|  18.05.2012 Volt lights up London It has already won glowing praise from the world’s motoring press, but now the Chevrolet Volt really knows how to shine, after the American manufacturer pulled the wraps off another world-first… More... | | 17.05.2012 Car care king buffs up with exterior trim wipes Despite the improved performance of modern day paint finishes, the ‘like-new’ look does not last nearly as long on exterior trim, which is why Armor All is urging owners to ensure the car’s plastic does their pride and joy justice. More... | | 16.05.2012 Nexa Autocolor primer goes green Nexa Autocolor has launched Eco+ Primer Surfacer, the latest in a series of products designed to help protect the environment, whilst delivering the same high quality and outstanding performance synonymous with the world's leading premium refinish brand. More... | | 14.05.2012 KYB gets technical on YouTube KYB UK – the leading supplier of shock absorbers, coil springs and suspension mounting kits – is continuing to add to its new facility to help provide invaluable technical training for its garage customers. More... | | 11.05.2012 PPG introduces unique flexible Matt Clearcoat System Responding to an increasing trend by motor manufacturers offering full body low gloss finishes in the market, PPG has introduced a unique flexible Matt Clearcoat System consisting of two Deltron Progress acrylic urethane Clearcoat's designed to reproduce a range of low gloss levels for the specialised repair of vehicles originally finished with a low gloss clearcoat, John Loughran. More... | | 11.05.2012 Magic colours for the Middle East Dubai is a city of superlatives. The same goes for the automotive industry. From May 22 to 25, the city will be hosting the Automechanika Middle East, the biggest international trade fair for the automotive industry in the Middle East. In Dubai, Glasurit will be presenting new technologies along with the Glasurit RATIO Concept Plus portfolio of services that accompany its products, writes Connor O'Rourke. More... | | 10.05.2012 J&S adds Vemo fast mover harness repair sets J&S Automotive has introduced a new range of fast mover electrical automotive harness repair sets from respected Germany component manufacturer Vemo, which it says offer workshops the opportunity to save time and money on electrical repairs, writes Connor O'Rourke. More... | | 09.05.2012 Moog adds to MAM Autocat+ catalogue Federal-Mogul Aftermarket U.K. Limited has extended its OE-quality Moog® steering and suspension components range in the popular MAM Autocat+ online cataloguing system, writes Padraic Deane. More... | | 09.05.2012 BMW Group has "Best Factory 2012" Germany's best factory is producing for the BMW Group in Landshut. This is the conclusion reached by the expert jury for the "Industrial Excellence Award / Best Factory 2012", which voted the Exterior Plastics Production Department of the BMW Landshut plant the national winner for 2012. More... | | 08.05.2012 New diesel injector flow tester Designed for use on the injector return side of a common rail diesel system, Laser Tools' Diesel Injector Flow Tester measures the return fuel flow on engines up to ten cylinders, writes Declan O'Byrne More... | | 08.05.2012 Gates wins coveted aftermarket award At the annual GroupAuto International (GAI) congress, taking place in Croatia from April 24 to 26, Gates was honoured as Supplier of the Year in the category ‘Sales, John Loughran. More... | | 04.05.2012 All new web experience with PPG PPG Industries has launched its new and improved PPG brand website www.ppgrefinish.com The new PPG website contains comprehensive Product, Colour, Training and Support information, as well as a Partnerships and About PPG Group section, writes John Loughran. More... | | 04.05.2012 Glasurit Color Online Mobile Glasurit Color Online Mobile is the first smartphone application where you can find the right mixing formula directly on your mobile device, writes Connor O'Rourke. More... | | 03.05.2012 New TechTalk website launched A new website that offers mechanics and technicians practical advice, around the clock is now live at TechTalk.ie, writes Padraic Deane. More... | | 02.05.2012 New car sales plummet in April New car sales fell by 22 per cent in April, compared to the same month last year, and by seven per cent, year to date, figures released by the society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) confirm, John Loughran. More... | | 02.05.2012 SIMI calls for mid year number plate The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) is calling on the Government to introduce a second registration plate mid year, which would have the effect of creating a second sales peak in the year, which would maintain and stabilise jobs, Declan O'Byrne. More... | | 30.04.2012 Valeo extends lighting range Valeo Service, the leading automotive component supplier to the independent aftermarket, is re-emphasising the need for high quality lighting solutions as it launches an extension to its OE lighting range with OE quality bulbs. Valeo’s new bulb range consists of 43 references, offering 95 per cent coverage for the UK car parc, writes Padraic Deane. More... | | 27.04.2012 Bosch driver drowsiness detection Fatigue and microsleep at the wheel are often the cause of serious accidents. However, the initial signs of fatigue can be detected before a critical situation arises, writes John Loughran. More... | | 26.04.2012 Standox launches new UK product catalogue Standox, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of automotive refinishing paints, has just launched a new product catalogue, specifically for the UK market, writes Connor O'Rourke. More... | | 26.04.2012 Autoglass unveils new Automotive Technician Accreditation centre In keeping with its commitment to innovation in delivering the very highest quality and safety standards, Autoglass, the leading vehicle glass windscreen repair and replacement company, has today unveiled its new Automotive Technician Accreditation centre in its Waterford facility, writes John Loughran. More... | | 26.04.2012 CV Show gains international recognition The 2013 Commercial Vehicle Show has received international recognition from the automotive industry’s global body, OICA (Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d’Automobiles), writes Connor O'Rourke. More... | | 25.04.2012 Dynamic new Ford Transit Custom unveiled at CV Show The all-new Ford Transit Custom makes its global debut at the Birmingham CV Show this week, bringing new levels of style, driver appeal and functionality to the one-tonne commercial vehicle market, writes John Loughran. More... | | 24.04.2012 Making 3 an E could boost car sales While the number 13 scares lots of people and Friday the 13th some even more, come next Ireland’s car buyers will have no choice in their new car having the number 13 on the plate — for every day of its life!, writes Connor O'Rourke. More... | | 24.04.2012 Febi is committed to highest standards of safety and performance febi is committed to the highest standards of safety and performance. That's why its braking range is designed, engineered and manufactured to original equipment specification. Irrespective of the vehicle make and model – its components are designed to fit exactly, writes Declan O'Byrne. More... | | 23.04.2012 Wilker wins Defence Forces contract AN Offaly company that builds specialist vehicles for the emergency services has won a contract to supply the Defence Forces with ambulances, which could be worth nearly €250,000, writes John Loughran. More... | | 20.04.2012 A paint job to mark 25 years Akzo Nobel Car Refinishes Ireland Ltd and leading Motor Factor chain, Top Part, has been doing business for 25 years. To celebrate this enduring relationship, the paint supplier came up with a present with a difference for Top Part owner, Donie Dillane, writes John Loughran. More... | | 20.04.2012 Glasurit trainers get certified When it comes to paint, people make the difference. If you want to be successful on the market, you need to have qualified and experienced employees to creaate real added value for the customer. For this reason, Glasurit expanded its training program even further and introduced a mandatory technical training and development program for all National Head Trainers, writes John Loughran. More... | | 20.04.2012 First ever Wexford Motor Show The first ever Wexford Motor Show takes place on Saturday, April 21 on the quays in Wexford and will feature 18 franchise dealers and 24 brands, writes Padraic Deane. More... | | 19.04.2012 Irish vehicle exports hit all time high Vehicle history experts Cartell.ie reports that vehicle exports out of Ireland increased by 16 per cent to the end of 2011 and now stand at an all time high. The numbers of vehicles exported increased by 64 per cent in the last five years, writes Conor O'Rourke. More... | | 19.04.2012 Peugeot launches new Partner van range The new Peugeot Partner van will be launched in Ireland this April. Sporting a new front face, redesigned headlamps and the new Lion badge on the bonnet and equipped with the latest HDi diesel engines, the new Peugeot Partner van will retail from €16,075 plus dealer delivery related charges or from €13,107 ex-vat, writes Padraic Deane. More... | | 17.04.2012 febi adds tools to product portfolio Vehicle mechanics need more than just technical knowledge and experience to precisely locate and repair problem parts – they also need the right tools, writes John Loughran. More... | | 17.04.2012 New car registrations in EU down almost 8 per cent in Q1 New car registrations in the EU shrank be almost eight (7.7) per cent in the first quarter, when compared to corresponding period last year, figures produced by the European Automotive Manufacturers Association confirm, writes John Loughran. More... | | 13.04.2012 Standox official supplier to Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 team For the 2012 F1 season, Standox is once again working with the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 team. Appointed “Official Team Supplier”, the Wuppertal-based paint manufacturer will once more exclusively supply all colour for the Silver Arrow, writes John Loughran. More... | | 13.04.2012 Digital colour management from Spies Hecker There’s a growing trend towards electronic colour measurement. Over 3,500 refinishers worldwide have already switched to Spies Hecker's ColorDialog spectro, the digital photospectrometer, , writes Padraic Deane. More... | | 12.04.2012 Top Part Trade Shows next week Leading Motor Factor chain, Top Part, is holding two Trade Shows next week, where it will showcase its extensive range of brands to the trade, writes Padraic Deane. More... | | 11.04.2012 VRA launches Compliance Poster The Vehicle Repairers Association (VRA) has launched a new poster campaign aimed at helping members to highlight their professionalism and the fact that they are fully compliant with environmental regulations, writes John Loughran. More... | | 04.04.2012 RSA issues road safety appeal As the Easter Bank Holiday weekend approaches, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Síochána have issued a joint appeal to road-users to be aware of the dangers of excessive and inappropriate speeding, writes Connor O'Rourke. More... | | 04.04.2012 EPA focuses on certification The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is undertaking a busy programme of work to ensure that bodyshops around the country are certified by their local authority and are using only compliant paint, writes John Loughran. More... | | 04.04.2012 More 1,200 facilities inspected under AIC scheme More han 3,000 inspections have been carried out under the AIC scheme covering over 1,200 individual facilities throughout the Republic of Ireland, AIC contractor Certification Europe has confirmed, writes Connor O'Rourke. More... | | 04.04.2012 PPG team to climb Mount Snowdon Well-known bodyshop industry personality, John McGowan and 11 PPG Industries colleagues will be climbing Mount Snowdon as part of the ‘I Love Claims Great Big Charity Challenge' to raise money for The Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity at the end of May, Declan O'Byrne. More... | | 03.04.2012 Gold Pin award for Al Hayes Motors Al Hayes Motors Ltd., Portumna, Co. Galway has been presented with the Volkswagen Gold Pin Award for outstanding service to the brand and for meeting the highest level of quality standards, writes John Loughran. More... | | 02.04.2012 Peugeot supports Ride out for Prems Charity, Irish Premature Babies is collaborating with Peugeot Ireland for its Ride Out For Prems Motor Bike Road Trip Challenge 2012, , writes Connor O'Rourke. More... | | 30.03.2012 EPA focuses on certification The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is undertaking a busy programme of work to ensure that bodyshops around the country are certified by their local authority and are using only compliant paint, writes John Loughran. More... | | 30.03.2012 PPG races ahead PPG has been confirmed as the MG KX Momentum Racing Team Technical Paint Partner for the 2012 Dunlop MSA BTCC Championship, writes John Loughran. More... | | 30.03.2012 Standox uses Internet to keep in touch Most businesses understand the importance of the internet whether they are using it for e-commerce, social media or simply to have a web presence. Standox is making full use of everything the web has to offer, writes Connor O'Rourke. More... | | 29.03.2012 RSA wants exhausts manufactured to “E” standards The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is proposing that exhaust system, brake linings and towing couplings placed on the market are manufactured to Original Equipment specifications, or that they are approved replacements to EC or UNECE standards, that is “e” or “E” marked, writes John Loughran. More... | | 27.03.2012 Renault set to sponsor Dublin GAA Renault will partner the Dublin football and hurling teams for 2012, which will see a number of players driving new Renault models, writes John Loughran. More... | | 23.03.2012 SIMI VBRS hold successful regional meetings In recent weeks the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) held four successful regional meetings for their Vehicle Body Repair Sector (VBRS), which saw 70 bodyshops represented, writes Padraic Deane. More... | | 23.03.2012 VRA meeting in Kilkenny The Vehicle Repairers Association (VRA) is holding the latest in a series of regional meetings in the Aspect Hotel, Kilkenny on Tuesday, 27th March at 8 pm, writes Connor O'Rourke. More... | | 23.03.2012 Standox highlights the colour of art Standox is continuing its multi award winning new image vampaign with three new adverts. Carrying on with the highly visual paint splash theme, each image is linked to a very artistic interpretation of colour, writes Padraic Deane. More... | | 22.03.2012 Cyclo study grant for DIT automotive technology student In a further demonstration of the company’s commitment to student education, Cyclo Industries Inc. recently presented DIT student Kalman Strohmayer with a grant of €500 in recognition of his 2011 award for best final year project in the DIT Department of Transport Engineering, writes Padraic Deane. More... | | 22.03.2012 Car of the Year stretches its range with Gates The electrically powered Opel Ampera and its US counterpart the Chevrolet Volt, which recently won the European Car of the Year feature Stretch Fit™ belt technology from Gates, in their drive systems to increase efficiency, writes John Loughran. More... | | 21.03.2012 Texa launches new diagnostic tool At this year's Commercial Vehicle Show, Texa will launch the latest additions to its diagnostic tool range: the ‘Axone 4', ‘Navigator Nano' and ‘TwinProbe' oscilloscope, writes Connor O'Rourke. More... | | 20.03.2012 Ford Ireland appointments Ford Ireland has made appointed a new Commercial Vehicle Sales and Marketing Manager and a new Supply and Distribution Manager, writes Padraic Deane. More... | | 20.03.2012 Mazda Ireland appointment Mazda Motors has appointed Steve Jelliss to the position of Director Market Support for Ireland, writes John Loughran. More... | | 20.03.2012 Longford car dealer gets six months suspended sentence A Co. Longford car dealer who is alleged to have been involved in an elaborate hoax to deceive the Revenue which is pursuing him for €5.2 million over unpaid taxes has been given a six month suspended sentence at he High Court, Shannonside Radio has reported, writes Padraic Deane. More... | | 16.03.2012 VRA meeting in Kilkenny The Vehicle Repairers Association (VRA) is holding the latest in a series of regional meetings in the Aspect Hotel, Kilkenny on Tuesday, 27th March at 8 pm, writes Connor O'Rourke. More... | | 16.03.2012 Bringing the art of colour to the bodyshop Precise colour matching is such an important part of the art of refinishing that Standox organises a colour training course for refinishers who want to learn how to get the very best results, writes Padraic Deane. More... | | 15.03.2012 ContiTech expands range of tools The ContiTech Power Transmission Group has added three sets to its service range for the automotive spare parts market, writes Connor O'Rourke. More... | | 13.03.2012 Toyota supports Jack & Jill Foundation Toyota Ireland, sponsors of Munster Rugby, is supporting the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation as a nominated Irish charity. The Foundation has received 17 limited edition Munster jerseys to help raise much needed funds, writes John Loughran. More... | | 13.03.2012 New Citroën DS5 launches nationwide Pictured at the launch of the new Citroën DS5 at the French Embassy, Dublin, are the Citroën Motors Ireland team; Frédéric Soulier, Managing Director, Louise Murphy, Marketing Manager, Matthew McGuinness, Service & Quality Executive, Sean O’Neill, Fleet Manager, Paul Maher, Marketing Executive and Andrew Hall, Sales Manager, writes Padraic Deane. More... | | 09.03.2012 Bodyshop suppliers feature at Geneva Motor Show The Geneva Motor Show opened to the public on Thursday, and while dominantly a consumer show, with multiple new product launches, there was a number of stands of specific interest to the bodyshop trade, writes Conor O'Rourke. More... | | 09.03.2012 Keeping in touch with Standox Most businesses understand the importance of the internet whether they are using it for e-commerce, social media or simply to have a web presence, writes John Loughran. More... | | 08.03.2012 Top Part takes to the road Leading Motor Factor chain, Top Part, is holding two Trade Shows next month, where it will showcase its extensive range of brands to the trade, writes Padraic Deane. More... | | 08.03.2012 Rent free gas welding from PJ Fallon & Son Workshop equipments specialists, PJ Fallon & Son recognise that most people don't weld every week of the year and are understandably reluctant to pay rental on a gas cylinder they are only going to use occasionally, writes Connor O'Rourke. More... | | 08.03.2012 Autoglym on Sunday Times list Car care company Autoglym, is once again featured in The Sunday Times list of the UK’s ‘Best 100 Companies to Work For, writes Declan O'Byrne. More... | | 07.03.2012 Renault Finance lends over €15 million Since launching in Ireland last September Renault Finance Ireland has lent over €15 million to both individual and business customers, according to the lender, writes Padraic Deane. More... | | 06.03.2012 VRA meeting in Kilkenny The Vehicle Repairers Association (VRA) is holding the latest in a series of regional meetings in the Aspect Hotel, Kilkenny on Tuesday, 27th March at 8 pm, writes Connor O'Rourke. More... | | 02.03.2012 Motor industry awards winners The Irish motor industry recently gathered for the second Irish Motor Industry Awards to celebrate the trade’s successes of the last year, writes John Loughran. More... | | 01.03.2012 Dayco service information from Team PR Reilly For the aftermarket Dayco provides two seemingly identical auxiliary belt tensioners for the engines fitted to a number of popular models from Alfa Romeo, FIAT, Saab, Suzuki and Opel. The Dayco references for these tensioners are APV1088 and APV1156, writes John Loughran. More... | | 01.03.2012 Actioil sorts diesel problems Workshops can tackle the unseen changes that leave diesel fuel storage tanks, pumps, injection systems and filters vulnerable to severe and costly problems, by using a revolutionary fuel additive, writes Connor O'Rourke. More... | | 29.02.2012 EU must counter economic headwind The EU needs to urgently refocus on its industrial future and address the fundamental issues that constrain the region's competitiveness in a global perspective, steering away from the short-term national interests that hamper the prosperity of Europe's citizens in the long run, writes Connor O'Rourke. More... | | 29.02.2012 An Iconic Legend Returns? Peugeot is hinting at the return of an iconic legend with the reveal of the Peugeot 208 GTi Concept car at the Geneva Motor Show, writes Declan O'Byrne. More... | | 29.02.2012 Ford wins global mobile award for technology A new Ford technology, which assists occupants in making a call directly to 112 services in the event of a crash, has won a prestigious technology award after being been introduced on the all-new B-MAX., writes Padraic Deane. More... | | 27.02.2012 SIMI VBRS regional meetings The first in a series of VBRS / SIMI regional meetings takes place on Tuesday, March 6, in the Red Cow Moran Hotel, Naas Road, Dublin at 7.00pm. A second meeting will be held on Thursday, March 8, at the Sligo Park Hotel, Sligo at 7.00pm, writes John Loughran. More... | | 27.02.2012 Silver remains most popular used car colour Leading vehicle auction specialist, British Car Auctions (BCA) has released new data on the most popular colours for used cars sold at auction at the beginning of 2012, writes John Loughran. More... | | 27.02.2012 Semperit study shows cyclists could do better While the majority of cyclists heed the rules of the road, a roadside survey in Dublin has shown that nearly a half (46 percent) of cyclists on Dublin’s streets break the law. The survey by Semperit Tyres was carried out over two days at a number of locations around Dublin city and environs, writes John Loughran. More... | | 27.02.2012 Valvoline Forest Championship gets TV boost The Forest Rally Committee has announced a TV package for the 2012 series. Valvoline, the series sponsor for 2011 and 2012 has increased its support of this exciting championship with extra funding towards TV coverage for the six round series, writes Padraic Deane. More... | | 24.02.2012 VRA to hold important North Dublin meeting The Vehicle Repairers Association is holding an open meeting for anyone involved in the accident repair industry in the North Dublin city and county area and surrounding districts in February. The meeting will take place on Tuesday February 28th at 8.00PM in the Regency Hotel on the Swords Road, Whitehall, Dublin 9. It is aimed at all those in the area that have concerns about the future of the accident repair industry, writes John Loughran. More... | | 24.02.2012 Glasurit shows its colours at the Techno Classica When classic car fans from all over Europe meet up at the Techno-Classica, the world’s largest classic car show, where international automakers present their cars, you can be sure that colour specialist Glasurit® will be present, writes John Loughran. More... | | 23.02.2012 PR Reilly extends Classic range Team P R Reilly has extended its Classic range of products for older vehicles with the introduction of radiators from Valeo, writes John Loughran. More... | | 22.02.2012 Somora joins TecDoc Somora Motor Parts, the body panels, lighting and radiator specialists has joined the growing number of quality parts suppliers to list their products on the TecDoc electronic parts data system, writes Padraic Deane. More... | | 21.02.2012 MAM announces new release of EMI+ MAM Software, represented in Ireland by RNH Solutions has unveiled a new version of EMI+, a powerful Business Intelligence add-on for its Autopart business management software, writes Padraic Deane. More... | | 20.02.2012 Bringing the art of colour to the bodyshop Precise colour matching is such an important part of the art of refinishing that Standox organises a colour training course for refinishers who want to learn how to get the very best results, writes Connor O'Rourke. More... | | 17.02.2012 Dublin VRA meeting reminder The Vehicle Refinishers Association (VRA) is holding an open meeting at the Regency Hotel, Swords Road, Whitehall, Dublin 9, on Tuesday, February 21 at 8.00pm, writes Conor O'Rourke. More... | | 17.02.2012 SIMI VBRS regional meetings The Vehicle Body Repairers Section (VBRS of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) will be holding a number of regional meetings in March, writes John Loughran. More... | | 17.02.2012 Standox offers hands on support As well as forward-looking refinishing systems Standox offers hands-on support with a full range of training programmes – from practical instruction for refinishers and courses in innovative refinishing techniques to advice on successful bodyshop management, writes John Loughran. More... | | 16.02.2012 Opel Trade Club grows year on year 2011 proved to be a very strong growth year for the Opel Trade Club dealers in Ireland. Trade Club sales were up by 24.97 per cent over 2010 figures, writes Connor O'Rourke. More... | | 15.02.2012 Gilmores Kingscourt awarded 2011 FUSO Dealer of the Year Gilmores Kingscourt has been awarded the title of 2011 FUSO Trucks Dealer of the Year. Gilmores saw off stiff competition from 15 main FUSO dealers nationwide to secure a title that recognises excellence in sales, service and business development, writes Declan O'Byrne. More... | | 15.02.2012 Honda dealers get new HART Honda Advanced Repair Technology ( H.A.R.T.), the latest Diagnostic Technology now available at all authorised Honda dealers, has been designed to assist Aftersales Technicians in communicating and upgrading software on Honda vehicles in a fast and efficient manner, writes Padraic Deane. More... | | 14.02.2012 Mitsubishi Motors launches value service programme Mitsubishi Motors Ireland has launched a Value Service Programme which offers owners of Mitsubishi vehicles, which are three years or older, a recognised and affordable option to maintain their vehicle from just €98, writes Padraic Deane. More... | | 14.02.2012 Citroën open weekend Citroën is running an Open Weekend this weekend at selected dealers throughout Ireland providing customers with the ideal opportunity to view, test drive and upgrade to a new car from the 2012 range, writes Declan O'Byirne. More... | | 13.02.2012 Glasurit Express Twice a year, Glasurit Express informs readers about new products and services, success at bodyshops and among Glasurit partners, and about interesting subjects that revolve around bodyshops, paints and automobiles, writes Padraic Deane. More... | | 10.02.2012 Compliant bodyshops get public tender boost The compliant bodyshop trade received a boost in January when the Departments for the Environment, Community and Local Government and Public Expenditure and Reform, jointly launched Ireland’s first Green Public Procurement Action Plan, Green Tenders, writes Connor O'Rourke. More... | | 10.02.2012 VRA meeting in Dublin The Vehicle Refinishers Association (VRA) is holding an open meeting at the Regency Hotel, Swords Road, Whitehall, Dublin 9, on Tuesday, February 21 at 8.00pm, writes Padraic Deane. More... | | 10.02.2012 Truck Panels Direct to exhibit at Commercial Vehicle Show Following a successful debut in 2011, Truck Panels Direct will show its exclusive range of body panels, mirrors and lighting to fit DAF, Iveco, MAN, Mercedes, Nissan, Renault, Scania, and Volvo at the Commercial Vehicle Show, April 24-26, at the NEC in Birmingham, writes John Loughran. More... | | 09.02.2012 Battery chargers for professionals When a motorist takes a car into a garage with a battery fault the easy solution is to replace the battery. However, with environmental concerns and motorists wanting to spend less on car maintenance, garages have the opportunity to provide an additional service with the SmartChargePro range of battery chargers from Ring Automotive, writes Padraic Deane. More... | | 09.02.2012 Are you working in the dark? GEMCO have just launched a fantastic range of LED lighting kits suitable for retrofitting on most vehicle lifts, writes Declan O'Byrne. More... | | 08.02.2012 Drogheda Motor Show on horizon The Drogheda Motor Show takes place this year from Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th March in the Southgate Centre, Colpe Cross, Drogheda, writes Declan O'Byrne. More... | | 03.02.2012 PPG unveils unique flexible Matt Clearcoat System Responding to an increasing trend by motor manufacturers offering full body low gloss finishes in the market, PPG is proud to introduce a unique flexible Matt Clearcoat System consisting of two Deltron Progress acrylic urethane Clearcoat’s designed to reproduce a range of low gloss levels for the specialised repair of vehicles originally finished with a low gloss clearcoat, writes Declan O'Byrne. More... | | 03.02.2012 Black still reigns supreme Black looks beautiful on any car, and in 2011 this neutral, stylish shade remained the preferred colour of European motorists, accounting for 25 percent of all new cars sold. This is the result of the latest Standox automotive colour trend analysis for Europe, writes Padraic Deane. More... | | 02.02.2012 Car sales up 1.5 per cent in January The SIMI (Society of the Irish Motor Industry) has released January new car sales figures, which show a 1.5 per cent increase on the same month last year, writes Declan O'Byrne. More... | | 02.02.2012 Volkswagen Group Ireland recalls 2,112 cars Volkswagen Group Ireland (VWGI) has initiated a recall of 2,112 cars with a specific 2.0-litre TDI engine due to scoring on the fuel pipes which can crack and leak diesel, writes Declan O'Byrne. More... | | 02.02.2012 Techplus unveils Tac-Scan Techplus, the garage equipment specialists has unveiled new tyre wear diagnostic equipment, which represents a key profit opportunity for the workshop, while delivering significant benefits to the end user, Connor O'Rourke. More... | | 01.02.2012 Porsche Centre opens for new car sales Porsche's presence in Ireland steps up a gear this month with the opening of the Porsche Centre Dublin, adding new car sales to the existing pre-owned and after-sales business. This positive development is supported by local customer demand for new Porsche models and represents a vote of confidence for future business in the Irish market, writes Padraic Deane. More... | | 01.02.2012 Ford B-Max to star at Geneva Ford will throw open the doors to its all-new production-ready B-MAX compact multi-activity vehicle when it takes a starring role at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March, writes Declan O'Byrne. More... | | 01.02.2012 Renault four day offer To celebrate the kick-off of the Six Nations this weekend, Renault Ireland have a special one-off offer. For four days only everyone can get €3,500 off any Renault Mégane or Fluence, writes Connor O'Rourke. More... | | 01.02.2012 Top Ten World Car and World Performance Car finalists announced The countdown has begun in preparation for the 2012 World Car Awards winners' press conference co-hosted by Bridgestone Corporation and the New York International Auto Show on Thursday, April 5, 2012. The 2012 World Car of the Year and the 2012 World Performance Car will be declared at this time, writes Padraic Deane.More... | | 31.01.2012 New NTN-SNR online catalogue NTN-SNR Automotive Aftermarket's electronic catalogue, which can be accessed from the company's website has been updated, writes John Loughran. More... | | 27.01.2012 U-POL unveils innovative filler U-POL has come up with an innovative filler product that had been specifically designed to repair composite and plastics substrates being used on automobiles - bumpers and body panels being the more obvious and visible components, writes Padraic Deane. More... | | 25.01.2012 PPG confirms headline partnership PPG Industries will the headline partner to the inaugural British Bodyshop Awards, which will take place at the Battersea Evolution, London’s most dynamic and exciting venue, writes John Loughran. More... | | 25.01.2012 Bosch plans to acquire SPX Service Solutions business Bosch's Automotive Aftermarket division plans to acquire the service solutions business of SPX Corporation, headquartered in Charlotte, NC. An agreement to this effect was signed in New York City on January 23, 2012, writes Declan O'Byrne. More... | | 24.01.2012 Mini has small recall over pump fault BMW Ireland is recalling just 292 Mini cars because of a fault with an electric water pump. The fault, which could be a fire risk in some cases, is known to affect vehicles, including the Cooper S and John Cooper Works models, built between March 2006 and January 2011, writes John Loughran. More... | | 24.01.2012 RSA launches consultation on motor vehicle components The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has today, the 23rd of January 2012, launched a public consultation seeking the views of all interested parties on the development of proposals to regulate certain components placed on the market and fitted to motor vehicles, trailers and motorcycles in Ireland, writes John Loughran. More... | | 23.01.2012 INA expands range in Ireland Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket (UK) Ltd has once again expanded its market-leading INA range in Ireland, writes Declan O'Byrne. More... | | 23.01.2012 New LuK parts for the aftermarket Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket (UK) Ltd has introduced a raft of new LuK parts for the aftermarket including some significant new additions to cater for the latest clutch technology, writes Declan O'Byrne. More... | | 20.01.2012 Glasurit helps to restore historic automobiles The French National Museum Cité de l’Automobile – Schlumpf Collection houses some 560 historic automobiles. To keep the valuable collection in peak condition, the museum has agreed on a cooperation project with Glasurit, writes John Loughran. More... | | 19.01.2012 ACEA refutes unsafe refrigerant claim The European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) has refuted suggestions that a new refrigerant being used in the Mobile Air Conditioning (MAC) of cars is unsafe, writes Declan O'Byrne. More... | | 19.01.2012 Federal-Mogul maximises flat wiper blade vehicle coverage Federal-Mogul is building on its successful Champion Contact® flat wiper blade range by introducing five new rear wiper part numbers to the programme. The new parts cover popular Volkswagen vehicles, which are fitted with Federal-Mogul wiper blades as original equipment, Padraic Deane. More... | | 18.01.2012 Actros delivers road safety message A soon to be familiar sight on Irish roads is this Mercedes-Benz Actros truck and trailer combination which has been commissioned by the Road Safety Authority to deliver the message of road safety to communities across the country, writes Declan O'Byrne. More... | | 18.01.2012 New car sales ahead of 2011 – 10 day figures show New passenger car registrations for the first 10 days of January were up by more than a quarter on the corresponding period last year, new figures released by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) confirm, writes Padraic Deane. More... | | 18.01.2012 Fill in the gaps with TecDoc Every aftermarket parts supplier will confirm that they are under constant pressure, both directly from their customers and indirectly from their competitors, to ensure that their product offering is as comprehensive as possible and that there are no ‘gaps’ in the range with parts that their competitors can offer, but they cannot, writes John Loughran. More... | | 16.01.2012 More options for First Line online First Line’s ultra successful website has undergone a further transformation with the launch of two foreign language editions, to respond to the demand for information about the company coming from Europe, writes John Loughran. More... | | 13.01.2012 VRA calls for action on environmental compliance The Vehicle Repairers Association (VRA) has made a submission to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) outlining some of the issues that its members are dissatisfied with in terms of the way environmental legislation is being implemented, writes Declan O'Byrne. More... | | 13.01.2012 Volvo to recall 202 cars Volvo Cars Ireland is set to recall 202 of its cars because of a reported problem with a belt tensioner that could, if it failed, result in a loss of power steering, writes Declan O'Byrne. More... | | 13.01.2012 A slalom with a difference The snow-capped mountains of Madonna di Campiglio are more used to hosting alpine skiing champions on their slopes for World Cup downhill races, but they recently provided the backdrop to a most unusual parallel slalom race, writes Padraic Deane. More... | | 10.01.2012 Volkswagen increases market share in Ireland Volkswagen Ireland increased its market share in 2011, by 0.6 per cent to 12.5 per cent on the back of its commitment to invest in Marketing, Training and support its Dealers position in these challenging times, writes Padraic Deane. More... | | 06.01.2012 BASF showcases products in Detroit As the world's top automakers are unveiling their latest models next week at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, chemical company - BASF - will showcase the increasing role of chemical products in helping to deliver improved vehicle performance and comfort, writes Connor O'Rourke. More... | | 06.01.2012 Jack Leonard retires from motor industry Popular Skibbereen motor dealer Jack Leonard is set to retire from the motor industry having put in place an understanding with the well-known Fermoy-based Blackwater Motors for the future running and development of the business under a long-term agreement that will see the property remain in his ownership, writes Connor O'Rourke. More... | | 05.01.2012 Toyota leading car brand in 2011 Toyota Ireland closed out 2011 as Ireland’s leading car brand, with sales of 11,646 passenger vehicles, accounting for a 13 per cent total market share - an increase of 9.2 per cent over 2010, writes Padraic Deane. More... | | 05.01.2012 Workshop 2012 virtually sold out Bradbury, Blitz Rotary, Gemco, Liftmaster, Stertil and Somers Totalkare will be among exhibitors showing their latest equipment in Hall 2 of the NEC, Birmingham, where visitors will find Workshop 2012 as part of the Commercial Vehicle Show, writes Padraic Deane. More... | | 04.01.2012 2012 Standox Desktop calendar The 2012 Standox Desktop calendar is now available to download from the company's website, www.standox.co.uk, writes Declan O'Byrne. More... | | 03.01.2012 How Mazda keeps the wheels turning Winter is when accident repair centres are at their busiest with work increasing by more than 20 per cent from the summer months as the worsening weather takes its toll on the roads, writes Padraic Deane.More... | | Copyright © 2012 Automotive Publications Limited | |