Aimed largely at MOT test stations, this software package lets you email and text customers when their next MOT is due.

Aftermarket thinks that if a car polish company really wants to stand out from the crowd it needs to be brave enough to claim NOT to be the best.

RELATIONSHIPS between dealers and VMs are improving as a result of the credit crunch, according to the latest National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) survey.

rong>Fuel Parts began distributing the UFI’s Sofima brand of filters in June and now that a number of UK stockists are on board, the company is looking to increase its UK-wide distribution.

HALF of all new cars in Europe will be fitted with stop-start systems by 2012, according to Bosch.

A TRIO of young technicians has flown to Canada to take on the best talent from around the world.

THE RIGHT To Repair Campaign (R2RC) is urging workshop staff to sign its online petition as the deadline for registering views on aftermarket laws draws closer.

REPAIR network Autosafe says independents are poised to capture more fleet servicing work after increasing its fleet business by 530% in the last year.

According to Facom, 80% of vehicle problems can be traced back to dodgy batteries. Its latest range of three smart chargers is designed to help you deal with this.

ECP has added this all-makes range to its line-up. It includes 1,200 pads and discs, 250 brake drums and 500 brake shoes that cover 99% of the UK car parc, including the new Ford Ka and Fiesta plus the latest Vauxhall Insignia.

THE MOTOR Industry Code of Practice for Service and Repair says it will not attempt to emulate the Good Garage Scheme's (GGS) forthcoming TV advertising campaign.

Planning a new MOT or ATL bay or just updating one can be difficult and that is why The Trade Group places an emphasis on technical support.

If you're the kind of technician that doesn't like taking two bottles into the shower when just one will do (top marks for anyone who remembers those 1990s shampoo ads), these pre-assembled drum brake kits could be the answer.

THE AFTERMARKET'S best - and worst - drivers will put their skills to the test in support of industry charity BEN this September.

The anti-freeze offers protection against frost, rust and overheating in all Volkswagen engines in both cars and heavy-duty applications.

DIAGNOSTIC specialist David Hirst says garages worried about promoting their business online have nothing to fear.

Frost says this water-based, non-acidic and biodegradable concentrate removes rust without attacking plastics, rubbers and non-ferrous metals.

TRAINING organisation Remit has launched a recruitment division to help find staff for motoring businesses.

For the debonair petrol-head who likes to look good while storing hazardous fuels, these jerrycans are the latest in fashion accessories.

GARAGES are increasingly likely to gain access to VM security information, according to the chief executive of the Garage Equipment Association (GEA).

rong>If you’re looking for more power from an Astra or Corsa VXR, then up-rating the brakes is a logical follow-up.

INDEPENDENT garages fear the burden of legislation will harm their businesses, according to a survey by the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF).

The company has a range of retro-fit LED sets to help give customers a vehicle upgrade.

The distributor is continuing to expand its product range with these four-piece sets which come in a variety of styles and materials.

THE GOOD Garage Scheme is turning to TV advertising to raise its profile among motorists.

rong>This booth aims to help body shops cope with the numerous differences between finishing in water-based and cellulose paint.

THE CHAIRMAN of the Independent Garage Association (IGA) is attempting to lead by example after renewing his workshop’s subscription to the Motor Industry Code of Practice for Service and Repair.

ATA assessments are set to become tougher following the latest review of the scheme by staff at the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI).

rong>The 1000 grade foam abrasive disc is designed for preparing panels for base coating and for keying alloy wheels and bumpers.

A TEXT message service to help drivers choose the right oil for their car has been launched by lubricants company Chevron.

If you want the latest hints and tips on repairing diesel cars, Frank Massey has a wide selection of options.

THE ATA scheme is set to grow faster than ever following an agreement with City & Guilds to extend the number of assessment centres.

A1 has become a stockist for the Armor All range - known throughout the US as one of the country's biggest car care brands.

PICO Technology has secured a deal to supply its oscilloscopes to Maserati's entire global dealer network.

Following the company's launch of a 1,800 bar common rail system in 1995, an improved 2,000 bar system is due for release shortly, alongside the aftermarket range of nozzles and pump components.

BOSCH has been approved by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) to deliver ATA assessments.

THE ONLINE tyre retailer Blackcircles.com is aiming to recruit 400 extra garages into its national network of fitting centres.

Two small, portable tool sets should interest mobile technicians.

ALASTAIR Peoples has been named as VOSA's permanent chief executive officer (CEO).

According to Manbat, Numax is the fastest growing battery brand in the UK thanks to its value for money and relationship with OEM supplier JCI (VARTA).

rong>This kit contains dummy injectors and glow plugs to offer quick and effective injector leak back testing.

Tecalemit Garage Equipment has become the exclusive UK distributor for the Protech range of emission testing, diagnostic and air conditioning products.

rong>Amid all the electrical info (that your customers probably won’t understand) you could get out of a battery, this tester cuts straight to the business end.

SNAP-ON Equipment has launched a scrappage scheme for wheel aligners.

The company has proudly announced to Aftermarket that its lifts are the "greenest and most economical on the market".

ONE OF the country's largest used-car dealers has signed up all its centres to the Motor Industry Code of Practice for Service and Repair.

esigned to take up the top spot in Snap-on's range of air con products, this unit boasts three features aimed at getting to the bottom of faults faster.

THE R103 regulations on catalytic converters will be enforced from day one, authorities have confirmed.

This fully automatic machine is able to recover, recycle, and recharge both oil and refrigerant all on its own, although it can be used in manual mode to check each phase if needed.

This range of performance braking products is distributed by Universal's Triple P division. Sales manager Martyn Pearson claims they give garages "a performance product at realistic prices." The discs incorporate a wear indicator groove and a black coating to prevent rust build-up.