December/January 2019

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2019 AFTERMARKET 5 www.aftermarketonline.net TRICO is teaming up with Top Technician and Top Garage 2019, becoming the latest sponsor to join up with the competitions. Commenting on the decision to sign up with Top Technician and Top Garage 2019, Senior Product and Brand Manager at TRICO Sam Robinson said: “Windscreen wiper blade manufacturer and supplier TRICO has always supported initiatives that encourage motor vehicle technicians to learn about the design and function of today’s systems. That’s why we are involved with Top Technician and Top Garage. We wish all the entrants the best of luck in showcasing their skills and for one lucky technician who is crowned the winner, and the businesses that are recognised in Top Garage. The benefits to both individual careers and businesses will be endless.” Top Technician and Top Garage 2019 are sponsored by Snap-on and TRICO. They come to you in association with ABC Awards, Auto iQ, the Garage Equipment Association (GEA), the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) and the Independent Garage Association (IGA). For more on Top Technician and Top Garage 2019 turn to page 32. Problematic MOT test centre in every city Figures released by the DVSA have shown that every city in the UK has a MOT test centre that is not performing tests correctly. The figures, obtained from the DVSA by the Bristol Post via a Freedom of Information request, showed that 98 MOT testers across all 69 UK cities had been banned as a result of the way they were performing tests. Further to this, the figures for 2016 showed there are another 353 MOT stations received warning, although this figure was lower than the results for 2014. Commenting on the figures, DVSA Director of Enforcement, Marian Kitson, said: “DVSA’s priority is to protect everyone from unsafe drivers and vehicles. We take the quality of MOT testing extremely seriously, carry out thousands of visits, assessments and re-examinations every year and continue to work with the industry to improve test quality. We will not hesitate in taking action against anyone who carries out fraudulent tests. These figures demonstrate the tough action we will take to preserve the integrity of the MOT.” Since the figures were collated, the MOT test has been amended to include new rules and requirements. This could mean that otherwise wholly reputable MOT testing stations also could fall foul of the rules going forward, if they do not stay up to date with the new requirements. TRICO becomes 2019 sponsor Euro Repar Car Service network continues to grow With over 3,000 centres, Euro Repar Car Service is the fastest growing maintenance and repair garage network in Europe, with centres across France, Spain, Germany and now the UK. The network is seeing more and more UK garages sign up. Having joined Euro Repar Car Service in July this year, Robert Ally from XL Motors said: “With state-of-the-art equipment and a highly trained technical team, we’ve been providing the people of Coventry and the surrounding areas with quality vehicle servicing and accident repairs for over 25 years. We have virtually built our name on recommendations. This is only going to get stronger now we have the backing of a large network, and all the advantages and opportunities that brings us. We’ll soon be able to provide an even better local service.” Colin Start, Head of Marketing for Parts and Service for the PSA Group, said: “We continue to grow our network of partner garages at a local level to nurture their existing reputations within the communities. We offer a wealth of experience and support that will help them go from strength to strength.” Colin added: “Euro Repar Car Service aims to work with over 650 independent UK garages over the coming years.” For more information on Euro Repar Car Service visit eurorepar.co.uk . ‘Cash-in for Christmas’ MAFCO Autobar and TRICO have teamed up to deliver an early Christmas bonus to customers, with their ‘Cash In For Christmas’ promotion. In the run up to Christmas, for every £100 spent with MAFCO Autobar on TRICO products, customers will receive a £10 voucher for their choice of Amazon or Argos. MAFCO Autobar Managing Director Andy Kay commented: “We have built-up some fantastically loyal TRICO customers over the years. It’s great to be able to give both those long-standing and our newest customers a real boost up to Christmas and perhaps help them out with some extra presents for loved ones, or themselves!” The complete TRICO range is distributed by MAFCO Autobar including TRICO Exact Fit (direct fit, OE style beam blades), TRICO Flex (multi-clip universal beam blades) and TRICO Force (premium performance universal beam blades). Sponsored by: