Availability and range are two attributes that Rotating Electrics remanufacturer, Autoelectro, has used as a barometer of its success over the past three-and-a-half decades, so when the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders announced the UK’s bestselling cars of 2021 so far, the company decided to put its confidence to the test by researching if it had Starter Motors and Alternators for each of the vehicles.

Autoelectro UK Sales Manager, Nick Hood, was intrigued to see what the company’s new part development team would unearth, but he was confident in what they’d find:.

He said: “The team has more than 35 years’ experience in anticipating which references may sell, but fundamentally work on the basis that if the vehicle exists on the roads, then there is a possibility that we can sell a Starter Motor or Alternator for it.

“On that basis, we need to support that possibility and, in turn, support distributor.”

Nick acknowledged there is an “element of risk” to that strategy, as there is a chance of introducing parts that rarely or don’t sell.

Occasionally, a significant amount of time might elapse before a sale is made and a return on investment.

In addition, Starter Motors and Alternators are, generally, a distress purchase.

They’re a ‘wear and tear’ component, as opposed to a service item; however, Nick said Autoelectro would rather stick to its strategy, rather than introduce parts after a sustained period of demand or a few years after the vehicle had been on-sale.

He added: “There might be a feeling that a newer vehicle is likely to remain within the dealer network in the initial stages; therefore, knowing exactly when to introduce a part in anticipation of a spike in demand is challenging, and different vehicle types can show differing trends.”

“Van or light commercial vehicles, for example, could fall outside the dealer or warranty due to excess mileage, which creates much earlier demand for our products.”

Autoelectro boasts a varied range of references, from the latest and most popular to some of oldest and rarest, as well as its growing list of classic car part numbers, and is delighted to reveal that it has both a Starter Motor and Alternator for every model on the list:

  • Vauxhall Corsa f (2019-onwards)
  • Ford Fiesta Mk8 (2017-onwards)
  • Nissan Qashqai Gen2 (2018-onwards)
  • Mercedes-Benz A-Class Mk4 (2018-onwards)
  • BMW 3 Series (2018-onwards)
  • Volvo XC40 (2018-onwards)
  • Volkswagen Golf Mk8 (2021-onwards)
  • Kia Sportage Mk4 (2018-onwards)
  • Ford Puma Mk2 (2019-onwards)
  • Volkswagen Tiguan (2017-onwards)

Nick said: “I’m delighted but not surprised! As an independently owned specialist supplier with an abundance of knowledge and experience, we make it our business to ensure that when we receive a call, we can supply customers with the right part from the shelf without delay.”

The original article can be found on Page 24 of the May 2021 edition of The Garage Magazine and here: May 2021 The Garage Magazine