ECLIPSE Automotive Technology has unveiled the Texa TMD Safecar allowing technicians to access fault codes, live data and other diagnostic information remotely from any computer with internet access.

Designed for use in cars, caravans, trucks and motorbikes, this unit is designed to charge and maintain 12 volt batteries. It delivers free solar power and, according to Solar Technology, can extend a battery's life by up to 20%.

rong>Workshop kit company Nederman is highlighting the benefits of self-retracting hose and cable reels in line with a campaign by the Health and Safety Executive to reduce slips, trips and falls.

THE VAUXHALL Astra is the most reliable fleet car on the road, according to research by Warranty Direct.

Tevo is using its stand (number 5814) to launch its latest racking system. It uses customisable storage modules so users can create the storage system that's right for their particular needs.

S&B AUTOMOTIVE Academy has launched a mobile assessment service for anyone wanting to gain ATA parts advisor accreditation.

The tool company has updated its rear ball joint remover and installer kit for BMW 5 and 7 Series models. The 4498A kit has been revamped with an improved design to cover later 5 Series (E60 and E61) and 7 Series (E65 and E66) models.

DAVID Moran has been appointed as the new head of the Retail Motor Industry's independent garages association.

If you're looking to build a new, or re-design an existing, workshop, Dura claims it has the expertise needed.

This award-winning US company will be sharing its roof rack solutions with visitors to the CVO Show on stand 5236.

ALDO Rodi has been named as Snap-on Tools' new UK managing director.

KINGHAMS of Croydon has won Motor Codes' search for the nation's best-loved garage.

Stand 5862 will play home to Traka during the CV Operator Show as it displays its selection of key management systems.

THE HIGH cost of fuel is forcing more motorists to turn to vehicle tuning, according to Viezu Technologies.

Specialising in test lanes for cars and commercial vehicles, the company will be on hand to answer questions on equipment, layout and VOSA requirements for Authorised Testing Facilities (ATFs) from stand 4021.

rong>This system allows users to choose between a ½” square drive impact wrench and a 24mm wrench or socket, thanks to the external hex design.

KOREAN car manufacturer Hyundai says it is confident of developing a fully-automatic in-car diagnostic system by the end of the year.

From stand number 5866, the company will be drawing attention to the benefits of carbon management for vehicle fleets. Its Merridale fuel management software now features a CO2 calculator which gives emissions information based on the quantity of fuel used.

EXTENDED car and van life cycles mean independents have a great opportunity to capture fleet work, says Network Automotive.

A PLAN to educate drivers about the benefits of changing cabin air filters has been launched by Euro Car Parts, filter manufacturer Corteco and charity Asthma UK.

Tool company Sealey has unveiled its VST hand-held service and diagnostic tool, providing coverage of more than 30 VMs plus EOBD. It can read and clear all engine trouble codes on all EOBD compliant vehicles. It is also capable of various service functions, such as resetting the service light, electronic parking brake, key reprogramming and tyre pressure configuration on selected vehicles.

TECHNICAL information publisher Autodata has been chosen by the AA to supply its patrols with technical information.

Based on stand 4111, Eclipse Automotive Technology will showcase the Texa TMD telematics device. The unit allows faults to not only be identified and diagnosed while a car is moving but, in certain cases, to be corrected too. Richard Parking, director of Eclipse, said the unit would open up a new direction for vehicle repairs, particularly among fleet workshops.

THE FINALISTS in the Golden Garages search for the country's best-loved workshop have been revealed.

This tool calculates temperature by detecting the infrared energy emitted by an object so doesn't even have to make contact with it.

As working on modern cars becomes as complicated as surgery, it comes as no surprise that endoscopes are an increasingly handy tool to have to hand.

THE LATEST tools and technology from the world of vehicle air con systems will go on show at the European Auto Air Conditioning Convention (EAAC) this September.

rong>Denso released its latest spark plug catalogue recently and, in a new development, it featured an LPG section to help users select the right plug for cars being converted to run on liquid petroleum gas or compressed natural gas.

THE ATA scheme has accredited its 20,000th technician.

Lifts, tyre changers, wheel balancers and wheel aligners are just some of the kit now being offered by the firm. The company's acting marketing manager Sarah Philpott said the decision to expand the existing choice of air con, emissions and ATL equipment was the result of numerous customer requests.

AFTERMARKET reader John Tullett has been in touch concerning Motor Codes' Golden Garages competition.

MORE than a third of drivers are avoiding services in a bid to save money, claims fast-fit network HiQ.

Made in a UK facility using materials developed for motorsport, this latest range of bearings covers 14 applications from Ford through to Subaru.

FRANK Massey has revealed he no longer uses a gas analyser in his workshop.

Wendy Williamson, Unipart Automotive’s marketing director, reckons its Car Care Centre scheme (UCCC) provides garages with a good mix of corporate support while allowing them to maintain their independence.

MOTOR Codes has met with the Department for Transport, VOSA and MP Paul Clark to continue discussions about promoting its Code of Practice for Service and Repair to MOT test stations.

rong>This latest addition to the Febi range of fluids is designed for Asian vehicles. It is resistant to high torque and meets, and sometimes exceeds, vehicle manufacturer standards.

UK SKILLS is on the lookout for a training manager to coach the country's best young repair talent.

Sealey has so many gadgets and gizmos for working on electrical systems that we'd need more space than is available in this feature to list them all.

IN ONE of the least surprising moves in the world of trade association personnel changes, Jonas Zambakides has been named chairman of the IAAF-G (the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Association's Garage division).

Never backwards in coming forwards about their latest offers and deals, ECP reckons it has "shocked" its competitors with what it claims are its "unbeatable offerings" from three of the biggest names in OE spark plug manufacture - Bosch, Denso and NGK.

START-UP business Global Braking Systems (GBS) is hoping to shake up the braking market after being appointed the official UK distributor for Cifam products.

IF YOU run a garage and are fed up with the service you get from your local factor, there's a new chance to see if you could do a better job.

Offering support in diesel, air con, petrol engine management or braking, steering and suspension systems, Delphi offers a range of packages to help garages get the latest technical support combined with marketing assistance.

Champion's iridium spark plugs are now available for a range of engines operating on liquid petroleum gas (LPG) or E85 bio-ethanol.

AUTOLOGIC has joined forces with Dension to open up audio installation work to users of its BMW software package

Compatible with all brake systems, Honeywell reckons this bleeder takes into account everything from brake fluid viscosity and temperature to purity in a bid to offer the highest standards of brake system maintenance.

MOT specialist Hugh Roberts has lent his support to the IAAF trade association's garage division.

rong>What with the high-profile safety campaigns, most people that are so boozed-up they can hardly stand, will not even attempt to get behind the wheel of a car these days.

STEVE Smith, John Tinham and Stuart White are the three repairers left in the race for the title of Top Technician 2010.