News

Halfords Autocentres has been told that an advert on its website claiming customers could save up to 50 percent on main dealer pricing must not appear again in its current form. The ruling from the ASA upholds a complaint made against the company by the SMMT.

The voting stage of the 2013 CAT Awards is now underway. There are 34 people and companies looking for victory, so take a look at the riders and runners and tell us who deserves it the most. The winners in each category will be announced at the annual CAT Awards Ceremony in February.

Jim Mazza has challenged the aftermarket to raise its game for the future. The Groupauto Managing Director says the industry needs to react to the conditions it is currently facing. Mazza says that the growing threat from VMs and franchises, rather than galvanizing businesses into action, seems to have dulled the wits of the independent sector.

Webasto has donated one of its heating units to the Help for Heroes charity. The Air Top Evo 3900 will be fitted into a specially adapted minibus which is used to transport recovering patients at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre in Headley Court.

JCA Coatings has announced the move of its Autoparts business, currently based in Reading, to Slough. The company says the move will give the business better transport links and more room to grow.

Tough trading conditions in Europe are taking a heavy toll on vehicle manufacturers and parts suppliers. Ford announced that it will close it’s Genk production facility in Belgium by 2014. Ford also confirmed that its Southampton Transit facility will close alongside a diesel plant in Dagenham.

Hot off the heels of Motex joining the UKPA last month comes news of another new member. Lancashire based BBC Superfactors has joined the Parts Alliance bringing six new sites to the group. Parts Alliance Chairman Steve Fulford says he is delighted with the decision.