Launch’s entry-level OBD code reader
Launch UK has introduced a new entry-level vehicle maintenance tool has been launched, designed especially for enthusiasts and workshops requiring an inexpensive back-up tool. The C-reader S1 CBD Code Reader meets all current OBD/Eobd protocols and features a 320 X 240 TFT colour display.
Continue ReadingAir quality high on drivers’ agenda, survey finds
The overwhelming majority of drivers have noticed a positive improvement in local air quality according to a survey into driver attitudes and behaviours during lockdown. The survey, carried out by nationwide electric car charge point installer Smart Home Charge, found almost all respondents noticed less congestion and noise pollution (99.3 per cent and 88.3 per cent respectively), with 98.3 per cent agreeing that electric cars would help reduce noise pollution if they replaced petrol or diesel vehicles.
Continue ReadingSchaeffler adds INA installation guides to Repxpert
Following the successful launch of its LuK clutch step-by-step replacement guides on the Repxpert online technical portal in March, Schaeffler UK is now adding more detailed installation guides – this time covering INA belt systems.
Continue ReadingTecAlliance introduces TecDoc VIN Catalogue – Truck
Despite the prevalence of vehicle manufacturer (VM) derived electronic parts catalogues (EPC), they generally rely on a variety of search methods to identify a replacement part, which for wholesalers and CV workshops servicing and repairing multi-brand fleets, makes the identification process time-consuming, laborious and not cost-effective.
Continue Reading‘Time to end MOT extension’ – IGA
The Independent Garage Association (IGA) is urging the Government to remove the six-month MOT extension with immediate effect, following the Prime Minister’s announcement that further social distancing measures will be relaxed from 4 July.
Continue ReadingAcademic report details manufacturing sector concern with Brexit
Brexit will have significant adverse effects on a UK manufacturing sector highly integrated with the EU single market, and that disruption will have a sizeable negative impact on the wider UK economy, a new report by UK in a Changing Europe finds. Funded by the Economic and Social Science Research Council, part of UK Research and Innovation, the Kings College London based initiative conducts independent research on UK-EU relations.
Continue ReadingMichelin become BNP Paribas Rental Solutions preferred tyre supplier
Michelin has signed a new tyre supply agreement with one of Europe’s largest asset finance, leasing and rental specialists. The tyre manufacturer’s Services & Solutions division will supply all tyres to BNP Paribas Rental Solutions’ UK fleet. It will also fully manage the nationwide fleet of specialist mission-critical vehicles. Its vehicles have individual policies tailored to meet the needs of BNP Paribas Rental Solutions’ customers.
Continue ReadingIAAF details government MOT restart consultation
Further to our reports earlier today, the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) has shared details of the government’s ongoing consultation with aftermarket trade bodies relating to the cancellation of lockdown MOT relaxation rules. To this end, the DVSA has sent out a consultation document which includes three options to allow vehicle owners a period of grace during which they can obtain an MOT prior to the cessation of exemptions. This would not affect vehicles already covered by an exemption.
Continue ReadingEcobat develops start-stop battery training, certification
Ecobat Battery Technologies has followed the launch of its One Box start-stop battery testing and installation solution with a new training, assessment and certification. The first step is a comprehensive video, viewable below, hosted by Ecobat’s Christopher Jones. This offers a step-by-step guide to battery assessment, removal, replacement and validation processes. It also introduces the four parts of the One Box package. Together, Ecobat says they allow technicians to tackle start-stop battery replacement with confidence.
Continue ReadingGovernment consulting on ending MOT extension, NTDA calls for immediate car test restart
Following the news that the DVSA will restart heavy vehicle testing from 4 July 2020, Tyres & Accessories understands that the government Department for Transport (DfT) is consulting on ending the rolling MOT extension initiated at the start of lockdown in March 2020. While DVSA published a statement on 19 June 2020 relating to restarting HGV tests, DfT has not yet answered T&A’s car MOT-related questions on the subject. However, when we approached the National Tyre Distributors Association for a tyre industry perspective on the reports, the NTDA gave is full support to proposals to end the current temporary car MOT extension currently being given to the expiry dates of MOT tests as they become due. Specifically, the NTDA called for government to “restart with immediate effect” the normal MOT process.
Continue ReadingHow Pro Align is helping garages revive margins post-lockdown
Roughly 18 months after Clive Seabrook joined Pro-Align, Tyres & Accessories caught up with the relatively new CEO in order to find out more about how the right equipment and services can add value to garage businesses, especially in the post-lockdown environment. Challenging times need innovative solutions, so Pro Align responded to the pressures brought about by lockdown by seeing by choosing not to approach the circumstances as a commercial opportunity, but rather by responding to the customer instead:
Continue ReadingMercedes faces claim over diesel emissions
Thousands of British drivers have joined a legal claim against Mercedes over a diesel emissions scandal, which will be led by law firm PGMBM. The firm has filed a group litigation claim in the Liverpool High Court against Daimler AG, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz UK, over a diesel emissions scandal that it says could be worth up to £10 billion.
Continue ReadingNFDA highlights impact of delayed car dealer reopening in Scotland
On Friday 19 June, the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) wrote to Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon MSP to highlight the potential impact of the delay in allowing dealerships to reopen in Scotland. While dealerships could reopen on 1 June in England, 8 June in Northern Ireland and 22 June in Wales, dealers in Scotland have been given the green light from 29 June. Acting on behalf of its Scottish members, NFDA states that it has repeatedly urged the Scottish Government to consider reopening as soon as possible in view of the specific circumstances of the sector. The NFDA previously said there had been positive trading at dealerships in the other parts of the UK since reopening.
Continue ReadingBritishvolt appoints Charles Morgan to advisory board
Britishvolt has appointed automotive specialist Charles Morgan, to both its advisory board and board of directors, as a non-executive director. Charles Morgan, whose grandfather founded world-renowned British brand Morgan in 1909, combines his automotive heritage with a deep global industry knowledge, and a passion for a sustainable, green future. In his new role, he will become a valuable contributor in guiding Britishvolt to realising the full potential of the UK automotive supply chain. Considering his experience in automotive production, the news is reminiscent of earlier analysis that gigafactory battery production could be poised to replace lost OE vehicle construction in the UK post-Brexit and now in the post-corona context.
Continue ReadingUK government consulting on tyre legislation
Following the news that new European tyre labels come into force on 1 May 2021, the UK government embarked on an “Improving new vehicle safety and environmental compliance plus passenger vehicle digital radio requirement” consultation on 1 June 2020.
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