The economies in the Americas are picking up, and US-based wholesaler Tire Group International therefore anticipates achieving 15 to 20 per cent growth this year. Helping the company achieve this target are several key distribution agreements including regional distribution of the Mastercraft and Galaxy brands, increased investment in marketing, and the release of new products.
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Plans to offer practical driving tests from fire stations were given the green light by Road Safety Minister Stephen Hammond. Driving tests will be available from the Salford fire station in Greater Manchester every Tuesday and Thursday from 16 April. A number of other fire stations in the Manchester area could also offer tests in the future. All tests will be conducted by DSA examiners.
Brake, the road safety charity, is partnering with Autoglass to launch a new national campaign promoting road safety. The free Bosch wipers initiative urges drivers to consider the road safety implications of poor visibility and raises awareness of the essential role windscreen wipers play in allowing drivers to maintain good visibility.
Motor Codes, the OFT-approved garage scheme operator, has announced the shortlist of businesses in the running for its Garage of the Year title. Thousands have voted in the annual initiative that helps uncertain motorists know where to turn for top-class customer service. Over 7,000 garages from across the UK, all subscribers to Motor Codes' government-backed code of practice, put themselves up for public scrutiny.
A survey from the AA has found that 30 per cent of motorists have experienced damage to their vehicles due to poor road surfaces. With a third of AA members reporting to have suffered damage to their cars as a result of pothole damage, Matthew Mycock, Autoglass managing director, has commented saying: "Cuts in the road maintenance programme will inevitably mean potholes go unfilled and cracks are left unprepared."
Recently, Denmark-based wholesaler NDI decided to establish a warehouse in China near to where its Nordexx private brand is manufactured. From this warehouse the wholesaler will directly supply Nordexx-brand and other products to its European and international customers. Last week the first shipment of Nordexx tyres arrived in the new Qingdao warehouse, and NDI says it will have the full Nordexx range in stock there within three weeks.
It may not be ‘basta’ for Bridgestone in Bari, after all. An Italian-language text published by Italy’s Ministry of Economic Development suggests that Bridgestone’s decision to close its Bari plant in Italy has not been finalised, and the tyre maker may be prepared to entertain alternative solutions. The Ministry’s statement follows a meeting between senior Bridgestone executives and representatives from Italy’s government, including Economic Development minister Corrado Passera, plus a second meeting that also involved trade unions and local officials. Further discussions will be held in the near future.
As of today, Starco says its starco.com website will be quite different. The Danish company has revealed its new online identity – which it says introduces a ‘new era’ for Starco.
Along with displaying its range at the Geneva motor show for the fifth consecutive year, Turkish tyre brand Lassa has outlined its recent activities. Halit Şensoy, international sales and marketing director of Lassa manufacturer Brisa, shared that last year the tyre maker benefitted from the largest investment in production capacity in the company’s entire history. Brisa’s factory in Izmit, Turkey now has the capacity to produce ten million tyres per annum. The investment, Şensoy added, was made in order to meet growing demand in both local and export markets.
Italian tyre maker Pirelli intends to introduce a second brand of commercial vehicle tyres that takes its name, if not its heritage, from the company’s F1 involvement. At a recent dealer meeting in Munich, Germany, Pirelli presented examples of an associated tyre brand; this new, yet to be released range is called ‘Formula’, and the Pirelli says its introduction will complete the company’s heavy vehicle product range. Further details about the Formula brand are yet to be made public.
It’s a tough job, but somebody’s got to do it. Once again, Michelin’s guide inspectors have travelled through 20 countries looking for the best hotels and restaurants to suit every taste and budget. The result of their labours is the 32nd edition of the Michelin guide Main Cities of Europe. The 2013 issue of the gourmet’s bible offers a selection of 3,728 establishments, including 2,154 restaurants and 1,574 hotels.
Pirelli has a tweet or two in store for motorsport fans. The Formula One tyre supplier has launched a new Twitter page where Pirelli motorsport aficionados can share and receive news on the company’s worldwide events.
Micheldever’s 4×4 tyre specialist distributor Southam Tyres has announced that it will add the Falken WildPeak WP/AT01 all-terrain tyre to its range. Falken Tyres UK director, Matt Smith says: “Falken will be adding more size ranges for the UK replacement market in order to meet the demand for performance 4×4 and SUV tyres.”
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