CAT

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

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.

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.

Halfords has got a bit of a roasting from Which? for poor levels of customer service this week. It gives me the opportunity to tell you my number one favourite story about stock and customers service.

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.

A survey of 11,000 shoppers by consumer magazine Which? has rated Halfords as the worst high street retailer. The survey was carried out to highlight the best and worst performing shops on the UK high street.

The Garage Equipment Association’s Engineer’s Accreditation Programme will take a new focus on preparing technicians for the MOT test. A new emphasis will be put on calibration practices for brake testers, with an aim to eradicate bad practice.

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.