French firm SNR Bearings will change its name to NTN-SNR Bearings from July 2010.

The news comes after NTN Corporation increased its share of capital in SNR Bearings to 80% three years after the two companies merged.

In a statement, the company said it had succeeded in:

• unifying their sales networks and techniques
• improving their trading positions during the financial crisis
• developing technical exchanges and synergies for investment projects in the automotive, industrial and aeronautic markets

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.

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.

Denso’s Colin Davies with Martyn Escritt from Essex Motor Factors

Denso Aftermarket Sales UK is celebrating after winning two new supply contracts.

UAN buying group members Autoworld and Essex Motor Factors have both signed deals with the parts maker.

Denso will supply lambda sensors and spark plugs to the two distributors, who between them operate five branches.

Essex Motor Factors has three branches – in Braintree, Maldon and Witham – while Autoworld has operations in Northampton and Daventry.

Neil Kemp, proprietor of Autoworld, said: “We have been impressed by Denso’s extensive overall product range portfolio… and will be investigating taking on other Denso product ranges in the near future.”

Denso now counts 32 UAN member sites as customers.

Terry Barcham and his successor Aldo Rodi

Aldo Rodi will take the helm at Snap-on Tools in the UK when the company’s current UK managing director, Terry Barcham, retires on May 1, 2010.

Rodi, who recently received his MBA from Liverpool University, joined Snap-on in 1980 as a franchisee and has held various senior positions, including his current role of UK national sales manager.

“We are delighted to appoint someone as experienced as Aldo to this vitally important role in our business,” said Barcham.

“I have worked with Aldo for 27 years and his role in our success cannot be overestimated.

“With Aldo at the helm, I am extremely confident of the continued success of Snap-on Tools.”

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.

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.”

The pair raised over £7000 for Sport Relief

Steve McCann and Matthew Harrision of CES (UK) have completed a grueling 5-day, 413-mile bike ride in aid of Sport Relief, raising more than £7000.

The tour saw the pair visit 16 branches throughout the North West, Midlands and North Wales as well as complete a final Sport Relief mile run in Chester.

Steve McCann, trading director, said: “Cycling was hardest as we travelled over the hills in Wales towards Porthmadog and onwards to Anglesey.

“At times, the ride was tiring but the welcome at each branch gave us both a lift and prepared us for the next leg. Although next time, I’ll take the car!”

Many of the company’s suppliers made donations and colleagues could follow their progress via GPS trackers.

The CES Facebook page was regularly updated with pictures and comments over the five days.

“We’re delighted by the support that the staff and suppliers have shown”, said marketing director Melanie Warburton.

“All branches joined in by providing refreshments. Most importantly we raised money for a fantastic cause.”

Steve Page brings with him 18 years of experience

Steve Page has been named national sales manager of MAM Software, as the company forges ahead with its tyre market expansion plans.

Replacing Graham Dunford, Page takes over the role to continue his 18-year career at the company.

Sales director Nigel Clemmett said: “Steve has considerable product knowledge, which will prove invaluable as we continue our progress within the tyre market.

“We are very thankful to Graham,” Clemmett added, “who has helped us establish a very strong foundation on which we can build.”