CAT

A rumour is a powerful tool, and rumours were already circulating that it was Tetrosyl who had stumped up for the MotorMania chain when I went to see the company last week. We now know of course that those rumours were true, and not for the first time I find myself wondering if the aftermarket grapevine - given its success and accuracy scores in recent months - shouldn't turn its attention to predicting Euro 2012 scores as well as business moves.

TecDoc will be launching its own application for the Apple iPad at Automechanika. UK visitors to the Frankfurt show will be able to see the launch of the new app, as well as sample some of TecDoc's other mini-web applications. The company will also be showcasing its screen size optimisation software for iPhone and Android devices.

Part of the MotorMania chain, which was recently put up for sale by owner Richard Hartley, has been bought by Tetrosyl. 11 stores from the original 17-strong chain have been purchased by the car care manufacturer.

According to pay monitoring site Payscale, motor mechanics can earn as little as £9474 per year, while a parts advisor earns, at the lowest point, just £15,510. Considering that these numbers are the mid point of the salaries reported, the pay might actually be much worse. The Low Pay Commission has reported in the past that motor trades and retail are problem areas for them.

The UK aftermarket has long had a love affair with British built models. While many cars assembled in the UK are destined for export, a significant portion can be seen on British roads and, more importantly, British garages too.

UK car manufacturing in May hit its highest levels for eight years according to new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

IAAF Chief Executive Brian Spratt is elected as the Treasurer for the international association of parts distributors, FIGIEFA. The decision was made at the association's General Assembly in Brussels.

KYB has launched a new series of technical videos on YouTube for its customers. The site showcases a range of technical videos which give advice on working on different vehicles. Cars featured so far include the Audi A4, Peugeot 407, Renault Laguna and Mercedes A Class.

When it comes to the perennial debate over original parts or those of matching quality, Meyle has an interesting, no-nonsense contribution to make. Andrew Tress is the UK Sales Manager at the Burgess Hill-based operation in West Sussex and says it’s all a question of emissions and weight.