News

The IMI has announced the appointment of Steve Nash as its new CEO. Taking over from January next year, Nash, who is currently After Sales Director for BMW, will bring over 40 years of experience to his new role. Since graduating in 1977 Nash has worked in the motor industry in both retail and manufacturing.

A new compendium of automotive market facts for the UK and Europe has been produced by the University of Buckingham and is on offer through motor industry charity BEN. The 2012 BEN Book of Numbers costs £50 and has more than 100 pages packed with up-to-date information.

Justine Greening has been replaced by Patrick McLoughlin as Transport Secretary in today’s Government reshuffle.

Vince Cable continues as Business Secretary, one of five Liberal Democrats who keep their posts in the coalition cabinet.

The feel-good factor from the Olympics has failed to tempt buyers off their sofas and into shops this August, according to new figures from the British Retail Consortium

Euro Car Parts has invested in a new storage facility for its collision repair products. The 141,000 square foot site in Swadlincote has been secured for ten years with the company. ECP says a unique agreement with building owners GE Capital means the company can outfit the building to its exact requirements.

GSF has announced a significant increase in its exhaust stock portfolio. Working with Bosal, GSF says it will now support an increased range of replacement exhaust systems, catalytic converters and accessories like brackets, clamps and mountings. To support the move GSF says its new warehouse in Birmingham will become the hub of its logistics operations. The site is already equipped to handle daily deliveries to GSF’s 74 UK branches.

Sinemaster is hoping to get more technicians used to the art of up-selling thanks to a new series of training courses. The Iris distributor is running a series of training courses in partnership with training providers Training 2000 at its facilities in Blackburn and Loughborough. The aim of the courses, says Sinemaster, is to equip repairers with the skills to identify up-selling opportunities.

A new proposal in the EU could potentially outlaw modified cars and put an end to aftermarket performance parts. The proposal aims to eradicate dangerous and un-roadworthy vehicles on UK roads by forcing vehicles to comply with the standards they had when they were type approved.

Ian Wagstaff dons his apron for a day behind the tills

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“Some bastard has nicked my dust caps,” says a customer. “The kids take them for their push bikes,” states Joe Curran knowingly.

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A1 Motor Stores is celebrating record sales from its A12U distribution centre.