Sovereign’s new OADs take the strain

Overrunning Alternator Decouplers (OAD) make up the new, exclusive range of clutch pulleys being supplied via the independent aftermarket by the UK’s top supplier of rotating electrics, Sovereign Rotating Machines. The OAD has an internal one-way clutch that incorporates a torsion spring, designed to absorb the base engine vibration before reaching the alternator’s rotor. Read More

Brakes India in Golden Jubilee celebration

Brakes India Limited, a 51:49 joint venture in Padi, India, between TVS Group and a subsidiary of TRW Automotive Holdings Corp., that makes a range of foundation brake, brake actuation, EBS, and ferrous castings, yesterday celebrated its Golden Jubilee. Read More

Alliance Global win Aston Martin

Allianz Global Assistance in the UK continues to build on its portfolio of prestige car brands with the return of Aston Martin Lagonda. Allianz will provide roadside assistance services to Aston Martin customers in the UK and across 19 other European countries. Read More

Crude oil prices need investigation says PRA

“The shock rise in wholesale costs is just one of the reasons why the Petrol Retailers’ Assocation (PRA) has been knocking on the door of the Office for Fair Trading (OFT), since this time last year, to demand a full investigation into the workings of the UK market for road fuel” said Brian Maddersion, PRA Chairman. Read More

HGV mileage goes down

HGV traffic declined by 2.9% from 2010 to 15.9 billion vehicle miles according to figures produced by the DfT. Traffic levels for HGVs have fallen by 8.8% since 2001. Read More

HGV height remains at present level

The European Commission has now published the Regulation that confirms the UK’s rights to continue with tall trailers. This puts the concluding touches to an agreement reached in the first half of last year, which meets UK needs within EU rules by allowing a huge increase in National Small Scale Type Approval. Read More

New J&J pair for National Rescue

National Rescue is a family business that has been serving motorists in the West Midlands for well over 20 years. The benefits of the recent amalgamation with another West Midlands operator, Ridgacre Motor Services, has given National the confidence to invest and expand despite the challenging conditions faced by our industry.
The business is led by father and son Steve and Mark Macklin who are very much hands-on owners on both the roadside assistance side of the business as well as their two busy workshop sites offering MOT, servicing and repairs.

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1000 independent garages to be wiped out warns PRA

“Up to one thousand independent forecourt sites will be wiped out by new supermarket forecourts by 2017 unless the Government takes action” said Brian Madderson (pictured) Petrol Retailers’ Association (PRA) Chairman.

The PRA report commissioned from Christie + Co looked at the planning applications for new petrol filling stations between 2009 and the third quarter of 2012. It found that an average of 40 supermarket forecourts were being granted permission each year, and Steve Rodell, director and head of Retail at Christie & Co said: “If applications continue at the same rate, and there is no reason to believe that will not be the case, there will be another 160 supermarket sites by the end of 2016.

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J&S takes Recovery World Relay

John Yirrell of J&S Autos in Northampton is delighted with the latest addition to his fleet, a Recovery World RWF Beavertail on a Citroen Relay chassis. “It is very good,” says John. “It has replaced an older vehicle and has a much better loading angle making it easier to deal with cars with low ground clearance. It also has a solid deck which means we can carry motorcycles.”

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Garage Expo 2013

Garage Expo takes place at the Telford International Centre on Thursday and Friday, 19-20 September 2013. It is the first dedicated national trade show for the garage sector. Read More