Auto Transmission

This new year could prove to be an interesting one for the UK's automotive market. Challenges are set to continue, and decisions will be made that could alter the country's powertrain landscape. But the year starts off with the same story. Pothole damage is increasing, and councils are not paying out. With National Pothole Day, is this a recognition of the pothole itself, or the people that work hard to ensure that drivers can stay on the road, even if those roads are crumbling. Auto Repair Focus is also launching a new series for 2026. Garage Focus is looking for participants, who want their business to appear on screen, and to discuss the future of the aftermarket. If you would like to take part, contact Auto Repair Focus Editor Phil Curry - phil@autorepairfocus.com Finally, we catch up with Andy Wait from Veloris to discuss the battery market, and why garages should be checking every battery on vehicles that enter their workshop, especially as the weather turns colder... Links referenced in this episode: autorepairfocus.com Companies mentioned in this episode:

Ben, the automotive industry charity celebrated its 120th anniversary in 2025. In that time, it has helped thousands of automotive workers and their families overcome difficulties. But with daily pressures rising, and more awareness of mental health and wellbeing, the charity is working to ensure it can support many more people in the years ahead. Auto Repair Focus Editor Phil Curry sat down with Ben's Senior Leadership Team, including Rachel Clift, Chief Executive Officer, Matt Wiggington, Head of Growth and Development, and Ellen Plummer, head of Aawreness and Experience, discussed how the charity helps, and how it aims to grow, and support a new generation of automotive industry employees over the next 120 years. We highlight the importance of awareness regarding mental health issues and financial difficulties, emphasising that Ben stands ready to assist those in need, regardless of their circumstances. The conversation also underscores the necessity for proactive engagement and early intervention to prevent crises before they escalate. Ultimately, we collectively urge listeners to familiarize themselves with the resources available If you are struggling, you can reach out to Ben for help. Find more details on their website, Ben.org.uk Takeaways:

In this episode of the Automotive Transmission Podcast, from Auto Repair Focus, Phil Curry discusses the issue of headlight glare, and how a new government report suggests the issue is more down to driver awareness than any issue with modern vehicles. But is this right, or are there other potential issues at play? Plus, Sophie Lyden, The Tyre Lady and Depot Manager at Westgate Tyres, together with Stuart Lovett, Chair of road safety charity Tyresafe, join us to discuss the shocking state of tyre safety in the UK, and the role garages will play in educating drivers. With a considerable knowledge gap on tyre maintenance, and worrying MOT figures, how can technicians ensure their customers are remaining safe, and staying up-to-date with checks? Guests Further reading You can stay up to date with the latest automotive aftermarket news at autorepairfocus.com, or subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you have a story to share, or want to take part in the Auto Transmission Podcast, you can leave voice feedback via our website, or email phil@autorepairfocus.com. Takeaways:

In this episode of Auto Transmission, the podcast from Auto Repair Focus, we speak with Alex Barnes, an Ombudsman at The Motor Ombudsman, to find out more about his work, and the role the company plays in offering fair alternative dispute resolutions for consumers and businesses within the automotive industry. No customer ever wants to be in a position to make a complaint, while no business wants to receive one. However, sometimes issues arise, and once all efforts between the two involved parties run out of steam, The Motor Ombudsman can help. They provide fair and impartial overviews of cases, to work towards a resolution. Auto Transmission goes behind the scenes at The Motor Ombudsman to find out how they deal with cases. Barnes discusses his day-to-day role, and the qualifications that help him when adjudicating. The episode also provides tips for businesses on how to avoid a complaint, and highlights the areas where the most complaints arise. Throughout, we explore the challenges faced by both consumers and businesses, while underscoring the critical nature of fairness and transparency in dispute resolution. Find out how you can deal with customer complaints, and how The Motor Ombudsman can help, in Auto Transmission, from Auto Repair Focus.

In the latest episode of Auto Transmission, we discuss how new and used car figures should give the aftermarket a clear picture of both the present and the future, while Steve Scott from the Simply Diag Network joins us to discuss the importance of charging for diagnostics, and what to say to customers who consider a code reader, or social media channel, better than the thousands of pounds of equipment you possess.

In this episode, Auto Repair Focus Editor Phil Curry discusses the opportunities for the UK aftermarket, as used car sales continue to rise. Joanne Knowles and Rachel Marshall from Automechanika Birmingham about what visitors can expect to see at the show. Plus Dean Lomas, Tim Benson and Simon Powney give their thoughts on why you should attend. And Phil sits down with the team behind ifnd Autoparts to find out more about the online platform, that promises to change the way we source parts.

Phil Curry speaks to East Coast College's Matthew Yeldham and Tia Marsh about apprentices, the important role they have to play in the aftermarket, the difficulties and challenges they can face - especially for young female technicians, and what garages need to understand when considering the next generation.

As the UK Garage and Bodyshop Event 2024 approaches, Auto Repair Focus Editor Phil Curry gives you the lowdown on what to expect from the show, and speaks with Event Director Joanne Knowles to find out more about why garage owners and technicians should be attending...

April was Stress Awareness Month. However, we can find ourselves suffering from stress at any time of the year, so how can we recognise it, and what tips and help are available to help mitigate its effects? Phil Curry speaks with Nishi Pankhania​​​​, a Life Coach at automotive industry charity Ben, to find out more...

In this episode, Auto Repair Focus Editor Phil Curry speaks with Mark Field, Chief Executive of the IAAF, about the MOT, and whether garages should need to educate drivers on its importance...

In this new podcast episode, Phil Curry speaks to Frank Harvey, Head of Member Services at the Independent Garage Association, about the MOT, its future, and whether it really is safe...

Last year was not one that will be remembered fondly by many. But was 2022 a complete write off? Or, were some of the biggest talking points actually opportunities for the aftermarket to grow? In the latest Auto Repair Focus Podcast episode, Phil Curry runs through some of the year's biggest news stories, and discusses their impact on the sector - with as much positivity as possible...

From challenges around Block Exemption, vehicle electrification, skills and an ageing car parc, the IAAF Conference 2022 brought the aftermarket together to discuss how unity and togetherness could help the industry succeed through 2023 and beyond. Auto Repair Focus Editor Phil Curry discusses some of the key points from the event.

Many around the country are struggling as the cost-of-living crisis continues. It can be a confusing, stressful and worrying time for many workers in the automotive industry, but there is help available, be it someone to talk to, organisational skills or more. In this episode of the Auto Repair Focus Podcast, Phil Curry talks to Rachel Clift, Health and Wellbeing Director at automotive industry charity Ben, about the issues people are facing and the support that is available to them. From financial issues to mental health and wellbeing worries, Rachel highlights the work Ben is doing, and the different channels of help that automotive workers and their families can benefit from. It can be difficult to ask for help, but to do so is a strength, rather than a weakness. Finding support can lift a heavy weight and burden, and will be better in the long term for those struggling today. If you are struggling to cope and need to talk, Ben is there for you, day or night, 24/7. You can chat with them online, or call their helpline. It is free and confidential and available Monday to Friday - 8am to 8pm. Call - 08081 311 333 Email - supportservices@ben.org.uk Chat online – www.ben.org.uk Ben also operates an out-of-hours text support service. To access this, text BEN to 85258. There is also lots of support available at www.ben.org.uk and you can sign up to receive their top tips to your email inbox at www.ben.org.uk/signup.

Auto Repair Focus Editor Phil Curry attended the first big aftermarket show for three years, the UK Garage and Bodyshop Event at the NEC Birmingham. The packed exhibition hall provided a perfect backdrop, as the industry came together for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country. Featuring interviews with Thatcham Research, Absolute Alignment, Solera, Topgear Tuning and Messe Frankfurt UK, this podcast was recorded live at the event, discussing everything from tuning to electric vehicle training, wheel alignment and automotive data...

A look back at some of the big topics the aftermarket saw in 2021, and what we may see going forward into 2022, including sustainability and particulates, access to data, shows, and the MOT...

The MOT has faced a number of challenges, but is this now a stable period for the annual test?