Leading European tyremakers investigated as part of price-fixing investigation
Unannounced inspections, investigations, visits, raids. Whatever you call them, having the European Commission come knocking uninvited is not how any tyre manufacturer wants to start 2024. Nevertheless, that is exactly what happened at the tail-end of January across “several member states” within the European Union.
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Michelin confirms it has been investigated in EC antitrust case
Following the news that the European Commission has opened a price-fixing investigation across “several member states”, Michelin has officially confirmed that it too has been investigated as part of EC antitrust case. Nokian, Goodyear, Continental, Pirelli and Bridgestone have also been investigated as part of the EC case.
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BTMA and NTDA to push for review of MOT tread depth advisories
The news that the government is maintaining annual MOTs in the present 3-1-1 regime was universally welcomed by the industry. But tyre retailers up and down the country continue to highlight the appalling reality that many tyres are changed past the legal limit and in shocking states of disrepair. For many motorists, the MOT is an annual driving sanity check, reminding them to change their tyres and other safety-critical car parts. That reality and the increasing prevalence of electric vehicle and ADAS technology have prompted calls for an upgraded MOT – not least from the BTMA and the NTDA.
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Goodyear visited in European antitrust investigation
Following the news that the European Commission is investigating tyre manufacturers across Europe for anti-competitive practices, we now know that at least Nokian, Continental and now Goodyear have been visited.
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Nokian Tyres receives EC antitrust inspection
The European Commission has initiated an unannounced inspection at Nokian Tyres plc’s headquarters in Nokia, Finland. The investigation forms part of the EC’s wider look at tyre manufacturers across several member states:
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EC launches tyre industry antitrust investigation in “several member states”
The European Commission is carrying out unannounced inspections at the premises of companies active in the tyre industry “in several “member states”. The reason? “The commission has concerns that the inspected companies may have violated EU antitrust rules that prohibit cartels and restrictive business practices”, according to an official statement. So far, Nokian Tyres, Continental, Goodyear, Pirelli, and Bridgestone have confirmed they have received an unannounced inspection.
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Could Red Sea shipping issues be catalyst for UK to increase circular economy capacity utilisation?
The UK’s exportation of end-of-life tyres (ELTs) is coming under further scrutiny considering the current crisis in the Red Sea, which is disrupting shipments to the Indian subcontinent, a typical route for many the country’s ELT arisings. Research reveals that this might total as much as 300,000 tonnes of ELTs. With the economic feasibility of these exports under threat, the Tyre Recovery Association is asking for governmental support in promoting the utilisation of currently dormant capacity to process ELTs within the country. The positive case for this is that useful materials can be extracted from ELTs, supporting the country’s circular economy with the residual value offered by proper processing. Meanwhile, the TRA adds, the country would also be doing the right thing in not allowing ELTs to become a highly pollutive issue for authorities in the Indian subcontinent, where UK waste supports unethical, dangerous, and illegal businesses.
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NTDA welcomes UK government’s decision to retain MOT gap
The UK’s National Tyre Distributors Association has welcomed the publication of the Department for Transport’s (DfT) response to the extensive consultation on modernising MOT testing for cars, motorbikes and vans. The association was vocal in its opposition to any extension to the current gaps in required MOT tests, namely three years after a new car’s registration and an annual test thereafter. The NTDA said its position was based “primarily on safety grounds, but also based on years of independent statistical information demonstrating that the current model works and is, overwhelmingly, supported by both the trade and UK motorists.” The consultation was launched in January 2023, with the aim of seeking views to ensure roadworthiness checks continue to balance the cost to motorists, road safety, advances in vehicle technology and tackling vehicle emissions.
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DVSA conducts MOT digital device survey
The DVSA is conducting research into how technicians use digital devices at MOT test stations. The survey asks questions about devices used during the MOT test, if you use mobile devices such as phones and tablets during the MOT test, as well as how you use technology generally and how confident you feel using it.
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TRA warns Red Sea crisis could threaten UK environment with increase in illegal waste tyre storage and fly tipping
The Tyre Recovery Association has warned of a potential increase in damage to the environment around the UK as a result of disruption to a popular shipping route. The Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea will likely mean an increase in distance and time for vessels navigating the popular route between Europe and Asia, meaning costs will inevitably increase. The TRA says 75 per cent of the UK’s waste tyres are exported to the Indian subcontinent where there is evidence of pollutive dumping of baled waste tyres, a situation the TRA has described as “environmental colonialism”. Commenting on the emerging situation, the association is scathing about the UK government’s “apathy” about tackling the market’s waste tyres sustainably without depending on exports. With shipping costs are more than doubling, the TRA cites precedence that suggests rogue operators are likely to resort increasingly to illegal storage or fly tipping within the UK, as exporters are unwilling to cover the increased costs for collectors.
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BTMA joins Tire Industry Project as affiliate member
The British Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (BTMA) has joined the Tire Industry Project (TIP) as an affiliate member. The Australian Tyre Industry Council (ATIC) and the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ATMA) of India have also joined the organisation at the same level. While not contributing to the governance of TIP, affiliates engage with topics within the scope of the project’s mission. Formed in 2005, TIP is built on the pillars of research, action and engagement and communication, bringing a collaborative and scientific approach to sustainability in the tyre sector. Graham Wilson, chief executive of the BTMA, said the organisation is “delighted to enter a fuller and more structured relationship” with TIP, building upon the development of “informal ties” in recent years.
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Euro 7 Regulation a milestone in greening mobility, says ETRMA
Shortly before the Christmas Break, the European Parliament and Council reached a provisional agreement on the Euro 7 Regulation for motor vehicles. The European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (ETRMA) says it “welcomes” this step towards enshrining tyre abrasion as the fourth tyre characteristic to be regulated after rolling resistance, wet grip and external rolling noise.
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Arnold Clark hosts NFDA Parliamentary Engagement Programme in Glasgow
The National Franchised Dealers Association’s most recent Parliamentary Engagement Programme took place at Arnold Clark’s Innovation Centre in Glasgow. Graham Simpson, member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP), visited the centre with Arnold Clark senior executives and Sue Robinson, chief executive of the NFDA. The discussions covered electric vehicles, consumer confidence, the development of skills in the workforce, and charging infrastructure in Scotland.
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50,000 public EV chargepoints installed in UK – DfT
The UK’s Department for Transport has hailed “another step on the road to zero emission driving” with new statistics showing that 52,602 public chargepoints have been installed across the country. This figure, supplied by Zapmap, represent a 44 per cent increase on the equivalent number at this time in 2022. The DfT added that the statistic shows the country is “on track” to reach its target of 300,000 public chargepoints by 2030.
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44% of dealers think car buyers will stick with petrol, diesel for longer after UK government’s EV decision
More than four out of 10 dealers (44 per cent) think used car buyers will stick with petrol and diesel cars for longer following the government’s decision to delay the new car electrifcation deadline to 2035. Startline’s November Used Car Tracker also shows that 29 per cent believe the move will mean the used electric vehicle (EV) market will take longer to develop while 19 per cent forecast that consumer demand for EVs will fall. Additionally, 24 per cent of dealers now believe it is more likely that motorists will buy a hybrid as a stepping stone to full electrification while 20 per cent believe that EV prices will fall further in addition to recent reductions.
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