TYRE RETAILER Blackcircles.com has joined forces with Unipart to launch an online vehicle servicing scheme.

The manufacturer will explain the causes of premature belt failure and how to avoid them. The courses will be hosted by motor factors around the country and include advice on tension settings and the latest fitting techniques.

Now installed in a new HQ after burning down in January 2008, FAI has more than 400 timing belt kits on offer to cope with the rise in demand for all-in-one belt replacement solutions.

This set is suitable for a wide range of applications and a variety of cars, in particular models from Audi, Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes and BMW. It also works on Vauxhall, Ford and Peugeot vehicles.

SOME of the best companies in vehicle diagnostics - including Crypton, Texa, Launch UK, Autodiagnos and V-Tech UK - will be showcasing their latest products and information at the Workshop 2010 exhibition next year.

Exhaust fittings join the Veco brand at Kidderminster-based distributor Universal Automotive.

JOHN Ball has been appointed to the new job of MOT chairman at the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF).

The growth of ATA is set to continue after Bosch gained approval to carry out ATA assessments at its headquarters in Denham.

FRENCH battery charger and welding company GYS is gearing up to take on the UK market.

Only slightly larger than a mobile phone, this set is for people who don't like to be caught without their repair kit to hand.

DUTCH software company Vivid Automotive is planning to rival Autodata with the planned launch of its technical data packages into the UK market.

A limited edition version of the Solus Pro has been built to celebrate the 5,000th sale of the diagnostic tool.

Parts firm Optimal is preparing to launch its suspension, bearings, shock absorber and brake pad products into the UK for the first time.

To help with engine re-builds, this pack contains every lubricant and additive you'll need.

AUTOLOGIC has officially launched its French diagnostic software package at the Equip Auto exhibition in Paris.

It takes Usain Bolt less than 10s to run the 100m - and according to RW Motortec, it takes the "lightning fast" C Reader V less than 10s to scan through a vehicle's entire electronic system too.

VOSA has revised its MOT requirements, meaning many small workshops will be able to upgrade their testing facilities to ATL or one-person test lanes.

A new 5-litre 'Vision' bottle is out now. It will contain only Carlube synthetic and mineral oil ranges to differentiate them from competitor brands.

DELPHI has launched a series of new courses from its Warwick training headquarters.

Remy's transmission programme now has an additional 779 driveshafts and 289 CV Joints, bringing the total to over 3,000 part numbers covering 95% of the UK car parc.

PARTS company Honeywell has attempted to prove the superiority of its Bendix brake pads in a live demonstration at the Boxberg test track in Germany.

SYSTEMS expert James Dillon is heading north to offer training courses from Doncaster.

The new epoxy primer surfacer is for use on sanded-through areas and to cover bare metal or substrates underneath.

SALES of new cars have risen for the third month in a row, according to the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF).

Name a liquid in a car and there's a good chance Comma has a training module specially designed for it.

rong>Designed to remove stubborn bolts in hard-to-reach areas in the engine compartment, this tool is set with the standard short level at 90degrees.

EXHAUST firm Double S Exhausts has hit out at claims that type-approval rules should be introduced for the UK exhaust market.

During the 1990s, saying the words 'dot com' got investors so excited every website owner in town seemed to be worth millions.

VAUXHALL has clarified statements implying drivers' warranties may be at risk if they use independent garages following intervention by the Automotive Distribution Federation (ADF).

The full range includes around 200 kits covering more than 800 applications. Vehicles covered include the Vauxhall Astra, Vectra and Signum as well as the Nissan Micra, Almera and Primera, giving you an easier solution to chain replacement.

A significant improvement in productivity is said to result from upgrading an existing MOT bay to a one person test lane or automated test lane.

UNIPART has continued its fundraising for industry charity BEN by winning through to the finals of its annual karting championship.

CAR PARTS Direct boss Mark Cornwall has hit out at the government's extension of the car scrappage scheme, claiming it is a "hair brain" and unnecessary move.

rong>49 kits covering more than 900 engines have been designed to make it easier to change all seals when replacing the timing belt.

THE COMPLEXITIES of CAN bus technology will be made easier to understand in a fresh round of training courses from Warwick Control.

rong>Another three workshop concepts designed to build on the success of Delphi’s Diesel Point scheme will be the focus of the company’s stand at Equip Auto.

THE GOVERNMENT has extended the vehicle scrappage scheme.

No, it's not a fantasy role playing game for overgrown nerds. Dragon 2000 is the company behind a range of dealer management systems designed to help franchise and independent businesses maximise their efficiency.

BATTERY charger company CTEK is urging garages to take advantage of the upcoming winter weather.

rong>stributor Randstad hopes to make these German bulbs a familiar name with garages across the UK this summer.

RICHARD Perriman will defend his Top Technician title by competing in the 2010 competition to find the UK's best vehicle repairer.

AFTERMARKET has scooped the BEN Trade Journal of the Year charity award - thanks to the support of its dedicated readers and advertisers.

rong>A 63mm diameter exhaust system has been developed as early examples of the Ford’s hot hatch escape the manufacturer’s warranty.

BUSINESS insolvencies in the automotive sector fell by 18% during August, compared to the same month in 2008.

A 6-piece spark and glow plug set is out now.

If you want a welding helmet that doubles as a great fancy-dress costume then look no further.

Designed to help diagnose vehicles with electronically-controlled variable displacement compressors, the VDC interface connects to Texa's air con stations where it lets users control the signal sent to the compressor for diagnostic and testing purposes.

THE INDEPENDENT aftermarket says it is "encouraged" by the European Union's latest activity on Block Exemption Regulations (BER).

KWIK-FIT claims it has carried out 48% more MOTs in 2009 compared to the same period last year.