![What next for Unipart Automotive workers?](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/949777_88317994.jpg)
What next for Unipart Automotive workers?
When the news broke that Unipart had entered administration, it will have been something of a blow for the 1800-odd “loyal” employees of the company. Indeed the only good thing for employees was the end of the speculation roller coaster than began with managers suggesting a rescue could come in 36 hours, followed by reports that Euro Car Parts was a front runner, and finally the announcement two weeks later that nothing could be done for the company. But what about staff?
Continue ReadingEuro Car Parts to create 1500 jobs over the next 18 months
Following the collapse of Unipart Automotive last week, competitor and former front-runner in potential rescue talks, Euro Car Parts, has announced that it plans to create 1500 jobs over the next 18 months. The fact that this figure is roughly equivalent to the entire size of the former Unipart Automotive workforce should not be overlooked. Neither should the obvious question – how? With this and the Unipart collapse in mind, what looks clear is that, compare with the first half of this year, the automotive aftermarket will be a significantly different place.
Continue ReadingJohnson is new RMI deputy chairman
The Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI) has appointed Peter Johnson as the new deputy chairman with immediate effect.
Continue ReadingBEN offers ex-Unipart Automotive employees support
Following confirmation that Unipart Automotive has entered administration with job losses totalling 1,250 BEN (the automotive industry benevolence charity) is offering to support to those affected. The charity has contacted KPMG, the appointed administrators, and hopes that through them, and its own communications, it can ensure that those who have been displaced know BEN is on hand during this potentially difficult period.
Continue ReadingUnipart Automotive administrator to support staff redundancy procedures
Administrator KPMG will support 1,244 Unipart Automotive staff through the redundancy process. The firm said its team of employment specialists will also put staff in touch with job seeker services. Further information on Unipart Automotive for all interested parties will also be posted on KPMG’s Insolvency Portal.
Continue Reading![Apollo hires new Netherlands-based CTO](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Dr-Seshu-Bhagavathula-Chief-Technology-Officer-Apollo-Tyres.jpg)
Apollo hires new Netherlands-based CTO
Dr. Seshu Bhagavathula has been appointed Apollo Tyres Ltd’s new chief technology officer, and at the same time inducted into the company’s Management Board. He will be based at Apollo’s global R&D centre in Enschede, the Netherlands and lead global initiatives in the areas of tyre technology, research and new product development, for both passenger and commercial vehicle tyres. He will be assisted by the tyre maker’s research, technology and design teams across all regions.
Continue Reading![Pro-Align to support Hunter growth in Ireland following expansion](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Miles-Ross-demo-HR.jpg)
Pro-Align to support Hunter growth in Ireland following expansion
UK Hunter wheel alignment and balancing equipment supplier Pro-Align has expanded its operation in the Republic of Ireland. Pro-Align says it will support the growth of the American brand in the country with a newly created team of dedicated service and sales personnel operating under the name Pro-Align Ireland. Experienced Pro-Align UK sales executive Miles Ross will lead the team in Ireland, offering a high level of expertise to businesses considering Hunter upgrades to their wheel servicing operations.
Continue ReadingUnipart Group ‘saddened’, restates distance from Unipart Automotive
The Unipart Group has released a statement on Unipart Automotive’s descent into administration and the partial rescue by a joint deal between Andrew Page and The Parts Alliance. While expressing sympathy for the company’s plight, the Unipart Group sought to delineate the boundary between the Unipart business units of which it remains in control and the stricken parts distributor.
Continue Reading![Chung to spearhead Cooper Tire business strategy, development in the Americas](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Mark-Chung.jpg)
Chung to spearhead Cooper Tire business strategy, development in the Americas
Cooper Tire & Rubber has appointed Mark Chung its vice-president, strategy & business development for the Americas. In his new role, Chung is responsible for leading the development and execution of Cooper’s North and South America business strategy, spearheading business intelligence, business development, and establishing processes to support the company’s growth initiatives in North America. He reports to Chris Ostrander, Cooper’s president, Americas Operations.
Continue Reading![Heuver adds to German account team](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/np-Heuver-Mark-Engemann.jpg)
Heuver adds to German account team
Around two years ago, Heuver Tyrewholesale named Germany as its second ‘home market’, and since then the wholesaler’s customer base there has continued to grow. In response, Heuver has now enlarged its German account team with the appointment of Mark Engemann, who takes on responsibility for the region of Saxony-Thuringia.
Continue Reading![Goodyear Dunlop names new commercial segment communication manager](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Mirko-Kraus_tb-800x567.jpg)
Goodyear Dunlop names new commercial segment communication manager
Mirko Kraus, who was previously responsible for commercial vehicle tyre media and public relations in Goodyear Dunlop’s ‘DACH’ markets – Germany, Austria and Switzerland – has been appointed the company’s new “Communications Manager Commercial PBU Europe, Middle East and Africa.” In his new role, Kraus extends his commercial segment responsibility to Goodyear Dunlop’s entire EMEA region.
Continue Reading![Cooper expands sales team](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Christophe-Huss.jpg)
Cooper expands sales team
Cooper Tire Europe has expanded its continental sales force with the addition of two new managers. Christophe Huss and Jacques Licata join a Cooper sales team that, globally, has had a strong start to 2014.
Continue Reading![Generous members and supporters wish retired NTDA director well](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/DSC02110-1.jpg)
Generous members and supporters wish retired NTDA director well
NTDA past chairman John Tarbox recently contacted Tyres & Accessories as a way of conveying his, the association’s and newly retired director Richard Edy’s appreciation to all those that contributed to his leaving gift.
Continue Reading![Promotion for Toyo’s Yamamoto](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Yamamoto_tb.jpg)
Promotion for Toyo’s Yamamoto
Yesterday the Board of Directors at Toyo Tire & Rubber approved the promotion of Takuji Yamamoto from director and senior corporate officer to representative director and executive corporate officer. In addition, Yamamoto remains group executive officer of Toyo’s Tire Business Group.
Continue Reading![Wilson steps down as RMA director](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/rma-e1405521797844.jpg)
Wilson steps down as RMA director
David Wilson has stepped down from his role as Director of the UK’s Retread Manufacturers Association, a role he has filled since January 2005. He will now be taking the opportunity to focus on the management of his publishing interests including Retreading Business, Tyre & Rubber Recycling and Commercial Tyre Business.
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