The Original Equipment Suppliers Aftermarket Association (OESAA) has selected Mark Whittingham of W.H Whittingham and Sons in Rochford, Essex, as winner of a ‘Five Supercar Challenge’ driving experience after participating in a recent competition held at Automechanika.

Mark won his exclusive prize, donated by ZF Aftermarket and presented by Technical Manager, Matt Shakespeare, after visiting each of the original equipment (OE) suppliers present at the exhibition to get his OESAA card stamped. Each entrant then answered a tie-breaker question on the merits of only using OE parts on customer vehicles.

His ‘Fit O.E, fit once and fit cheap, do it twice’ response perfectly highlighted the perils of using sub-standard components, particularly on a business’ bottom line.

"I consider myself to be a bit of a ‘geek’ who enjoys modern technology, and I especially like to keep my knowledge base up-to-date,” said Mark. "Events like Automechanika are the ideal way for me to stay informed.”

W. H Whittingham and Sons is a family business established way back in 1830. Still family owned, Mark’s son is the 8th generation of Whittingham to work for what is now a popular independent garage outlet.

OESAA Chairman, Nigel Morgan said, "The participants in this year’s competition clearly understood the detrimental impact that non-OE parts can have on their businesses. This is great news, as ‘matching quality’ alternatives just aren’t worth the reputational risk. It’s really reassuring that so many garages aren’t willing to cut any corners whatsoever with their customers’ vehicles.”