Industry blog: The future is far from certain

The last few years have shown that predicting the future is far from easy. One certainty is that vehicles will continue to become more technologically advanced, particularly when it comes to fuel. Rising diesel prices could see lower capacity petrol engines using turbo or hybrid technology becoming more popular. Also, expect to see further progress in technology, such as regenerative braking, that utilises

A history lesson in parts

A car that has a problem with its brakes has just arrived in your workshop. After a few hours stripping it down you identify a damaged component. So off you go to your local motor […]

Delphi in £620 million negotation with FCI group

Delphi has entered exclusive negotiations to buy the Motorized Vehicles Division (MVL) of the FCI Group. The deal, valued at £620 million, is expected to close by the end of this year. If the sale is agreed the division will become part of Delphi’s Electrical/Electronic Architecture segment.

MOTORMANIA CHAIN ENTERS ADMINISTRATION

The seventeen-strong Motormania chain and Midland Car Parts have been put into administration. Grant Thornton has been appointed as the administrators for the two companies which traded under Richard C Hartley Limited. The 25-year-old business employs 92 people across its sites.

DELPHI UPDATES TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

Delphi has updated its Warwickshire training centre to provide better learning opportunities for its staff and to showcase its range of Hartridge test equipment. The centre’s new layout gives Delphi almost 20,000 square feet of space. The site features several fully equipped workshops.

CLASSIC CARS EXEMPT FROM MOT TEST

Vehicles registered before 1960 are no longer required to have an MOT test, the Department for Transport has announced. Roads Minister Mike Penning said the move is part of red tape-cutting measures inside the government. He reasons that classic and historic cars are often scrupulously maintained.

CAT distributor lives: Saxon

Nissan and Starbucks might be creating thousands of jobs, but consultancy firm Deloitte says nearly 10,000 workers were let go in the first quarter as Past Times, Peacocks, Game, La Senza, and Blacks all faltered on the High Street. It’s not a particularly cheery backdrop for Saxon Distribution to be selling into car accessory retailers then.