On Tuesday 17 January, the evening of the NFDA Executive Meeting, NFDA brought together franchised dealer members, MPs, and Lords to the House of Lords to discuss the significance of the automotive retail sector, in addition to some of the pertinent issues the sector is facing.
On 8 November, the Petrol Retailers Association wrote to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, regarding the 5p per litre fuel duty cut introduced in March. Gordon Balmer, executive director of the PRA, said: “Skyrocketing energy prices have had a devastating impact on household finances. When every penny counts, it is crucial that the 5ppl fuel duty cut introduced in March of is maintained.
MWheels’ technical experts and Michelin Training Centre are working together to further improve overall knowledge of commercial vehicle wheel safety throughout the industry. Based predominantly around hands-on workshop participation alongside traditional seminar lessons, the companies aim to provide in-depth knowledge of the wheel itself, fitting and general maintenance, wheel security, and an understanding of affiliated parts such as axles, nuts and threads.
Brake Engineering, one of the aftermarket’s leading braking specialists, has applauded the government’s decision to maintain the current MOT frequency, with a vehicle’s first test taking place at three years and then one year thereafter.
Potential purchasers of electric cars tempted by the benefits of quickly-improving battery capacity might still hesitate if the public charge point network doesn’t keep pace with changing technology.
The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) is raising awareness of motorists’ rights by launching the ‘Your Car, Your Choice’ campaign, supporting key legislation providing motorists with freedom to choose where to service, maintain and repair their vehicle.
The Automotive Aftermarket Liaison Group (AALG) presented its new lobbying position on European issues that affect the aftermarket in a post-Brexit Britain at a press launch today (Tuesday 23 May) at Silverstone race track.
RMI Bodyshops (NAB & VBRA) has written to a select group of MEP´s requesting support in improving the legal framework for competitive repair and maintenance of automotive vehicles.
Jason Moseley, director of RMI Bodyshops commented: “We believe that the legal framework for competitive Repair and Maintenance Information needs improving. We have written to MEPs and also asked our members to get involved and write to their committee MEPs, so there is a very strong and aligned message sent from the body repair sector.”
The Petrol Retailers Association has argued that a cut in fuel duty would help the UK economy tackle the twin challenges of a weaker pound and a stronger oil price. “A fuel duty cut will provide a reassuring boost to businesses and consumers alike”, said chairman Brian Madderson, in a letter to the chancellor following a recent meeting with Treasury officials.
Following up comments made at the Tyre Wholesale Group’s annual lunch on 5 October, NTDA chief executive Stefan Hay has called for a total ban on the sale of part-worn tyres. Speaking at the association’s Tyre Industry Conference, held at the VOX Conference Centre on Thursday 6 October 2016, Hay said previous attempts to enforce current laws through collaboration with trade bodies and enforcement agencies have not yielded the required results, leaving the association with little option but to harden its stance. Later the same day, NTDA chairman Roger Griggs reiterated the message during the association’s annual dinner.
The National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA) has written to Andrew Jones MP, parliamentary undersecretary of state for transport, calling for a reform of the current testing regime for motorcycle riders.
Several representatives of the Retread Manufacturers Association (RMA) and the tyre industry have met with Department for Business ministers to discuss the impact of low-cost new tyres on the UK and European retreading industry, and its direct implications for employment in the retread tyre industry, the tyre recovery programme and the environment. The association said it would “press for urgent measures” to address what it argues is evidence of ‘dumping’.
Brake, the road safety charity, is urging the government to show strong leadership in the face of the first calendar year increase in road casualties in 17 years. The charity believes the reintroduction of ambitious casualty reduction targets, axed in 2010, must be a key first step in an urgently needed fightback against road danger and it points out that people on foot and bike bore the brunt of the rise.
“A move to allow private HGV-MOT Testers could only be a step in the right direction”, said Sue Robinson, director of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), which represents franchised car and commercial vehicle retailers across the UK.
The National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) is urging the Government to review urgently the funding and infrastructure plans associated with alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) to make them a viable option for mainstream motorists.
NFDA