NEWS 11 www.aftermarketonline.net MARCH 2025 Garage industry leaders are to hold crunch talks with the government in an ongoing campaign to resolve the “stagnant” MOT price cap that they say is causing significant financial strain to the sector. The Independent Garage Association has been pushing for a meeting with ministers over the cap, which has remained unchanged for more than 14 years. Now the association has been invited to talks with future of roads minister Lilian Greenwood, the IGA revealed. The meeting will focus on the essential nature of MOT tests in maintaining the UK’s road safety record and improving environmental standards and stress how the unchanging fee, amidst significant rising operational costs, threatens the viability of independent garages. IGA chief executive Stuart James welcomed the chance for direct talks. He said: “This meeting is a crucial step in highlighting how the unchanged fee, coupled with inflationary pressures and additional costs outlined in the recent autumn budget, creates an unsustainable environment for many independent garage businesses. “The IGA is advocating for a fairer economic landscape that not only supports independent garages but also prioritises consumer safety and workforce development.” The MOT test is a cornerstone of road safety and consumer protection in the UK, ensuring that vehicles meet essential safety and environmental standards, the IGA said. But maintaining the quality and integrity of MOT testing in the face of rising costs and evolving vehicle technologies requires adequate funding. Increasing the MOT fee is a pragmatic and necessary step to ensuring garages can invest in advanced equipment, infrastructure, and ongoing training for technicians, the IGA said. Energy and petroleum giant TotalEnergies has agreed a deal to supply lubricants to specialist UK automotive parts distributor Motor Parts Direct (MPD). Under the deal with TotalEnergies Marketing UK, MPD said its 14,000-plus customers will be offered the latest in lubricant technology, featuring nextgeneration and sustainable products. MPD, which was acquired by South Africa-based automotive group Motus in 2022, has a UK network of 181 branches, 15 distribution hubs and a large delivery fleet. David Valentyne, aftermarket sales manager at TotalEnergies Marketing UK, said MPD’s customers would benefit from the TotalEnergies’ nextgeneration Quartz range of automotive lubricants. Brakes manufacturing giant Brembo has hailed the resilience of the company in the auto sector as it posted revenues of more than €3.8 billion (£3.2 billion) in preliminary results for 2024. Brembo said on January 30 EBITDA was €661.6 million, also in line with the previous year’s figure and market guidance, representing 17.2% of revenues. The company said the stable preliminary results came against the backdrop of what it described as a complex global scenario, marked by significant difficulties in the automotive industry. Executive chairman Matteo Tiraboschi said: “These preliminary results confirm the solidity of Brembo’s business model despite the challenging times faced by our industry. Our strength lies in continuous innovation.” For peace of mind always use a Garage Equipment Association member. GEA accredited engineers work to an industry code of conduct. Your assurance their skills and knowledge have been independently assessed. IS YOUR EQUIPMENT ENGINEER GEA ACCREDITED? Ask your engineer for his accreditation card ! The Upholders of Industry standards since 1945 The Garage Equipment Association www.gea.co.uk GEA ACCREDITED ENGINEER Name Company Discipline Exp Date ID Number XX123456 XX123456 XX123456 XX123456 XX123456 Future of roads minister in MOT fee cap talks Brembo welcomes preliminary results Lilian Greenwood: Parliamentary UnderSecretary of State for Future of Roads TotalEnergies in MPD lubricants deal
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