engines, FER members also provide customers with the reassurance that they are purchasing units produced in accordance to the standards specified by BSI AU 257:2002. Developed by the FER, this important standard clearly differentiates quality remanufactured engines from inferior reconditioned units.
Alongside quality, good service is vital to the success of any business in terms of the products they offer and their interactions with existing, new and potential customers. For workshops sourcing a major unit, a supplier’s swift response can make all the difference in helping get their customer back on the road. A fast turnaround helps to secure repeat business and referrals for the garage and more sales for the distributor and remanufacturer. Ivor Searle aims to support customers by holding comprehensive stocks and provides free next day UK mainland delivery on stock items ordered before 3.30pm to minimise downtime.
With benefits to workshops, drivers and, most importantly the environment, engine remanufacturing looks set to continue to play an increasingly significant role as the motor industry increases its focus on sustainability and reduced consumption of raw materials.
David Eszenyi, Commercial Director of Ivor Searle and current President of the FER, explains:
“As well as providing a cost-effective alternative to manufacturing brand new products, remanufacturing plays an important part in the drive towards becoming carbon neutral, as it reduces the consumption of raw materials and energy. For example, a remanufactured engine from Ivor Searle, saves around 55kg in core metal and typically uses 85% less energy than manufacturing a brand new one. Also, an average of 85% of an engine’s original components are returned to OEM specification in the remanufacturing process.
Filed under: FER Ivor Searle, Ivor Searle engines, reman engines