A report in the consumer press claiming that a rise in BMW thefts can be attributed to aftermarket technicians – courtesy of a European Union regulation – has been branded as “outrageous and wholly inaccurate” by HiQ. The company’s fast fit manager, Stuart Carr, has joined the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation in refuting claims that a recent rise in BMW thefts is linked to the independent automotive aftermarket.
Following the major investigation into illegal tyre dumping broadcast by BBC TV’s Panorama on 16 July, the Tyre Recovery Association has highlighted the importance of garages, tyre retailers and vehicle dismantlers using responsible recyclers for the collection of their waste tyres. Peter Taylor, secretary general of the Tyre Recovery Association, said: “This latest investigation perfectly illustrates why such a scheme is necessary. It also shows the scale of devastation and criminality that results from those intent on operating outside of the law.” The programme showed how large quantities of tyres are being illegally dumped each year in the UK by unscrupulous and rogue collectors, resulting in huge clean up bills for UK taxpayers and landowners.
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"The suggestion that independent garages having access to vehicle manufacturer technical information is the cause of a rise in car crime is entirely false and unfounded" said Stuart James, Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI) Independent Garage Association (IGA) Director, commenting on a recent press article.
Now that its part of the MOT to fail cars that have warning lamps showing garages stand to gain extra work by not only diagnosing the problem but fixing it. That’s why Butts of Bawtry have released a new tool designed specifically for this task – the MOTpro.
Hull-based Tyremen reports that it recently launched the UK TyreNetwork (UKTN) to offer a fitting service throughout the UK for its internet customers. After choosing the tyres they need on the Tyremen website, the UKTN allows drivers wherever they are in the country to order and pay for the tyres they need and have them fitted at a garage of their choice.
Snap-on Equipment’s extensive Hofmann range of wheel alignment equipment could generate a net income of over £30,000 per year even given conservative throughput expectations, according to the company’s recent field research. Snap-on says its range accommodates any workshop and level of service volume, while the leading European manufacturer of garage equipment also offers wheel alignment service expertise and aftersales care. Its most recent machines feature the latest full 3D four wheel alignment technology.
Thousands of motorists have voted in a nationwide contest to seek out the UK's best car service centres and Motor Codes, the operator of OFT-backed codes of practice for the motor industry, has revealed which were voted the most trusted large and small garages in the UK. Garage of the Year, backed by Havoline, is an annual initiative, highlighting to motorists those garages that are committed to providing consistently high customer service standards. In being awarded the title, the winning garages have beaten off competition from a huge field, open to entry for all garages.
Earlier this year Point S appointed Dean Dyoss as network development manager. The move was the first of a run investments Point S has begun making into its UK chain and its investment in people. Just over a year since John Cowderoy joined the growing independent retail chain as managing director, he began making strategic appointments designed to help the network flourish in the years to come.
Just over a week before the Reifen Essen exhibition kicks off, organisers Messe Essen have launched an interactive floor plan to help visitors with their final planning for the event. At the same time Messe Essen recommended online prior registration in order to save waiting times at the exhibition hall itself.
Infinity Tyres has signed a distribution deal with Groupe Massa in France. The group operates through several subsidiary companies focusing on retail, logistics, retreading and wholesale, and the brand will be distributed through the Massa Pneus retail network and the business-to-business Imagine Car operation, which it says is the largest wholesaler on the French market.
It has been announced that John Ball is to step down in May as MOT chairman of the Retail Motor Industry Federation. He said "I have very much enjoyed my time as chairman of RMI MOT and having played a lead role in defeating the frequency challenge, the effort has been more than justified.
In the highly competitive automotive market, many workshops including tyre dealerships rely on a high quality service from their suppliers in order to provide an efficient and competitive service to their customer, which increases customer retention and maximises profit. These suppliers must therefore ensure they are at the cutting edge of service. That’s the view of Mike Curry, sales director, The Parts Alliance, who recently commented on his opinion in correspondence with Tyres & Accessories.
With TPMS becoming mandatory on new car models this year, Rema Tip Top Automotive believes understanding tyre pressure technology is critical to tyre businesses.
Referring to it as, “one of the most topical and important issues in the automotive industry at this time”, company representatives pointed out the environmental and safety benefits of effective tyre maintenance through TPMS. Optimised fuel consumption and reduced tyre wear, the company suggests, can be seen as great financial incentives for any customer wishing to adopt such a system, but crucially – the say – the road safety benefits for the customer and other road users must be treated with equal regard.
The Bosch Car Service network has held its first conference in Ireland. The network says the event is designed to help independent garages get the most from the scheme’s many benefits, with a day of workshops, training sessions and talks for garages signed up to the Bosch Car Service network.
TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems) will soon become a legally required feature of the MOT test. From 1 November 2012 all new passenger car models must be fitted with TPMS and a non-working TPMS system will has already been subject to advisory on the MOT test from 1 January 2012. As from January next year, all taxis will be required to have the TPMS system working to pass the MOT and this will then become the same for all TPMS fitted vehicles as of the start of 2015.
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