MOT
MOT Stations will have to look at changing and possibly enhancing how they manage test quality in light of DVSA’s announcement that its new MOT computer system will not record QC checks. However, according to a release issued by RMI on 17 March, Authorised Examiners (AE’s) will need to provide evidence to DVSA in the […]
A new Internet-based MOT testing system is to replace existing MOT computers and Vehicle Testing Station (VTS) devices this year, with the first garages switching over to the new system as early as next month. The switchover, which will take place between April and September, will require Test Stations to have IT equipment that meets the minimum requirements set out in the government’s MOT Modernisation guidance. Garages will be contacted by the DVSA with a date of transition and the system is likely to go live overnight.
The Independent Garage Association (IGA) is assisting the Department for Transport (DfT) with a project to reassess statutory MOT test fees. The DfT is analysing garage running costs to validate the justification for an increase in MOT test fees to present to the next government, but to make this happen it needs financial costings for MOT test stations as a starting point to the project.
The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) has claimed victory after an obligation to check non-OEM replacement parts was removed from the latest EU legislation on the roadworthiness testing of vehicles (Directive 2014/45/EU), which entered into force in May 2014. A technical expert committee is currently discussing and drafting the implementing measures that will define the […]
According to information obtained by TyreSafe under a Freedom of Information request, more than 2.2 million cars in the UK failed their annual MoT test last year due to the condition of their tyres. Commenting on this data supplied by the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency, the safety organisation’s chairman, Stuart Jackson, said it “beggars belief” that so many cars fail because of unsafe or illegal tyres.
A nationwide vehicle recycling specialist is calling for a three-yearly MOT for classic vehicles, after receiving over 500 disposal requests for cars registered before 1988, in the past 12 months.
The Department of Transport is currently considering changing existing MOT legislation to make any vehicle manufactured before 1988 exempt from MOT testing, instead of existing rules that state vehicles manufactured before 1960 are MOT exempt. However, Remove My Car believes that all vehicles, regardless of age should be made to undergo some sort of inspection and refers to its own statistics to demonstrate that pre-1988 vehicles are being considered dangerous by the British public, and responsibly disposed of.
ATS Euromaster is investing nearly £1 million in its van MoT facilities to service more light commercial vehicle (LCV) customers An additional 15 centres will offer Class VII MoTs. The service is already available at 49 centres nationwide. ATS Euromaster also offers Class IV MoTs for car-derived vans at 147 of its locations.
TyreSafe has continued to spread its reach to all parts of the extended automotive sector by signing Evans Halshaw as its latest member. One of the UK’s largest dealer groups, Evans Halshaw’s 120 sites across England, Scotland and Wales will now have access to a wide range of tyre safety information and advice for use within its outlets, helping to keep its customers informed and safe on the road.
point S member Pellon Tyre and Auto Centre is celebrating 25 years of business during the course of 2014. For Eric Roberts, managing director of Pellon, which is based in Halifax, 2014 is therefore a particular special year. Prior to owning the company, Roberts worked for Michelin, Goodyear and Dunlop and this was how he came to know the previous owners, the Martin family.
The Renault Retail Group has extended its online aftersales service, mandating online tyre purchasing across its 19 outlets. The national network’s implementation of online tyre retail facilities, including fitment appointment bookings, shows the growing importance of digital sales within the automotive retail sector. Renault Retail calls the move part of “an ongoing strategy to improve customer experience through the digital interface.”
Survey results don’t necessarily paint a flattering picture of UK motorists, and the outcome of the latest research from Kwik Fit is no exception. The fast fit network commissioned Consumer Intelligence to survey a group representative of the British motoring public, and it turns out that nine per cent of the 2,002 adults surveyed admitted they weren’t even aware that an MoT certificate is a legal requirement for cars over three years old. An equal number didn’t realise car insurance is compulsory and ten per cent said the same about a valid tax disc.
MAM Software reports that its MAM Autopart Tyres has helped Darcy’s of Durham get its business up and running. With in-built point of sale functionality, Autopart Tyres gives Darcy’s access to extensive features such as labour allocation, parts look up, and technical data. Darcy’s can also keep in touch with its customers by SMS and email, which reduces the cost of postage and paper. The cloud-hosted Software as a Service (SaaS) approach allows the company to spread server license fees through monthly payments.
Retail sales of tyre pressure monitoring system sensors and service kits are growing fastest in northern Europe. According to Ian Smith, managing director of British firm Tyre Sure which supplies Tech Europe’s TPMS needs across the continent, drawing a line from the Nordic region south to Spain and Portugal gives you an ever-decreasing continuum of market demand. As you might expect there is a direct correlation between having a distinct winter market and TPMS success. Those at the South of Europe have comparatively little demand by comparison.
Following the publication of an informational poster last year on the subject of TPMS, the Scandinavian Tire & Rim Organization (STRO) subsequently issued a market newsletter questioning whether TPMS actually had to be working in order for cars to pass the Swedish national equivalent of the MOT. Writing in a newsletter published on 10 December 2013, the STRO explains that debate broke out at the end of last year and has yet to be resolved, but the gist of it is that there is a significant different of opinion (or perhaps) interpretation.
A study across 10 major UK cities, quoted on the IAAF e-bulletin, revealed that some 10.1 per cent of vehicles checked in were found to have a failed headlight, sidelight, rear or brake-light; a proportion equating to some 2.6 million vehicles on UK roads right now.
The scale of the problem is also reflected in MOT failure rates with 1.16 million cars tested in 2012 falling short of required standards because of the condition of their lights.
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