The new Bluecol branding retains the robin logo

Bluecol stockists will soon see a new-look range of the screenwash and antifreeze hitting their shelves when supplier Tetrosyl relaunches the brand this winter.

The relaunch of Bluecol for 2010/11 involves the addition of several new products and redesigned labels across the entire range.

The packaging has also been revamped with custom-designed blow-moulded containers now available in 500ml and 1-litre sizes.

The design combines curves with neck collars designed to more easily catch the eye of browsers, while a large labelling area enables Tetrosyl to make the most of the redesigned branding and the iconic robin logo.

Richard Woodward, product manager at Tetrosyl, said the new bottle: “underlines Bluecol’s quality and heritage”.

BCA recommends factory fits

Every self-respecting boy racer likes to make their ride stand out from the crowd, but they may be denting its value.

So in order to keep customers coming back, accessory retailers would do well to brush up on the styling products that add value and those that lose it.

According to British Car Auctions, even adding alloy wheels to the wrong car could take £200 off the resale price, while body trim, skirts, spoilers and wheel arches could lose the seller as much as £500, although a professional modification could boost the value by £250.

A BCA spokesman, said: “The majority of motorists are wary of upgrades that are retro-fitted, particularly on younger cars where there are concerns that this might void any warranties.

“Of course there are exceptions such as professional aftermarket body kits from approved suppliers such as AMG or Alpina, or bespoke rebuilds by Project Kahn. But generally, if it isn’t a factory fit, it is unlikely to add value and may cause even steeper depreciation.”

Free POS material is available from the TRA

Tyre retailers and fitters are being warned to get their act together on tyre recycling after nine people were fined almost £75,000 for illegally dumping used tyres.

The warning, made by the Tyre Recovery Association, comes as it launches a major recycling aftermarket and consumer awareness campaign.

The campaign is designed to help garages and retailers sell the recycling fee to customers, explained TRA secretary general Peter Taylor OBE.

“Many motorists do not understand the complex operations and infrastructure that is required to dispose of used tyres in a safe, legal and environmentally sound manner,” he said. “Consequently, many dealers face resentment from customers when they have to pay a recycling fee.”

The TRA has produced a selection of free posters and leaflets focussing on the wide range of uses for recycled tyre materials such as synthetic sports pitches, children’s playground surfaces and fuel sources for cement kilns.

The campaign kicks off in timely fashion with a special World Cup poster.

The independent aftermarket has won its battle to secure a special Block Exemption Regulation for the sector.

With just days to go before the current regulation expires, the European Commission announced this morning that it has formally adopted the new legislation.

The new rules will apply from June 1, 2010 and comprise a Block Exemption Regulation focused specifically on the aftermarket. This is accompanied by sector-specific guidelines.

The new rules will increase competition in the market for repair and maintenance by improving access to technical information and by making it easier to use alternative spare parts.

They will also allow the Commission to tackle manufacturers’ abuse of warranties when they request that cars are serviced only in authorised garages.

Under the rules, vehicle manufacturers will no longer be able to make the warranty conditional on having the oil changed or other car services only in authorised garages.

Michel Vilatte, president of FIGIEFA, the organisation which led the European Right to Repair Campaign, said: “The new set of rules is a good step in the right direction in the form of a clear message addressed towards the vehicle manufacturers.”

That message, he said is: “Independent operators must have access to repair and maintenance information, the free flow of original spare parts supplied by parts manufacturers and of spare parts of matching quality should not be impeded and the vehicle manufacturers’ warranties, whether contractual or extended, should not be made conditional upon the exclusive servicing in the authorised repair network.”

The app allows 24/7 shop management

Parts sellers can now manage their online shops wherever they are, thanks to a new iPhone app.

The mCommerce app, launched by Tiger Commerce,  allows retailers to access and respond to real-time data relating to their online parts and accessories shops through their iPhone 24 hours a day.

Retailers can stay in touch with new orders and historical shop data and the app also allows users to log into their shop’s Google Analytics account for up-to-date analysis on shop visitor data.

Neil Smith, eCommerce Director at GForces – the company behind Tiger Commerce – said: “Conducting business over the internet is a 24/7 proposition, so it’s vital that e-tailing motor traders are always able to respond to new orders coming into the business, whether they happen to be in their office or not.”

Gloved fingers shouldn't have a problem with the large icons

TomTom is hoping to keep bikers on track with its new TomTom Urban Rider device.

It has a glove-friendly screen with large icons and features advanced lane guidance and IQ Routes, which calculates the fastest route every hour.

“With TomTom Urban Rider, we’re making navigation truly accessible to all users of a powered two-wheeler,” said Damian Woodward, VP sales & marketing at TomTom.

TomTom Urban Rider will be available from the end of May 2010 and is priced from £249.99.

Also coming soon is TomTom Rider Pro, which comes with a Bluetooth headset.

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.

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.”

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.

An alternative father's day gift idea

Jamie Oliver eat your heart out – there’s a new cookery champion in town.

Haynes has swapped the workshop for the kitchen and is hoping to show aspiring foodies who are more comfortable with a wrench than a whisk a thing or two with its new Men’s Cooking manual.

Out just in time for Father’s Day, the book is being pitched as a gift idea for dads who have trouble telling olive oil from Castrol GTX.

The manual, says its publisher, is a no-nonsense guide to making food that’s totally edible – and in some cases even tasty.

And it’s written in the sort of language that men understand. Simple. To the point. Concise. With a few jokes. And lots. Of. Full. Stops.

Written by Chris Maillard, one of the founding editors of Top Gear magazine, the book promises to reveal “real men’s” cooking techniques such as warnings about cooking while drunk.

And it covers everything from how to shop, buying and maintaining tools, selecting ingredients and basic cooking styles.