With 16 pages full of the latest and most up-to-date industry related information, the AP News is a 'must read'!
This edition has been clearly focussed on our very own trade show, Autotech. See the other news pages online for further information, not that we want to blow our own trumpet but it reallly is an unmissable event.

Thursday 17th Spetember - Put it in your diary!

Other features include the latest R103 Type Approval legislation and of course we are coming into battery season, so be prepared and take a look at our fantastic Bosch and DriveMaster battery deal prices.

Click here to view online now

We have now transformed the Toolbox magazine into a simple and easy to use system by colour coding our five key garage equipment categories, making it even easier for you to find exactly what you are looking for.
Don’t worry, The Tool Box magazine is still crammed with plenty of excellent deals and special offer prices and don’t forget, in case you can’t find what you’re after why not visit our website www.ap-tech.co.uk , or call one of our experienced operators on

0845 602 3436

Remember AP-Tech are always Equipped to Assist.

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Leeds United, Elland Road Conference & Exhibition Centre

10am – 4pm

As you may know, last week we announced the date of our legendary trade show, Autotech. Well, we are now pleased to confirm details regarding the ‘on the day’ technical forum. Developed with you, the customer in mind, we have tailored the forum to answer everything you need to know about:

Training for Survival 

This ‘must see’ event will be staged twice throughout the day, 11am and 2pm, to make sure you don’t miss out. The training theme is staged around today’s regulations, accreditations and apprenticeship schemes, read on to find out more…

ROUND 1

Delphi Air Conditioning 2010 Regulations & Accreditation

Explanation of new legislation and planned dates for the replacement of R134A systems in new vehicles.

ROUND 2

Delphi Apprenticeship Scheme

The importance of attracting young people into the industry due to a projected shortage of qualified staff in the future and the need for specialist skills within the workshop to keep abreast of new technology.

ROUND 3

Bosch Train to Survive

Overview of latest vehicle technology and legislation affecting today’s workshops.

ROUND 4

IMI Accreditation and the Super Complaint Threat

The current state of play, industry regulation, latest number of accredited Technicians and the importance of acting now.

ROUND 5

20% off any AutoEducation course, available to all forum attendees.

Leeds United, Elland Road Conference & Exhibition Centre

10am – 4pm

• The world’s leading diagnostic manufacturers and suppliers

• Interactive diagnostics and demonstrations

• Training for Survival forum - 11am & 2pm (Click here to find out more)

It’s that time of the year again and the Andrew Page Autotech show, which is fast becoming an industry tradition, is coming to Elland Road in Leeds on Thursday 17th September.

When I started writing the article around about this time for last years Autotech event, I did so with some cynicism I can tell you. Was the day of the good old trade event numbered? Had it in effect hit rock bottom and started drilling? The answer to that was a resounding no and you voted with your feet and headed in the direction of Elland Road (the home of football*) in droves and we broke all records and expectations for a one-day trade event.

I’m hoping that we can once more appeal to our customers as to why we believe it’s important that you take some time out to attend this years AP Autotech show. Besides the fact that you meet all sorts of different people from within our industry, the fact that 2008 and into 2009 has been the 'annus horribilis' for many businesses does not detract from the fact that, like it or not, we all have to carry on. That’s why this years Autotech show reflects that stalwart British attitude and says with a stiff upper lip… carry on! Focusing heavily on training and equipment, Autotech promises to address issues facing today’s independent workshop, not just for the future, but taking into account the current climate.

The recent continuation of the Block Exemption Regulations until 2013 is certainly one such ruling that independent garages need to be aware of. Use it, or lose it, appears to be the message from Brussels. The need, or indeed do I mean requirement, for workshops to gain ATA accreditation is one we plan to cover on the day. And, as was the case last year, we plan to give a discount on any training course to all those who make the journey on the day.

We would like to take this opportunity to personally invite each and everyone of our current and indeed, prospective customers to the trade show of the year, an entry ticket can be found in the latest edition of the AP News or alternatively call the Andrew Page marketing department on 0113 3970228.

Simply put, my message is, take a day and see the way!

*Please note that my referral to Elland Road as the home of football should be seen as slightly optimistic and at times deluded.

Call the Andrew Page marketing department for your ticket today on: 0113 3970 258

Confirmed exhibitors:
Alba
Autodata
AST
Blue Print
Bosch
Bradbury
Delphi
Febi
Hickleys
Karcher
KS Tools
Lumatic
LuK
Mann Filter
Maverick Technologies
Maywood
Pico
Sealey
Shell
SKF
Sykes-Pickavant
Tecalemit
Tetrosyl
Texa
Thermobile
Tool Connection

UK Catalytic Converter Legislation

13th August 2009

We’re ready, are you?

The date has now officially been confirmed by the Department of Transport, for the replacement of catalytic converters to be Type Approved on vehicles registered after 1^st March 2001.

From this date it will be illegal to supply or install non-approved replacement catalytic converters to cars and light commercial vehicles first registered after 1st March 2001.

This represents a change from the originally intended critical date of 1st January 2001 in order to aid identification by simply applying to all “Y” plated vehicles onwards.

Contravention of the new law, by supplying a non-approved cat for such a vehicle can result in a fine of £5,000. The Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) will enforce the new legislation and will purchase replacement catalytic converters in order to check that they are correctly Type Approved.

Why the change in law?

Vehicle manufacturers have fitted catalytic converters to all petrol cars since 1993. Since then, the replacement market for CATs has grown rapidly. Now the first wave of CATs designed to meet more recent and stringent emissions standards is starting to fail.

A CAT is a higher value item than an exhaust, but the difference in quality between a type-approved one and one which will cause problems is huge. Now that the new law has been passed, new replacement CATs intended for cars and light vans first used on or after

March 1st 2001 need to be type-approved in order to be legal. The law is based on EU legislation to improve air quality, so everyone needs to be clued-up on this now.

So the message is simple, avoid a £5000 fine by making sure you fit Type Approved Catalytic Converters on all vehicles registered on or after the 1^st March 2001, from the 13^th August 2009.

The events have a strong training and business development theme with many exhibitors on hand to provide advice on how best to maximize the opportunities in their particular product areas. Running alongside the show are a series of FREE technical workshops presented by several industry experts covering Diagnostics, Air Conditioning and Business Development.

For fast track entry to the show contact your local Andrew Page representative for your free ticket or alternatively register online at www.mechanex.info

Derby has become our 43rd depot as we continue to expand into the central part of the country.

If you are interested in opening an account with the Andrew Page Derby depot then please call 01332 343 999.

and this time it's in Nottingham. The company opened its 42nd site on the 30th of March in true pioneering style. The move into Nottingham follows on from our Boston depot, which opened in November last year.

www.ap-tech.co.uk