News

The search is on to find the best automotive technicians in the UK. The SkillAuto competition has opened its doors to entries for 2012. Entrants must have had no more than three years experience in the automotive sector, and must have a passion to be the best in the business.

The IMI is celebrating its appointment as the official provide of Universal Services to the automotive retail sector. Universal Services covers a number of areas, including apprenticeship schemes and occupational standards. The appointment was confirmed by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES).

The Independent Garage Association is continuing its fight to protect the current MOT testing regime. The IGA is staunchly against any change from the existing system of testing. It believes extending the time to first test, and the interevals between, would pose a grave risk to road safety.

NGK Spark Plugs is celebrating after its sponsored drag-racing team won the last event of the 2011 season in record time. The team – sponsored by NGK – notched up five personal best times at the last meeting and in doing so became the first British Top Methanol funny Car to run in under six seconds.

Voting for the CAT Awards 2012 is now closed, thanks for all your votes! We’ve been bowled over by both the number of votes cast and the quality of all our awards candidates. The very best of luck to all those nominated!

TRW wins valuable CV supply contract

Unipart Automotive has bought Rapid Car Parts for an undisclosed sum. The supplier bought five branches of the factor chain this month, giving Unipart better factor coverage in the South East. Unipart now owns five stores of the factor chain, with stores in Watford, Norwich and Lowestoft among others.

Standard Motor Products Europe (SMPE) has bought Fuel Parts UK for an undisclosed sum. The deal will see no change in the management structure at Fuel Parts UK, with the new owners confirming they don’t expect any employment losses.

Andrew Page has teamed up with one of its customers to raise money for charity. The motor factor is supporting customers David and Sue Connellan from Worcester’s Mobile Mechanic in their fund raising efforts for The Glory Baptist Charity. The charity raises money for school building projects in The Gambia.

Imperial Automotive launches cool website