Factor & supplier news

Unipart Automotive (UA) has kicked a hornets’ nest following comparative tests it conducted alongside brake pads from five rival suppliers. The tests were conducted by Quay Brake Testing at the MIRA research facility in Hinckley to demonstrate the quality of UA’s own line of braking products

LKQ Coatings is the new name for Iris and five distributors of automotive paint and body supplies purchased by Euro Car Parts’ parent company. It has announced that the new name will come into effect by the end of the year. JCA Coatings, MKPE, Sinemaster, BeeBee and Premier will continue trading under their existing names during the transition

NGK has re-launched its garage loyalty scheme at Equip Auto and confirmed new partners Mann and Hummel Filters and Philips will be part of the programme in France. An evolution of the original UK campaign, workshops can now return packaging from the three brands in exchange for better rewards

BM Catalysts stole a march on the competition at Equip Auto with the launch of a new range of selective catalytic reduction exhaust components.

There are just 14 part numbers in the range to start with, as SCR technology on cars is still in the very early stages of deployment, but it will become more common as Euro 6 emissions standards for cars are introduced in 2014.

Sogefi has introduced an innovative new packaging approach for its cabin filters and is working on other new solutions for its other lines.

The filter manufacturer says the transparent polypropylene packages reduces waste, saves on space and keeps the product sealed and free from dust and humidity in transit.

A1 Motor Stores held a busy and successful Trade Show in Leeds recently where members networked, trained and saw the group launch its new Technolube oil range.

A1 says it received a large number of orders for the range of 18 grades at the two-day event which was held at the Queens Hotel.

CAT Editor Peter Lawton joined an international panel of judges at a trade show this week to help identify and reward cutting edge developments in automotive technology and equipment.

The International Grand Prix for Automotive Innovation is part of the French Equip Auto exhibition and is in its 15th year.

The first trainers to be recognised for their role in passing on skills in the automotive industry have been named by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI).

Allianz Global Assist Technical Training Manager Mike Donley and David Wray, Work Base and ATA Assessor Verifier at Motherwell College, have become the first IMI members to make their mark in the Institute’s new Automotive Trainer and Assessor Professional Recognition Standards.

Motor Parts Direct has continued on the acquisition trail and added a further five branches to its network with the purchase of ALS Motor Parts for an undisclosed sum.

The acquisition of all ALS branches in Devon brings the MPD total number of outlets to 67 and turnover close to Managing Director Mukesh Shah’s target of £50 million for 2013.

Automotive industry charity BEN has started work on its new, state-of-the-art facilities and headquarters in Berkshire. The multi-million pound project will create a new retirement community and care facilities on the charity’s existing Lynwood site in Sunninghill near Ascot.