Tag: aftermarket
NTDA concerned about long-term impact of MOT exemption
The UK Government exemption on MOTs for six months from 30 March 2020, may have come as welcome news to many motorists, but the NTDA has also raised serious concerns about its impact on future vehicle roadworthiness. The fact that the emphasis has been placed on motorists to ensure their vehicles are kept in a roadworthy condition, further raises concerns. In short, the NTDA believes this general exemption will create long-term problems.
Motor Ombudsman upgrades knowledge base to include Covid-19
The Motor Ombudsman has upgraded its online Knowledge Base with the introduction of a new category on the Coronavirus (COVID-19). It has been designed to help consumers answer frequently asked queries on car ownership, vehicle maintenance and dispute resolution, following the latest government measures which have recently been implemented in the UK.
Comma conducts snap survey of workshops
As the UK enters its second week of the Coronavirus restrictions on movement and social distancing, in a poll undertaken for leading aftermarket lubricant brand, Comma, workshops revealed how they’re feeling and coping in the current situation.
Aftermarket suppliers can remain open in Covid-19 lockdown
The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation has gained clarification from government that businesses in the automotive aftermarket supplying garages, namely motor factors and suppliers, can remain open during the Covid-19 lockdown. Garages are exempt from the enforced closure of retailers, but motor factors can stay open in order to supply workshops who continue to support logistics providers, local councils, blue light services and key workers.
National Tyres: Vehicle safety vital, staff and customer safety paramount
National Tyres and Autocare have spoken up in support of vehicle maintenance as well as detailing how it will protect staff and customers during the coronavirus outbreak.
NTDA: MOTs are central to vehicle safety
Following the news that cars, motorcycles and vans will begin being exempted from MOTs from 30 March 2020 (on a six-month rolling basis) for the next 12 months, the NTDA has affirmed the importance of the MOT. However, NTDA chief executive Stefan Hay also sought to bring some detail and nuance to the discussion.
MOT exemption starts on 30 March 2020
Following talk of a possible MOT suspension, the government has clarified the position. Cars, motorcycles and vans will be granted a six-month MOT exemption from 30 March 2020 in order to allow people to carry on with essential travel. This means vehicles that would usually would require an MOT test won’t need one from 30 March. However, the government does say “vehicles must be kept in a roadworthy condition, and garages will remain open for essential repair work”, adding that “drivers can be prosecuted if driving unsafe vehicles.”
NTDA: Tyre retailers, garages are “essential” during lockdown
Following the news that everyone in the UK should stay at home and therefore the country has entered a de facto lockdown, the government has published exceptions to that rule of key businesses include garages. In light of this and the closure of schools the week before, the National Tyre Distributors Association (NTDA) has reaffirmed the association's support of tyre centres.
Garages to remain open despite lockdown
Yesterday Prime Minister Boris Johnson outlined strict stay-at-home measures for the whole of the UK. These effectively amount to a country-wide lockdown and will be enforced by the police. As a result, gatherings outside of households are effectively banned and shops have to close. However, reading the small print reveals that automotive garages are within the limited number of retailers that will be allowed to remain open. And therefore tyre centres will be allowed to keep going as well. Motorists looking for information on garages in the Covid-19 lockdown can find more on Tyrepress's sister site, WhatTyre.
The Parts Alliance sending Queensway Auto Repairs to Le Mans
The Parts Alliance’s ongoing ‘Original Experience’ promotion has a top prize-winner. Omer Hassan, director of Queensway Auto Repairs found the winning scratch card on Monday 16 March. The Enfield independent garage, established 15 years, undertakes MOTs, service and repairs, on mainly German cars.
First Line introduces new water pump
First Line has recently introduced a replacement water pump with an electric valve to accommodate a range of VAG vehicles equipped with stop/start technology that have this specialised component fitted as standard. The pump, with the First Line reference FWP2352V, fits Audi A1, A3, A4, A5 and Q3, Seat Leon, Škoda Octavia, VW Passat, Golf, Tiguan and Transporter 1.6TD and 2.0TD 2012 applications.
EAG appoints ex-Suplex expert to assist after it becomes brand’s exclusive UK distributor
Excel Automotive Group (EAG) has recruited Sam Cotterill to its team, brought in, initially, to assist Suplex’s relocation to its new and exclusive distributor. After five years at the coil spring specialist, developing the relationship between brand and customer, the company sees Cotterill as “the perfect person to be the conduit between the two brands.”
50,000 MOT tests cancelled in Northern Ireland
At least 50,000 MOT tests have been cancelled in Northern Ireland since testing ground to a halt a month ago. The Northern Ireland MOT process was thrown in crisis on 21 January after cracks were found on lifts at many test centres owing to the fact that all MOTs are run by the DVA, a Northern Ireland government agency, which had bulk bought the same model of lift for all its centres.
1000s of MOT testers face suspension ahead of assessment deadline
A month ahead of the 31 March deadline, the DVSA is urging the 50 per cent of MOT tester that haven’t completed their annual training and assessment to do so “or face being suspended”. DVSA figures show that 30,950 testers still need to complete the training and assessment. Last year, 1,882 were suspended for failing to do so. This compares to 5,538 suspensions in 2018.
Melett grows partnership with Universal Turbos
Melett, the leading UK supplier of precision engineered turbochargers and parts, has expanded its partnership with specialist turbo repairer Universal Turbos. Universal Turbos, based in Hampshire, supply workshops in automotive, motorcycle, marine, off-highway and agricultural sectors, offering a complete turbo repair and replacement service.