Automotive

The motorbody and automotive industry is one of the largest and most important industries in the world. It accounts for 10% of global GDP, employs over 100 million people worldwide, and is a major driver (pun intended) of innovation and economic growth.

The global economy is heavily reliant on the automotive industry to allow people and goods to get around quickly and easily. It is constantly investing in new technologies, continuing to evolve and innovate to meet the needs of consumers and the demands of consumers with the potential to revolutionise the way we travel and live.

While domestic driving typically accounts for over 50% of vehicles internationally, practically every industry worldwide relies on road vehicles as part of their operations; whether it be delivery transportation, retail, logistics, emergency services, food & beverages, construction, classic cars, leisure & tourism or agriculture.

The Automotive industry faces new challenges in ever changing and evolving climates, both transitional and economical; be it the rise of electric and self-driving vehicles, the need to reduce emissions, or the need to improve fuel efficiency. The industry is also poised for futher growth as the global population continues to increase and the demand for transportation continues to rise.

FA Parkes provides solutions for the Automotive industry, supplying parts for a vast range of domestic, commercial, and specialist vehicles. This includes special vehicle applications, vehicle bodies, RV's, caravans, construction machines, excavators, cranes, emergency vehicles, classic cars, horse trailers, and coaches/buses.

We offer a wide range of products (in various specifications, materials, and finishes) to suit all types of vehicles, including:

Locking mechanisms
Grab handles
Recess handles
L handles
T handles
Wing handles
Tailgate handles
Fuel filler cap handles
Door hinges
Gas springs
Gas struts
Dampers
Bonnet catches
Bonnet fasteners

and many more.

DOMESTIC VEHICLES

The global domestic vehicle market is ever-evolving and has seen a significant shift towards electric vehicles in recent years. This shift has been driven by various factors, including the desire for more sustainable transportation, government regulations, and advancements in technology. As a result, electric vehicles have seen a significant rise in popularity, with more and more consumers now opting for these eco-friendlier vehicles over traditional diesel or gasoline-powered ones.

In many cases, the domestic vehicle market has a significant impact on the global economy because the automotive industry is a major player in the global economy, with the production and sale of vehicles contributing to the GDP of many countries around the world.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the number of electric vehicles on the road reached 10 million in 2020, representing a significant milestone in the industry. This growth is expected to continue in the coming years, with the IEA predicting that there could be as many as 145 million electric vehicles on the road by 2030. This rise in popularity is not only due to environmental concerns but also the technological advancements made in the EV industry.

With better batteries, charging infrastructure, and affordability, electric vehicles are becoming a more viable option for everyday consumers, leading to the rise in demand for EVs in the global domestic vehicle market.

As the UK's leading stockist for Locks, Handles, Hinges, Gas Springs and accessories, here at FA Parkes we are well positioned within the industry to supply a vast range of high quality parts that domestic vehicles depend on, including:

Gas springs: used to help open and close the bonnet of a car as well as being found in the boot lid and tailgate. They are also used to help lift and lower seats, and to help to keep seats in place, even when the car is moving. They can also make armrests and headrests easier to raise and lower.
Gas struts: similar to gas springs, but designed to provide more force. They are often used in the boot lid and tailgate of cars, as well as in the bonnet of some cars.
Dampers: used to absorb shock and vibration making the ride more comfortable for passengers. They are found in the suspension system of cars, as well as in the steering system.
Locking mechanisms: used to secure the doors of a car. They are also used in the boot lid and tailgate.
Interior/Exterior handles: used to assist people getting in and out of a car, often found on the door panels and the roof. Can be found on the boot/hatch door of a car or van.
Fuel filler cap handles: smaller handles or knobs that are located on the fuel filler cap of a car.
Door hinges: typically found on van doors and rear door/boots.
Bonnet catches: secure mechanisms that hold the bonnet of a car closed.
Bonnet fasteners: the screws or bolts that secure the bonnet of a car to the car body.

LEISURE & TOURISM

The leisure and tourism industry is one that is constantly evolving, with new trends emerging all the time. In recent years the popular trend of 'Staycations' has seen a rise in demand for vehicles designed for travel and adventure. These vehicles are perfect for those looking to explore in style and comfort, and have had a significant impact on the global market.

One type of vehicle that has become particularly popular in recent years is the recreational vehicles, or RVs. RVs come in various sizes and styles, ranging from small pop-up trailers to large motorhomes with all the amenities of a home on wheels. According to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), the global market for RVs has been expanding in recent years and was estimated to be worth £45 billion (€51.10 billion / US$ 56.29 billion) by 2022.

Other types, such as campervans, caravans, and trailers, are also on the rise. These vehicles offer a similar level of freedom and flexibility as RVs, but are often smaller and more affordable, making them accessible to a wider range of travelers.

They are typically designed to provide a high level of comfort and often have features like reclining seats and headrests, air conditioning, skylights, storage spaces and concealable entertainment systems making them a cozy and inviting space to relax in.

Coach travel vehicles are particulary well designed to provide passengers with an enjoyable journey; typically including a number of features that make them ideal for long-distance travel, each of which can optimise FA Parkes products such as:

Reclining seats: Gas springs and gas struts are often used to power reclining seats. They provide a smooth and controlled movement, and they can help to prevent the seat from slamming back into its upright position.
Pull-down trays: Gas springs and gas struts can also be used to power pull-down trays. They provide a smooth and effortless movement, and they can help to prevent the tray from slamming down.
Air conditioning: Locking mechanisms are often used to secure air conditioning units in place. They prevent the units from being moved or tampered with, and they can help to keep the units secure during transportation.
Toilets/restrooms: Grab handles are often installed in toilets and restrooms to help people who are elderly or disabled get in and out of the facilities safely. They also typically have secure latches or locking systems to provide privacy and protection to its user.
Luggage storage: Dampers are often used in luggage storage compartments to prevent the lids from slamming shut. They provide a soft and controlled closing, which can help to protect luggage and prevent it from being damaged.
Snack/drink machines: Door hinges are often used in snack and drink machines to allow the doors to open and close easily. They provide a smooth movement to help prevent the doors from getting stuck.

COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

Commercial vehicles are an essential part of the modern economy, used for the transportation of goods and equipment across vast distances as well as providing mobile premises for millions of businesses around the world.

From cargo vans, flatbed trucks, pickup trucks and box trucks to refuse collection, refrigerated units, and catering vans - there's no shortage of options when it comes to finding the right vehicle to suit any business.

This can include delivery companies, construction firms, HVAC technicians, electricians, plumbers, furniture stores, appliance manufacturers, locksmiths, pest control, hauliers, landscapers, or any of the other hundreds of industries and businesses that rely on transport as part of their operations.

Available in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and with functionality to suit their purpose many of these vehicles are designed to meet specific criteria depending on the requirements of the role it serves. However, overall they typically share one primary thing in common: a sturdy bodywork to house cargo and protect it from the elements while providing a reliable and efficient means of transportation.

These vehicles often require specific operational, safety or comfort features too such as dampers for pick-up truck tailgates, gas springs to assist with the smooth lifting of hoods and bonnets and vibration dampers for the smooth transportation of delicate cargo.

Gas struts: Commonly used to support the weight of heavy doors or panels in commercial vehicles, such as truck toolboxes, service bodies, and cargo trailers. They can also be found in the engine compartment to hold open hoods or access panels.
Hinges: Found on doors, cabinets, and compartments in commercial vehicles, such as truck cabs, rear enclosures, and storage compartments allowing easy access to open, pivot, or rotate doors and panels.
Locks and latches: Used to secure doors, cabinets, panels, and compartments in commercial vehicles. They can be found on service bodies, cargo trailers, and many other types of commercial vehicles.
Drawer slides: Drawer slides are used to enable smooth and easy opening and closing of drawers and storage compartments in commercial vehicles. They can be found on truck toolboxes, utensil drawers, refrigeration cabinets, and other types of storage compartments.
Handles: Used to provide a means of opening and closing doors, cabinets, and compartments in commercial vehicles. They can be found on truck cabs, cargo trailers, and other types of commercial vehicles. They can also be fitted to support with getting in and out of a vehicle, or moving around within.

CLASSIC CARS

Classic cars are a testament to the beauty of a bygone era. The unique design, intricate details, and the ability to withstand the test of time make classic cars a sought-after commodity for many car enthusiasts.

They are a symbol of style, elegance, and nostalgia. These vehicles are often prized possessions of car enthusiasts and collectors. One of the key components of classic cars is their bodywork, which includes various enclosure applications.

Classic car enthusiasts are passionate about preserving the history and beauty of vintage automobiles and one of the most crucial aspects of car restoration is sourcing bodywork parts that match the original specifications of the vehicle.

Gas struts, hinges, locks, latches, and handles are crucial parts of these enclosures, providing functionality and contributing to the functionality and beauty of these iconic vehicles.

Here at FA Parkes we supply a vast range of parts for heritage and classic vehicles and are one of the leading suppliers in the field. In addition to our vast range of motorbody fittings including gas struts, gas springs and rotary dampers, we also supply many classic car parts such as specialist door handles, hinges, locks and latches among others.

Handles: For easy opening and closing of the doors, bonnet, and boot. They come in a variety of styles, including door handles, hood latches, and trunk latches.
Hinges: Used to attach the bodywork panels to each other. They come in a variety of styles, including butt hinges, piano hinges, and barrel hinges.
Locks: Used to secure the doors, bonnet, boot, and other storage compartments. They come in a variety of styles, including pin tumbler locks, wafer tumbler locks, and disc tumbler locks.
Latches: To hold the doors, bonnet, boot of a the vehicle closed. They come in a variety of styles, including push-button latches, pull-down latches, and butterfly latches.
Gas Struts & Stays: Used to support the bonnet and boot lids of classic cars. They provide a smooth and controlled opening and closing action, and they help to prevent the lids from slamming shut.

FIRST RESPONDER VEHICLES

Emergency services vehicles play a crucial role in responding to emergencies and saving lives. These vehicles are equipped with specialized equipment and technology that allows emergency responders to quickly and efficiently provide assistance to those in need.

One essential aspect of emergency services vehicles is their bodywork components, which are designed to ensure the safety and security of the vehicle's occupants and equipment.

Gas struts, hinges, locks, latches, drawer slides, and handles are just a few examples of the critical components FA Parkes supply that are used in the bodywork of dozens of types of emergency services vehicles.

These components are designed to withstand extreme conditions and provide reliable operation when it matters most.

Handles - Handles are used throughout emergency services vehicles to make it easier for responders to access equipment quickly. This can include the recessed handles on equipment storage compartments and medical supply cabinets, as well as the grab handles and pull handles on ambulance doors and patient transport systems.
Hinges - Fixing doors, lids, and access panels to emergency services vehicles. They are typically made of heavy-duty materials and designed to withstand the vibrations and shocks that come with operating in emergency situations. Hinges can also be found on equipment storage compartments, access panels to engine compartments, and ambulance doors.
Locks and Latches - Used to secure equipment and supplies in emergency services vehicle compartments. They are typically designed to be easy to operate quickly, even in high-stress situations, including locks and latches on the doors of medical supply cabinets, equipment storage compartments, and toolboxes.
Drawer Slides - To support and guide equipment drawers in emergency services vehicles. They are typically made of heavy-duty materials to ensure durability and are designed to withstand the vibration and shock of operating in emergency situations. Examples include the drawer slides used in medical supply cabinets and equipment storage compartments.
Gas Struts - Commonly used vehicle compartments to support heavy doors or lids, such as those found on equipment storage compartments, toolboxes, or medical supply cabinets. These struts help to make it easier for emergency responders to access the equipment they need quickly.

CONSTRUCTION & AGRICULTURE

Construction and agriculture vehicles are crucial for the development and maintenance of infrastructure, and the growth of agriculture. These vehicles are designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions and heavy usage.

One of the key components of these vehicles is their bodywork, which includes various enclosure applications. Gas struts, hinges, locks, latches, drawer slides, and handles are essential parts of these enclosures, providing functionality and durability.

Gas struts are used to support the weight of heavy components, while hinges allow for easy movement and rotation of doors and panels. Locks and latches keep the enclosures securely closed during operation, and drawer slides enable smooth opening and closing of storage compartments, while handles provide a means of operation, support, and access.

To get a quote or find out more information about our Automotive solutions call us on 01942 681 996, email sales@faparkes.co.uk or fill out our Contact Form and a member of our team will be in touch.