Consumer news

AA and RAC sign up for new professional qualification, hi-tech hire cars and customers vote with feet

Auto Express Car Reviews

15th February 2007

HAVING trouble deciding which recovery firm to join? Well, patrols at the AA and RAC will soon be matched on technical skills, as both have signed up to the same new professional qualification backed by the Institute of the Motor lndustry (IMI).

A NEW mechanic training scheme for errant teenagers has been opened in Trowse, Norfolk, run by charity the Open Youth Trust. BSM and the RAC have donated four vehicles, plus a valet bay and driving simulator, for youngsters to work on.

NAMED drivers can now cash in on their claim-free driving, says Tesco Insurance. Motorists who have until now been on other customers’ policies can transfer their accrued discounts if they take out a separate policy on their own car.

POOR service costs the motor trade billions of pounds a year. A survey by researcher the Leadership Factor says

bad workmanship means garages fail to earn repeat trade, and it costs up to 20 times more to attract new custom.

HIRING a vehicle? You needn’t lose your in-car comforts, as rental firm Hertz is fitting DVD players to its fleet. The portable screens mean you can finish watching a movie at your destination.