MAHLE appoints Mike Smallbone as Brand Ambassador
• Mike Smallbone brings 46 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket
• Founder of Aftermarket Business Solutions, specialising in a plethora of tailor-made customer service training solutions and initiatives
• Will support MAHLE with insight gathering, business development, and flexible training options
• Focus on helping motor factors and garages futureproof their businesses
• Three key support areas: Customer service training, hybrid technical-business workshops and fact-find visits
MAHLE Aftermarket has welcomed industry expert Mike Smallbone as a consultant to support its work with motor factors and garages across the UK. With a career spanning more than four decades, Mike brings exceptional experience and a deep understanding of the automotive aftermarket to this newly formed role.
Having founded his own business, Aftermarket Business Solutions, three years ago, Mike has become a go-to name in the sector for practical, hands-on support. His recent work includes closer collaboration with colleges to promote careers in the trade and support the next generation of technicians. Now, he is partnering with MAHLE to help its customers navigate ongoing changes and build future-ready businesses.
Working independently but in close alignment with the MAHLE team, Mike’s consultancy support will cover three key areas:
Firstly, he will deliver flexible customer service training, tailored to the specific needs of motor factors and workshops. This can include half-day sessions for garage teams, or shorter, targeted sessions for internal departments such as factor sales teams. MAHLE’s customers can choose the training style that works best for them, ensuring value and relevance at every level.
Mike will lead a business development workshop series, held after hours in a relaxed, practical format. These sessions will combine MAHLE product expertise with broader training topics, giving garage teams a more rounded experience that supports both technical performance and commercial growth.
Finally, he will conduct fact-finding visits to motor factors and garages, gathering real-world insights to help MAHLE better understand customer needs. These sessions will be carried out on-site with agreed questions developed in collaboration with the MAHLE Sales Team. MAHLE’s Ian Dore and Jason Smith. Crucially, the visits are non-sales focused, allowing Mike to engage openly with businesses and compile meaningful data to inform future strategy.
Mike commented: “This is about working with the industry, not selling to it. 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.”
Jason Smith, Sales and Marketing Manager UK and Ireland at MAHLE, added: “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.”