No, it's not a fantasy role playing game for overgrown nerds. Dragon 2000 is the company behind a range of dealer management systems designed to help franchise and independent businesses maximise their efficiency.

BATTERY charger company CTEK is urging garages to take advantage of the upcoming winter weather.

rong>stributor Randstad hopes to make these German bulbs a familiar name with garages across the UK this summer.

RICHARD Perriman will defend his Top Technician title by competing in the 2010 competition to find the UK's best vehicle repairer.

AFTERMARKET has scooped the BEN Trade Journal of the Year charity award - thanks to the support of its dedicated readers and advertisers.

rong>A 63mm diameter exhaust system has been developed as early examples of the Ford’s hot hatch escape the manufacturer’s warranty.

BUSINESS insolvencies in the automotive sector fell by 18% during August, compared to the same month in 2008.

A 6-piece spark and glow plug set is out now.

If you want a welding helmet that doubles as a great fancy-dress costume then look no further.

Designed to help diagnose vehicles with electronically-controlled variable displacement compressors, the VDC interface connects to Texa's air con stations where it lets users control the signal sent to the compressor for diagnostic and testing purposes.

THE INDEPENDENT aftermarket says it is "encouraged" by the European Union's latest activity on Block Exemption Regulations (BER).

KWIK-FIT claims it has carried out 48% more MOTs in 2009 compared to the same period last year.

rong>The Japanese, Korean and US car parts firm has added these integrated coil sets for the Kia C’eed to its range.

THREE of the biggest exhaust manufacturers want European type-approval legislation introduced for exhausts systems.

The kit supplier has a selection of all-weather signs to promote your garage's MOT services.

A CAR worth £26,395 is going up for grabs as part of Unipart and NGK's latest RallyMatch competition.

Stocking up on essential tools could now be easier with the introduction of the Mac Card.

EXHAUST distributor CES has become an approved ATA assessment centre.

If your customers want real, physical reminders through the post, this software combines A5 post cards with the latest computer designs for a professional look.

THE NFDA (National Franchised Dealers Association) is "bitterly disappointed" the government has rejected calls for an extension to the car scrappage scheme.

GARAGES will be able to take advantage of technical and marketing support by signing up to Valeo's relaunched Clutch expert concept in November.

rong>This hand-held unit saves you the bother of having to manually re-enter testing details into the VOSA computer.

There's not a lot you can do with 350 milliseconds on your hands - even if your name is Boris Becker and you're stuck in a broom cupboard with an amorous supermodel.

THE ATA scheme has struck a deal with the Yellow Pages to give added promotion to accredited technicians and their garages.

rong>This 9-piece set helps remove manifold studs when cleaning gaskets.

THE GOOD Garage Scheme will use the slogan 'It's like having a friend in the know' to promote its workshops to motorists during its forthcoming TV advertising campaign.

VEHICLE systems expert James Dillon will run courses on servicing hybrid vehicles from January onwards.

rong>Keep thieving blighters out of your van and customers’ work vehicles by fitting a vehicle-specific lock.

THE GOOD Garage Scheme (GGS) has frozen its membership fees until December next year.

Aimed largely at MOT test stations, this software package lets you email and text customers when their next MOT is due.

Aftermarket thinks that if a car polish company really wants to stand out from the crowd it needs to be brave enough to claim NOT to be the best.

RELATIONSHIPS between dealers and VMs are improving as a result of the credit crunch, according to the latest National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) survey.

rong>Fuel Parts began distributing the UFI’s Sofima brand of filters in June and now that a number of UK stockists are on board, the company is looking to increase its UK-wide distribution.

HALF of all new cars in Europe will be fitted with stop-start systems by 2012, according to Bosch.

A TRIO of young technicians has flown to Canada to take on the best talent from around the world.

THE RIGHT To Repair Campaign (R2RC) is urging workshop staff to sign its online petition as the deadline for registering views on aftermarket laws draws closer.

REPAIR network Autosafe says independents are poised to capture more fleet servicing work after increasing its fleet business by 530% in the last year.

According to Facom, 80% of vehicle problems can be traced back to dodgy batteries. Its latest range of three smart chargers is designed to help you deal with this.

ECP has added this all-makes range to its line-up. It includes 1,200 pads and discs, 250 brake drums and 500 brake shoes that cover 99% of the UK car parc, including the new Ford Ka and Fiesta plus the latest Vauxhall Insignia.

THE MOTOR Industry Code of Practice for Service and Repair says it will not attempt to emulate the Good Garage Scheme's (GGS) forthcoming TV advertising campaign.

Planning a new MOT or ATL bay or just updating one can be difficult and that is why The Trade Group places an emphasis on technical support.

If you're the kind of technician that doesn't like taking two bottles into the shower when just one will do (top marks for anyone who remembers those 1990s shampoo ads), these pre-assembled drum brake kits could be the answer.

THE AFTERMARKET'S best - and worst - drivers will put their skills to the test in support of industry charity BEN this September.

The anti-freeze offers protection against frost, rust and overheating in all Volkswagen engines in both cars and heavy-duty applications.

DIAGNOSTIC specialist David Hirst says garages worried about promoting their business online have nothing to fear.

Frost says this water-based, non-acidic and biodegradable concentrate removes rust without attacking plastics, rubbers and non-ferrous metals.

TRAINING organisation Remit has launched a recruitment division to help find staff for motoring businesses.

For the debonair petrol-head who likes to look good while storing hazardous fuels, these jerrycans are the latest in fashion accessories.

GARAGES are increasingly likely to gain access to VM security information, according to the chief executive of the Garage Equipment Association (GEA).

rong>If you’re looking for more power from an Astra or Corsa VXR, then up-rating the brakes is a logical follow-up.