Sealey’s new 740-page catalogue features a phenomenal 850 new products, making this the biggest and best yet. Since 1979, Sealey has enjoyed a rate of compound growth rarely seen in the tool and equipment business. They strive to comply with or exceed international standards at affordable prices. Over 7000 items are stocked suitable for both pros and serious DIY enthusiasts. For a free copy, vist the website or give Sealey a call.

Automechanika's global growth

Automechanika continues to grow its shows across the world – according to the latest attendance figures released by the German exhibition giant.

This summer’s Dubai show attracted over 15,000 visitors: mainly from the Middle East, Africa and CIS countries from Eastern Europe.

At the fair, 966 exhibitors from 46 countries presented their products on 31,000 square metres of exhibition space in the halls of the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centres.

New records were also set by Automechanika Istanbul, which saw a 20% increase in exhibitors – with 823 stands to see.

A significant growth in visitors was also reported, with over 35,000 guests attending from 102 countries.

Mexico City is the next venue for the unstoppable brand that is Automechanika – with the show starting on July 15, 2009.

Bookings are also being taken already for Frankfurt 2010, beginning on September 14.

Manbat's Sunderland depot

Manbat has strengthened its hold on the North East’s battery market by moving into a bigger unit in Sunderland.

The move to the Riversgreen Industry Centre puts Manbat in the ideal position to expand its market in the region.

Investment has also been made in a new fleet of Mercedes Sprinter and Ford Transit delivery vans.

The Sunderland base will not only serve the UK aftermarket but also the leisure (caravan), golf and mobility markets – in addition to Manbat’s ties with industry in the area.

Valentino Rossi doing what he does best

Welcome to my brand spanking new blog. As you many of you know, I am a straight talking girl and will not mix my words, so hopefully we will have some fun here!

I LOVE VALENTINO

Well to start things off, I have two big loves in my life. The first is the truly remarkable Valentino Rossi – please tell me someone saw that last lap at Catalunya!

The second is my beautiful Kawasaki Z750 – in green! I know every last thing about that bike, right down to the type of gaskets I have, but this has got me thinking.

The thing is, I have no idea what oil I have in my car or what the tyres are for that matter – my excuse is that I have a company car so I don’t have any say in what parts are replaced.

But what about other car owners?

WHAT PARTS IN YOUR CAR?

I decided to ask a good friend of mine about her recent car service, even though she knows as much about cars as I know about agriculture!

“Were any parts changed and if so who were the parts made by?”  I asked.

Now the reply was not what I was expecting: “Wilsons”. Hmmm, I tried to explain that this was the garage that fixed her car but soon realised I was wasting my time.

She was more likely to think of the ball in the Tom Hanks film ‘Castaway’.

IMPREZA

I decided to speak to another friend who has the most well-kept Subaru Impreza I have ever seen for an early 20-something.

Having learned from speaking to my other friend, I asked the most simple question: “Who makes your oil filter?”

Well, I wished I had never asked. Off she went: “K & N mate, sweet as, plus I am looking to replace my old brakes with the new Brembos, proper wicked they are…” I won’t repeat it all here – you are busy people!

The real question is, I guess, does the everyday motorist actually need to know? It would be great to hear your feedback.