New title sponsor for Pirelli-backed Porsche series
The Pirelli-supplied Porsche Club Championship has announced a new title sponsor for the 2015 season.
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
Call to make telematics part of driving test
Crispin Moger, CEO at Marmalade, the provider of cars and insurance for young drivers, has commented on the calls from the IAM to overhaul the current driving test. He explains the best way to promote driver safety for young people is to encourage the wider use of black box technology.
IAM calls for driving test overhaul
As the driving test reaches its 80th anniversary in the UK, leading road safety charity the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) says it’s time the way we teach new drivers received a comprehensive overhaul to keep it relevant to today’s driving landscape and to the problems faced by young people on the road.
More British cars with more British components
British cars are being made with more British-sourced components as the UK automotive industry’s renaissance continues apace, new research reveals. Figures from a new Automotive Council report show that domestic component makers sold 19 per cent more products to UK vehicle producers last year than in 2013.
AA challenges political parties over fuel duty
AA research reveals that the UK continues to levy the highest level of road fuel tax in the EU – despite four years of a fuel duty freeze. Analysis of road fuel tax levels in Europe shows that, despite UK fuel duty being frozen at 57.95p since March 2011, drivers in this country still pay the biggest chunk (69 per cent) per litre than those in other European countries.
Mercedes dominates as Hamilton, Rosberg, rookies back up Pirelli pre-season tyre data
Pirelli said that its pre-season data has been backed up by lap times around two seconds quicker than 2014 at the season-opening Australian grand prix. Reigning champion Lewis Hamilton beat his Mercedes team mate Nico Rosberg from pole, with both drivers utilising cool conditions and low degradation to perform very similar one-stop strategies.
Research shows lack of trust in garages
UK garages are facing calls for better transparency and improved service as almost two thirds (60 per cent) of motorists say they have had a bad experience when taking their car in for a repair, service or MOT. The findings from research conducted for garage comparison website RAC Garage Compare will do little to allay concerns about the standard of service from local independent garages or fears that customers may be ripped off as one in 10, 11 per cent, say they don’t trust local garages at all.
Kwik-Fit offers 200 apprenticeships
Kwik-Fit is offering 200 apprenticeships at the company’s centres across the UK, providing opportunities for many school leavers to work close to home. Most of the two year apprenticeships are available to 16-18 year olds, providing a valuable first step on a career in the automotive sector. Kwik-Fit has trained more than 1,800 people under its current apprenticeship programme. Over the last 15 years the scheme has consistently seen higher success rates than the national average, with many participants progressing to senior levels within the company.
Autoparts appoints NRF as new radiator supplier
Motor factor Autoparts UK has appointed NRF as its new radiator supplier. NRF is an OE-supplier with more than 87 years’ experience in providing the automotive industry with a full thermal solution.
MOT set for modernisation
A new Internet-based MOT testing system is to replace existing MOT computers and Vehicle Testing Station (VTS) devices this year, with the first garages switching over to the new system as early as next month. The switchover, which will take place between April and September, will require Test Stations to have IT equipment that meets the minimum requirements set out in the government’s MOT Modernisation guidance. Garages will be contacted by the DVSA with a date of transition and the system is likely to go live overnight.
Pirelli supports British Superbike teams’ Spanish pre-season testing
Pirelli has supported a large number of the British Superbike Championship’s teams as they carried out winter testing in Spain. The tyre supplier to the series helped the 2015 roster complete the Official BSB Test in Almeria, the Pro Test at Cartagena, Guadix and Monteblanco, as teams tested new bikes, set-ups and devising tyre strategies. The Pirelli logistics team and UK Pirelli racing manager Jason Griffiths supported the multitude of tests completed ahead of the Donington Park opener on 4-6 April. Teams already have a full year of tyre data, since the 2015 Pirelli Diablo Superbikes used in the competition remain the same as in 2014. Pirelli predicts that the experience gained by the teams in 2014 may well result in the softer SC0 solution playing a more significant role this season.
Mahle Aftermarket appoints Ramsay to develop ‘man with a van’ concept
Mahle Aftermarket has announced its recruitment of Phil Ramsay in the position of technical sales support. The experienced aftermarket professional will be tasked with developing its ‘man with a van’ concept and promoting the breadth and quality of the entire Mahle aftermarket product range.
Goodyear original equipment on Fiat 500X
Goodyear’s EfficientGrip Performance and Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 tyres have been selected by Fiat as original equipment for the newly revealed 500X. Unveiled at the Paris Motorshow, the 500X compact crossover is available in two versions aimed at different market segments; one for city-based motorists, fitted with the EfficientGrip Performance (215/55RI7 94V), and another for more rugged, sporty applications, fitted with the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 (225/45R18 91Y). Targeting younger drivers, owners can choose 12 different colours and eight different designs to further personalise their selection.
Aeolus displaying Ace2 tyres in ‘extremely important’ Iberian market show
Aeolus has stressed the importance of Spain and Portugal to its ongoing European market launch at Madrid’s Motortec trade show, which began today. The ChemChina backed brand is showcasing its Ace2 line, which includes the UHP summer tyre, SteeringAce2 and the high performance summer tyre, PrecisionAce2.
Motorcycle registrations sustain January growth – NMDA
The National Motorcycle Dealers Association has revealed that February registrations continued the strong start to 2015 witnessed in January, with double-digit year-on-year increases. As with previous months the 51-125cc sector showed an increase of 12.4 per cent as the biggest sector in volume terms, which means 207 more machines registered over February 2014. While sales in most power ranges increased, the sub-50cc moped segment decreased 20.7 per cent.
