News 10

The British Government has launched its first road safety strategy in more than a decade, which will mandate 18 new vehicle safety technologies, including autonomous emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance.

Irish Bodyshop Journal

Britain’s new road safety strategy mandates vehicle safety technologies ↗

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CD Group has added four new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans to its Mallusk branch, increasing and refreshing its fleet in Northern Ireland. A further seven Sprinter vans are also scheduled to arrive at CD Group's Republic of Ireland business in January 2026.

Irish Bodyshop Journal

CD Group expanding delivery fleet with new Mercedes-Benz Sprinters ↗

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A new Toyota and Lexus Motor insurance product has been launched in Ireland, aimed at offering drivers of both brands "convenient access to tailored motor insurance cover". Developed in collaboration between Toyota Insurance Services and Wrisk Europe GmbH, the launch represents "a strategic expansion of Toyota’s insurance footprint to Ireland".

Irish Bodyshop Journal

Toyota introduces new motor insurance offering in Ireland ↗

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Free IMI-accredited electric vehicle maintenance and repair training courses commenced at the start of December in Roscommon, which are now running on a regular basis until the end of March 2026.

Irish Bodyshop Journal

Free EV training courses underway ↗

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As many expected, the European Union has scrapped its plan to ban the sale of combustion-engine cars from 2035. Instead, from 2035 onwards, carmakers will need to comply with a 90 per cent tailpipe emissions reduction target, while the remaining 10 per cent emissions will need to be compensated through the use of low-carbon steel produced in the EU, or from e-fuels and biofuels.

Irish Bodyshop Journal

EU scraps 2035 combustion engine ban ↗

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Christmas is all about giving, and celebrating life. Sadly, for many families, it is a time of lives needlessly lost on our roads. If it takes brutal frankness to help cut the tapestry of tragedy that haunts our roads, and ruins the lives of many each festive season, then bring on the horrible figures showing how many have died and how and when – not just for Christmas but for the whole year.

Irish Bodyshop Journal

The hazards of driving for work and meaningfully improving road safety ↗

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In recent months, Ireland’s only abrasive belt and disc manufacturer, Abcon has completed a major upgrade to its manufacturing operations through the expansion and modernisation of one of its key production facilities in Co Cavan.

Irish Bodyshop Journal

Abcon completes major production facility expansion ↗

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Taking place once again at Ireland’s largest exhibition centre- the RDS in Dublin, the next Auto Trade EXPO will be held alongside the CV Workshop EXPO from 10th-11th October 2026. Exhibitor demand for the 2026 Auto Trade EXPO has reached unprecedented levels, with nearly 95 per cent of available stand space already booked.

Irish Bodyshop Journal

2026 Auto Trade EXPO and CV Workshop EXPO ↗

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