New qualification for MOT testers
A new qualification for MOT testers and managers is being introduced to help improve the skills of those who work in the MOT testing industry. Each year around 42 million car MOT tests are carried out. While the vast majority are conducted to the correct standard, errors can and have occurred. The new qualification and training regime is intended to improve standards and consistency across the industry.
Continue ReadingVW rejects calls for emissions scandal compensation in Europe
Matthias Müller, the boss of Volkswagen has rejected calls to offer the same sort of compensation to offer European customers in the same way as American drivers when the carmaker agreed to a $14.7bn settlement in the US over its emissions scandal.
Continue ReadingOnly a few days left to comment on apprenticeship proposal
Companies in the tyre and auto-care sector have just one week to make their views known on a proposal which could determine the viability of the industry’s future workforce.
Continue ReadingTRA Recycling Day 2016 pursues professional collective approach
Spokespeople from tyre industry, government agencies, external industry bodies gather to demonstrate broad-base discussions on ‘Meeting the Compliance Agenda’, including fire prevention and part-worn tyres The new president of the Tyre Recovery Association (TRA), John Bramwell opened proceedings at May’s Ardencote Manor hosted Recycling Day 2016 by setting out the “need for strength” within the […]
Continue ReadingDfT reacts to concerns over delayed grant scheme for plug-in motorcycles
The Department for Transport (DfT) has responded to The National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA) letter which outlined concerns that the promised plug-in motorcycle grant scheme had still not been delivered.
Continue ReadingBridgestone seeks NHTSA inconsequential noncompliance decision
In the USA, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations has petitioned the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration (NHTSA) for an inconsequential noncompliance decision relating to Bridgestone VSB heavy-duty radial truck tyres.
Continue ReadingThe Brexit effect: certain uncertainty
Markets hate uncertainty. So it was no surprise that the pound fell to its lowest point in 30 years and the FTSE (as well as other European stock markets) took something of a beating in the immediate aftermath of the UK’s 23 June referendum decision to leave the European Union. But these were just the initial reactions. As we went to press (a few days after the Brexit vote), the FTSE has recovered, but not to pre-Brexit levels, while the pound remains at a 30-year low. A rally of this kind could be a sign of a return to stability. It could point to a new, upward trajectory. It could be the calm before the storm. But who knows? Now the British public has spoken, the question is: what does Brexit mean for tyres?
Continue ReadingKPMG: new car sales growth adjusted down 1/6 after Brexit
Market analysts at KPMG have revised down full year 2016 new car sales predictions by a sixth from 3 million units to 2.5 million following the UKs decision to leave the EU. The fear is that the automotive industry, of which tyre supply (both OE and aftermarket) are clearly a part will be most seriously and negatively affected by Brexit. John Leech, head of automotive at KPMG UK, certainly suggested as much: “The British public has voted to leave the EU. As recent surveys showed, the automotive industry is anticipated to be one of the sectors most impacted by the vote to Leave the EU.
Continue ReadingSterling crashes as UK votes for Brexit
The UK electorate has voted to leave the European union in a decision that is sending shockwaves through financial markets. It was only the third referendum in British history (two of which have related to the UK’s role in Europe).
Continue ReadingResearch highlights differing attitudes to whiplash claims
Online YouGov research commissioned by www.Claims.co.uk has revealed some surprising attitudes to whiplash claims amongst the public, with Brits over 15 times more likely to view claims as “honest” if they know someone who has made a claim. The 2015 autumn statement outlined a government consultation on ending the right to compensation for minor whiplash […]
Continue ReadingPRA ‘concerned’ over ‘green’ fuel proposals
The Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) has written to Andrew Jones MP, Parliamentary under Secretary of State for Transport, raising their concerns that government ministers are drawing up plans to introduce new ‘green petrol’, in a move which will push up costs for UK fuel retailers and may force some out of business.
Continue ReadingNMDA asks ‘what happened to promised grant for plug-in motorcycles?’
The National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA) has written to Andrew Jones MP, parliamentary undersecretary of State for Transport, raising their concerns that the promised plug-in motorcycle grant scheme has still not been delivered.
Continue ReadingDiesel duty to rise to improve air quality?
The Government is considering reversing a cut in diesel duty in an effort to address air quality concerns. Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin told the London Evening Standard that the former Labour chancellor Gordon Brown had made a mistake when he cut diesel duty by 3p in his 2001 budget. McLoughlin said: “It is something the chancellor will need to look at in due course.”
Continue ReadingDriverless cars could herald big insurance bill
The announcement of legislative support in the Queen’s Speech clears the road for driverless cars and expert personal injury portal Claims.co.uk says the forthcoming Transport Bill could fuel a future legal bill if all the outstanding legal obstacles cannot be smoothed out before the cars are seen on Britain’s roads. The government’s legislative programme outlined […]
Continue Reading£21 million grants for green transport initiatives
Councils across the country have won nearly £21 million of funding from the government to promote green forms of transport, it was announced recently. The funding is being given out for 23 sustainable travel initiatives across England that boost local economies by supporting people’s ambitions – offering cheap, clean and healthy travel options to access […]
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