Garage Wire

Garage Wire • Automotive • Industry • News •
• Twice A Week Direct To Inbox • Stay up-to-date with everything you need to succeed in this fast-moving industry.

Garage Wire provides independent garages with the latest news and offers for the best products and services in the aftermarket. As a digital media service, the publication has grown quickly to become a trusted go-to source for industry developments and breaking news, practical tips and advice as well as analysis and opinion from key figures in the industry and like-minded technicians. Delivered in

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 Gutmann boosts regional garage support with new appointment HELLA Gutmann has further expanded its UK workshop equ...
01/08/2025

HELLA Gutmann boosts regional garage support with new appointment

HELLA Gutmann has further expanded its UK workshop equipment team with the appointment of diagnostic expert Glenn Hopkins, reinforcing its commitment to supporting independent garages across the country.

Glenn joins as Business Development Manager for the South of England and South Wales, bringing extensive experience in diagnostics and a strong focus on helping workshops keep pace with today’s advanced vehicle technologies. His arrival follows the 2024 appointment of Matt Brown, who has already become a familiar and trusted contact for garages across the North of England and Scotland.

Both Glenn and Matt hold ADAS IMI Accreditation, underlining their deep technical expertise in one of the fastest-growing areas of vehicle servicing and repair.

“Glenn’s appointment builds on the strong foundations we laid last year with Matt’s arrival,” said Julian Goulding, Head of Garage Equipment at HELLA Gutmann. “With both now on board, we’ve significantly strengthened our regional support for workshops, combining practical knowledge with hands-on diagnostic expertise.”

Based near Worthing, Glenn brings a wealth of experience from previous roles at Bosch, Opus IVS, and Maverick Diagnostics. Known for his technical insight and approachable style, he’s well-positioned to support customers across his region.

“With today’s vehicles, fast and accurate diagnostics are essential for workshop efficiency,” said Glenn. “We’re here to help garages get the most out of their equipment and make confident decisions when it matters.”

Operating from Burnley, Matt continues to support customers in the North and Scotland, building on a successful first year in the role. He combines strong diagnostic product knowledge with a background in motor factor distribution and branch management.

“I’ve always believed in making advanced diagnostics accessible for technicians,” said Matt. “It’s been great to work with garages that are eager to get ahead, and I’m looking forward to helping even more of them as the technology evolves.”

These appointments support HELLA Gutmann’s wider strategy to work more closely with garages. Backed by a comprehensive range of diagnostic tools, ADAS calibration equipment, technical support, and training, the business remains focused on helping workshops stay ahead in an increasingly complex and fast-changing vehicle landscape.

For more information on HELLA Gutmann’s diagnostic and ADAS solutions please click here.

https://garagewire.co.uk/news/company/hella/hella-gutmann-boosts-regional-garage-support-with-new-appointment

Mechanic avoids prison after fraudulent MOTs A 26-year-old MOT tester, Yasser Akhtar, has received a suspended prison se...
31/07/2025

Mechanic avoids prison after fraudulent MOTs

A 26-year-old MOT tester, Yasser Akhtar, has received a suspended prison sentence after issuing fraudulent MOT certificates that "put road users at risk." Akhtar, working at The Car Group in Rochdale Road, Bury, came under scrutiny when all 334 tests he conducted over a month-long period showed a zero per cent failure rate.

Further investigation by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency revealed that 14 of these cars were not present in the garage when their tests were supposedly conducted. CCTV footage confirmed the vehicles were absent while Akhtar issued pass certificates via his mobile phone, often late at night or on weekends.

Akhtar confessed to police, stating he was pressured into the fraud to pay off a debt. He explained he had crashed a client's car during a test drive and, being uninsured, was demanded money by the owner. A friend of the owner then provided Akhtar with a list of vehicles for which to issue fraudulent MOTs in lieu of payment.

At Minshull Street Crown Court, Akhtar, who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to ten counts of fraud by false representation. His defence highlighted his remorse and the pressure he was under, noting his aspirations to return to mechanical engineering.

Recorder Sarah Holt told Akhtar: "Your actions undermined the testing system. You put road users at risk. You abused the position of trust that you were in as an accredited MOT tester."

Akhtar, of Larkspur Road, Middlesbrough, was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for 18 months. He was also ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and ten rehabilitation activity requirement days.

Source: Manchester Evening News

https://garagewire.co.uk/news/mechanic-avoids-prison-after-fraudulent-mots

test
31/07/2025

test

Hickleys Celebrates 100 Years with 100 Deals for 100 Days To mark its centenary, Hickleys is running "100 Deals for 100 ...
30/07/2025

Hickleys Celebrates 100 Years with 100 Deals for 100 Days

To mark its centenary, Hickleys is running "100 Deals for 100 Days" across its range of garage equipment and diagnostic tools. This promotional event, which runs from 3 June to 11 September 2025 (while stocks last), also allows distributors to maintain their normal margins while offering discounts and free gifts to their customers. All prices exclude VAT.

Featured deals include:

- The Lampcheck 22 MOT Approved Digital Electronic Headlight Aligner for £3,495.00, which comes with a FREE 128GB, 11” Apple iPad. This DVSA-approved aligner is designed for all MOT classes and can test and adjust modern headlights like Digital, LED, Matrix, and DLC.

- The Dama HDA2121 Professional Air Hydraulic 30T Press for £1,329.00, which includes a FREE Digifunk Work Site Rugged Radio. This industrial press features a strong frame, a large working area, and a 30-tonne capacity, complete with a safety guard and a double-speed hand/foot pump.

- The Dama HDA2181 80L Oil Drainer, normally £299.00, is available for £249.00. This unit features a 16-litre bowl and an 80-litre tank, easily emptied with compressed air, and comes with a 2-year warranty.

- The Mobile EV Safety Station for £3,150.00, which includes a FREE HDA2600 Diagnostic Trolley. This station provides essential products for EV service and repair, including isolation tools, protective wear, and safety signs.

- The Dama HDM4.0LSM 4T Scissor Lift for £5,695.00, bundled with a FREE HIT01050 Tool Case worth £250.00. This surface-mounted lift has a low 115mm lowered height and a 4.0-tonne capacity, suitable for various vehicles, and is ideal for workshops with limited space.

For more information or to place an order, contact Hickleys at 01823 328500 or email [email protected]

Distributors interested in co-branding promotional materials can contact [email protected]

https://garagewire.co.uk/news/company/hickleys/hickleys-celebrates-100-years-with-100-deals-for-100-days-2

Family stranded on holiday after Citroën airbag recall Emma Drinkwater and her family were left stranded during a holida...
29/07/2025

Family stranded on holiday after Citroën airbag recall

Emma Drinkwater and her family were left stranded during a holiday at Silverstone following a safety recall on her Citroën courtesy car due to potentially unsafe airbags. The incident forced Ms Drinkwater to take additional time off work as she awaited a tow for her car and caravan back to North Yorkshire.

Ms Drinkwater described the situation as a "complete nightmare," expressing frustration over potential lack of compensation. She highlighted the severe inconvenience, noting that her usual one-hour journey to care for her mother in Wakefield, 33 miles away, transformed into a six-hour round trip by public transport. This disruption also meant she had to arrange online food deliveries for her mother, who has kidney failure.

She voiced anger at the handling of the situation, stating, "They've sold people cars that are a risk to life with faulty parts and then we are the ones out of pocket having to pay for an issue that was their fault." While Ms Drinkwater's airbags have now been replaced, she acknowledged that many others face prolonged waits.

A spokesperson for Stellantis, the company owning Citroën, stated their primary focus is "completing the replacement of airbags in affected vehicles as swiftly as possible." They acknowledged that "it is inevitable, with such a large number of vehicles affected, that customers could be inconvenienced in the short term." Stellantis affirmed they are "deploying a variety of options to support mobility," prioritising customers with the most urgent needs.

Source: BBC News

https://garagewire.co.uk/news/family-stranded-on-holiday-after-citroen-airbag-recall

TPS turn up the heat with red hot Quantum and Genuine Parts offer TPS, supplier of Volkswagen Group Approved Genuine Par...
28/07/2025

TPS turn up the heat with red hot Quantum and Genuine Parts offer

TPS, supplier of Volkswagen Group Approved Genuine Parts to the independent motor trade, is offering up to 20% off Quantum Coolant and Volkswagen Group Approved Genuine Belts and Sets until the end of the month.

For garages looking to clean up while keeping their customers’ vehicle interiors spotless, there is 15% off Quantum Protection products until 31 July.

The discounts don’t stop there - with 10% off Quantum Brake and Clutch Cleaner and up to 10% off Volkswagen Group Approved Genuine Braking Parts and a further up to 8% off Volkswagen Group Approved Genuine Alternators.

Volkswagen Group Approved Genuine Parts are designed to fit first time, saving both time and money in the workshop.

For more information, click the 'More Details' button below.

https://garagewire.co.uk/offers/tps-turn-up-the-heat-with-red-hot-quantum-and-genuine-parts-offer

Autotech Group appoints Justin Ampofo FCCA as Chief Financial Officer Autotech Group has announced the appointment of Ju...
25/07/2025

Autotech Group appoints Justin Ampofo FCCA as Chief Financial Officer

Autotech Group has announced the appointment of Justin Ampofo FCCA as its new Chief Financial Officer. This promotion marks a significant progression for Ampofo, who joined the company as Financial Controller in early 2023 and rapidly advanced to Finance Director within the Senior Leadership Team last year. He now joins CEO Simon King and CTO Laurence Abbott in the C-suite.

Ampofo's appointment reflects Autotech Group’s strategy of nurturing internal talent and focusing on sustainable growth. Since joining, he has been instrumental in shaping the company's financial strategy and embedding data-driven decision-making across all business areas. His insights into industry trends and market opportunities have contributed to the organisation's direction and performance, solidifying its foundation for future expansion.

Beyond his role at Autotech Group, Ampofo also serves as Honorary Treasurer of the National Tyre Distributors Association (NTDA), demonstrating his active involvement within the broader automotive sector.

Simon King, CEO of Autotech Group, commented that Ampofo's promotion strengthens the company’s leadership structure, which was designed to drive sustainable growth across its four brands. King added, "His insight has been instrumental in aligning our strategy with industry trends and growth opportunities."

This leadership transition coincides with a period of positive momentum for Autotech Group. With its restructured leadership and four distinct brands, the company aims to continue its trajectory of innovation and growth.

The announcement also marks the conclusion of Mark Armitage's tenure as Chief Revenue Officer. Armitage, who played a key role during a period of significant change and growth, departs to pursue new professional opportunities with the full support of Autotech Group.

https://garagewire.co.uk/news/company/autotech/autotech-group-appoints-justin-ampofo-fcca-as-chief-financial-officer

Address

Birmingham

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Garage Wire posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Garage Wire:

Shortcuts

Share

Category