Many MOT testers still need to take Annual Assessment
The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has reminded MOT testers that they must take their Annual Assessment before the 31 March deadline. Testers will face new checks if they miss this deadline. As of 8 January 2024, MOT testers are required to submit a recent basic DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check if they are returning after being lapsed or suspended from testing – this includes being suspended for not completing your annual assessment. The IMI said an estimated 73 per cent had yet to complete their assessment with just two months to go before the deadline.
Continue ReadingAutomotive apprenticeship starts in England rise for first time since pandemic
According to new analysis from the automotive industry’s professional body, the IMI, the first quarter of the current academic year saw a significant milestone in automotive apprenticeships. With the highest number of new enrolments since before the Covid-19 pandemic, starts have seen a 9 per cent rise compared to the 2022-23 academic year. “This uplift indicates a renewed interest in both the automotive sector generally and apprenticeships as an entry route, both of which are critical to build the talent pipeline for the future”, explained Emma Carrigy, Research Manager at the IMI.
Continue Reading60,000th electric van joins UK roads as LCV demand continues to grow
UK demand for new light commercial vehicles (LCVs) grew by 8.4 per cent with 23,962 vehicles joining businesses and company fleets across Britain during January, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The increase marks 13 consecutive months of growth and the highest January total since 2021, reflecting the growing role of vans in Britain’s economy, from local trades and deliveries to national retailers.
Continue ReadingThe Blend 2024 calls for conference speakers
The Blend has extended an invitation for industry insiders to share their insights and expertise by speaking at this years hotly-anticipated independent garage annual conference and networking event. The 2024 event takes place at the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham on Saturday, 28 September. Building on the success of last years conference, The Blend is eager to inject fresh perspectives by introducing new speakers.
Continue ReadingGarage’s ‘best “employee” works 24/7’
An independent garage in Uckfield, East Sussex has seen a significant rise in new customers and its online bookings double since launching its new website. Uckfield Motor Services says its online strategy is also attracting the work it wants most; the ‘clean’ profitable jobs such as servicing, MOTs, brakes, and clutches. Director Edward Cockill appointed aftermarket website provider, Garage Services Online 12 months ago. He said: “At least 20 per cent of our customers book in their vehicle online via our website, and it’s growing all the time.”
Continue Reading66% of surveyed drivers wouldn’t consider buying an EV – Refused Car Finance
Around two-thirds of non-EV drivers say they will still not be switching to an electric car any time soon. A recent survey conducted by Refused Car Finance shows a number of customers said they would not consider buying an electric car as their next vehicle. Consumers who did not already own an EV were asked whether they would consider an electric car in the future and the vast majority of these surveyed individuals said they would not. Electric cars are heavily promoted to be better for the environment, cheaper to run and improve fuel efficiency but the survey suggests these incentives are not enough for UK drivers to make the switch. The main concerns for this group of drivers were the cost of buying an EV, the mileage capacity of EVs and the availability of charging points in the UK.
Continue ReadingGrowth in the used car market and used electric reaches record levels
“2023 proved to be a healthy year for the used car market, seeing four straight quarters of growth and growth of 5.1 per cent on 2022.”, said Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), commenting on the latest SMMT’s used car figures. The UK’s used car market has grown by 6.9 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2023, with 1,679,116 transactions. The year as a whole saw transactions up 5.1 per cent from 2022 to 7,242,692 transactions. Used battery electric vehicles (BEVs) saw an impressive 90.9 per cent growth for a 1.6 per cent market share in 2023 whilst plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) experienced 25.1 per cent growth and hybrids (HEVs) increased by 40.0 per cent.
Continue Reading2024 starts off strongly for powered two wheelers, electric adoption remains slow
“With the final months of 2023 signalling a challenging time for motorcycle sales it is promising to see a turnaround as we enter 2024. It is encouraging to see these positive sales when we look at the current economic climate and the impact of the usual winter months.” says Symon Cook, Head of National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA), commenting on the latest MCIA registration figures.
Continue ReadingRing asks “Has price replaced safety in the aftermarket?”
Ring, the automotive lighting and auto electrics supplier, has a state of the art lighting laboratory located at its headquarters in Leeds, UK, and while testing a range of bulbs in the industry has found worrying results, including bulbs that are not road legal. The laboratory team does not only test Ring and OSRAM’s own products, but also products from other automotive lighting companies to see how the quality compares and if it meets the legal standards. Recently, the company has found some worrying trends that there are bulbs being sold in the UK that are not compliant with current legislation and are therefore, not road legal.
Continue ReadingTruck donations allow Transaid to support HGV driver training in Zambia
Two heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) which had previously operated in the UK will help train hundreds of new and existing truck drivers in Zambia, having entered service at the Industrial Training Centre (ITC) in Lusaka, after being donated by supporters of Transaid. This contributes to an ongoing partnership between Transaid and the ITC which aims to improve road safety across the country, having first teamed up in 2008 and together trained more than 22,000 drivers during the 15-year period.
Continue ReadingHoriba Mira secures Euro NCAP accreditation for active safety testing
Horiba Mira proving grounds in Warwickshire has extended its European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) accreditation to conduct official active safety system testing on passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. The facility is globally recognised as a leader in vehicle safety engineering, with a long-standing association with Euro NCAP. It has been accredited for passive safety testing since 2012 and is currently supporting the development of the organisation’s new heavy truck rating scheme testing protocols.
Continue ReadingWheely-safe means peace of mind for Timberpak
Timberpak is a recycling and reprocessing company that has sourced waste wood for the EGGER UK’s chipboard production for more than 20 years, operating from four recycling sites in Washington, Leeds, St Albans and Bellshill. Following a successful trial, the company is equipping its vehicles with the Wheely-Safe in-motion wheel loss detection system, which combines brake and hub temperature monitoring with an intelligent tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), to improve the efficiency and safety of its operations.
Continue ReadingUse charging breaks to check electric vehicle tyres – TyreSafe
TyreSafe is encouraging electric vehicle drivers to use charging breaks to conduct vital tyre checks. Charging an EV presents a natural opportunity for using the tyre safety organisations A.C.T acronym, Air, Condition, Tread, to guide drivers through checks that can be done without specialist equipment. By taking just a few minutes to inspect their tyres, drivers can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and breakdowns. EVs, with their greater, instant torque and heavier loads, can mean tyres are susceptible to wear, making regular checks particularly vital. The latest initiative is part of a partnership between TyreSafe and PCL.
Continue ReadingHella Academy launches with IMI ADAS training
Hella has announced the launch of its Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) approved training facility, Hella Academy in Chipping Warden, Banbury. Initially opening with two IMI accredited Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) courses, the brand-new training centre is equipped with a modern classroom and state-of-the-art workshop to blend key theoretical learning with hands-on training. Hella Academy’s ADAS IMI AOM 230 course provides technicians with the insurance approval needed to work on ADAS-equipped vehicles while its ADAS L2 Award covers calibration, vehicle alignment, workshop requirements and more. Both two-day courses are available to book now.
Continue ReadingCar Wash Association comments on right to work offences
Data from the Illegal Immigration Unit at the Home Office showed that 78 hand car washes across the UK had been fined a total of nearly £1.5 million for ‘right to work’ offences in the first nine months of 2023.Brian Madderson, Chairman of the Car Wash Association (CWA), said: “It is disappointing that even in the face of blatant violations of the law, the Government is still unwilling to crack down on illegal hand car wash operators.
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