News

Vehicle manufacturing numbers fell in August but are still up overall in 2012 according to new figures from the SMMT. Car output fell by almost nine percent in August, but remains over 12 percent up over the year to date.

Ian Wagstaff dons his overalls for a day at this factor.

[caption id="attachment_8972" align="alignright" width="150" caption="The phones are already ringing at 7am"][/caption]

The IAAF is taking over management of the Right 2 Choose campaign, having previously only provided administrative support to the group. The move is the result of campaign supporters asking the IAAF to take over. A statement from the group says the move addresses several concerns raised by members which together have led to a dilution of activities.

Andrew Page has announced a £3 million investment in its latest acquisition, Camberley Auto Factors. Since taking over the factor chain in July, Andrew Page has announced a number of changes geared at improving customer service and stock availability.

The Motex group of factors will leave the IFA at the end of September, joining the Parts Alliance on October 1st. The move was confirmed by Director Ian James this morning. No doubt the Parts Alliance will find Motex a welcome addition to the group.

The newly-created Bilstein Group has had its public unveiling at Automechanika in Frankfurt. A year and a half on from buying ADL and thus becoming the sole owners of the Blue Print brand, the group has officially launched itself at the show.

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 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.

Members of the Automechanika organisation team have issued an open letter to Lufthansa, asking them to consider their "economic responsibility" when deciding whether to strike. If the planned action happens, it could affect visitors to the show.

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.