Mike Ruff, Author at Garage Matters

FORVIA HELLA and NXP partner to develop next-gen radar

Mike Ruff9 January, 202612 January, 2026

by Mike Ruff9 January, 202612 January, 20260

International automotive supplier FORVIA HELLA has announced a new collaboration with NXP Semiconductors to advance high-resolution radar technology for automated driving systems. The partnership was...

2025 new car boom highlights reality behind EV mandate

Mike Ruff9 January, 20269 January, 2026

by Mike Ruff9 January, 20269 January, 20260

The UK new car market has broken the two-million-registration barrier for the first time since the pandemic, but beneath the headline growth lies a widening...

Commission-free booking tool RampUp secures CAT Innovation shortlist

Mike Ruff9 January, 20269 January, 2026

by Mike Ruff9 January, 20269 January, 20260

A pioneering digital solution to help independent garages break free from commission-based booking platforms has been shortlisted for a major industry award, just months after...

Garages given breathing space as Employment Rights Act 2025 looms

Mike Ruff7 January, 20267 January, 2026

by Mike Ruff7 January, 20267 January, 20260

Independent garages have been given a window to prepare for sweeping changes to employment law as the Employment Rights Act 2025 comes into effect. While...

Trade tensions, EV targets and fragile recovery: what Professor David Bailey’s warning means for UK garages

Mike Ruff5 January, 20265 January, 2026

by Mike Ruff5 January, 20265 January, 20260

Speaking at last month’s 2025 IAAF Conference, automotive economist Professor David Bailey delivered a sobering assessment of the forces reshaping the UK automotive landscape. While...

Golf GTI turns 50 as anniversary celebrations and first electric GTI begin

Mike Ruff5 January, 20265 January, 2026

by Mike Ruff5 January, 20265 January, 20260

January 2026 marks a major milestone for one of the most influential cars in automotive history. The Volkswagen Golf GTI turns 50 this year, with...

Independent garages poised for major fleet opportunities in 2026

Mike Ruff5 January, 20265 January, 2026

by Mike Ruff5 January, 20265 January, 20260

Tim Guidotti, director of Midlands-based Ferdotti Motor Services, founder of The Fleet Guy, and a recognised innovator in fleet work management, delivered a compelling presentation...

Schaeffler REPXPERT takes Wrenches & Wisdom campaign to Williams Garage

Mike Ruff5 January, 20265 January, 2026

by Mike Ruff5 January, 20265 January, 20260

For its final episode of 2025, the Schaeffler team visited the award-winning Williams Garage in Winchester, to speak to some apprentices and deliver product training....

Burnout or bounce back? Why ‘mental toughness’ is your most vital tool for 2026

Mike Ruff22 December, 202526 February, 2026

by Mike Ruff22 December, 202526 February, 20260

The parts are late, the customer is complaining, and the pressure is relentless. World Rally driver Penny Mallory explains why independent garages don’t just need...

Mixed messages and tax fears ‘putting brakes” on EV switch, AA warns

Mike Ruff22 December, 202522 December, 2025

by Mike Ruff22 December, 202522 December, 20250

Political uncertainty and potential new taxes are causing drivers to retreat to petrol and diesel, creating a “climate of confusion” that independent garages will likely...

FORVIA HELLA and NXP partner to develop next-gen radar

2025 new car boom highlights reality behind EV mandate

Commission-free booking tool RampUp secures CAT Innovation shortlist

Garages given breathing space as Employment Rights Act 2025 looms

Trade tensions, EV targets and fragile recovery: what Professor David Bailey’s warning means for UK garages

Golf GTI turns 50 as anniversary celebrations and first electric GTI begin

Independent garages poised for major fleet opportunities in 2026

Schaeffler REPXPERT takes Wrenches & Wisdom campaign to Williams Garage

Burnout or bounce back? Why ‘mental toughness’ is your most vital tool for 2026

Mixed messages and tax fears ‘putting brakes” on EV switch, AA warns

New Valeo eAxle signals the future of affordable hybrid 4WD

The Blend Podcast puts neurodiversity under the spotlight ahead of conference session

Non-testing garages and mobile technicians urged to capitalise on upcoming MOT surge

No distinction between poor maintenance and tampering in proposed DfT rules

IGA demands £95 MOT fee as 16-year freeze pushes testing bays to...

New Valeo eAxle signals the future of affordable hybrid 4WD

The Blend Podcast puts neurodiversity under the spotlight ahead of conference session

Non-testing garages and mobile technicians urged to capitalise on upcoming MOT surge

No distinction between poor maintenance and tampering in proposed DfT rules

IGA demands £95 MOT fee as 16-year freeze pushes testing bays to brink