News

Independent embraces electronic parts identification

Auto Windscreens sold after 12-month turnaround

99% of stop-start parc covered by Unipart batteries

Recognition for Elektromotive as electric vehicle revolution continues

"Rock bottom prices" at new Barking branch, says ECP

Nearly £70,000 was raised for industry charity BEN at this December's ADF Dinner, it has been announced.

Chief executive Brian Spratt admitted to being "staggered and tremendously gratified" at the total of donations announced at the dinner, which was held at the Metropole Hotel in Birmingham's NEC complex.

A number of fund raising events through the year belied the effects of the recession, with charity golf, cricket and karting tournaments being particularly successful.

Companies were invited onto the stage to present cheques to BEN - key contributions coming from:

The BSI Kitemark has gained its 500th garage.

New Malden based independent Wedd and White has become the 500th bodyshop to join the scheme, which only passes on accreditation if applying garages meet a stringent set of standards.

Wedd and White were tested on the following criteria:

• Skills standards




• Repair methods




• Equipment and tooling used




• Materials used

The garage was assessed by independent BSI inspectors before being given full certification.

250,000 scrapped cars lost to the aftermarket

Denso's new promotion will be called the 'Millionaires Club' - and as such will have a huge marketing budget behind it. Distributors could win big prizes, such as full hospitality trips to the Monaco Grand Prix.

Exide has launched two new micro-hybrid batteries for the aftermarket.

The move underlines the growing influence hybrid cars will have on the aftermarket and independent garage industries in the near future.