Engine re-mapping could improve fuel efficiency by up to 15%

Soaring petrol prices are forcing more motorists to have their engines upgraded for improved fuel economy, says Viezu Technologies.

Paul Busby, the company’s chief executive, said: “Motorists are simply being squeezed and squeezed.

“Private vehicle owners and corporations alike are looking to do anything they can to reduce their vehicle running costs.”

Viezu has seen a 40% increase in demand for engine upgrades since October last year and claims that engine re-mapping can achieve an average 10-15% fuel efficiency improvement.

“Our results speak for themselves in terms of engine, fuel efficiency and CO2 reduction”, said Busby. “Over a vehicle’s whole life there are very considerable savings to be made.”

The new lines represent a confidence in consumer demand

Doubts about the popularity of car styling among cash conscious motoritsts don’t appear to be troubling Mercedes. The VM has launched a range of new Smart sticker kits designed by German artist Timo Wuerz.

The kits, which are comprised of six different motifs, allow owners to customise their Smart car by adorning the shell with a range of patterns.

Dermot Kelly, managing director, Mercedes Cars UK, said: “Smart owners love to personalise their cars and these accessories mean that they can make their smart ownership experience even more unique.

“All are completely reversible, meaning that owners can easily change their car back to standard specification should their tastes change.”

Modifications are also available from BRABUS, a range of interior contrast components and LED daylight driving lights completing the line up.

Vicki Butler-Henderson presents the award to Kinghams of Croydon

The overall winner of the UK’s Golden Garage award has been revealed by Motor Codes as Kinghams of Croydon.

The independent family-run garage, which currently employs father, son and daughter among its staff, scooped a prize fund worth over £6000.

Owner Keith Kingham said: “We work hard to provide our customers with excellent service and value for money.

“We came up against a lot of strong competition and the Golden Garages campaign goes to show that our industry is full of high-quality, trustworthy garages.”

Vicki Butler-Henderson presented the top prize after 54 days of nominations, 9000 public votes and the opinions of a judging panel.

“We would like every motorist to receive service from a garage like Kinghams,” said Chris Mason, Motor Codes director.

New air filters and low rolling resistant tyres will save money, says HiQ

HiQ continues to generate publicity, this time using the imminent petrol price hikes as its angle.

Average petrol prices are set to rise to £1.20 over the Easter period so the fast-fit network is offering free tyre checks to motorists to combat escalating costs.

In a recent poll, HiQ found that 18% of motorists never check their tyres and 27% only check them once every 6 months.

Geraldine McGovern, marketing manager for the network,  said: “According to Tyresafe, of which HiQ are members, under-inflated tyres are costing motorists over £2bn in fuel worldwide.

“We would urge motorists to check their tyres fortnightly as a minimum. Look out for obvious damage such as splits or cracks.”

Lucky fan Barry Barney has a champagne moment

Following the success of the 2008 and 2009 HiQ ‘Champagne Moments’, the fast-fit chain is bringing it back for the 2010 British Touring Car Championship starting April 4, 2010.

After each race weekend, spectators can log on to the HiQ website and vote for their star performer, whether it’s a first place finish or particular overtaking manoeuvre that impresses.

“From around 50 votes per round back in 2008, we have had nearly 1000 votes for each race up to Brands Hatch in October,” said marketing manager Geraldine McGovern.

“We want these awards to keep growing and long may they continue, as we always want to give back to the fans wherever possible at HiQ.”

The driver with the most votes is presented with HiQ’s Champagne Moment award and a bottle champagne before the next race.

A lucky fan is picked at random from the votes to present the prize, also scooping two free race tickets and a rare opportunity to walk down the grid before the action starts.

The Comline car features a fully race prepared shell

European, Japanese and Korean automotive parts maker Comline is to sponsor a car in the 2010 Volkswagen Racing Cup series starting Easter Monday.

The award winning Golf Gti Mk V racing car will be driven in all 14 races by Tim Snaylam, who boasts over 30 years rallying experience.

Comline’s sales and marketing director, Malcolm Rosher, said: “This is a first for Comline and really exciting news for the company.

“As a thank you to loyal customers, we will be inviting key guests along to the races to see the car in action.”

In past events, the car has taken first place at Snetterton, second at Silverstone and third at Brands Hatch, helped by a 2.0 litre turbocharged engine and upgraded brakes.

Rosher continued: “The Volkswagen Racing Cup is widely regarded as the most exciting saloon car championship in the UK.”

Convertibles have spent the long winter under wraps

With spring upon us, ContiTech is advising drivers of convertible cars to have their timing belts checked before venturing out on the road.

Many of the vehicles will have spent the long, hard winter under wraps and this could mean that important checks need to be carried out in order to avoid engine damage.

“The long period without operation puts as much strain on the belt material as would be the case if the car were driven regularly” said Helmut Engel, head of automotive aftermarket at ContiTech.

“The decisive factor in a belt change is not just the mileage, but also the age of the belt,” said Engel.

The company recommends that all the relevant drive components are changed during belt replacement.

ContiTech has produced a free flyer to help educate motorists about checks and the timing belt.

New service puts the legal record straight

Motor industry professionals have a new platform to share ideas and concerns after Retail Motor Law launched its new ‘Debate’ forum.

Former panel beater and RML managing director Andrew Moody, who is also a qualified barrister, explained: “It allows people from all sectors of the trade to ask generic legal questions and obtain fast, reliable and cost effective advice.

“All existing RML members get access to Debate as part of their subscription, but anyone can sign up for £18 a month or £200 per year… some firms charge that for a brief phone conversation!”

Subjects for debate in March included unfair dismissal, personal injury, referral fees, EuroNCap results and employment law.

The proposed takeover is causing monopoly worries

Proctor & Gamble’s proposed acquisition of Sara Lee’s air care business has led the OFT to recommend a European Commission investigation of its UK aspects.

It said the acquisition qualifies for an investigation by a significant number of EU Member States, in response to competition concerns as a result of the merger.

Proctor & Gamble owns the air-freshener brand Febreeze, while Sara Lee owns the Ambi Pur air care range.

The OFT is pushing for single European Commission investigations for the UK and those members wishing to transfer jurisdiction to it.

Details of the non-confidential version of the OFT’s request will be posted on its website.

Tim Ferris believes his website is the reason for increasing revenues

Members of the Unipart Workshop Partnership Programme and Unipart Car Care Centre (UCCC) network are being urged to consider a new website design scheme.

Unipart said its service, which includes both design and marketing of the website, is available for a reduced fee of £450 + VAT until June 2010.

Pilot customer and chairman of the UCCC, Tim Ferris, who owns Ferris Garage in Truro, Cornwall, said: “We’ve had a noticeable increase in enquiries leading to a rise in jobs that we wouldn’t normally get.

“The increase in work is significant and we’re attaining several new customers each week. I’m delighted with the website in every respect.”

More than 270 garages have taken advantage of the new scheme, which attracts motorists through Google, Yahoo, Touch Local and Thompson Local.

Included for free are value-added modules focusing on car sales, vehicle rental and vehicle leasing services if required.