THE GOVERNMENT has announced plans to boost the flagging car retail sector - on the condition that car manufacturing becomes greener than ever before.

/>The range covers the majority of applications within the UK car parc and the batteries come with a three-year unlimited mileage warranty. This includes the most popular 063, 096, 027 and 067 references. Features include a moulded plastic carry handle for easy carrying and protective plastic terminal covers for easy installation

MOT test stations that shelved investment plans during the 4-2-2 consultation should revive them now - that's the advice from the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF).

/>“The full weight of your vehicle rests on the springs, which are the primary link between the vehicle and the road,” says Universal Automotive’s managing director Nick Davies. “So fitting high-quality springs is essential for a better ride as well as improved handling and performance.”

ALEC Murray, the former head of the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF), will monitor workshop standards for Motor Codes - the organisation behind the Motor Industry Service and Repair Code (MISRC).

/>The company says minimising wind noise was an important design objective. This has been achieved by combining a tilt and slide action for the main rear panel, which disappears between the roof and roof lining. A tilt action front panel acts as an oversized wind deflect

VOSA has announced plans to replace its "ageing" network of test stations for buses, coaches and lorries with privatised facilities run by separate companies.

A SUPPORT plan for apprentices and those affected by redundancy has been unveiled by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI).

/>The 500 series cameras need only one hole for fitment with a small cable fitted through the mounting bolt. They produce colour images with a wide viewing angle of 160 degrees and are, apparently, excellent in low light conditions. They are also dust tight and waterpro

/>The all-in-one display shows 25 pieces of information at once and will read engine fault codes and extract freeze-frame data within 25 seconds. It comes pre-loaded with more than 22,000 code definitions and features a back-lit screen for easy view

/>Rob will take charge on 1st February. He will combine the chief exec's role with his current position as chief executive of ReMIT, the RMIF's training

/>They are designed to give optimum performance, save on fuel and reduce engine wear and can also be used for either diesel or petrol engi

/>A green light means good health of 12.8 volts, amber means voltage is between 12.7V and 12.4V while red means the battery has started to sulphate and voltage is below 12.4. CTEK says the system avoids the hassle of using a traditional tester and programming in information about the battery under te

FRANK Massey has released details of a two-day fuel trim training course for anyone looking to get the latest diagnostic skills.

A CONSULTATION paper on changes to the MOT test has been released by the Department for Transport (DFT).

/>Bosch says the repair option is a significantly cheaper option than replacing the complete delivery module, making it a more attractive option for price-conscious workshop customers. All components in the repair kits are made to OE standard

/>Also available is the “entry level” Hunter 100 HawkEye aligner. It comes with custom software to support many of the standard alignment features found in the higher spec system. The camera bar takes up minimum amount of space, allowing even small workshops to benefi

THE GOOD Garage Scheme (GGS) has defended its decision to double the cost of membership.

/>The remote access tool can interrogate the vehicle’s on-board systems to help you with the repair whether you’re in the workshop or at the road-side. The Testpod and Testpod Pro aim to offer comprehensive coverage on Volvo, Saab, VW, Audi, Ford, Toyota models and many more

THE COMMERCIAL Vehicle Show for April 2009 has been cancelled. Organisers hope that by cancelling this year's event, the 2010 show will be better able to live up to the high standards set by previous shows.

CLUTCH manufacturer AP Driveline has been put into administration following difficulties caused by the financial climate.

/>The kit can be purchased together with the company’s Low Pressure Test Gauge set to form a complete system for testing common rail diesel probl

TECHS who want to take their knowledge of CAN systems to the next level could take advantage of new training dates from in-vehicle networking specialist Warwick Control Technologies.

/>Comma says it is particularly useful on cars with at least 10,000 miles on the clock – which means the vast majority of those on the road. It says D-Tox is a “proven aid” to fuel efficiency and the maintenance of peak engine power, bhp and overall performa

UNIPART Automotive has launched a campaign to help the trade understand and promote the benefits of type-approved exhaust systems to drivers.

/>Designed to speed up set-up times on a wide range of vehicles, the kit takes account of trends in modern vehicle designs that require additional access poin

PARTS distributor Comline has kicked off the new year with the introduction of a new name and brand identity.

/>Delphi says the option of combining diagnostic programmes and a technical vehicle database on one unit will help make the repair process quicker and easier for technici

/>The Denso CAF range was recently taken on by Plymouth-based motor factor Kevin Cooper and is being supplied across all of its 17 branches. Garages can take advantage of a cabin filter support pack to help boost sales. The pack includes point-of-sale material, consumer leaflets explaining the benefits of filter replacement and free-of-charge air fresheners

THE DEADLINE for entries to Top Technician 2009 is just 10 days away - meaning any technicians who reckon their fault-finding skills are among the best of the bunch should register without delay.

/>Remy has now discovered a way to check the circuit board. The new pumps are for the A140, A160, A170 and A190 mod

THE GOVERNMENT has thrown its support behind the Motor Industry Service and Repair Code (MISRC).

THE COLD start to the New Year is expected to lead to a surge in vehicle breakdowns, accidents and non-starts across the UK.

/>For diesel engines, the Lucas Extreme treatment is designed to prevent diesel fuel from waxing during the cold winter mont

XPART has launched a specialist training course on K-series engines for members of its AutoService centre network.

/>The John Bean systems are quick and easy to use and will take measurements in under two minut

TECHNICAL expert James Dillon has announced the latest dates for his series of Saturday training courses in Bristol.

/>This latest OmiScan has a user-friendly design with an ergonomic hand

VOSA has rejected calls for the introduction of brake fluid tests in the MOT, saying it would be too costly and impractical to enforce.

/>Features include top quality washable, pleated elements with stainless top and bottom plates. The filters cover DCOE, IDF, DGV, ICH, DCD, IDA and also come in varying heights to suit as many different applications as possib

FRANK Massey is staging a two-day technical conference in February, to keep technicians up-to-date with the very latest technical knowledge and more.

/>Another added bonus is the depressor tool which releases the locking mechanism which keeps the coils in pla

ASSESSMENTS for the Garage Equipment Association's (GEA) lift installation and service engineer accreditation scheme have begun.

/>They are made from glass fibre fabric and are chemically-treated to make them resistant to the most extreme temperatures. They come in two sizes to give maximum protection during any kind of body repa

/>Afterwards, Forte recommends a Cooling System Conditioner treatment which aims to ensure smooth running by preventing further corrosion, overheating and scale formation. Forte says a conditioner treatment is particularly important for cars with aluminium engine blocks and cylinder heads as they are more vulnerable to corrosion than cast-iron unit

DRIVERS will delay replacing tyres for as long as possible during the economic squeeze, according to forecasts by Continental.

/>It comes in a handy box and includes interchangeable probes, leads and clips with 4mm banana-type quick couplings. The tool is just one of those in Sealey’s latest autumn tools promotion that could see you get a free set of jump test le

ELECTRONIC and diagnostic skills are the biggest stumbling blocks for people hoping to gain ATA accreditation, according to IMI chief exec Sarah Sillars.

/>It comes with a 16-pin connection cable and can be fitted with specific adapters for vehicle specific diagnostics on older vehicles. It is also fitted with a standard internal Bluetooth module that can be used in conjunction with the company’s Opabox or Gasbox emissions analysers for routine maintenance and testin