MAHLE Aftermarket has appointed Mike Smallbone as a consultant to enhance its support for motor factors and garages across the UK. With over 40 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket,
Smallbone brings significant expertise to the newly created role, where he will work closely with MAHLE customers on training, business development and operational insight.
Founder of Aftermarket Business Solutions, Smallbone has worked extensively across the sector, recently focusing on education and promoting careers in the trade.
Now, in partnership with MAHLE, he will provide bespoke consultancy support that includes flexible customer service training, business development workshops, and fact-finding visits to customer sites.
“This is about working with the industry, not selling to it,” said Smallbone. “I’ve always believed in having real conversations with real people on the ground – whether it’s a workshop technician or a parts advisor at a factor branch.
“My goal is to help MAHLE understand its customers better, deliver value in new ways, and ultimately help businesses grow.”
Training options will be tailored to each business, from short internal sessions for factor sales teams to half-day workshops for garage staff.
The after-hours business development workshops will combine MAHLE product knowledge with broader skills training, aimed at supporting both technical and commercial growth.
The third part of Smallbone’s work involves structured visits to factors and garages, developed in collaboration with MAHLE’s Ian Dore and Jason Smith, to gather meaningful insights and shape future strategy. These visits are non-sales focused, allowing for open engagement with businesses.
Jason Smith, sales and marketing manager UK and Ireland at MAHLE, said: “Mike brings an unmatched depth of experience and credibility to this role.
“His approach complements our vision perfectly, listening to our customers, offering tailored support, and helping them meet the challenges of a changing industry. We’re proud to have him working alongside us.”
