Garage news

LKQ Euro has added Iris Coatings and five UK distributors of paint and body shop supplies in its latest acquisition. The group who owns Euro Car Parts, has finally concluded the deal that sees them take a 100 percent shareholding in Iris Coatings, a sales and marketing specialist for refinishing distribution.

Franchises are winning more and more service and repair work from independents according to a new survey by a consumer motoring website which is running aftersales campaigns with manufacturers.

What Car? and Warranty Direct have published the results of their annual car reliability survey. The survey highlights the most common faults and ranks manufacturers according to the likelihood of breaking down and the cost of resulting repairs. Overall findings show that 23.5 percent of cars taken to a garage have electrical faults, while axles and suspensions accounted for 22 percent of problems.

Garages are at risk of losing business as new research reveals they leave potential customers waiting on hold for more than half a minute. The survey of 3630 companies by PH Media Group found the average length of time that workshops left customers waiting on hold was 31.11 seconds.

The increasing complexity of modern cars means more work for independent garages as DIY motorists down spanners. That’s the verdict of independent warranty provider Warranty Direct that says fewer and fewer owners are able to even change a lightbulb or engine oil.

The 2014 CAT Awards open for nominations soon and will include a new Extra Mile Award for the aftermarket individual or company that has gone above and beyond. It is supported by BEN, the automotive industry charity, sponsored by Simply, part of JRP Distribution Ltd, and will be presented at the 2014 CAT Awards