THE UNIVERSITY of Milton Keynes has announced plans for a PhD degree course in vehicle repair - paving the way for the first automotive doctors.

rong>Vehvac is looking for dealers to install this clutch system for manual vehicles.

CHECKS on tow bars and number plates are being introduced to MOTs in a bid to prevent accidents and help law enforcement, VOSA has announced.

TOP Technician's team of judges have selected the final 12 candidates in the hunt for the UK's best vehicle repair expert.

This compact unit lets you open the braking systems of vehicles fitted with electronic or electro-hydraulic parking brake systems.

DIAGNOSTIC firm Omitec has established a new division focussed on electric vehicle systems.

STRONG demand for car maintenance products proves customers will still spend despite the economic slump, according to General Motors' aftersales division.

This grease is said to deliver a longer bearing life over a wide range of temperatures.

YOUNG technicians have been invited to prove their skills in the regional finals of SkillAuto - a search for talented apprentices and young workshop repairers throughout the UK.

Unipart Automotive is launching an apprentice scheme across its Unipart Car Care Centre network from September 2009.

rong>The Manchester-based equipment supplier has released this engine-driven welding and generating equipment.

A DOCTOR's son from Norfolk and a market trader from Warwickshire are the latest targets for Autodata's crackdown on software piracy.

rong>This lightweight wrench delivers what Snap-on calls an “outstanding” 320 ft lbs of torque, as well as 425 ft lbs of bolt breakaway torque.

A CONSULTING team designed to help automotive firms achieve their business targets has been launched by ReMIT, the training arm of the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF).

TRW is pushing ahead with a programme of range extensions started in 2008 by introducing 62 new braking sensors

rong>All leads within the Bosch range are OE-quality and have a three-year warranty on materials and manufacturing defects.

PLANS for a car scrappage scheme to boost demand for new vehicles continue to be condemned by leading figures in the aftermarket - as support from the new car sector grows.

rong>This 18-piece tool kit incorporates a complete range of combination star, spline and hex sockets to help you remove and replace a wide range of alternators.

rong>Bearings for the Transit, Peugeot 207, Ford Galaxy 2 and S-Max are just some of the new additions to the company’s ever-expanding range of bearings.

THE BRITISH International Motor Show for 2010 has been cancelled.

WORKSHOP staff can get the latest oscilloscope skills following the announcement of a Pico Technology training course on 15th and 16th April in London.

rong>The spark plug brand’s packaging has been completely overhauled in a bid to emphasise its “leading technologies, growing OE presence and extended performance guarantees”.

ONE of Europe's biggest parts cataloguing systems now has a UK face.

MEMBERS of the XPart AutoService network have been given the latest diagnostic knowledge courtesy of the Autologic team.

THE ATA brand has gone international after the first training centre outside the UK was given the stamp of approval to run assessments.

rong>The company offers a broad selection of hand tools from leading companies such as Ampro, AST, Karcher and Klann along with Sealey and SIP.

AN EXTRA 500 independent garages are set to join the Motor Industry Service and Repair Code (MISRC).

rong>The company now has a new-look logo and brand name to unify its European and Japanese product ranges.

A NORFOLK garage owner is renting out his workshop so drivers can do their own service and repair work.

rong>This calliper range, distributed through FPS, has expanded by 160 new references – taking the overall range to 2,660 part numbers.

rong>If you know someone who wants to get even more out of their Bentley (or you’re lucky enough to own one yourself!), this kit lets you give an all-round performance boost on any car in the Continental GT range.

A NON-RENEWAL of Block Exemption Regulations will not leave the independent sector high and dry, data supplier Autodata has pledged.

ONLY 29% of drivers plan to go back to the dealer they bought their car from for service and repair work, according to research by information firm Experian.

FORMER Snap-on product specialist Ian Tetlow has established a new company to bring Italian diagnostic kit to the UK.

ADMINISTRATORS from Pricewaterhouse Coopers have sold a significant proportion of the business and assets of Leamington Spa clutch company AP Driveline Technologies.

rong>This 1/2” impact wrench comes from PCL’s Prestige range of tools, designed to combine low vibration, low noise and comfortable grip.

rong>Featuring large LCD displays, these two testers plug straight into a vehicle’s fuse board to give safe and accurate readings.

TECHNICIANS from across the UK travelled from as far away the Orkney Islands to battle for a place in the grand final of Top Technician 2009 this weekend.

The number of direct fit oxygen sensors available from Delphi has grown to more than 190

rong>This endoscope-style device lets you snake your way through engine components while viewing the action on a 3.5” colour LCD screen.

FRANK Massey is teaming up with Pico Technology to solve technicians' oscilloscope problems.

rong>Designed for resetting the oil service and oil inspection lights, the VS8651 also adjusts service interval data on a wide range of vehicles and resets the airbag light on selected cars.

A STAR from hit TV show Men Behaving Badly is set to front an advertising campaign for the Good Garage Scheme.

rong>This powerful charger aims to maximise the performance of lead-acid batteries.

TECHNICIAN David Massey is aiming to walk 200 miles in just seven days to help young people suffering from a potentially lethal heart condition.

APPRENTICE training provider ReMIT will launch a body repair and paint apprenticeship training programme on April 30th.

THE FIRM behind the Autologic diagnostic platform has been come under new ownership.

rong>These white polythene seat covers offer a defence against grease, oil and dust and, more importantly, against having to explain to customers why their car now has horrible stains all over its seats!

A DECISION on whether to reduce the validity period of ATA accreditation has been postponed until at least 2011.

rong>This time-saving product has a colour video camera mounted on a flexible 900mm shaft.