TMD Friction has been forced to file its German operating and holding companies for insolvency, due to, it said, "the sharp deterioration of conditions in the global automotive industry."



Derek Whitworth, CEO of TMD Friction, said: “I am deeply saddened that we have not been able to reach an agreement with our lenders and shareholders to avoid this action. Although the operative business of TMD Friction is healthy, the rapid slowdown in the automotive industry has led to a very high level of pressure on our cash flow. Read More..

Manbat has introduced a new stock pack initiative to help UAN members make the most of the lucrative, but elusive, non-automotive battery markets.



Each ‘stock pack’ contains a range of specialist products that Manbat, with its market knowledge, consider necessary to establish a foothold in one of the targeted sectors. In specialising in sectors beyond automotive, the company says members will go on to gain a reputation for battery expertise generally, and generate new non-automotive business as a result. Read More..

UAN understands that the Department of Transport has delayed implementing the R103 regulation, concerning the sale and installation of replacement catalytic converters, until at least April 2009. 

The proposed R103 legislation was expected to come into force in January 2009. Under the proposals, distributors and garages will only be allowed to sell or install replacement catalytic converters that are approved to EU emission standards for vehicles that were first used on or after 1 January 2001. Read More..

Quest is running a consumables promotion for UAN distributors, which runs from 1 November to 31 December 2008.



The company is offering special nett prices for a variety of products including gloves, lamps, multi-purpose sprays, booster cables, granules and seat covers.



Quest is also offering free items dependent on spend. Read More..

Bosal has launched two ORIS-MATIC retractable towbars for the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series.



The ORIS-Matic, the UK’s first retractable towbar, is a highly innovative product designed to meet the needs of customers requiring a high quality towbar that can be quickly stored out of sight without the need to detach it from the vehicle.



Two seconds is all that it takes to move the ORIS-Matic between its extended and retracted positions. Read More..

UAN distributor Ashton Motor Factors, recently celebrated its 10th birthday.



Started in 1998 as a subsidiary of Clist & Rattle Ltd, (the long established West Country franchised motor retailer), the factor business has seen steady growth over the years resulting in a move from the original premises to a warehouse with dedicated trade counter in December 2007.

              

Commenting on the success of the business, Director John Collings said: “With Kevin Sparrow now firmly at the helm, AMF has established itself as a force to be reckoned with in the supply of parts & accessories to the aftermarket in Bristol & North Somerset. Read More..

Dinex has released two new catalogues, which are both available from the download section on its website . Read More..

UAN has confirmed its Commercial Vehicle (CV) buying group meeting on Thursday 20 November at the offices of the Automotive Distribution Federation (ADF).

 

All CV distributors are expected to attend the meeting, which this time will see approved suppliers present their products and services. Suppliers in attendance are: Juratek, Valeo, LUK, Roadlink, Baldwin and

Universal Components. Read More..

Actia Muller’s Combination vehicle exhaust emissions test unit has received VOSA approval for use in UK MOT test procedures. To mark its release for sale in the UK, the company is giving away an Actia Multi-diag ‘Access’ diagnostics pack, worth £1600, with the first 100 orders received. Read More..

UAN distributors are being encouraged by approved suppliers Actia Muller and V-Tech to push the sale of gas analysers following new requirements from VOSA for all MoT stations in the UK to have a new MoT Emissions Analyser in place by the end of 2008.



V-Tech estimates that up to 8000 MoT stations are still to meet the requirement, which means a substantial opportunity for UAN members.



V-Tech says that factors do not have to purchase demo stock, deliver or install the unit and has produced a process for which to adhere to. Read More..