Aftermarket March 2023

NEWS MONTH 2017 AFTERMARKET 5 www.aftermarketonline.net A sales manager at garage equipment company Oakmain has been convicted for forging solicitor letters used as part of the process garages undertake to secure MOT Testing Station status, and has received an 18-month suspended custodial sentence. Thomas Richard Woods was convicted on 16 January on three charges of knowingly providing false information. The conviction, at Newport Crown Court, followed a DVSA investigation. It was the first prosecution for providing fraudulent solicitors letters used as part of MOT garage applications. He was also ordered to carry out unpaid work of 220 hours, pay prosecution costs of £4,736.20 together with a victim surcharge of £149. DVSA examiners discovered the fraud after undertaking a routine MOT garage audit. The offences were carried out between November 2019 and October 2021. Commenting on the outcome of the case, DVSA’s Director of Enforcement Marian Kitson said: “Motorists need to feel confident they can rely on MOT Testing Stations to carry out any necessary work and garages using professional services should expect the service to be legitimate. This case shows the DVSA will take action against those who abuse the MOT testing scheme for their own gain.” MARCH 20 3 AFTERMARKET 7 Cost of living crisis: Sharing is car-ing? 20% of car owners would be willing to sell their car as a result of the cost of living crisis and instead opt for hire cars when the need arises, according to a recent survey. The research, from NTT Data UK&I, found this figure rose to 31% when just looking at the 16- 29 age group. 7% of this cohort are currently planning to sell their car in favour of alternative options. The study also found that 15% of owners would be interested in doing paid car sharing to boost income, which became 29% when just considering 16-29-year olds. For those in their 30s it was 21%, and 20% for 40-somethings. More broadly, 48% of those surveyed intend to keep their current car for longer before replacing it, with 26% preferring second-hand for their next purchase. Commenting on the findings, NTT DATA UK&I VP and Head of Automotive Dominic Rowles said: “The sharing economy has been a bit of an outlier in automotive ownership, and therefore it’s no surprise that the cost-of-living crisis is the trigger needed to give this momentum.” Meanwhile, fuel additives and engine treatments may be growing in popularity due to both mechanics and motorists turning to preventative measures to cut repair costs. Fueltone Pro Chairman Robbie Gray commented: “During the cost-of-living crisis we’re seeing heightened demand for our engine flush product line, as garages and mechanics seek to further assist motorists with avoiding issues with their vehicle.” Castrol technical support A new AI-based technical support service has been launched by Castrol. The offering will put garages in contact with Castrol’s technical agents, who will be available during working hours five days a week. Castrol is offering the multi-language service via a partnership with omnichannel customer acquisition management, customer care, technical support provider Teleperformance. Federico Bindi, EMEA Technical Services Manager at Castrol Europe, commented: “The new service is designed to be highly accessible and responsive, consistent with our brand proposition, and we hope that workshops and customers find it beneficial.” To access the free-to-use service, call +44 (0)1932 775644 or email UKTechService@castrol.com Visit: www.castrol.com MOT equipment Sales Manager prosecuted Parts quality initiative launched A quality standard for aftermarket performance components and their suppliers was recently launched at Autosport International 2023. The SMART campaign, which stands for Safe Modification and Responsible Tuning, has been put together by the Performance Automotive Aftermarket Association (PAAA). A spokesman for the PAAA said: “In response to the changing market and pressures applied on the industry by motor manufacturers and government legislation, the SMART campaign has been introduced to provide PAAA member companies with a mandate to support and promote safe and responsible vehicle modification and engine tuning for cars that are used on public roads.” The SMART-modified Ford Focus RS of the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary, with its driver and Youtube star, Sergeant Owen Messenger attended the launch. For more information, visit: paaa.eu.com