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an easy-to-consume format through short articles, GWTV videos and podcasts, Garage Wire publishes a weekly news bulletin, a monthly offers bulletin and a quarterly digital magazine in a free subscription service for an ever-growing number of garage owners, technicians and motor factors across the country. Visit us at garagewire.co.uk and follow us on twitter .

HELLA receives prestigious CLEPA Innovation Award for FlatLight technology International automotive supplier FORVIA HELL...
24/11/2025

HELLA receives prestigious CLEPA Innovation Award for FlatLight technology

International automotive supplier FORVIA HELLA has been honored with the prestigious CLEPA Innovation Award for its FlatLight | µMX technology. The award ceremony took place last night in Brussels (Belgium). The CLEPA Innovation Award, organized and presented annually by the European Association of Automotive Suppliers (Comité de Liaison Européen des Fabricants d’Équipements et de Pièces Automobiles, CLEPA), recognizes particularly outstanding or innovative achievements by automotive suppliers.

FORVIA HELLA’s FlatLight | µMX technology is based on an innovative LED light guide concept using so-called micro-optics – optics that are smaller than a grain of salt. Thanks to the extremely low module depth, the required installation space is reduced by up to 90 percent, to just five millimeters. Since multicolored combinations of daytime running, indicator, and position lights or rear, stop, and indicator lights, can be implemented in a single optical element, the FlatLight technology opens up entirely new possibilities for designing front and rear lighting. Another key advantage of FlatLight is its efficiency: compared to similar systems on the market, it is about 40 to 80 percent more energy-efficient per technical application and around 80 percent lighter – while maintaining consistently high light performance and homogeneity.

Dr. Michael Kleinkes, who is responsible for global lighting development at FORVIA HELLA, said: “With the CLEPA Innovation Award, we have received one of the world’s most important and renowned honors in the automotive industry. For the innovative strength of our teams, this is once again a great recognition, of which we are very proud. Our goal is to bring technologies into series production that set new standards in the automotive sector and are equally attractive and economically viable for both the premium and volume segments. The fact that we have achieved this with our FlatLight technology is underscored not only by this year’s CLEPA Award – but also by the various customer projects we have already been able to win for our FlatLight.”

FlatLight technology first went into series production last year as a rear lamp application, followed by its use as a daytime running light in the vehicle front in the autumn of this year. In total, FlatLight from FORVIA HELLA is already part of customer projects with a total volume in the mid three-digit million euro range. The FlatLight technology is produced at the Slovakian lighting plants in Kočovce and Bánovce. The development of the FlatLight modules takes place at the Company headquarters in Lippstadt (Germany), while customer-specific applications are developed at the sites in Ljubljana (Slovenia), Mohelnice, and Ostrava (Czech Republic).

https://garagewire.co.uk/news/company/hella/hella-receives-prestigious-clepa-innovation-award-for-flatlight-technology

Used car market sees Q3 growth, but government policy risks slowdown The growth observed in the UK used car market is po...
21/11/2025

Used car market sees Q3 growth, but government policy risks slowdown

The growth observed in the UK used car market is positive, particularly as this is where most drivers purchase their next vehicle. The market's health relies on thriving new car demand to replenish stock. SMMT's latest data confirms this, showing more than two million used cars changed hands between July and September—the highest Q3 volume since 2021—with BEV transactions reaching a record 4.0% share.

This recovery has allowed almost 100,000 second-hand buyers to purchase cars less than a year old this year, boosting economic growth and improving consumer access to increasingly affordable, zero-emission used cars.

However, this progress faces significant risks from proposed government plans, including the end of Employee Car Ownership Schemes and reports of a pay-per-mile tax on EV motoring in the forthcoming Budget. These measures could stifle both new car demand and supply, while potentially cutting half a billion pounds annually from Treasury income. This approach is counterproductive given the governmental focus on growth and manufacturer commitments to ramp up EV sales.

In other areas, the SMMT continues to champion collaboration, noting the automotive sector's support for the Armed Forces community. Veterans offer high-value skills, and companies are urged to explore initiatives like the government's Defence Employer Recognition Scheme or consult the Veterans’ Automotive Career Guide.

The industry welcomes ongoing dialogue with Westminster, confirmed by The Rt Hon Peter Kyle MP, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, who will deliver a keynote speech at this year’s SMMT Annual Dinner.

Finally, the industry expressed sadness at the passing of automotive journalist and campaigner, Quentin Willson, who was a passionate champion of the industry and an early advocate for electric vehicles.

https://garagewire.co.uk/news/associations/smmt/used-car-market-sees-q3-growth-but-government-policy-risks-slowdown

Winter-proof your exhaust As winter weather takes hold, drivers across Europe need to be especially vigilant about their...
20/11/2025

Winter-proof your exhaust

As winter weather takes hold, drivers across Europe need to be especially vigilant about their vehicle’s health particularly the exhaust system. At EEC (European Exhaust and Catalyst), we specialise in emissions components that meet and exceed EU regulations. With over 40 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket, EEC is your go to expert for reliable, winter ready exhaust solutions.

Here’s how winter can affect your exhaust and how EEC can help you stay ahead of costly issues.

1. Salt, Moisture & Corrosion

The EEC View: Salted roads are essential for safety, but the combination of salt and moisture is corrosive especially to cheap, uncoated exhausts.
What EEC Recommends: Regularly wash the underside of your car, especially after long journeys on treated roads. EEC exhaust components are built using aluminised or stainless steel for long lasting resistance to winter corrosion.

2. Emissions & MOT Failure

The Risk: Cold starts and short journeys prevent the catalytic converter or DPF from reaching optimal temperature, increasing emissions.
Why EEC Matters: Our type-approved catalytic converters and diesel particulate filters are engineered to perform even in stop-start urban cycles. When you choose EEC, you choose products that help vehicles pass emissions tests first time.

3. Higher Fuel Consumption

The Issue: Blocked or underperforming exhaust systems force the engine to work harder, using more fuel.
How EEC Helps: EEC’s emission control systems are designed for maximum engine efficiency. Our DPFs regenerate effectively when installed and maintained correctly, helping to lower fuel bills over time.

4. Excessive Exhaust Noise

The Problem: Cold temperatures and poor materials often mean excessive noise, vibration, or rattling from the exhaust.
The EEC Solution: All EEC exhaust parts are manufactured to OE-equivalent standards, with proper sound insulation and precision fitment to eliminate noise issues—keeping your drive smooth and quiet.

5. Cracked or Brittle Components

The Concern: In freezing weather, low-grade materials can become brittle and break especially welds and joints.
Why Choose EEC: Our exhausts undergo rigorous quality control to ensure long term durability, even in harsh climates. EEC’s components are built to last through every season.

6. Dangerous Fume Leaks

The Risk: A leaking exhaust can allow dangerous gases like carbon monoxide to enter the vehicle cabin, especially when driving with windows closed.
EEC’s Advice: Always investigate smells, noise, or warning lights promptly. If in doubt, contact an EEC fitting partner for a quick inspection.

Winter Essentials from EEC:

- Full range of high-quality catalytic converters, DPFs and exhaust components ready for winter

- Products are EU type-approved and manufactured in line with ISO standards

- Exceptional technical support and aftersales service from the UK’s leading emissions specialist

- Trusted by garages, factors, and performance tuners across the UK and Europe

This winter, trust EEC to keep your vehicle safe, compliant, and running smoothly. Whether you’re a driver, a garage, or a parts distributor, EEC has the expertise and the product range to support you through the toughest season.

For more information, please click here or contact [email protected]

https://garagewire.co.uk/news/company/eec/winter-proof-your-exhaust

First Line urges proactive winter cooling system maintenance As winter approaches, First Line Ltd. is encouraging worksh...
18/11/2025

First Line urges proactive winter cooling system maintenance

As winter approaches, First Line Ltd. is encouraging workshops and motor factors to prioritise cooling system maintenance, a critical yet often overlooked aspect of vehicle care.

Modern engines operate at higher temperatures, demanding precise regulation, making cooling system health vital year-round, particularly in colder conditions. First Line Ltd., through its Borg & Beck and First Line brands, offers an OE-matching range of Thermostats and Water Pumps designed for reliability.

Kelvin Olds, Product Director at First Line Ltd., explains that winter stresses engine components, impacting coolant flow, thermal regulation, and part resilience. He states their water pumps and thermostats are engineered to OE specifications for preventative maintenance and reliable solutions.

Cooling-related breakdowns are a common cause of winter roadside assistance callouts. Many can be prevented by timely part replacement rather than waiting for failure, which can cause further damage.

Key components to inspect include:

- Thermostats: Regulate engine temperature. Corrosion or age can cause sticking, leading to sub-optimal temperatures or overheating, affecting fuel economy and performance. Early replacement is advised.

- Water Pumps: Circulate coolant. Leaks, bearing wear, or impeller damage are common issues, accelerated by colder temperatures. Borg & Beck and First Line water pumps are designed to match OE flow rates and adhere to quality standards.

- Coolant Hoses: Rubber components can become brittle in cold temperatures. Inspecting joins, clamps, and visible deterioration is crucial to prevent coolant loss and overheating.

- Coolant Condition: Using the correct coolant mix and checking for contamination is essential. Compatibility and replacement intervals for modern long-life formulas (OAT or HOAT) must be observed.

First Line advocates for preventative maintenance to protect engines and prevent costly repairs, especially as average vehicle age in the UK rises. Olds emphasises, "A failed Water Pump or thermostat in winter doesn’t just cause inconvenience – it can lead to major engine failure."

For more information on First Line Ltd.’s range of cooling components, including thermostats and water pumps, please click here.

https://garagewire.co.uk/news/company/first-line/first-line-urges-proactive-winter-cooling-system-maintenance

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