With an estimated 6500 vehicle lifts sold last year, this essential part of a working garage’s life cannot be ignored. And as long as there are lifts, those using them need to be aware of how they can protect their safety and maximise the potential of their investments. In order to find our more Tyres & Accessories recently interviewed Garage Equipment Association (GEA) chief executive, Dave Garrat.

GEA members sold 5247 vehicle lifts, according to the last full-year figures in 2008. Add another 20 per cent for the remaining non-GEA members operating in the market and it is clear that at least 6500 vehicle lifts were sold in the UK last year. And what’s more, despite the global economic meltdown that began in the second part of 2008, this number represents an increase over the 2007 figure. This year’s figures are not expected to be so good as, in line with the rest of the business community, the lift sector has experienced its fair share of belt tightening this year, with garages and fast fits delaying purchase during the course of 2009. However, according to Dave Garratt, this doesn’t mean there has been a boom in sales of low-cost machinery. Rather, it is said to have brought equipment maintenance into sharper focus.