News

Tool and equipment specialist The Tool Connection has set up a dedicated channel on YouTube. The company says it will be using the video sharing site to promote its brands and the products it offers. Tool Connection says part of the aim of its videos will be to let users see new products in action before deciding to buy.

First Line is celebrating after its Borg & Beck brand was appointed as an approved clutch range to the Groupauto trading group. Groupauto members now have access to the complete range, which First Line says is one of the UK’s largest ranges of clutch components.

Euro Car Parts plans to open at least 16 new branches before the end of the third quarter of 2012, with five new branches to open in Scotland. The parts supplier has revealed its growth intentions for the rest of the year while also confirming it will create over 2000 full time jobs as part of its plans.

The IGA is urging all independent workshops to write to their MPs in a bid to stop proposals to make the use of SWOBs illegal. The IGA says the government is questioning whether the use of SWOBs is necessary considering the environmental impact they have. While the Waste Incineration Directive that could have banned the use of SWOBs in workshops was overturned into 2000, MPs are now debating whether this decision needs reversing.

That's what Federal Mogul's Jonathan Allen thinks, and he's not alone. But do you agree? See what other members of the CAT Council have to say on the subject of pricing and codes by following the links below.

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“This is a difficult question to answer and I’m sure no two people will give the same answer and reasons.

It is my belief a garage should charge in accordance with their technical expertise.

A garage capable of doing a simple job such as the fitting of a new coil spring may not have the expertise to diagnose a fault with an ABS system.

Klarius has begun a sale of excess product on its website, with up to 50 percent discount being offered on some product groups. A statement on the company’s website reads: “Klarius QH are creating space to facilitate of our fast developing new to range product lines.”

Avia Autos in Bridgend is not just a family-run business, it’s a family of brands. Hayley Pells is in charge of the business which besides MOT, servicing and general repair also does tuning jobs under the Avia Speed Shop banner and custom work under the fledgling Avia 51 brand (a pun on the alien-infested Area 51).

"We absolutely need compulsory licensing. Voluntary code membership is pointless if the bad guys out there keep making the press for the wrong reasons!" That's what ABP's Chris Meredith thinks about licensing. Do you agree?

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"The amount a garage should charge obviously depends on their location but here in Cheshire we’re in the £50 to £60 bracket. Interestingly our most expensive local dealer (BMW) charges £112 plus vat per hour!