After providing brake and clutch components to motor factors and the aftermarket sector for over 40 years, National Auto Parts is changing its name to MJAllen Automotive, with a new website now live and new product ranges coming soon. Marketing Manager, MJAllenGroup, Tom Taylor, explains more:
Originally founded as Barton National Autoparts, it was acquired in 1984 by the MJAllen Group, a collective of precision engineering and structural metalworking businesses across South East England.
Changing to MJAllen (MJA) Automotive will bring the aftermarket parts business closer to its sister organisations and position them squarely as one of the Group’s main priorities in an expanding marketplace. It also recognises MJAllen Group’s commitment to British manufacturing and engineering and highlights the company’s desire to increase the amount of homegrown talent that is involved in the development and production of its products.
The UK automotive aftermarket is thriving, ranking ninth in the world in terms of size and supporting over 340,000 jobs. Recognising the British expertise in this marketplace is important to the company’s values and has been well-received by existing customers.
MJA Automotive will continue to offer parts for more than 98% of the UK/European passenger car and light commercial vehicle parc, and this upgrade of internal operations means existing customers will receive the same trusted products and standards that they are used to, as well as access to new and exciting ranges.
MJA Automotive’s solutions are not only more cost-effective, but also offer the highest standards in performance, safety and comfort that either match or exceed those set by the original vehicle manufacturer.
Team cohesion the key
None of the success enjoyed by MJA Automotive would be possible without its dedicated team of engineers, buyers and support staff, some of whom have been with the business for over 30 years. The company is also very proud of its aftersales care, with dedicated UK support and engineering teams on hand to help all levels of customer.
The rebrand is being slowly rolled-out to ensure that there will be no disruption to current service levels or part availability, and motor factors will begin to see a more comprehensive set of products at various price-points, delivered with the same high standards of customer service that they have always enjoyed.
The team are looking to modernise their customer offerings with new product ranges and partnerships on the horizon, but customers can be rest assured that the National name is here to stay!
The company’s evolution reflects strong business improvements and plans for growth, but the organisation is not turning its back on existing customers and their requirements. National is a core brand and will always be readily available throughout Europe and beyond.
The improved suite of brand ranges is under development. These products will initially focus on clutch and braking requirements, utilising MJA Automotive’s 40-plus years of professional experience to the fullest but will soon expand to offer a comprehensive multi-focus catalogue giving a one-stop, all-makes service.
Restructure at the top
The company name change follows a reorganisation at the top, as Sales & Marketing Director, Les Kershaw, was rewarded with promotion to the position of managing director in 2021, and then soon welcomed the company’s new commercial director, Wayne Hodgkisson.
Commitments to motor factors are being maintained and the entire business has been reshaped to improve operational achievements since last year. Stock holdings and parts availability have increased, whilst customer service levels and satisfaction are at an all-time high.
MJAllen Automotive actively contributes to sector bodies, like the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders and Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation, as well as with data management through TecDoc where the business was recently awarded the top level of certification and now sits as a ‘Premier Data Supplier’ on aftermarket parts.
This is the biggest thing to happen to the company for many years and the team are committed to introducing new products, improving on service and positioning MJAllen Automotive as the go-to supplier when it comes to trust, reliability and price.
