Michelin welcomes regulations for worn tyre performance
Changes to UN/ECE Regulation No. 117 (R117) came into effect on 1 July 2024 and extend the regulation to include limits related to the wet grip properties of worn tyres. Michelin, which has long advocated for tyres that are safe right down to the 1.6mm legal tread depth limit, expresses strong support for the updated R117-04. In a statement issued this week, the tyre maker praises R117-04 for its role in “guaranteeing better safety on the roads” while also “addressing the issues of protecting both the planet and the purchasing power of European motorists.”
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Stimulating growth, electric vehicle infrastructure and addressing the skills shortage
Shortly after the UK Labour Party completed its landslide victory in the General Election, ushering in the first major change of the UK government’s leading party in 14 years, associations from the country’s automotive value chain detailed what challenges await the new prime minister Keir Starmer and his incoming administration over the next five years.
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ETRMA joins call for greater FP10 investment
The European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers Association (ETRMA) has joined 109 other European associations in urging the European Union institutions to allocate increased resources to the forthcoming European Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10).
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European Commission conducts further antitrust raids
The European Commission has confirmed it is carrying out “unannounced inspections” in connection with raids at the offices of a number of tyremakers earlier in the year. This round of raids, however, has only taken place at the premises of “a consultancy firm” in two member states, which suggests the case is beginning to focus its attention.
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EU to Impose Additional Tariffs on EV Imports From China
The European Union is planning to impose additional import tariffs of up to 38.1 per cent on Chinese-produced electric vehicles (EV) effective July 2024. Leading Chinese EV-makers BYD Co., Geely Automotive Holdings Ltd. and SAIC Motor Corp Ltd cooperated with the investigation and so received bespoke rates. Specifically, BYD imports will be charged 17.4 per cent, Geely 20 per cent and SAIC 38.1 per cent. All others will be charged 38.1 per cent.
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NFDA urges Government rethink into EV price incentives
Sue Robinson, chief executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), which represents franchised car and commercial vehicle retailers in the UK, urged the Government to rethink price incentives.
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Nova Motorsport acquires Camac
Following the news that the company will be producing certain Avon-branded motorsport tyres, Nova Motorsport has announced “its acquisition of leading tyre producer, Camac”. No details relating to the terms of acquisition have been released.
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Government small business initiative welcomed by IGA
The Independent Garage Association (IGA) has responded to the Government’s latest Initiative to Boost Small Businesses. The increase in the VAT registration threshold from £85,000 to £90,000 is welcomed, as it will provide relief to 28,000 small businesses, allowing them to invest more in their operations and expand their enterprises. Additionally, the freeze on the small business rates multiplier for the fourth consecutive year is particularly welcomed as it will safeguard over one million properties from higher bills, contributing to financial stability and security for many garage owners.
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Fuel sales at 87% pre-pandemic level: PRA responds to CMA interim report on fuel pricing
The Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) has said it is “working closely with the Government” on the development of its fuel price transparency scheme as pump prices rise. The PRA responded to the Competition and Market Authorities’ (CMA) recent report on pump prices by drawing attention to its members’ need to operate on “razor thin margins in a highly competitive market,” saying that they are well aware of the need to “keep prices at the pump as low as possible to attract customers and avoid losing them to competitors,” according to Gordon Balmer, executive director of the PRA. In addition to rising costs, fuel sales have fallen to 87% of pre pandemic volumes, according to DESNZ Downstream Oil statistics.
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IGA applauds UK Prime Minister’s initiative to boost apprenticeships and support small businesses
The Independent Garage Association (IGA) “enthusiastically welcomes” the recent announcement from the Prime Ministers Office unveiling a comprehensive reform package aimed at strengthening small businesses across the UK. The IGA notes with satisfaction that concerns previously expressed to MP Robert Halfron, minister for Skills, Apprenticeships, and Higher Education, have been addressed in the recent announcement and commends the governments commitment to fostering apprenticeships and reducing regulatory burdens, recognising the significant positive impact these measures will have on the automotive sector.
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SMMT calls for ‘Fair taxes for a fairer transition’
The automotive industry is calling for the UK’s chancellor to use the upcoming Budget to put the UK’s shift to electric vehicles back in the fast lane, with fair taxes for a fairer transition. New research commissioned by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) from Savanta has revealed that rising numbers of would-be EV drivers are now likely to delay their switch to a battery electric car – but a three-point plan of tax reform would recharge the market and accelerate the UK’s progress towards net zero.
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Many MOT testers still need to take Annual Assessment
The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has reminded MOT testers that they must take their Annual Assessment before the 31 March deadline. Testers will face new checks if they miss this deadline. As of 8 January 2024, MOT testers are required to submit a recent basic DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check if they are returning after being lapsed or suspended from testing – this includes being suspended for not completing your annual assessment. The IMI said an estimated 73 per cent had yet to complete their assessment with just two months to go before the deadline.
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Car Wash Association comments on right to work offences
Data from the Illegal Immigration Unit at the Home Office showed that 78 hand car washes across the UK had been fined a total of nearly £1.5 million for ‘right to work’ offences in the first nine months of 2023.Brian Madderson, Chairman of the Car Wash Association (CWA), said: “It is disappointing that even in the face of blatant violations of the law, the Government is still unwilling to crack down on illegal hand car wash operators.
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NFDA calls for EV price incentives in spring budget after EU car market returns to growth
January saw a return to growth in new passenger car registrations, according to the latest European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) figures. These followed a -3.3 per cent contraction in December. New car registrations in the EU witnessed an increase of 12.1 per cent year-on-year, reaching 851,690 units for January 2024. “It is positive to see a return to growth in the EU car market following the contraction experienced in December 2023, particularly with January traditionally being a slower month” said Sue Robinson, chief executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), commenting on the figures.
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Leading tyremaker stocks down 2.35% as EC antitrust case opens
The share prices of Bridgestone, Continental, Goodyear, Michelin, Nokian and Pirelli were down by an average of 2.35 per cent following the news that the European Commission has started an antitrust investigation within the European Union.
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