News

Autodata is celebrating its 40th year of business, having first been registered in 1972. August marks the technical supplier’s 40th birthday, and the brand has taken the opportunity to re-inform technicians of its offering. At the front of Autodata’s package is the Online 3 system, which Autodata says is now used by the majority of its subscribers.

A motorist paralysed in an accident believed to be caused by part-worn tyres is warning other drivers to think twice before using them. Keith Johnston from Tyne and Weir suffered his injuries following an accident earlier this year.

ACDelco’s Lee Quinney has been appointed as Director of the company's aftermarket activities in the UK and Europe. As a reward for his five and a half years of service to ACDelco, as well as the company’s growth within the UK and European markets, parent company General Motors announced the appointment late last week.

GSF is hoping the development of its bodyshop business will be boosted thanks to a new national distribution agreement with Autel. The diagnostic equipment manufacturer has signed an agreement with GSF which will see the distributor offering Autel diagnostic and analyst systems to its UK bodyshop customers. As part of the agreement GSF will be offering free on-site assessments and Autel product demonstrations at customer premises. The assessments will be conducted by a support team of five technicians based at GSF’s Head Office in Birmingham.

Frogs Island is a workshop with a difference. While the garage still gets its daily bread from servicing and repair work, many of its jobs are on a much larger scale than the average workshop. The 4x4 specialist started out as a one-man band in the early 1990s. Manager Gary Arnold says that the biggest change in the company came in 2008 when it was bought by 4x4 components supplier AllMakes

Truck and Trailer Components is opening new business in Australia. Current Head of Marketing Darren Miller will be moving to the warmer climate to head up the new operation, which will be based in Sydney. The move is set to take place in September, with TTC confirming it will look to partner with key brands and suppliers already in the country.

Facom has found a new route to market after partnering with tool loan site, Rent2Repair. The tool supplier has signed up to the service, which allows garages and technicians to hire tools for a specific job at 24 hours notice.

A number of aftermarket personalities have hit back at claims that a recent rise in BMW thefts is down to independent garages. Brian Spratt of the IAAF and Stuart Carr of fast fit chain HiQ have both expressed concern over a series of articles claiming that block exemption legislation is behind the rise.

Halfords Group boss “has agreed to leave the Board of Halfords and will cease to be employed with immediate effect." Halfords Chairman Dennis Millard will head the company during the search for a new CEO and said: “It is felt that now is the right time for a change of leadership in the Group."

What is BEN? It’s your industry charity. What does BEN do? It offers care, support and welfare to the motor trade. Who is BEN for? You, your family, and your dependants. No less than 15,000 people are helped by BEN every year, but that figure is quickly dwarfed when Head of Marketing Ray Diggins explains the scope of BEN’s remit.