June 2008

BEN, the automotive industry charity, is offering the chance for people to enter 2008 BEN Rally, which will be on the famous Mille Miglia route, running through some of the most renowned and historic spots in Italy.

New EU rules mean that people who manufacture in or import chemicals from outside Europe in quantities over one tonne will be required to register these chemicals as part of the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals programme (REACH).

A bodyshop owner who nearly died in a motorcycle race crash last year is to donate ten per cent of his company’s earnings from car accident repairs to support the medical teams that saved him

Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling has signalled a retreat over the planned 2p a litre rise in fuel duty in October, but there is unlikely to be any U-turn over controversial rises in Vehicle Excise Duty due in April next year.

Nuclear energy would be a good way to meet higher demands for power when electric cars grow in popularity, an ex-government scientific adviser says.

Fuel reimbursement rates for company car drivers have been increased, HM Revenue & Customs has announced.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown should cut fuel duties when crude oil prices rises and scrap plans for Vehicle Excise Duty increases on high-emission cars already on the road, according to former Transport Minister Dr Stephen Ladyman.

BRUSSELS (Thomson Financial) -- The European Commission said the 27-member state bloc's motor vehicle block exemption has had both positive and negative effects on competition in the industry.

European aftermarket trade body FIGIEFA has vowed to continue lobbying for a revision of the Block Exemption Regulation (BER) in order to avoid a "legal patchwork" of general protections for the motor industry.

NEW DELHI: At a time when most automakers in the country are hiking prices, Honda Siel Cars India said it is cutting rates of sedans by up to Rs 5,000 with effect from today on account of the reduction in central sales tax.

Travelers Acceptance Corporation, an independent, national consumer finance company, and collision repair franchise network CARSTAR Automotive Canada have formed a strategic partnership that gives CARSTAR Canadian franchise locations point of sale financing for their customers.

The most recent meeting of the Canadian Collision Industry Forum had a good balance of topics to interest the 150 repairers, insurers, and suppliers in attendance.

The switch to waterborne basecoat may be the most dramatic consequence of Environment Canada's proposed VOC regulations, but new limits will mean changes to virtually every product used by auto painters.

We've all seen the plastic cladding on today's vehicles. From bumper covers and fender flares to side cladding and top cowl panels, these plastic parts can consume much of the vehicle's total identity. Over time, many of these parts fade. What once may have been a black or charcoal gray bumper cover on the showroom floor has since faded into a dreary shell of its former self.

Replacing a dirty air filter as part of general maintenance is something every repair shop does on a routine basis. So how can you set your company apart and offer extra value as well? A freer-flowing performance air filter accomplishes both those goals, and your customers will likely appreciate it every time they tip in the throttle.