And it doesn’t stop there! According to Jon Pulsford some sections of Ireland’s motor industry are still finding it difficult to recruit people with the right skills, experience and qualifications.

This led the team to creating a brand new recruitment service for motor industry. Autobizjobs.ie is a new, easy-to-use website, which aims to make quick and effective connections between prospective motor trade employers and job seekers.

For Employers:

The site gets vacancies noticed by candidates with relevant experience quickly and easily. Jobs are not only listed on the site, but also distributed to jobseekers by email and appear in Autobiz magazine. This makes the whole recruitment process quicker and more cost effective, as vacancies are better targeted than by many other recruitment methods. Employers will also soon have an online CV search facility, allowing searches of registered jobseeker details by specific criteria – for example, a Motor Technician with Toyota experience, or a Senior Sales Executive with five years dealership experience. If they find a match, they can ask the candidate to apply for the job.

For Jobseekers:

Autobizjobs.ie offers a professional and confidential service that is totally free to use. There is a quick registration process and users can specify which email “Job Alerts” they want for suitable vacancies (e.g  “Technician” in “Dublin North” ). Jobseekers can also upload a CV and apply for jobs quickly and easily, and will shortly be able to register skills and experience on a searchable employer database. This means employers can find the skills and experience they are looking for, while the identity of the job seeker remains anonymous.

The Autobizjobs.ie site covers all sections of the motor trade including car sales, service, mechanical, accident repair, parts supply, management, leasing and finance, commercial vehicles, car hire and much more. As the industry beings to re-establish itself after some tough times, many motor trade companies are now looking to recruit.

You can browse the current vacancies on below or log on directly at www.autobizjobs.ie.

Current Vacancies

• Motor Factor Sales Role
  We are one of Ireland's leading motor factors with branches nationwide and as part of our expansion programme we are seeking a Salesperson for the North West AreaThe successful applicant must have: - A minimum of 3 years sales experience in car parts of garage equipment- Be sales and target driven- Have excellent people and time management skills Some knowledge of the motor trade within the west / northwest of Ireland would be an advantage. Please apply in confidence with full CV through Autobiz jobs. 
• Super In House Sales Role
  Great package and commission for energetic candidate with personality and sales driveAs part of our 2012 expansion plans, we are determined to find the "right"  guy or girl for our busy In House Tele Sales Department to work alongside our sales team.   If you are looking for a job where fun and personality is considered as key to your job as your ability to sell and achieve targets – we should meet. You will be working with a well established trade sales customer base but actively encouraged to develop your own business accounts. Some knowledge of car parts and accessories would be an advantage. Job Description:Outbound and incoming sales calls to meet your personal and area targets and maximise your commissionsCustomer Service and management Order processingActively working on promotions and marketing ideas for your areas tailored to customer or area needsAbility to maintain a positive attitude in a fast-paced work environmentTaking a personal interest in the overall performance of your departmentStrong sales, organizational and administration skillsPersonal Requirements:Ability to work effectively and develop a team approach to accomplishing targets.Self motivated and well organisedSome knowledge of cars or car parts and accessories essentialBasic computer skillsEnglish essentialPreferably living in the localityConfident and friendly phone manner  Area: P R Reilly, Kilbarrack (Dublin Northside beside the Dart/Rail/Bus)Training: Full introductory product and on-going sales training is part of the programme.  Benefits: Excellent remuneration package Sales and IT training VHI discounted group scheme Staff parkingPackage:Salary negotiable depending on experience but performance driven and opportunity to maximise your OTE
• TRACTOR MECHANIC with JOHN DEERE EXPERIENCE
  REQURED URGENTLY, LOCATION near OSLO, NORWAY.Must be Experienced and Good English Speaking.Fully Trained with Pass Certificates and at least 4 years Work Experience.  To live and work in Norway. Salary to start Nok 170 per hour for 40 hour week (approx 20 Euro per hour). Extra benefits, Paid holiday leave, Insurance, Child Benefit 120 Euro per month per child. Personal welfare: Work Permit, Residence Permit, Tax Registration, Approved ID-card, Housing assistance. After 1 month trial a Contract for 15 months will be supplied which is renewable. Please send your C.V stating your trade, name, date of birth, nationality, languages, marital status, children and age if any. Name each job in date order, what your daily duties were in each job, specialist work you have done, specify make and models of cars worked on. Diagnostics and what type, name all specialist tools you use. Be as informative and specific as possible about you, your work, your skills, duties and tools you used, this will really help you.If your application is accepted, we will require a photo of you and 2 previous job contact, names and numbers for references.Please Apply with full CV through Autobiz Jobs
• Junior Sales Executive
  Junior Sales Executive Required for Main Toyota Dealer. Candidates must have  -          Minimum of 2 years experience in car sales-          A professional approach -          Excellent communication and customer service skills -          Ability to work on own initiative Excellent opportunity and prospects for the right candidate. Please apply with full CV through Autobizjobs
• Renault and Opel Technicians
  Experienced Renault and Opel Technicians who are strong with diagnostics required for immediate positions in Norway.  MUST have a good level of spoken and written English :- Fully Trained with Pass Certificates and at least 4 years Work Experience.   To live and work in Norway. Attractive Salary. Extra benefits, Paid holiday leave, Insurance, Child Benefit 120 Euro per month per child. Personal welfare: Work Permit, Residence Permit, Tax Registration, Approved ID-card, Housing assistance. After 1 month trial a Contract for 15 months will be supplied which is renewable. Please send your C.V stating your trade, name, date of birth, nationality, languages, marital status, children and age if any. Name each job in date order, what your daily duties were in each job, specialist work you have done, specify make and models of cars worked on. Diagnostics and what type, name all specialist tools you use. Be as informative and specific as possible about you, your work, your skills, duties and tools you used, this will really help you. If your application is accepted, we will require a photo of you and 2 previous job contact, names and numbers for references.
• Parts Sales Representative require for truck dealer, Queensland, Australia
  The successful candidate will have parts sales rep experience in light or heavy vehicles within a retail dealer environment required.Travel will be required throughout Central Queensland on a regular basis.This is unique opportunity to gain employer sponsorship and work in the tropical coast of Australia with the opportunity to go for residency in the futureReporting to the Parts Manager, your key responsibilities will include;• Creating new business and increasing sales• Delivering an exceptional level of customer service • Servicing existing customersThe successful candidate will have good planning, verbal and written communications skills, ability to use Microsoft Office and Outlook, be self-motivated and customer service focused. Salary: $50,000 per annum + commission
• Parts Interpreter required for truck dealer, Queensland, Australia
  This is unique opportunity to gain employer sponsorship and work in the tropical coast of Australia with the opportunity to go for residency in the future. Our client is looking for an experienced Parts Interpreter with previous experience in a similar role with an approved truck/car retail dealer and will have strong mechanical / truck parts knowledge.Position:Assisting in the effective operation of the Parts Department by providing timely and efficient, administration, parts interpretation and customer services.Main Duties:Ordering parts and ensuring all corresponding paperwork and administration is correct and completed in a timely manner. Despatching stock if required ensuring necessary paperwork is correct and appropriate procedures are followed. Preparing invoices for stores to pick and pack and despatch. Identifying source parts/components including consulting catalogues and computer databases. Providing a professional level of customer service to both internal and external customers. Providing parts quotes for repair queries as required. Issuing parts to job orders efficiently and accurately. Candidates will have strong business / technical skills,(e.g. computing, negotiating, leadership, project management):Salary: Depending on experience, circa: $25 – $28 p/h + monthly bonus if budgets are met. Please apply with full CV through Autobizjobs.  
• Qualified Mechanic
  Fully qualified Mechanic with at least 3 years experience required for busy independent workshop in Dublin 10. Should be experienced in the servicing and repair of all types of car and LCV. Renault experience an advantage but not essential. Applicants should have good communication skills and the ability to work on their own initiative.     This is a full-time permanent position with an attractive remuneration package and good prospects. Please apply through Autobiz jobs only, attaching full CV.
• RENAULT CAR TECHNICIAN
  Renualt mechanics who are strong with diagnostics required for immediate positions in Norway.  MUST have a good level of spoken and written English :- Fully Trained with Pass Certificates and at least 4 years Work Experience.  To live and work in Norway. Attractive Salary. Extra benefits, Paid holiday leave, Insurance, Child Benefit 120 Euro per month per child. Personal welfare: Work Permit, Residence Permit, Tax Registration, Approved ID-card, Housing assistance. After 1 month trial a Contract for 15 months will be supplied which is renewable. Please send your C.V stating your trade, name, date of birth, nationality, languages, marital status, children and age if any. Name each job in date order, what your daily duties were in each job, specialist work you have done, specify make and models of cars worked on. Diagnostics and what type, name all specialist tools you use. Be as informative and specific as possible about you, your work, your skills, duties and tools you used, this will really help you.If your application is accepted, we will require a photo of you and 2 previous job contact, names and numbers for references.
• Fully Qualified Mechanic
  Castlerock Motors, Main Mitsubishi Dealers, require a fully qualified and experienced mechanic for its workshop in North County Dublin. Applicants should be enthusiastic with good all round mechanical experience and be especially experienced in working on all types of Japanese cars. This is a full-time permanent position with an attractive remuneration package and good prospects. Please apply through Autobiz jobs only, attaching full CV.
• 3/4th Year Apprentice Mechanic
  Castlerock Motors, Main Mitsubishi Dealers,  requires a 3/4th year apprentice mechanic for its workshop in North County Dublin. Applicants should have a broad mechanical experience, a flexible working approach and a good positive attitude. Experience with Japanese makes and models an advantage.   Please apply with full CV through Autobizjobs.    
• Land Rover Mechanics – Norway
  Land Rover Mechanics with who are strong with diagnostics required for immediate positions in Norway.  MUST have a good level of spoken and written English :- Fully Trained with Pass Certificates and at least 4 years Work Experience.  To live and work in Norway. Salary to start Nok 170 per hour for 40 hour week (approx 20 Euro per hour). Extra benefits, Paid holiday leave, Insurance, Child Benefit 120 Euro per month per child. Personal welfare: Work Permit, Residence Permit, Tax Registration, Approved ID-card, Housing assistance. After 1 month trial a Contract for 15 months will be supplied which is renewable. Please send your C.V stating your trade, name, date of birth, nationality, languages, marital status, children and age if any. Name each job in date order, what your daily duties were in each job, specialist work you have done, specify make and models of cars worked on. Diagnostics and what type, name all specialist tools you use. Be as informative and specific as possible about you, your work, your skills, duties and tools you used, this will really help you.If your application is accepted, we will require a photo of you and 2 previous job contact, names and numbers for references.
• Truck Panel Beater
  MUST have a good level of spoken and written English :- Fully Trained with Pass Certificates and at least 4 years Work Experience To live and work in Norway. Salary to start Nok 170 per hour for 40 hour week (approx 20 Euro per hour). Extra benefits, Paid holiday leave, Insurance, Child Benefit 120 Euro per month per child. Personal welfare: Work Permit, Residence Permit, Tax Registration, Approved ID-card, Housing assistance. After 1 month trial a Contract for 15 months will be supplied which is renewable. Please send your C.V stating your trade, name, date of birth, nationality, languages, marital status, children and age if any. Name each job in date order, what your daily duties were in each job, specialist work you have done. Name all specialist tools you used. Welding experience, Be as informative and specific as possible about you, your work, your skills, duties and tools you used, this will really help you.If your application is accepted, we will require a photo of you and 2 previous job contact, names and numbers for references.
• Tractor Mechanic
  MUST have a good level of spoken and written English :- Fully Trained with Pass Certificates and at least 4 years Work Experience.  To live and work in Norway. Salary to start Nok 170 per hour for 40 hour week (approx 20 Euro per hour). Extra benefits, Paid holiday leave, Insurance, Child Benefit 120 Euro per month per child. Personal welfare: Work Permit, Residence Permit, Tax Registration, Approved ID-card, Housing assistance. After 1 month trial a Contract for 15 months will be supplied which is renewable. Please send your C.V stating your trade, name, date of birth, nationality, languages, marital status, children and age if any. Name each job in date order, what your daily duties were in each job, specialist work you have done, specify equipment and machinery worked on and name all specialist tools you use. Be as informative and specific as possible about you, your work, your skills, duties and tools you used, this will really help you.If your application is accepted, we will require a photo of you and 2 previous job contact, names and numbers for references.

Related posts:

1. Another Recruitment Site for Motor Industry
2. Fears grow for 10,000 jobs in motor industry
3. 2012 – A Disaster Pending for the Industry?

But what about the parts that are used? Are they up to the job? Would you know the difference between an ‘OEM’ (Original Equipment Manufacturer) from an ‘OE’ (Original Equipment) part? Indeed, is there a difference?

A good motor factor could be described as a pharmacist for a car and that’s just what I found when I visited with Karl Boyne of Quality Car Parts to find out more.

In the video below Karl tells us what makes a good motor factor, what effect block exemption has had on his business and we look at the differences between an original oil filter and an after-market one.

Need Some Help?

If you have a question for Karl, maybe you’d like to price a part or just need some advice on a repair job, leave a comment below and Karl will answer it for you.

Related posts:

1. Swords Motor Show 2011
2. Motorcheck Mechanics – Free Expert Advice From Ireland’s Leading Motor Mechanics
3. New Jobs Website for Motor Industry Goes Live

The Motor Industry is a major tax collector / generator on behalf of the Government with VRT, VAT, PAYE, PRSI and Corporation tax. The upcoming changes we spoke about last week to the marketplace in 2012 as a result of a drop in sales volumes by 71% in as little as 24 months will have serious implications for the Government and presents a variety of challenges.

Falling Tax Revenue

The industry is a major generator of VAT receipts for Government in both new & used car sales and the Aftersales business. We don’t expect the annual new car sales market to return to the 200,000 + in the short to medium term. The reduction in VRT & VAT receipts has already been anticipated and budgeted for. However, the Government does face a number of other losses in terms of revenue due to the following:

• Lower VAT receipts from the Aftersales business due to lower labour sales & parts sales
• Increased Black Market activity with non compliant “fred in the shed” repairers will reduce VAT, PAYE, PRSI income
• Lower Road tax as a result of the move towards Lower Road Tax vehicles
• Lower Road tax as a result of lower overall sales volumes
• Job losses in the Industry will increase pressure on Social Welfare Payments
• Lower Corporation tax from lower profits in the Industry

So how can Government take action now to improve their fiscal position in 2012?

Possible Solutions

3 simple steps should be introduced in the forthcoming budget that will ensure a better environment for the Industry, the Government and most importantly the Consumer!

1. Introduce a license system for all Motor Technicians / Mechanics

This will ensure that only a licensed approved Technician is allowed to perform any safety related maintenance on any vehicle. It will ensure technicans are fully up to date on the latest technology used in vehicles and they must sign up to a charter of standards and conduct.

The franchised motor industry only uses approved fully trained technicians and spend thousands of euro each year updating their skills. The government must ensure a level playing pitch by ensuring that all mechanics are licensed to work on a vehicle.

2. Introduce Legal National Standards for any Motor Workshop

Franchised motor dealers must adhere to strict manufacturers standards in their workshops in terms of staff, training, tools, equipment etc. However, there are hundreds of workshops that are not audited and do not have to implement any standards. This leads to customers not receiving quality work on their vehicles and creates many safety concerns for thousands of vehicles on our roads today.

3. Abolish Road Tax and Transfer it to the Cost of Fuel

It really is quite incredible that government have not done this before now. The current system will not generate the tax receipts the government requires in the coming years. Many drivers are simply not taxing their cars as the recession bites, however there is a much bigger problem building.

With the introduction of the new emissions based road tax, new car buyers are moving towards the lower emission vehicles, particularly group A & B, where they pay as little as €104 per annum. The government must act on this and they must act in the 2010 budget for some simple reasons:

• The emissions based system is unfair and inequitable. A driver can pay E104 road tax and drive 30,000 miles per year polluting the environment to a greater extent than the driver in a high emission vehicle doing only 10,000 miles per year
• Placing the tax on fuel means everyone pays! It cant be avoided, it cant be abused.
• Consumers will continue to choose the lower emission vehicles as these are also the most fuel efficient
• The government could make massive savings on Administration costs by closing all the Road tax offices around the country
• Local Councils will continue to benefit as the tax generated in the fuel stations in their counties will go to the local authority.
• Monetary and time savings in the Gardai & Courts will be made with no need for any future road tax checks or administration or court appearances

If the Government is serious about the economy, the environment and road safety these are simple decisions that will benefit all the stakeholders and the consumer.

There is no monetary cost or political cost to these decisions. This should not be a political issue it’s a simple economic decision that offers real savings and will generate higher taxes that are fair and equitable.

Related posts:

1. The Consumers Challenge
2. 2012 – A Disaster Pending for the Industry?
3. Fears grow for 10,000 jobs in motor industry

Toyota has recalled over 18,000 models in Ireland with estimates of over 7 million cars to be recalled globally. Honda has recalled 3,000 cars in Ireland (646,000 globally) and Peugeot recently announced a recall of 100,000 models over safety concerns similar to that of Toyota.

European legislation requires that manufacturer recalls are dealt with by the most competent authority in the relevant jurisdiction. In Ireland this duty falls to the Department of Transport who manage the National Vehicle and Driver File. When a ‘Recall Campaign’ is deemed necessary, the Department sends the manufacturer the relevant names and addresses for the current owner who are duly contacted (usually by written letter) and informed of the remedial action required.

Just How Common Are Vehicle ‘Recalls’?

High Number of Vehicles Recalled in 2009

The number of recalls processed by the Department of Transport in 2009 where the manufacturer deemed it necessary to write directly to the registered owner to advise a particular course of action is as yet unconfirmed but it’s expected to be a significant amount (greater than 100k).

The number of cases where repairs to your car are required but are not serious enough to require a ‘Recall Campaign’ is significantly greater. Normally these repairs are identified when your car is being serviced and completed as a matter of routine but what happens if you don’t get your car serviced at a main dealer?

It’s important to realise that the technician working on the car will rely on the manufacturer approved diagnostic equipment or an internal communication to alert the presence of a manufacturer recommended repair. If your technician doesn’t have the correct diagnostic equipment or access to the communication, the repair could go undetected and cause greater trouble further down the line.

This is why it’s always a good idea to make sure that your chosen garage has the correct equipment to perform the necessary work on your car.

Are Details Of Recall Campaigns Available To The Public?

Motorcheck calls for Recall Database

Unfortunately details of individual vehicles affected by recall campaigns are not currently publicly available in Ireland. This can present a problem for individuals who fear that their vehicle may have been involved in a recall but for one reason or another weren’t informed.

Moving home, having recently purchased your car or importing a car from another country can all be reasons for a recall notice not reaching 100% of the affected vehicles.

At Motorcheck we presently rely on information collated by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency in the UK. This executive agency for the UK Department of Transport government provides details for every recall free of charge in the UK directly from its website.

We are in the process of contacting after-sales managers at each Irish distributor in an effort to establish a similarly dedicated database for Irish drivers. To stay informed on our progress you can follow us on twitter or visit the blog where we’ll be recording developments.

Related posts:

1. Motorcheck.ie Calls For National Recall Database
2. Are the Upcoming Changes to the NCT Really Necessary?
3. New Car Registrations Rise 90%

Outlined below are some basic checks that you can make before booking your car in with a garage you haven’t dealt with previously. If you feel I’ve missed anything please add it to the post with a comment below. All feedback is appreciated!

Online Research

It’s amazing what a quick google search can turn up for a business name. Try searching using inverted commas around a garage name – e.g. “garage name” in google. Chances are if someone has had an experience worth sharing they’ll have shared it online. With Twitter, Online Forums and Personal Blogs growing in popularity you should be able to find other opinions (good and bad) with a click of a mouse.

Shop Around

Make sure to call any prospective garage first for a quotation. Try to be as specific as possible about what you need done. You will need the current odometer reading as well as the odometer reading and the date of its last service. This should be enough for a mechanic who’s familiar with your make of vehicle to give a quotation.

Be wary of anything that sounds too cheap. Ask for a detailed breakdown in the quote. What are the individual charges for Labour, Parts and Oil? An independent garage will charge anywhere between 45 and 65 Euro per hour. Allow 70 – 90 Euro for a main dealer. The parts used should be ‘OE’ or ‘Original Equipment’. This means they will have been approved by the manufacturer of the car and should carry an ‘OE Approved’ stamp on the box (some will have an ISO approval also). The majority of modern vehicles today will operate a ‘long life’ service interval provided the oil used is fully synthetic. Be careful of servicing your car with semi-synthetic oil. Whilst it’s not necessarily bad for the engine, using semi-synthetic oil means that the car should be serviced more regularly and will not follow the long-life intervals recommended by the manufacturer.

Visiting the Garage

If this is your first time using a particular garage be sure to drop the car off in person. When there make some visual checks. Does the garage look well appointed? How many service bays / ramps does it have? Are there many cars being worked on? Are they new / old cars?

Look for the appropriate certificates that demonstrate the garage has all the necessary insurances and qualified personnel. Every garage should be properly insured against faulty workmanship and carry professional indemnity & liability cover. This protects the garage and you should anything unforeseen occur whilst the car is in their possession.

Ask for the name of the resident Mechanic and confirm that he / she has a ‘National Craft Certificate’. This is the statutory certificate that a mechanic must obtain under the apprenticeship rules that have been made by FÁS and demonstrates that the mechanic in question has served a 4 year apprenticeship and completed all 7 Phases in their training. 4 phases supervised in a garage and 3 phases duly examined in college. Be certain that this is the individual that will be responsible for the work carried out on your car.

There are a number of additional accreditation’s that you can look out for. Some garages will be members of the ‘Bosch Car Service Network‘ or have technicians that have achieved an ‘ATA – Automotive Technician Accreditation‘.

Does the garage have the correct equipment?

Servicing involves making routine checks according to a list, finding faults or problems, overhauling or replacing worn or faulty parts, and using special equipment to make sure the vehicle performs as it should. Diagnostic equipment for individual makes of car can be very expensive to purchase. Your garage should have the diagnostic equipment necessary to run the standard checks on your car’s ‘ECU’ (Engine Control Unit). This is very important in uncovering hidden faults that if overlooked may prove costly further down the line.

Final Word

Remember it’s not all about price! Servicing a car correctly costs money and taking shortcuts will not help you in the long run. If a quotation sounds too good to be true – it probably is!

Useful Links

• A useful site for benchmarking service costs is www.irishcarservicing.ie.
• Further information on the FÁS Apprenticeship at www.fas.ie
• Information on the Motorcheck.ie Pre-purchase inspection product: Pre-purchase Car Inspection Check

Related posts:

1. What Makes a Good Motor Factor?
2. Do Service Departments Take Advantage of Woman Drivers?
3. Want to Impress Your Neighbours?

If you’re wondering what that crunching noise is every time you apply the brakes, or maybe there’s a strange noise coming from the engine when you enter fourth gear?

Whatever your problem, you can now ask an impartial expert for free advice! Just follow these simple steps to ask your question:

How To Ask for Free Expert Advice

1. Click on the relevant logo below for your make of car;
2. On the next page scroll down and leave a comment with your question for our expert;
3. Make sure that the option “Let me know when someone replies to my comment” is checked so that the expert response is emailed to you;
4. Enjoy your free expert advice!

John Sexton	Toyota Mechanic	VW Mechanic	BMW Mechanic	Opel Mechanic
Nissan Mechanic	Audi Mechanic	Skoda Mechanic	Renault Mechanic	Peugeot Mechanic

About the Panel:

This panel of expert mechanics has been selected by Motorcheck to answer your questions directly free of charge. Each member currently works as a senior mechanic at a leading main dealership and represents the best the industry has to offer in their chosen brand. To find out more about an individual in detail, simply click on the relevant logo above.

If you have a question for a manufacturer that’s not currently represented above, please leave a comment below. We may be in the process of appointing someone to that position and will use your comment as their first question.

Related posts:

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2. Troublesome Oil Leak Failed the NCT Test
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