NEWS 10 www.aftermarketonline.net MARCH 2025 UK garages affected by the recent disappearance of Google reviews are beginning to see their feedback restored as the tech giant works to resolve the issue, Garage Service Online (GSO) has reported. Independent workshops were among thousands of businesses globally that reported legitimate customer reviews being unexpectedly removed from their Google Business Profiles. GSO, an online lead generating service for garages, suggested the issue was likely caused by two separate problems at Google. “Two key issues seem to have been at play here,” said Jim Lang, MD at GSO. “First, a bug affecting the review count on Google Business Profiles. While the count might show a specific number of reviews, there could actually be more on the system. “The second issue appears to be related to a recent update in Google’s algorithm, which seems to have affected both first-party and third-party reviews for some businesses.” GSO said it believed that Google’s latest algorithm, designed to detect and remove fraudulent reviews, may have inadvertently deleted genuine feedback. This has left garages vulnerable, potentially damaging their online reputation and affecting their visibility in search results. “From what we’ve seen so far, the original review totals appear to have been restored for a number of garages,” Lang said. “It’s a positive sign that Google is addressing the problem. Online reviews play a critical role in establishing credibility and trust with customers, so we’ll be keeping our clients updated as more information becomes available.” Garage owners are advised to regularly check their Google Business Profiles for missing reviews and stay informed through Google’s official support channels. GSO clients are encouraged to contact the company for assistance if discrepancies arise. Castrol has announced a new collaboration with the Honda HRC Factory Moto GP Team, set to compete in the 2025 MotoGP World Championship season. Castrol, part of the bp group, will become Honda HRC’s main sponsor and will provide lubricants, fuels, and technical support — testing and developing motorcycle lubricants in the most extreme race environment. The oil brand’s motorcycling association with Honda dates back to 1959, when Honda marked its first international motorcycle race at the Isle of Man TT. Over more than six decades, Castrol has supported several Honda teams in international motorcycle racing and helped deliver over 500 wins. Honda’s history and success in Grand Prix motorcycle racing is unmatched, with a track record of 25 premier class Constructors’ World Championships, 21 premier class Riders’ World Championships and 313 premier class wins. Heading into the 2025 season, both Honda and Castrol are committed to reclaiming a leading position in the MotoGP World Championship. Sandeep Sangwan, Castrol chief marketing officer, said: “Castrol has a long history of using motorsport to showcase its technical capabilities and co-engineer new technologies. “With our strong commitment to performance and innovation, and our passion for motorcycle racing, we are truly excited to collaborate with Honda for their new Honda HRC Castrol Factory Moto GP Team. “This collaboration is a great opportunity for Castrol to connect even more closely with motorcycle racing fans and bike enthusiasts. Castrol wishes the team lots of success for the upcoming 2025 MotoGP World Championship season.” Koji Watanabe, president of Honda Racing Corporation, said: “We have enjoyed great success with Castrol in the past and in other categories, so it was a natural fit. Everyone is working hard to bring success to the MotoGP World Championship in 2025, we must continue to remain focused and diligently walk the path ahead of us. “With Joan Mir and Luca Marini (pictured left and right, respectively), we have two strong and talented riders to help us push forward on this journey. Racing is at the very core of Honda, and I am sure that we will achieve more success.” Castrol in fast lane with Honda racing deal Google ‘resolving’ garage reviews glitch, says GSO
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