Trupart reprint their many individual product catalogues every 18 months, but despite this, a paper catalogue can be out of date almost as soon as it goes to press. The Trupart ‘online’ catalogue is always totally up to date and is the best way to make sure that you get the correct part everytime!

Accessing the online catalogue is easy, simply log on to our website at www.trupart.co.uk and click on the big red button at the top of the page. Finding the right part is simple and most of the online data is also supported by illustrations or photographs of the product, together with technical information where necessary.

Clive Woolford Motor Engineers was the UK's Golden Garage

Clive Woolford Motor Engineers has been crowned the UK’s Golden Garage for 2011.

Ian and Suzanne Boskett, owners of the Tewkesbury-based independent, were presented with the title and trophy by Motor Codes director Chris Mason on Friday.

“We pride ourselves in providing a friendly, trustworthy, family-run business that our customers can rely on to provide them with value for money and excellent customer service,” said Ian.

“Winning means so much to us because it is actually based on the votes and recommendations of our customers – that’s the biggest compliment any business can get.

“I’d like to thank our customers for voting for us and to all the Clive Woolford team for going the extra mile every day.”

Alongside the Golden Garage title, Clive Woolford Motor Engineers receives a share of a prize fund worth £12,000, including Snap-on tools and Unipart vouchers.

Chis Mason added: “All of the judges felt that the standard of the competition was very high this year and it was great to see such positive customer feedback.

“However, Clive Woolford stood out for us.  As well as exemplary customer service that is truly appreciated by motorists, the business feels like a part of the community.

“It supports the local churches and theatre, working to keep their support vehicles and minibuses on the road.  Plus, it recently ran a workshop evening, teaching sixth formers basic car maintenance.”

The top 10 finalists in this year’s contest were selected from regions across the UK before being were independently assessed by the RAC.

Finally, a judging panel voted for the top performer, based on a detailed submission.  The panel included TV personality Mike Brewer, What Car? editor-in-chief Steve Fowler, CAT editor Emma Butcher and Motor Codes MD Chris Mason.

Clive Woolford Motor Engineers has been trading for 34 years, employs 11 members of staff and, as well as subscribing to Motor Codes, operates as an independent Unipart Car Care Centre.

Windscreen replacement costs are up 68%

Auto Windscreens has released figures detailing a dramatic increase in the cost of windscreen replacement over the last 10 years.

The windscreen of a Citroen C4 Picasso is 20% larger than older models, while new Ford Mondeo windscreens cost 59% more and VW Golf windscreens are a staggering 68% pricier.

Nigel Davis, Auto Windscreens sales and marketing director, said: “Windscreens of standard production cars are becoming increasingly sophisticated.

“As designers seek to improve aerodynamics efficiency, driving comfort and safety, [it] is hitting the pocket of the modern motorist.”

To help manage glass costs, Auto Windscreens is proposing people get chips repaired immediately and replace blades every 6 months.

Tetrosyl products returned £6m profits in 2008

Privately owned car-care supplier Tetrosyl has taken home two awards given by supermarket giants ASDA and Wilkinsons.

The Bury-based company won a supplier of the year title from ASDA and the Wilkinson’s Star award for its products and service.

National accounts marketing manager Tracey Wardle said: “It’s always a great achievement to receive an award and Tetrosyl have received many accolades over the years.

“Working with our business partners to satisfy their requirements is something we strive to do on a daily basis. It’s not always easy so when they recognise your contribution it’s especially rewarding.”

Tetrosyl is present in 75 countries around the world with an annual turnover of over £80m, boasting pre-tax profits of £6m in 2008.

Its products include T-Cut, CarPlan, Triplewax and Wonder Wheels.

Steve Coles

The Retail Motor Industry Federation has joined CITA, the European body for vehicle inspection, in what RMI head of MOT Technical Operations Steve Coles has called: “a full and active role”.

The Federation has been asked to nominate technical experts to join this year’s working groups, which will examine various vehicle inspection topics.

“It is vital that MOT test stations across Britain recognise the importance of these working groups and the effect it could have on vehicle inspection in the future,” Coles said.

Steve Coles and John Ball, The Federation’s MOT chairman will both sit on the CITA working groups to ensure that the interests of their members are taken into account.

The groups will look at safety systems, electronically controlled systems, training, quality and potential harmonisation of standards.

Petrol accounted for 83% of sales under scrappage schemes

The new car scrappage scheme has notched up 378,978 sales, since its introduction in May 2009.

The scheme represented 12.2% of all new car registrations in March and 3.2% of the total van market in the same month.

SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt said: “Final scrappage orders had to be placed by the end of March and already almost 380,000 vehicles have been registered out of the 400,000 available.”

Since starting, the scheme has accounted for 18.7% of total new car sales, with average CO2 emissions standing at 132.9g/km, 27.1% below a scrapped car’s figure.

Supermini models were favoured, 58.5% of all cars bought through scrappage fitting this category.

Everitt continued: “The scheme has provided a hugely important stimulus to the market and leaves the industry in far better health than we saw in pre-scrappage 2009.”

Stirling Wood has run his own consultancy business for the last three years

The Institute of the Motor Industry has announced Stirling Wood as its new head of Skills Development.

Steve Scofield leaves the position to move internally and head the newly created Accreditation Academy.

Chief operating officer Linda Stansfield said: “I am delighted that Stirling will be joining us.

“Placing skills development and the recognition of ethical competence at the heart of the retail motor industry remains a key objective for the IMI.”

The change comes as IMI strengthens its senior management to develop and implement strategy for the ATA and AMA qualifications.

The new Accreditation Academy will offer training and accreditation of assessors and up-skill teachers, trainers and assessors.

“I’m confident that the changes we have now made to the management team will help us to achieve this aim,” confirmed Stansfield.

Marathon stocks Kerr's engine management and switches range

Marathon Warehouse Distribution, a division of Standard Motor Products Europe, is now the exclusive distributor of Kerr Nelson products.

Gary Logan, product development manager, said: “We are delighted that Marathon Warehouse distribution have selected Kerr Nelson as a supplier partner for engine management components.

“Every Marathon warehouse stocks the most comprehensive range of Kerr Nelson products so that factors can enjoy all the benefits of direct supply – locally.”

Marathon currently offers more than 600 part numbers, which it says are available immediately off-the-shelf.

The Kerr Nelson range is detailed on Marathon’s own online catalogue, as well as Autocat+, MasterCat and TecDoc.

Floor planning, digital displays, sustainability challenges and solutions will feature at the show

London’s ExCeL exhibition centre will play host to easyFairs RETAIL 2010 in May 2010, featuring seminars on how to make the most of the market.

The exhibition will focus on how to make emotional connections with customers though colour and store layout, using the senses to sell products.

Colour psychologist Angela Wright, who will be at the expo, said: “Colour is the first thing people instinctively look for.

“Negative colour schemes will have negative results, almost unconsciously, within the first moments of entering a store!”

According to figures published by the Office for National Statistics, retail sales volumes are up 2.1% and now is a prime time to tap into this growth.

“Senses can really engage the customer, improve impact and make them feel even better about their purchase,” said William Anderson of The Team Works, which will also exhibit.

“You will learn just how much control you have over customer attitude and attention.”