Benathlon is a new virtual challenge event series launched by Ben, and the charity is inviting the whole automotive community to take on the exercise challenge, with a minimum fundraising goal of £75 per person.

With a recent study suggesting that 44% of garages are still unable to work on plug on vehicles, Independent garages are being urged to make 2023 the year of the EV.

Delphi Technologies, a brand of BorgWarner Inc, will be a Full Even Partner of the 2023 Top Garage and Top Technician competitions.

The Schaeffler REPXPERT team has another set of ‘Tea-break Training’ sessions coming up on Wednesday 1March, at 12:30 and 18:30 respectively, with Future Technology the subject of discussion.

UK car production fell 9.8% in 2022, according to the latest figures from the SMMT, giving last year the lowest annual production total for the country since 1956. Facing ongoing semiconductor shortages and ongoing COVID-19 related problems, UK car factories managed to pump out 775,014 units. The total was was also 84,561 units down on 2021 and 40.5% under pre-pandemic 2019, when the country managed to produce 1,303,135 cars pre-pandemic.

Ben is encouraging those who want to take up one of the few remaining spaces on its team for the London Marathon to apply as soon as possible.

A sales manager at garage equipment company Oakmain has been convicted for forging solicitor letters used as part of the process garages undertake to secure MOT Testing Station status, and has received an 18-month suspended custodial sentence.

The IGA has written to the Department for Transport (DfT) to urge an extension to the MOT consultation launched this week.

The IAAF has launched the all-new IAAF Intelligence Report, in partnership with GiPA, which will offer members of the organisation a monthly rundown on the market.

As more new energy vehicles (NEVs), which include hybrid and electric vehicles, take to the roads, more will come to independents for routine service, maintenance or repair, so workshops need to have access to high quality replacement parts and the technicians undertaking this work geared up to complete it successfully.

A number of the proposed changes to the MOT being considered through the MOT Consultation opened by the Department for Transport (DfT) yesterday have been labelled as “farcical.”

The automotive sector has continued to react to the MOT Consultation, with a range of views being expressed. SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes said, “Although today’s vehicles are safer and more reliable than ever, safety critical components such as brakes and tyres continue to wear through normal use and lead to millions of MOT failures every year, including at the current first test at year three. Stretching MOT intervals will shrink the safety net and jeopardise the UK’s record of having some of the safest roads in the world in exchange for a small saving, which could actually cost consumers more in the long run as complex faults can develop over time. SMMT and its members welcome the opportunity to work with government on the best way to improve the MOT in line with developing vehicle technology and other changes including ownership patterns.”

Ways to progress the monitoring of emissions are among the areas under consideration in the government MOT consultation that opened yesterday (Wednesday 18 January).

Driver safety should be paramount when considering making changes to the MOT according to the NFDA, which will be putting the case to keep the MOT at a 3-1-1 frequency via the consultation launched today (Wednesday 18 January) by the Department for Transport.

The IAAF will be putting the case to keep the current 3-1-1 MOT frequency, following the launch of the DfT consultation on the future of the test today (Wednesday 18 January).

The government’s consultation on the future of the MOT, which opened today (Wednesday 18 January), will according to the IMI provide a opportunity to widen the scope of the test to take into account new technologies like autonomous systems , as well as the frequency.

Point S Tyre & Autocare is looking to undertake more network development in 2023, building on the investment made during 2022.

Highlights last year included investment in training infrastructure, as well as moves to help network members take advantage of the fleet opportunity througha plan to replicate the success of Point S’ fleet model in Europe.

On the marketing side, there was a national television advertising campaign on Channel 4 as well as a redesign of the Point S website, www.point-s.co.uk

Wayne Daniel, UK Network Operations Manager, said, “2022 was a year of development and consolidation for the Point S network. Across the network, we took steps to provide each and every one of our members with the tools to safeguard their businesses in the present and for the future. Looking forward to 2023, and with 300 centres now under our umbrella, it is essential that we continue to deliver the right opportunities and support for our members to ensure that they can take their businesses to the next level.”

Following the launch of the Department for Transport’s (DfT) consultation on proposed changes to the MOT today (Wednesday 18 January 2023), the IGA will be carrying out a full impact assessment of the proposed changes and will be consulting with its members and the wider industry so it can offer feedback.

20% of car owners would be willing to sell their car as a result of the cost of living crisis and instead opt for hire cars when the need arises, according to a new survey.

A new technical support service that can help with a wide range of queries has been launched by Castrol. The new AI-based offering will put garages in contact with Castrol’s technical agents, who will be available during working hours five days a week.

DENSO has released a new video on its Hybrid wiper blade range.DENSO Europe Pan European Strategic Marketing Manager Fatiha Laauich observed: “DENSO’s objective was to combine aesthetic design with best-in-class performance, to produce the ultimate hybrid wiper blade range. In doing so, the company’s engineers have come up with a blade just 25mm high that minimises wind resistance and is almost invisible from inside the cabin, providing occupants with an unobstructed view through the windscreen ahead, which naturally increases road safety.”

A quality standard for aftermarket performance components and their suppliers was recently launched at Autosport International 2023.

Delphi Technologies is taking part in the upcoming EV Ready event, being held at Brighton Racecourse on Wednesday 25 January.

The January sale is underway at LKQ Euro Car Parts, with garages able to take advantage of savings on equipment such as lifts, wheel balancers, alignment units and air con machines.
Highlighted items include the TEXA Laser Examiner, as well as the ECK NEXT PRO R134a air con unit.

Commenting on the January sale, LKQ Euro Car Parts Marketing Director Colin Cottrell said: “We know that independent garages and bodyshops are eager to keep prices competitive for their customers, but that the current cost of doing business is making this more challenging. By offering such a wide variety of products at discounted rates, we’re hoping to ease some of the pressure on our customers and help them get 2023 off to a good start.”

With Blue Monday back in the news, Ben, has unveiled new online support through its website to support people with a focus on ‘New Year, new me’, and is encouraging those who feel they are struggling to get in touch with the organisation to access its life coaches.

German oil brand ROWE launched its lubricants, coolants and fluids range into the UK market today (Thursday 12 January) at the Autosport International Show, taking place at the NEC.

Ben has launched a new text service so those in the automotive sector can access support at any time of the day.

Snap-on is continuing itslong-running and enthusiastic association with Top Technician and Top Garage in 2023 by once again becoming Full Event Partner for both competitions.

The new energy support scheme for businesses, unveiled ahead of the closure of the existing scheme in March, will not do enough to support the automotive sector the government has been warned, with new figures showing that increasing energy bills are seen by 90% of garages as one of the biggest challenges for 2023.

LIQUI MOLY’s Head of Media Relations, Dr. Peter Szarafinski, died suddenly shortly before Christmas, the company has announced. He was 47.

Following on from the success of the REPXPERT Academy LIVE York event, which attracted 111 delegates, Schaeffler has announced a date for the next roadshow, which will take place at New City College Hornchurch on Saturday 4 February 2023. Due to the popularity of these events, workshop technicians and garage owners in North-East London and the South-East of England are being encouraged to register as soon as possible.

The main challenges for garages in 2023 will involve continuing to provide a compelling offering for customers, while simultaneously navigating an increasingly complex legislative environment and keeping staff up to date on training, according to LKQ Euro Car Parts’ CEO Andy Hamilton.

The number of technicians getting IMI TechSafe accreditation is rising, but the rate of increase is waning the organisation has warned, at the same time that demand for EVs may be slowing.

BM Catalysts says it experienced a good level of growth in 2022, with further progress expected in 2023 and beyond.
Commercial Director Mark Blinston, said: “It’s been a great year for BM Catalysts, as we continue to focus on what our customers want, and that’s quality, range and availability.”

1,614,063 new cars were sold in the UK in 2022, down 2.0% on 2021, with supply chain issues, according to the latest figures from the SMMT. At those close of the year, EV sales were second only to petrol.

Garages will need to remind their customers about the importance of regular oil changes as the cost of living crisis bites, Lubricants trade body the Verification of Lubricant Specifications (VLS) has warned.

Providing a fantastic start to the New Year for garage owners across the UK, Top Garage 2023 is open from today (Monday 2 January).

Vehicle tech advancements hitting the market through 2023 will be mirrored by the further widening of the skills gap the IMI is warning as opportunities and challenges track each other into the New Year.

Ring Automotive donated two of its MAGflex inspection lamps to the Jersey eRally charity prize draw, which raised £1,000 for Philip's Footprints and the Gareth Roberts Memorial Fund.

The next REPXPERT Academy LIVE roadshow event is being held at New City College Hornchurch in North East London on Saturday 4 February 2023.

Kalimex, the UK distributors for JLM Lubricants won big at the recent JLM Lubricants conference, held in The Netherlands.

Regular Top Technician semi-finalist and finalist Nigel Yardley of Mansfield-based Yardley’s Garage has taken part in MAHLE’s Great Worker Talk video series, which looks to highlight the hard work of mechanics across the world.

Automechanika Birmingham recently helped support the biggest ever free Christmas party, One Day at Christmas, arranged by events industry publisher Mash Media for those alone or vulnerable over the festive period.

LKQ Euro Car Parts has sent a lorry full of Christmas presents to Ukraine following a massive response its Christmas present appeal.

A Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder growth charity that gives military veterans a new mission – and brings aid in crisis situations – is seeking a critical funding boost for 2023

BookMyGarage.com is making it possible for users to book a mobile mechanic via the site, with a customer survey saying 68% would consider using the services of one.

EV ownership growth fell for fourth consecutive quarter during the last few weeks of 2022, according to an analysis of Department of Transport (DoT) and DVLA electric vehicle registration figures data undertaken by LeaseLoco, with London seeing the slowest growth, even taking into account the ULEZ expansion coming in August 2023.

A Banner wrap has been applied to a delivery van from Plymouth-based parts distributor Alan Skuse Car, Van & Truck Parts.