News

Updated CMA Merger Assessment Guidelines published
Date: Thursday 25 March 2021
Following a public consultation, the CMA has published updated guidelines about its approach to analysing mergers. The Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) previous merger assessment guidelines w…

TechMan puts valuable vehicle data into the hands of technicians
Date: Thursday 25 March 2021
Garage Management System, TechMan is empowering technicians with manufacturer vehicle data thanks to a pioneering new partnership with E3 Technical. From the 1st April 2021, existing and new TechMan u…

The automotive sector – how will it accelerate again?
Date: Thursday 25 March 2021
A year of unpredictability.The coronavirus pandemic has created a global chain reaction of events that’s had a swift and significant impact on the automotive industry. According to KPMG, 80% of the au…

New Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Safety Course at OurVirtualAcademy.com on Isolation Monitoring
Date: Thursday 25 March 2021
Online training specialists OurVirtualAcademy have released the next chapter in their course on High Voltage Design Concepts and Safety Systems: ISOLATION MONITORING - Capacitors in Parallel and Serie…

Plug-in car, van and truck grant to be targeted at more affordable models to allow more people to make the switch
Date: Thursday 25 March 2021
The grant scheme for electric cars, vans and trucks has been updated to target less expensive models and reflect a greater range of affordable vehicles available, allowing the scheme’s funding to go f…

NGK-sponsored Nic Hamilton announces 2021 BTCC race plans
Date: Thursday 25 March 2021
NGK-sponsored British racing driver Nic Hamilton is confirmed to drive for Team HARD. Racing’s Cupra Leon line-up for the 2021 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) season. Hamilton remains…

New webinar to discuss the new normal for training within the UK aftermarket in 2021
Date: Thursday 25 March 2021
The next Automotive Aftermarket Webinar Series, The Future of Automotive Training, launched by auto:resource, brought to you by of automechanika, is set to look at the impact 2020 had on the landscape…

Iconic racing vehicle graphics
Date: Thursday 25 March 2021
Ad Bell take a look at some of the most iconic vehicle graphic designs featured in automotive sports in the last 50+ years. 1. Gulf Ford GT40s The original gulf branded sports car featured in a navy b…

VARTA® issue advice to drivers to seek expert battery fitment via the UK independent garage trade
Date: Thursday 25 March 2021
The battery experts at VARTA® are issuing advice to vehicle drivers around the risks and complexity of attempting a DIY battery replacement in this age of increasingly complex cars. VARTA say that the…

Greater need for automotive aftermarket to ‘think digital’
Date: Thursday 25 March 2021
The first IAAF Industry Bitesize Briefing session of 2021 was a success, as members joined via Zoom to learn about digitalisation for the future of the aftermarket. Hosted by IAAF’s Head of Membership…

Motorpoint chosen to deliver Clean Air Zone Scrappage Scheme in Birmingham
Date: Thursday 25 March 2021
Motorpoint has been chosen by Birmingham City Council to deliver the city’s Clean Air Zone’s Scrappage and Travel Scheme. The UK’s largest independent car retailer, which has stores in Aston and Oldbu…

Melett simplifies turbo parts identification with new online parts catalogue
Date: Friday 19 March 2021
Recognising that turbocharger repairers require quick solutions and instant access to the most accurate, up-to-date product data, Melett has launched an interactive tool helping them quickly and easil…

DENSO launches combined spark plug and oxygen sensor promotion
Date: Friday 19 March 2021
Keeping its ignition theme going throughout March, DENSO is introducing a spark plug and oxygen sensor promotion alongside it existing campaign for glow plugs. “For our second ignition promotion of th…

Steve Fisher, RIP
Date: Thursday 18 March 2021
It is with deep sadness we have to inform you that Steve Fisher, Managing Director at Apec, passed away on Wednesday 17th March after a short, but difficult, battle with COVID-19. Steve was a respecte…

HELLA aims for climate-neutral production by 2025
Date: Thursday 18 March 2021
As one of the world's leading automotive suppliers, HELLA wants to further accelerate its own efforts against climate change and send a clear signal for climate protection. So, by 2025, all 38 HELLA p…

Last chance to book
Date: Thursday 18 March 2021
This is the last chance to book a place at the IAAF's first Industry Briefing Bitesize session for 2021, on the subject of ‘The Digitalisation of the Automotive Aftermarket in 2021 and beyond’, which …

Advice from Lawgistics: Review your contracts of employment
Date: Thursday 18 March 2021
Legal helpline partner Lawgistics are reminding IAAF members, that the Good Work Plan, which was introduced on 6 April 2020, resulted in changes to employment law affecting all business sectors. With …

33% of new registrations in Western Europe are AFVs
Date: Thursday 18 March 2021
While the new car market is down by 23% for the first two months of 2021, the sales of Alternatively Fuelled Vehicles (AFVs) are soaring in Western Europe. Their cumulative sales share for January and…

DVSA releases MOT expiry profile figures
Date: Thursday 18 March 2021
Following on from previous forecast figures, the DVSA has now produced the expiry profile figures for both March and April 2021, broken down by postcode, to help understand how demand will vary by are…

SME Brexit Support Fund is open for applications
Date: Thursday 18 March 2021
The SME Brexit Support Fund could give you up to £2,000 to help with training or professional advice, if your business has up to 500 employees and no more than £100 million annual turnover. Traders ca…

Revised timetable for the introduction of import border controls
Date: Thursday 18 March 2021
A new timetable for introducing import border control processes will enable UK businesses to focus on their recovery from the COVID pandemic. The government will now introduce full border control proc…

NGK to sponsor Lambert for 2021 Speedway season
Date: Thursday 18 March 2021
NGK has announced it is to continue its sponsorship of young Speedway star Robert Lambert for the 2021 season. The ignition and sensor specialist is a major supporter of Speedway where riders compete …

NSK wins two Toyota supplier awards
Date: Thursday 18 March 2021
Toyota Motor Europe (TME) has bestowed two awards upon NSK Europe: a Certificate of Recognition (in the Supply category) and an Achievement Award (in the Quality category). In normal circumstances, TM…

Yuasa hang up their BTCC racing gloves after 10 tremendous years with Team Dynamics & Honda
Date: Thursday 18 March 2021
GS Yuasa have announced that they will finish their long-term sponsorship of Team Dynamics and Honda in the British Touring Car Championship. Last year the manufacturer, which produces Yuasa branded b…

Autotech Training launches ADAS training course ahead of IIR deadline
Date: Thursday 18 March 2021
Autotech Training is now offering IMI accredited ADAS training for the automotive industry, ahead of the looming insurance deadline for the safe repair of vehicles equipped with advanced driver-assist…

HELLA and Ridecell enter into partnership
Date: Thursday 18 March 2021
HELLA, the internationally positioned automotive supplier has entered into a partnership with US and EU-based Fleet IoT (Internet of Things) platform company Ridecell. Hella Gutmann Solutions (HGS), a…

Comline creates aftermarket-themed Red Nose Day competition
Date: Thursday 18 March 2021
Comline is pleased to announce the launch of a social media campaign that will run from Friday 19th March to Friday 26th March, in aid of Red Nose Day. Participants who correctly identify the part ado…

New filters recently added to MAHLE range
Date: Wednesday 17 March 2021
MAHLE Aftermarket UK has extended its growing filtration range, including cabin filters, fuel filters and air filters, expanding its range further in 2021. The latest new-to-range products are suitabl…

The end of an era at Schaeffler (UK) Ltd as long-serving MD retires
Date: Tuesday 16 March 2021
Nigel Morgan, Managing Director of Schaeffler’s Automotive Aftermarket division in the UK, has decided to step aside after more than 40 years continual service with the company. Nigel’s rise to afterm…

For steering & suspension – choose First Line!
Date: Tuesday 16 March 2021
When First Line’s Steering & Suspension programme was launched back in 1992, the 1,000 reference portfolio led the way in providing a comprehensive offer. Since then, the range has grown to more t…

HELLA opens new development centre in Romania
Date: Tuesday 16 March 2021
The internationally positioned automotive supplier HELLA is further expanding its software and electronics activities, with a new test and development centre at its Craiova site in Romania. The compan…

NEW alternator A3560S in AS-PL offer
Date: Tuesday 16 March 2021
Another new alternator has enlarged the AS-PL offer. The alternator has an index number A3560S and is the product of the AS brand. The alternator belongs to the Standard line - 100% reliability and st…

LIQUI MOLY alongside Betamotor at the MXGP Motocross World Championship
Date: Thursday 11 March 2021
When the Italian manufacturer of enduro and trial bikes participates in the MXGP Motocross World Championship for the first time with a factory team, a long-standing partner will be at their side: LIQ…

A1 Motor Stores joins IAAF
Date: Thursday 11 March 2021
The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) has welcomed another new member for 2021, A1 Motor Stores, to its growing membership. Formed in 1983, A1 Motor Stores has developed in to one o…

EAG celebrates two years trading!
Date: Thursday 11 March 2021
Excel Automotive Group (EAG) was acquired by Tony Bhogal with Adrian Lamb at the end of March 2019 and has gone from strength to strength. During the last two years, one of which was marred by a globa…

Banner steps back in time
Date: Thursday 11 March 2021
Banner has entered 2021 in vintage mode having unveiled what is quite simply a ‘blast from the past’. In true retro style, the leading European manufacturer of batteries and battery accessories has pr…

VARTA Batteries Partner with Diagnostics Expert Steve Scott to bring battery education to the independent garage
Date: Thursday 11 March 2021
The battery experts at VARTA have teamed up with the successful diagnostics online platform Simply Diagnostics to enhance customers’ access to battery information and support the UK workshops to grow …

ZF Aftermarket makes its Internet portal an essential tool for workshops
Date: Thursday 11 March 2021
ZF has completely revised its aftermarket portal and added numerous new functions. The website aftermarket.zf.com is used to make contact with all market participants from automotive workshops to whol…

SMP Europe leads the way: New ignition leads launched
Date: Thursday 11 March 2021
SMP Europe continues to drive the market from the front with its range of OE Fit Ignition Leads, now available in its Intermotor, Lucas, Lemark, High Volt and Electrospark brands. What is an ignition …

E10 petrol plans – time to become aware of the implications
Date: Thursday 11 March 2021
Additive and lubricants manufacturer Lucas Oil has warned that most cars will require some extra protection following confirmation of Government plans to make E10 petrol the standard 95-octane grade b…

LKQ Euro Car Parts launches e-learning suite as part of digitalisation drive
Date: Thursday 11 March 2021
The UK’s leading supplier of car and van parts has enhanced its training offering for garages, with the addition of a new e-learning suite. The e-learning courses from LKQ Euro Car Parts’ AutoEducatio…

HELLA grows its VALUEFIT work lamp series
Date: Wednesday 10 March 2021
The safety of the personnel responsible for loading and unloading goods, working in and around the yard, as well as the warehouse or highway, is paramount, which is why original equipment manufacturer…

BM Catalysts expands range
Date: Wednesday 10 March 2021
BM Catalysts, UK manufacturer and exporter of catalytic converters, DPFs and front pipes, has added six new products to its expanding product portfolio, as part of its commitment to providing customer…

Leading European manufacturer of alternators and starters
Date: Wednesday 10 March 2021
AS-PL Sp. z o.o. is a European company which operates in the field of supplying parts and electrical components for vehicles. The company was established in 1992 in Gdańsk and cooperates with aftermar…

Volkswagen is accelerating transformation into software-driven mobility provider
Date: Wednesday 10 March 2021
Volkswagen is accelerating its transformation into a software-driven mobility provider. By rolling out the ACCELERATE strategy that it has just unveiled, the company will systematically prepare for th…

Budget 2021: COVID-19 Support
Date: Wednesday 10 March 2021
In his speech last week, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced extensions to a number of current COVID-19 schemes, alongside additional support for individuals and businesses, as the UK continues …

SME Toolkit: Trading with the EU and Northern Ireland
Date: Wednesday 10 March 2021
A new summary of actions SMEs may need to take to trade with the EU produced by BEIS is now available. The document provides an overview of actions to take, outlines support, helplines and resources t…

TechMan support team eases switchover angst for multi-site garage owner
Date: Wednesday 10 March 2021
The owner of a midlands-based fleet servicing specialist whose business development was being held back by an unsuitable Garage Management System has spoken out about why he waited two years before sw…

Mintex-sponsored Steve Brown returns to British Rallycross Championship tour in 2021
Date: Wednesday 10 March 2021
After a successful debut season in the British Rallycross Championship in 2019, Mintex-sponsored Steve Brown will once again swap the rally stages for circuits as he makes a return to the popular BMW …

AAG acquires Uckfield motor factor
Date: Wednesday 10 March 2021
Alliance Automotive Group UK has announced that it has recently completed the acquisition of EBC Motor Factors Ltd; an existing member of the UAN buying group. The business is a two branch LV business…