Auto Transmission

Join Phil Curry for another episode of Auto Transmission, the podcast from Auto Repair Focus, bringing you the latest news, analysis and conversations from across the UK automotive aftermarket.

This episode, Phil takes a closer look at two major government announcements that reinforce the importance of the MOT, asking whether it's finally time for ministers to review the MOT fee after 16 years without an increase.

You'll also hear an exclusive interview with Matt Wrankmore, Director at FixMyCar, who recently completed an ambitious road trip the length of the UK, visiting independent garages to better understand the challenges, opportunities and community spirit driving today's aftermarket.

Two major government announcements have placed the MOT firmly back in the spotlight.

Phil explores why the rollout of MOT photo requirements and the introduction of Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (EVED) from 2028 both reinforce the MOT's role in maintaining road safety and supporting future vehicle taxation.

The discussion covers:

• The phased rollout of MOT photo uploads by the DVSA
• How photo evidence aims to tackle ghost MOTs
• Why EVED will rely on MOT mileage data once vehicles reach three years old
• Whether the government has unintentionally strengthened the case for increasing the MOT fee
• Calls from industry bodies for the MOT price cap to finally be reviewed after remaining unchanged since 2010

If the MOT is becoming even more important, should garages still be expected to carry out the test for a fee set over a decade ago?

Phil catches up with Matt Wrankmore, Director at FixMyCar, after he completes an epic journey from north to south, visiting 16 independent garages across the UK.

During the conversation, Matt discusses:

• Why FixMyCar wanted to reconnect with independent garages
• What he learned from workshops across the country
• The growing sense of community within the aftermarket
• Why successful garages continue to diversify and invest
• The importance of social media and building a strong digital presence
• How FixMyCar plans to support garages beyond simply generating work
• The future of the platform and its commitment to closer partnerships with workshops

• DVSA begins the rollout of MOT photo functionality
• Government confirms EVED implementation from April 2028
• Ben launches its automotive Fantasy Football League fundraiser - www.Ben.org.ukff2627
• New research highlights the importance of transparency and communication in building customer trust
• The latest automotive aftermarket news from across the UK

Should the MOT fee finally be increased?

Has the government strengthened the argument for reviewing the MOT price cap by relying even more heavily on the MOT for road safety and future vehicle taxation?

Email your thoughts to [email protected] — your comments could feature in a future episode of Auto Transmission or an article on Auto Repair Focus.

Follow Auto Transmission wherever you listen to podcasts and visit Auto Repair Focus for the latest automotive aftermarket news, interviews, product launches and industry analysis.

🌐 https://autorepairfocus.com

Join Phil Curry for another episode of Auto Transmission, the podcast from Auto Repair Focus, bringing you the latest news, analysis and exclusive interviews from the UK automotive aftermarket.

This week, Phil reports directly from the Goodwood Festival of Speed, explores the DVSA's nationwide rollout of MOT photo requirements, and sits down with Steve Horne, CEO of GSF Car Parts, to discuss the continuing success of GSF TechFest, the future of the independent aftermarket and how garages can prepare for changing vehicle technology.

🏎️ Goodwood Festival of Speed 2026

Phil shares his thoughts after a day at Goodwood, where the event continues its evolution from a motorsport celebration into one of the UK's biggest automotive showcases. Discover the latest vehicle launches, the growing influence of Chinese manufacturers including BYD, MG, Omoda, Jaecoo and Chery, and why the aftermarket has never had a stronger presence at the famous event.

You'll also hear an interview with Casey Whitmore from Elite Garages, discussing the company's rapid expansion following the acquisition of former ATS Euromaster sites and why Goodwood remains an important opportunity to connect with motorists.

📸 MOT Photo Requirements – What Will They Mean for Garages?

The DVSA has confirmed that MOT photo evidence will be introduced nationally during 2026 following successful trials.

Phil examines:

• Why the new photo requirement is being introduced
• How it aims to combat ghost MOTs and improve road safety
• Whether the additional process could increase workload for MOT testers
• The reaction from both the public and the aftermarket
• Why this could become one of the biggest changes to MOT testing in recent years

We want to hear from you.

Do you support the introduction of MOT photos?

Will they help reduce fraud, or do they simply create more administration for workshops?

Send your thoughts and opinions to [email protected]. Selected comments may feature in a future Auto Repair Focus article, video or podcast episode.

🎤 Exclusive Interview – Steve Horne, CEO, GSF Car Parts

Recorded during GSF TechFest Newcastle, Phil speaks exclusively with Steve Horne about:

• The continuing success of GSF TechFest
• Why creating events for independent garages is so important
• GSF's customer-first strategy
• ServiceSure and supporting independent workshops
• Electric vehicles, hybrid technology and the future of the aftermarket
• Why Steve believes independent garages have nothing to fear from the transition to electrification
• GSF's ambition to become the UK's number one motor factor

• Latest automotive aftermarket news
• RAC data on defective tyres and road safety
• Ben's Summer Families Project
• Apprenticeship reforms and concerns from the automotive industry
• Upcoming Auto Repair Focus features and interviews

What are your thoughts on the new MOT photo scheme?

Email [email protected] and join the conversation.

Don't forget to subscribe to Auto Transmission wherever you listen to podcasts and visit Auto Repair Focus for the latest automotive aftermarket news, features, interviews and analysis.

🌐 https://autorepairfocus.com

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 - [email protected]

Finally, we catch up with Andy Waite 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:

1. autorepairfocus.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. SMMT
2. The Motor Ombudsman
3. DVSA
4. Valoris
5. RAC

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 Plumer, 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:

1. The charity Ben has been supporting the automotive industry for an impressive 120 years, adapting to meet evolving needs.
2. Awareness of mental health and wellbeing within the automotive industry remains a critical challenge for Ben.
3. Ben is dedicated to providing support for individuals facing mental health and financial issues, emphasising the importance of outreach.
4. The organisation aims to normalise conversations surrounding mental health, encouraging individuals to seek help when needed.
5. Ben is evolving into a singular health and wellbeing charity focused on the automotive industry, enhancing its impact.
6. Collaboration with employers is essential for Ben to effectively reach and support automotive workers across the industry.

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

• Sophie Lyden – The Tyre Lady
• Stuart Lovett – Chair, Tyresafe

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 [email protected].

Takeaways:

• In this episode, we discussed the critical importance of headlight glare, especially during darker months.
• The podcast emphasised the ongoing need for drivers to regularly check their tyre conditions and safety.
• We highlighted the alarming statistics regarding driver awareness of legal penalties for unsafe tyres.
• The necessity for garages to educate customers on tyre safety and proper maintenance cannot be overstated.

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...