Will Rimell

TMD Friction and Hella have announced their intentions to combine and establish a new joint venture. The new business, in which each partner will have a 50 percent stake, will be named Hella Pagid and will become a global aftermarket brand.Headquartered in Germany the brand will enter into business on 1st January 2013, subject to approval from the competition authorities.

Members of the Automechanika organisation team have issued an open letter to Lufthansa, asking them to consider their "economic responsibility" when deciding whether to strike. If the planned action happens, it could affect visitors to the show.

An unspecified number of counterfeit V-ribbed ContiTech belts have been seized in Casablanca, Morocco by local authorities. A retailer was preparing to sell the fake belts when a tip-off from ContiTech led to the discovery and seizure of the belts which have since been destroyed.

The IMI has announced the appointment of Steve Nash as its new CEO. Taking over from January next year, Nash, who is currently After Sales Director for BMW, will bring over 40 years of experience to his new role. Since graduating in 1977 Nash has worked in the motor industry in both retail and manufacturing.

A new compendium of automotive market facts for the UK and Europe has been produced by the University of Buckingham and is on offer through motor industry charity BEN. The 2012 BEN Book of Numbers costs £50 and has more than 100 pages packed with up-to-date information.

Justine Greening has been replaced by Patrick McLoughlin as Transport Secretary in today’s Government reshuffle. Vince Cable continues as Business Secretary, one of five Liberal Democrats who keep their posts in the coalition cabinet.

The feel-good factor from the Olympics has failed to tempt buyers off their sofas and into shops this August, according to new figures from the British Retail Consortium

Euro Car Parts has invested in a new storage facility for its collision repair products. The 141,000 square foot site in Swadlincote has been secured for ten years with the company. ECP says a unique agreement with building owners GE Capital means the company can outfit the building to its exact requirements.

GSF has announced a significant increase in its exhaust stock portfolio. Working with Bosal, GSF says it will now support an increased range of replacement exhaust systems, catalytic converters and accessories like brackets, clamps and mountings. To support the move GSF says its new warehouse in Birmingham will become the hub of its logistics operations. The site is already equipped to handle daily deliveries to GSF’s 74 UK branches.