News

Motor factor chain Autoparts has signed up to distribute a product from BBC2’s Dragon’s Den programme. EnviroThaw is a new range of de-icing products recently shown on the hit show. Sales Director Karrina Oldale narrowly missed out on securing funds from dragon investor Theo Paphitis, instead attracting the attention of Autoparts.

Motor Codes has released the results of its new report into consumer satisfaction in the UK motor industry. Bringing together the results of 25,000 motorists surveyed by the group, the results show growing levels of customer service and a positive outlook for the trade.

A mileage correction operator in Swindon has been jailed for nine months for car clocking. Colin Michael Ogle, who ran a mileage correction service in the town, has become the first such purveyor to be convicted under consumer law.

After losing two members in as many months to the Parts Alliance, the IFA has announced that it will be joining the ADI European buying group from January 1, 2013. The new move is the latest in a string of significant shifts in the buying group landscape this year.

The number of service and repair workshops in the UK has fallen by over a fifth since 2001. That’s according to the latest Trend Tracker report, which blames falling servicing volumes and increased costs for part of the fall in workshops.

CAT Magazine has received an award from the motor industry charity BEN in recognition for its over the last year. CAT Editor Peter Lawton, Publisher David Harris, Sales Executive Don Rupal and Reporter Darren Moss were presented with the award by Amanda Clements and Kirsten Galvin of BEN.

Credit ratings agency Moody’s says aftermarket revenues could be under threat from rising fuel prices in Europe. The company says that as motorists continue to use their cars less the demand for service items and spare parts could fall, impacting on aftermarket revenues.