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 phil@autorepairfocus.com — 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 phil@autorepairfocus.com. 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 phil@autorepairfocus.com 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 - phil@autorepairfocus.com

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