UK Master Fitter finalists announced

Six automotive technicians have been selected as finalists for the UK Master Fitter competition. Following seven regional heats the group has been selected to take part in the competition’s final phase at the National Skills Show in November.

TMD Friction and Hella combine with new brand

TMD Friction and Hella have announced their intentions to combine and establish a new joint venture. The new business, in which each partner will have a 50 percent stake, will be named Hella Pagid and will become a global aftermarket brand.Headquartered in Germany the brand will enter into business on 1st January 2013, subject to approval from the competition authorities.

Counterfeit belts seized in Morocco

An unspecified number of counterfeit V-ribbed ContiTech belts have been seized in Casablanca, Morocco by local authorities. A retailer was preparing to sell the fake belts when a tip-off from ContiTech led to the discovery and seizure of the belts which have since been destroyed.

New CEO for IMI

The IMI has announced the appointment of Steve Nash as its new CEO. Taking over from January next year, Nash, who is currently After Sales Director for BMW, will bring over 40 years of experience to his new role. Since graduating in 1977 Nash has worked in the motor industry in both retail and manufacturing.

BEN Book of Numbers available now

A new compendium of automotive market facts for the UK and Europe has been produced by the University of Buckingham and is on offer through motor industry charity BEN. The 2012 BEN Book of Numbers costs £50 and has more than 100 pages packed with up-to-date information.