INDUSTRY

THE REQUIREMENT to have an annual MOT test for pre-war cars may be scrapped following a meeting held between Lord Montagu of Beaulieu, Conservative MP for East Yorkshire Greg Knight, who is the Parliamentary group chairman, and Mike Penning, the transport minister.

A NEW survey appears to show that the number of people considering buying a plug-in hybrid or battery electric car as their next vehicle purchase has risen from 9% to 53%, representing a five-fold increase since the same question was last asked in July 2010.

rong>Three treatments available from Forte have been developed to help independent workshops keep their customers’ fuel systems and components clean. They aim to prevent contamination which can make oxygen sensors in petrol engine vehicles fail, resulting in misfiring, juddering and a loss of power.

rong>This nifty piece of kit communicates with the on-board computer and once faults are identified and repaired, resets the warning light - an essential service tool for today's garage.

The company has a well-regarded apprentice scheme. At any given time, there are approximately 50 new techs following a three or four year training programme across several disciplines ranging from engineering, manufacturing, wood and leather craftsmanship, to logistics and sales and marketing. Bentley also has a long-established graduate trainee programme with 30 people taking part in a bespoke two-year course that equips them for future management positions. It also works with several UK leading universities so that current undergraduates benefit from industrial placements.

A deal has been signed between Tesco and online tyre retailer Blackcircles.

rong>This new range of automotive batteries is available exclusively through FPS. GS Batteries cover 99% of the vehicle parc and include car, CV, marine and leisure applications.

rong>The Hunter WA series aligner console can now benefit from the latest WinAlign 11 operating software, helping to simplify alignment tasks further and reduce the time it takes to undertake complex wheel alignment work.

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Contrary to a number of media reports, the Vauxhall Lifetime Warranty advertising campaign has not been banned.

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A SMALL business expert has written about the tough times predicted for owners of small to medium enterprises (SMEs) such as garages throughout 2011. These factors include increased costs and late payment.

THE Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has announced that the closing date for the SkillAuto competitions has now been extended to 17 January.

THE REST of the country might grind to a halt at the first sign of a snowflake, but that simply isn't an option for the garage trade.

rong>The Cypher is a PC-based diagnostic tool pitched at the experienced diagnostic technician; enabling you to work now and into the future.

rong>This scanner is also J2534 pass-thru enabled and provides auto-search facilities for most makes, so there’s no need to enter VIN details or engine type.

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THE COUNCIL of the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF)

rong>In Spring 2010, 250 steering and suspension part numbers joined FAI Automotive’s steering and suspension programme and were listed in a supplement to its catalogue, adding more than 1,000 new applications.

THE HEALTH and safety executive has issued a bulletin to garage owners warning about the risks of cutting up old containers oil drums.

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THE MOTOR insurance repair research centre Thatcham, has named Peter Shaw as its next Chief Executive. Coming from the energy sector, Shaw will join the organisation in April next year and succeeds Peter Roberts who has led the insurer funded Centre since 2001.

January 2011 sees the launch of what Lucas Diesel claim to be "the first true off the shelf" range of remanufactured diesel injection products, distributed through FAI Automotive.

AN INDUSTRY figure was warned that garages must modernise if they are to compete with franchised dealers for years to come.

EURO CAR PARTS (ECP) has opened new branches in Bristol, Liverpool and Peterborough.

rong>An Air Gun Sucker/Blower Kit with a standard airline and an air pressure of 90psi is available from Laser Tools.

rong>Anyone who has a classic Mini turn up in their workshop with one of the frequent gearbox problems will be pleased to know that the first and second gear complete inner assembly for all four-speed synchromesh gearboxes is once again available from Huddersfield-based Mini Spares.

MIKE Owen, head of the garage section in the IAAF, told a conference that he believes that making the price of a retest double that of the initial MoT inspection, would both improve public safety and improve government revenues, making the threat of bi-annual tests less likely.

rong>A VW-approved antifreeze and coolant is the most recent addition to Comma’s Xstream range containing Glysantin from BASF. 

rong>The new FSA 500 Mobile Tester and FSA and Hybrid Tester from Bosch are said to provide fast and accurate troubleshooting and the latter aids professional diagnosis of electronic and hybrid drives.

Organisers of the annual Golden Garages competition have launched the 2011 contest that last year attracted thousands of motorists to vote for the best service and repair garage in the country.

CAR manufacturers will have to provide security technical information to mechanics nationwide, regardless of their brand affiliation, the EU has ruled.

rong>Brake Gray is a heavy-duty brake fluid-resistant paint, containing pure stainless steel pigment in an ultra durable epoxy ester resin. Phew.

rong>If you’re after a MIG/MAG welder that offers a simple set-up then look no further than the Synergic single phase 13/23-V from GYS. Select the welding mode, wire thickness and metal type, set the current and you’re ready to go - the best wire speed is automatically chosen.

rong>The glue barons at Design and Engineering Inc have come up with a handy solution to sticky situations.

rong>The Fast Funnel range of disposable funnels has been created to eliminate the hazards of impurities and possibility of cross-contamination when using the same funnel time and time again.

rong>Bosch claims to have the right lambda sensor for virtually every vehicle, with around 85% market coverage in Europe and the range has now been expanded to include sensors for diesel engines.

TWO INDUSTRY appointments have been announced this week. Euro Car Parts (ECP) has appointed former Halfords divisional manager Andy Hamilton, pictured here, as its operations director.

A BODY repair shop has secured new business since gaining the Kitemark over three years ago when it was the first bodyshop in Lancashire and 12th in the UK to hold the mark.

SIX NEWLY-qualified technicians have been selected to represent the UK in an international tournament.

rong>ContiTech has expanded its range of kits with V-ribbed belts and torsional vibration dampers (TVD) and includes popular vehicle models of French manufacturers, including the Citroen C5, Peugeot 307 and 607, as well as the Renault Mégane.

rong>An electronic park-brake reset tool specifically designed for Audi A4, A6 and A8, Q7 and Passatt models from 2006 to 2009 is now available from Gunson.

rong>Leeds-based firm Brakeworld now carries a comprehensive range of re-manufactured callipers sourced from NK in Denmark. NK is one of Europe's largest remanufacturers of callipers, offering a comprehensive range for European, Japanese and Korean cars and light commercial vans.

rong>ACDelco has set itself the target to expand the number of clutch references it holds on a monthly basis until the end of the year and a further 16 clutch kits join its programme this month. Its range now stands at over 900 references, compared to 754 at the beginning of the year.

rong>The latest addition to the Auto Service Tools range of suspension bush removal/installation tools has been released covering applications on control arm bushes on Volkswagen Group vehicles.

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The WOMEN and Work scheme is operated through the IMI and gives £400 to businesses that invest in their female staff.

The EGEA (European Garage Equipment Association) and FIGIEFA (the International Federation of Wholesalers of Automotive Replacement Parts) are looking to recruit a technical advisor to support its lobbying activities in Brussels; which aims to safeguard a legislative environment in the EU that provides fair competition in the automotive aftermarket.