Independent Garage of the Year finalists announced
The finalists for this year's Independent Garage of the Year award have been announced as:
The finalists for this year's Independent Garage of the Year award have been announced as:
Motorists in London are more likely than those in any other part of the UK to fail their MOT as a result of simple, easy-to-fix, issues such as blown bulbs, worn tyres and cracked windscreens. The research, conducted by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), indicates that around 1.5 million MOT failures each year could be avoided if motorists carry out simple visual checks of their vehicles and forewarn their dealer of issues, before the annual test of roadworthiness.
According to recent information released by the Independent Garage Association (IGA), cash-strapped motorists will be delighted to hear that visiting an independent garage could cost them on average £40 an hour less than if they visited a franchise dealer.
The IGA polled over 2000 of its members on their labour rates and has concluded, that independent garages 'continue to offer motorists the very best value for money.' Enabling all UK motorists to find a 'trusted' local independent garage was one of the key reasons why the IGA launched its UK-wide Trust My Garage scheme.
The Petrol Retailers’ Association (PRA) has submitted evidence to the Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) on the state of the UK retail fuels sector. The Parliamentary BIS Select Committee recently launched an inquiry into the UK retail market to question the effects regulations and costs have on the sector.
The Independent Garage Association (IGA) has appointed Bridge PR & Media Services to position Trust My Garage as a household name and brand for all UK motorists seeking a trustworthy independent garage. The partnership will see an increase in awareness of Trust My Garage to all consumers through a campaign that will use traditional and digital PR.
Trust My Garage has been set up to be a truly independent scheme for independent garages. Members of Trust My Garage are true professionals, complying with a strict code of practice.
The Independent Garage Association (IGA) has reacted strongly to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) and National Franchised Dealers Association’s (NFDA) ‘Minute Or Two’ MOT campaign, saying is “a blatant attempt to drive business away from independent garages.”
Even though car service portals are being accepted only hesitantly, they still have a remarkable effect already today and the online booking of auto-services is beginning to enter the imagination of motorists across Europe. According to German research firm Wolk After Sales Experts, the concept has now “become imaginable” to many car drivers and the finding forms the basis for a new study named “After Sales Goes Online“, conducted by the automotive consultancy.
The Independent Garage Association (IGA) is outraged by recent Citizens Advice findings suggesting that independent used car dealers and garages are the top cause of consumer complaints. The IGA has been in contact with Citizens Advice to try and establish how this information is gathered and what evidence is provided to verify a complaint. However, despite numerous attempts to gain this information, Citizens Advice is yet to provide it.
Micheldever’s retail director has called the shortlisting of four Micheldever/Protyre tyre centres in the annual Motor Codes Garage of the Year competition as a “fantastic achievement.” The entries represent the largest number of finalists from an independent tyre centre group; the Micheldever locations shortlisted in the independent garages category are Micheldever Station (near Winchester), Harris Brothers (near Swansea), Thistlewaites Tyres (Bolton), and Barry and Wilkinson (Winsford, Cheshire).
March's edition of Tyre & Accessories is due to arrive on doorsteps any day now. The virtual version, however, is online now. As well as the latest news and reviews, the March magazine contains the latest information and analysis on 4×4 tyres as well Ancillary garage services, so if you are a subscriber simply click more to read it now.
Motor Codes, the OFT-approved garage scheme operator, has announced the shortlist of businesses in the running for its Garage of the Year title. Thousands have voted in the annual initiative that helps uncertain motorists know where to turn for top-class customer service. Over 7,000 garages from across the UK, all subscribers to Motor Codes' government-backed code of practice, put themselves up for public scrutiny.
MAM has announced plans to showcase its latest tyre market solutions at the forthcoming CV Show. Autopart Tyres, which is designed for tyre distributors, auto-centres, garages and workshops, will be a primary focus, according to the company. Built around MAM's powerful Autopart management application, the suite comprises a number of innovative components that can be combined into a single integrated system.
On 17 January battery specialist Johnson Controls unveiled a revitalisation of the Varta battery brand with a new logo, a new slogan, new product design and a completely revised online presence. The new look is being rolled out as part of the Europe-wide campaign with the aid of the “It all starts with Varta” strapline.
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March is said to be the peak month for MoTs, and with this in mind Halfords Autocentres has produced viral film to promote its MOT offer to consumers via social media. In homage to the film Grease, ten Halfords team members perform their own unique interpretation of the film’s ‘Go Greased Lightning’ garage scene – complete with a classic American car and all-new lyrics.
With a view towards improving safety standards and raising awareness of the law relating to part-worn tyres, Cumbria County Council’s Trading Standards team and Cumbria Police plan to visit tyre retailers throughout February.
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