Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket has opened a new training centre at its Hereford headquarters, starting a new training programme with a series of clutch courses.

Forty five ‘clutch product champions’ from motor factors took part in a series of intensive two-day courses where they were taught about the company’s LuK clutches. Topics included sessions on how a clutch operates, plus the innovative products available from LuK, such as Self Adjusting Clutches (SACs) and Dual Mass Flywheels (DMFs), right up to the very latest developments including Centrifugal Pendulum Absorbers (CPAs) fitted to the new DMF for BMW, Mercedes and Audi and Double Clutch Technology used by VAG, Renault, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Fiat and Honda.

The course also included tips and advice from the company’s sales managers on selling skills that will help them to provide a top quality service to their independent garage customers. 

Malcolm Short, Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket Technical Services Manager, who is responsible for the technical training, reported positive feedback from the participants. He said, “The response to the two-day courses has been extremely positive. The training sessions were fantastic. Everyone was very enthusiastic and found them invaluable.” He added, “Now we have a home base we can get all the kit out which we would normally not carry around with us to shows and events because of the amount we have. The guys really enjoyed it. We had a complete range of skills from people who had little or no experience to guys that fitted them all the time and our flexible approach catered for all levels.”

Malcolm says the team is now looking forward to undertaking some exciting courses with Schaeffler INA engine components and FAG wheel bearings ranges. “Training our motor factor customers, independent garages and our internal staff is very important to us. When you are at the forefront of technology you are the only people who can teach people about these products and the training facility helps us do that in another dimension.”

The Hereford site is approved as an IMI Awards Assessment Centre which can deliver Quality Assured Awards (QAA) training via its LuK Double Clutch Training Programme, and Schaeffler plans to offer further training courses to companies over the forthcoming months.

Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket spends a lot of time and resource on supplying high quality technical training for its distributor and garage customers and will hold a series of hands-on technical sessions on its stand at the forthcoming MechanEx Show at Event City, Trafford Park, Manchester on May 20 & 21. Staff will be on hand to give tips on a variety of topics including fitting FAG wheel bearings, working on LuK DSG clutches, and INA UniAir products.