Garage Matters: Independent Garage News and Events

ELTA Automotive acquires cooling specialist to boost thermal management offering

MikeRuff28 January, 202628 January, 2026

by MikeRuff28 January, 202628 January, 20260

ELTA Automotive has announced the acquisition of Tamworth-based Cooling Components Limited, a move that adds the respected Serck Automotive brand to its growing portfolio and

Features Garage management Must read

What is SERMI? Everything independent garages need to know

MikeRuff26 January, 20266 March, 2026

by MikeRuff26 January, 20266 March, 20261

Last updated: 06 February at 1:57 PM For decades, the independent garage has fought a quiet war for the “right to repair.” The likes of

Event news

Top Awards 2026 dates confirmed as industry gears up for February launch

MikeRuff26 January, 202626 January, 2026

by MikeRuff26 January, 202626 January, 20260

Preparations are underway for the return of the UK’s most prestigious garage competition, with the organisers of the Top Awards today confirming that the 2026

Brand news

Time running out for garages to secure discounted access to RampUp booking tech

MikeRuff26 January, 202626 January, 2026

by MikeRuff26 January, 202626 January, 20260

Independent garages are being urged to act quickly to secure introductory rates for the pioneering garage website booking tool, RampUp, as launch incentives for the

Features News

Code vs cure: Dealing with the OBD app generation

MikeRuff24 January, 202626 January, 2026

by MikeRuff24 January, 202626 January, 20260

A new report suggests UK drivers are facing winter repair bills of up to £1,200 for common faults but it raises a bigger question for

Garage management

IAAF calls for SERMI mandate to unlock full potential for UK garages

MikeRuff23 January, 202626 January, 2026

by MikeRuff23 January, 202626 January, 20260

The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) has renewed its calls for the SERMI scheme to be made mandatory in the UK, arguing that the current

Parts

eBay reveals most expensive parts sold in 2025

MikeRuff22 January, 202626 January, 2026

by MikeRuff22 January, 202626 January, 20260

A Jaguar E-Type bonnet has taken the crown as the most expensive car part sold on eBay UK in 2025, fetching a staggering £18,564 and

Brand news Parts

HELLA UK strengthens alliance with OE filtration giant Hengst

MikeRuff22 January, 202622 January, 2026

by MikeRuff22 January, 202622 January, 20260

HELLA UK has announced the extension of its partnership with Hengst, continuing as the UK distribution partner for a further five years and reinforcing its

Garage management

IGA secures SERMI approval for UK garages

MikeRuff21 January, 202623 January, 2026

by MikeRuff21 January, 202623 January, 20260

In a landmark announcement for the independent aftermarket, the Independent Garage Association (IGA) has today confirmed it has achieved full approval for the European SERMI

Motoring

Volkswagen to harvest ADAS data from customers

MikeRuff19 January, 202619 January, 2026

by MikeRuff19 January, 202619 January, 20260

The Volkswagen Group has announced a major expansion of its vehicle data programme, which will see thousands of customer cars across the UK and Europe