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About Andrew

Andrew is an editor for WhatTyre, Tyrepress, and Tyres & Accessories magazine. He has more than a decade of experience in editing, writing, and journalism.

Entries by Andrew

Pent-up demand helps UK new car registrations up 11.3%

New car registrations rose for the first time this year in July. The figure rose 11.3 per cent in the month, year-on-year, according to the latest Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) figures. 174,887 cars were registered in July 2020, supported by the first full month of trading for dealerships since February. July 2019 registrations were affected by declining business and consumer confidence undermined the market. Pent-up demand and special offers led to a reprieve for the sector, but overall registrations are still down by -41.9 per cent or 598,054 units year-to-date. Despite the increase in July, SMMT’s full year outlook is for a -30 per cent decline in registrations, representing more than £20 billion of lost sales.

Related news:

  1. UK new car registrations at decade high
  2. YTD new car registrations exceed 1 million in May – SMMT
  3. Fleet registrations propping up small growth in UK new car market
  4. New car registrations down 5.7% in 2017
5th August 2020 by
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Max Kruse scores first on track success on Falken Azenis at Nürburgring

Max Kruse Racing’s Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR scored a class win in the NLS endurance series at the Nürburgring this weekend. The team was competing on Falken Azenis race tyres for the first time. The SP3T pole position and class winner was one of six cars including a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup MR (997), VW Sciroccos, Golfs and Cupra switching to the tyre manufacturer as Falken expands its motorsport customer programme.

Related news:

  1. Falken to reveal race car, electric vehicle tyre at Geneva Motor Show
  2. Falken achieves top 10 finish, class victory in Nürburgring 24 Hours
  3. Falken Motorsport adds BMW to Porsche at Nürburgring 24H
  4. Top 10 finish for Falken at the Nürburgring 24 hours
5th August 2020 by

Avon Tyres preparing to launch new AS7 all-season tyre

Avon is preparing to introduce a new all-season product: the Avon AS7. Boasting both 3PMSF (Three Peak Mountain Snow Flake) and M+S (Mud and Snow) ratings, it is designed to deliver reliable traction in unpredictable weather and demanding conditions all year round. The tyre is the latest in the Cooper Tire portfolio, joining the launch of the Cooper Discoverer A/T3 Sport 2 (pictured) earlier in 2020, and enhancing the company’s all-season portfolio.

Related news:

  1. Cooper launches Discoverer Winter SUV tyre
  2. Cooper Tire Europe launches full rally tyre range
  3. Cooper adds all-season Discoverer A/T3 Sport 2 SUV to European tyre range
  4. Cooper Discoverer SRXLE tyres OE on new Mercedes GLS
4th August 2020 by

Pirelli to review minimum F1 tyre pressures after Silverstone failures

Formula 1’s exclusive tyre supplier Pirelli has concluded its initial analysis on a number of tyres run at the British Grand Prix. The tyre supplier said it has identified the cause of the tyre failures on both Mercedes and the McLaren of Carlos Sainz in Sunday’s race. A combination of the long stints the P Zero White (C1) was forced to complete and the “biggest forces” on F1 tyres ever meant the tyres were “placed under maximum stress” for a long period. The resultant wear on the tyres meant that the tyres were less protected from the extreme forces by the end of the race. While Pirelli plans to continue with its plan to supply softer compounds at the second Silverstone meeting, it said it would review the usage prescription for its F1 tyres, increasing the minimum tyre pressures to reduce structural stress.

Related news:

  1. Pirelli ‘investigating’ failed tyres after dramatic Silverstone British Grand Prix
  2. British GP tyre problems unrelated, believes Pirelli
  3. British GP: Raikkonen incident caused by external damage, not “tyre issues”
  4. Pirelli 2019 Formula 1 tyres – what’s new?
4th August 2020 by

(Not) the end of an era…

At the end of July a significant chapter in the history of Tyres & Accessories came to an end, with the closure of the company’s offices in Clacton-on-Sea. The closure has been hastened by the effects arising from the coronavirus pandemic, and means that all editorial, administrative and advertising functions are now handled exclusively by the company’s head office in Stoke-on-Trent. This meant that T&A’s two longest-serving employees could enjoy a well-deserved retirement. Advertising manager Alan Day joined the magazine early in 1990, while company secretary Pat Aldous was employed for six weeks’ maternity cover in 1977. It proved to be a long six weeks, as she never left! Alan and Pat’s friends and colleagues – both in the UK and in Germany and Italy – wish them all the best for a long and happy retirement.

Related news:

  1. Changes & continuity – Tyres & Accessories at 75
  2. Three-quarters of a century and still going strong
3rd August 2020 by
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Magna Tyres opens Czech Republic office

Magna Tyres Group has opened a sales office in the Czech Republic. It said the move has been in response to demand for the Magna range of OTR ad specialist tyres in Eastern Europe. It added that it has been encouraged by “unutilised market potential in this region.” The region was previously serviced by its Polish office.

Related news:

  1. Magna supplying heavy-duty OTR tyres around the world
  2. Magna Tyres Group opens USA office
  3. Magna Tyres doubles OTR tyre capacity in Netherlands plant
  4. Capacity to double at Magna Tyres’ Netherlands plant – again
3rd August 2020 by

Expert showcases wiper blade fitting videos on YouTube

Wiper blade manufacturer Trico has produced hundreds of fitting videos on its YouTube channel. The videos, created over the last nine years, help technicians and motorists to fit wipers blades with ease. While wiper blades are perceived as a relatively easy product to fit, many drivers still struggle, which creates an obvious revenue stream for workshops to capitalise on. However, even some technicians find wiper blades tricky, which is why Trico created a wealth of fitting videos to refer to the brand’s YouTube channel.

Wiper blade manufacturer Trico has produced hundreds of fitting videos on its YouTube channel. The videos, created over the last nine years, help technicians and motorists to fit wipers blades with ease. While wiper blades are perceived as a relatively easy product to fit, many drivers still struggle, which creates an obvious revenue stream for workshops to capitalise on. However, even some technicians find wiper blades tricky, which is why Trico created a wealth of fitting videos to refer to the brand’s YouTube channel.

Related news:

  1. Hi-tech wiper blades from Trico
  2. Trico to showcase new slogan, ‘Excellence in every blade’, at Automechanika Frankfurt
  3. Trico looks forward to ‘significant growth’ in 2019
  4. Trico signs distribution deal with Optimal UK
3rd August 2020 by
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TecAlliance’s Peter Hollowood retires

TecAlliance’s Peter Hollowood has retired from an illustrious career in the automotive industry. Hollowood had worked for TecAlliance for more than 20 years, having previously run his own parts distribution business in Cheshire. Before this he held sales roles at CCI Triad (now Epicor). Mark Rudge is set to take up the mantle on an ongoing basis, assuming responsibility for TecAlliance Order Manager in the UK and Ireland, alongside his existing remit as eparts director at Fourth.

Related news:

  1. MTS invests in electronic trading with customers
  2. IAAF presents PACT with 2018 Service Supplier of the Year Award
  3. TecAlliance offers tyre and TPMS data for fast fits
  4. TecAlliance introduces TecDoc VIN Catalogue – Truck
3rd August 2020 by
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Hankook UK appoints Kallaway TBR regional sales manager

Hankook Tyre UK has appointed Shane Kallaway as truck and bus tyre regional sales manager for the South West. Kallaway succeeds Richard Ettey who has retired. Ettey leaves a long career in the tyre industry, with more than twelve years’ service at Hankook, and 40 years with Goodyear Dunlop in various roles.

Related news:

  1. Hankook introduces new Laufenn truck and bus tyres for UK market
  2. Vacu-Lug becomes Hankook Alphatread UK retread partner
  3. CV Show launch for Laufenn truck tyre range
  4. Laufenn launch makes Hankook more holistic commercial tyre supplier
3rd August 2020 by
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Pirelli ‘investigating’ failed tyres after dramatic Silverstone British Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton’s seventh win at Silverstone’s British Grand Prix came in dramatic circumstances after a last-lap tyre failure. The Mercedes driver was able to limp home with Max Verstappen’s Red Bull bearing down on him in a denouement filled with more tension than the rest of the race combined. Hamilton’s team-mate Valtteri Bottas had suffered a tyre failure with two laps to go, preventing a predictable and regulation 1-2 finish for the team, and leaving the Finn without a point despite his team’s domination of the weekend. Tyre supplier Pirelli is conducting a full examination on what led to the tyres’ failure – McLaren’s Carlos Sainz also experienced final lap tyre issues. Initial assessments point to the lengthy stints completed on the P Zero White (C1 compound) tyre, and debris on the track after two early crashes. Tyre strategy was largely dictated by the second crash on lap 12, as many drivers opted to change early to the harder tyre during the safety car period begun.

Related news:

  1. F1 ‘possibly the most demanding customer that we have’ – Isola
  2. Pirelli confirms F1 2019 pre-season test details, compounds for first 4 grands prix
  3. Pirelli previews F1 opener, 2019 Australian grand prix
  4. Pirelli unveiled as BAC Mono OE tyre partner
3rd August 2020 by

Mitsubishi to exit UK, EU markets

Mitsubishi is withdrawing from the UK and Europe, confirming it will not bring any new models to the continent. Stocks of existing models, including the popular Outlander PHEV and L200 pick-up, will continue to be sold until they no longer meet emissions regulations. Aftersales support will be provided by existing dealers and the Colt Car Company, which imports Mitsubishi vehicles to the UK.

Related news:

  1. Nissan to take a 34 per cent stake in Mitsubishi Motor Company (MMC)
  2. Suzuki reports emissions and fuel testing “discrepancies”, denies cheating
  3. Will Renault stop offering diesel engines?
  4. Recovering demand ‘crucial to sustainability’ of VW restarted production
3rd August 2020 by

Women account for 50% of online car purchases for first time

More women have headed online to buy cars in recent months than ever before through internet car supermarket BuyaCar.co.uk, accounting for half of all sales for the first time ever. And deeper analysis shows that women remain significantly more decisive than men, measured by how likely they are to go ahead with an online car purchase.

Related news:

  1. Number of nearly new cars on the market almost doubles
  2. No spike in 4×4 values this year, says Glass’s
  3. Used car buying survey shows shift away from private sellers
  4. Reliability tops car buyers’ concerns – despite overwhelmingly positive ownership experiences
31st July 2020 by
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NFDA calls for government support on combustion ban

In its response to the consultation on ending the sale of new petrol, diesel and hybrid cars and vans, the National Franchised Dealers Association has highlighted dealers’ concerns and provided the Government with detailed recommendations to ensure that the transition to zero-emission vehicles can be sustained. The Government has proposed that the original 2040 date be brought forward to 2035 or perhaps earlier, yet no clear strategy has been defined.

Related news:

  1. Chancellor freezes fuel duty in 2018 budget speech
  2. Falling demand for diesels sees November new car market down 11 per cent
  3. Glass’s calls for ‘grown up debate’ to avoid ‘demonising diesel’
  4. Call to bring forward UK total ban on petrol and diesel cars
31st July 2020 by

Motor oil: mineral, synthetic or fully synthetic?

Motor oil has developed from a simple lubricant to a high-tech liquid. At the same time, the number of oil grades and specifications has increased significantly. Oliver Kuhn, deputy head of the oil laboratory at Liqui Moly, provides more insight and explains what really matters.

Related news:

  1. Motor oil variety ‘getting really dangerous’ for car drivers – Liqui Moly
  2. Why are there so many different motor oils? – Liqui Moly
  3. Liqui Moly wins oil approval for newest Mercedes engine
  4. Liqui Moly introduces motor oils for BMWs and VWs
31st July 2020 by
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PRA outlines forecourts’ concerns with combustion engine ban

Ending the sale of new petrol, diesel, and hybrid cars and vans by 2035 or earlier would not only be unfeasible but seriously economically damaging, particularly at a time when the economy is struggling to recover from the Coronavirus lockdown. The original date of 2040 is already a very tough ask”, said Brian Madderson, chairman of the Petrol Retailers Association (PRA).

Related news:

  1. Glass’s calls for ‘grown up debate’ to avoid ‘demonising diesel’
  2. PRA urges fuel duty cut
  3. PRA “concerned” over Treasury comment
  4. PRA welcomes announcement to cut rural fuel tax
31st July 2020 by

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