Automotive Supplies Direct has gained the contract to supply and maintain workshop equipment to the national Retail Automotive Alliance network of dealerships and service workshops.

An RAA spokesman said Automotive Supplies Direct managed to ward off competition from four rivals bidders, all established players in the same field of business. It had to satisfy a panel of senior managers representing members of the RAA from across the country. Chris Brewster has been appointed as its national account manager for RAA clients.

Marc Matthew, chairman of the RAA, said: “The relationship that has developed with ASD has been strongly based on its professional approach, commitment to service level and affordability.”

The Retail Automotive Alliance was formed in January 2005 as a means of leveraging better value when buying commodities and services for its members. It claims to already be saving members £3m per year in total. The alliance includes 22 privately-owned franchised dealer groups, including Lifestyle Europe, Essex Ford, John Grose Motors, Vospers and Hendy Group.