AA issues classic car warning following death of teacher
The AA are warning classic car owners they could be driving ‘death traps’ after a teacher was killed when his MG “folded like a penknife,” according to The Daily Telegraph. Older vehicles do not have crumple zones and even recent classics like Minis and Ford Capris will come off a lot worse in a collision with the latest models, says the AA.
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IMI accreditations to be renamed
The Institute of the Motor Industry confirmed it will be changing the title of Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA), along with Automotive Management Accreditation (AMA), to IMI Accreditation as part of the IMIs brand overhaul. ATA was first established in 2005 to act as a voluntary licence to practise for the automotive sector and takes the form of practical and knowledge based assessments designed to test the current competence of an individual in their job role.
Continue ReadingPRA welcomes announcement to cut rural fuel tax
“The PRA welcomes the news that seventeen of the UK’s most rural communities are a step closer to getting up to a 5p per litre fuel price cut. The government’s Rural Fuel Rebate scheme has today cleared the major hurdle gaining European Commission (EC) approval”, said Brian Madderson, chairman of the Petrol Retailers Association.
Continue ReadingMPs “unprepared for driverless future” says report
MPs are yet to grasp the impact of modern vehicle technology on the motor industry says the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI). The comments came after a Dods Polling survey into MPs’ attitudes to driverless cars revealed a “general lack of knowledge amongst our legislators on the impact of autonomous vehicles.”
Continue ReadingNew CEO for IAM
The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has appointed Sarah Sillars OBE, one of the leading women in British industry, as its new chief executive officer as she returns full-time to the automotive sector.
Continue ReadingTransaid raises more than £160,000 thanks to industry support
International development charity Transaid has praised the transport and logistics sector after fundraising initiatives helped it to raise more than £160,000 during 2014. Members of the industry took part in special events and individual challenges throughout the year, with the London to Brussels cycle ride adding more than £70,000 to the total. Equally important were […]
Continue ReadingGates Tyres opens up opportunities with CAM’s UniSerV technologies
North West tyre dealer Gates Tyres has invested in UniSerV and its tablet technology for mobile fitters from CAM to speed up its job processing. Managing director Gordon Thompson explains: “We want to ensure we are completely up to speed with new technologies to enable the business to move with the times. We have worked […]
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Vipal partner Power Retreads opens manufacturing line in New Zealand
Vipal Rubber’s New Zealand partner, Power Retreads, has opened a new manufacturing unit in Hastings on the country’s North Island. During the opening, which took place last month, guests were able tour the premises and learn more about the products and procedure. Vipal has worked in partnership with Power Retreads since 2007. That is why on this occasion Vipal’s representatives gave the firm an acknowledgement plate for the work it has performed in the last 7 years.
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Jong Jin Park named head of Hankook Tyre UK
The gap at the top of Hankook Tyre UK’s management following Gaugseung Lee’s appointment as vice-president of marketing and sales for Europe has been filled by Jong Jin Park. Mr. Park is now managing director of Hankook’s second largest entity in Europe, and joins Hankook Tyre UK with more than ten years of experience in various positions within the company.
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Andrew Page rebrands as Autoparts People
Parts and workshop equipment distributor Andrew Page has rebranded its entire national network, including many former Unipart Automotive centres. Covering the original Andrew Page and Camberley Auto Factors branches, as well as the 21 Unipart Automotive centres purchased in July, branches have now received new signage and team uniforms to reposition the group as Andrew Page, the Autoparts People.
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Hankook confirms Tony Lee as European marketing and sales head
Hankook has confirmed reports of Gangseung ‘Tony’ Lee’s appointment as vice president of marketing and sales for Europe. The manufacturer said his appointment reflects both the continual and long-term growth of the Hankook brand in the European tyre market as well as the increasing importance of the European business unit within the group. The appointment was effective from New Year’s Day 2015.
Continue ReadingMCIA anticipating a repeat of 2014’s motorcycle sales growth
Upon announcing its projected figures for new registrations in the UK this year, the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) has voiced the expectation that the return to growth seen in 2014 will continue. “We estimate around 109,990 units will be sold during 2015, which is a similar growth rate to the one we enjoyed in 2014 – around ten per cent,” commented MCIA CEO Steve Kenward. “With Motorcycle Live attendance up ten per cent too, and growth every single month during 2014, we feel confident we have turned a corner.
Continue ReadingEuropean car registrations up 5.7% in 2014
Passenger car registrations in the European Union (excluding Malta) rose for the 16th consecutive month in December 2014, with the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) reporting sales of 951,329 units, which pushed the monthly tally up 4.7 per cent year-on-year. Looking at the largest markets, the demand increase was mainly led by the significant growth recorded in Spain (+21.4%), followed by the UK (+8.7%), Germany (+6.7%), and Italy (+2.4%), while the French market (-6.7%) displayed less activity than in December 2013. Substantial growth also posted by the new EU member states (+9.6%) and by the EFTA countries (+9.8%) contribute to explain last month’s positive outcome.
Continue ReadingThe Parts Alliance extends support to Bucks young motor mechanics
The Parts Alliance has added its support to a charity that provides training in motor mechanics to young people of all abilities to increase their employment prospects in Buckinghamshire. Allparts Automotive, a Buckinghamshire based member of The Parts Alliance’s Eastern Alliance, helped to deliver the equipment. Another Parts Alliance member CES UK also supports a classic car restoration charity in the north of England.
Continue ReadingUAN adds to its sales management structure
Due to the recent announcement of United Aftermarket Networks five-year partnership deal with Unipart Autoparts (which allows the buying group the opportunity to supply Unipart Car Care Centres), and together with the continuing growth of the companys membership base, UAN has decided to strengthen its sales team.
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