HiQ adds voice to MOT changes opposition
The opposition to the UK Government’s proposed changes to the MOT test has acquired another voice, as fast fit network HiQ makes the argument that doubling the length of time between legally required tests will eventually cost motorists more: “The pockets of motorists will be hit harder than ever,” HiQ stated. Secretary of State for Transport Philip Hammond hopes to introduce the initial MOT test for new cars after four years instead of three, as it currently stands today.
Continue ReadingWTO rules against parallel US duties on Chinese OTR tyres
The United Steelworkers has described a decision made by the Appeals body of the World Trade Organization as “a slap in the face to US workers and industries that are harmed by China's predatory trade practices.” The decision reverses the findings of a WTO panel report from last year on anti-dumping and countervailing duty proceedings for off-road tyres and a number of other products from China; specifically, the WTO states the US Department of Commerce acted erroneously by simultaneous levying both anti-dumping and countervailing duties on these products.
Continue ReadingUS and China Both Claim WTO Victory in Tariff Dispute
The United States claimed victory in a recent trade spat with China over anti-dumping charges placed on imports pipes, tubes, OTR tyres and sacks. US Trade Representative (USTR) Ron Kirk told the AFP news agency that the World Trade Organisation (WTO) had broadly upheld Washington's right to place duties on goods from China that were unfairly subsidised: "This is a significant win for American workers and businesses affected by unfairly traded imports.” Nevertheless a report produced by China’s Xinhua news agency suggests the People’s Republic would like to present the 22 October WTO ruling as falling in its favour. China welcomed the fact that the WTO found that the US imposition of anti-dumping and countervailing duties on four types of Chinese imports was inconsistent with WTO regulations, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said a day after the ruling was published.
Continue ReadingRMI Forms MOT Working Group
The Retail Motor Industry (RMI) has announced the formation of an MOT Working Group, to discuss MOT policy and the future of the test. The group, chaired by RMI’s MOT chairman John Ball, will meet for the first time in November, and will include representatives from a broad cross-section of the MOT testing industry. The announcement follows significant speculation that the government has been reconsidering changing the MOT interval to two years from one at present.
Continue ReadingIAAF Questions Need for MOT test Change
The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) has added its to the growing number of voices questioning the need to alter MOT frequency requirements. For its part the IAAF has written what it describes as a “strongly worded letter” to Transport Minister Michael Penning expressing surprise at the government’s decision to review the MOT test.The review is scheduled for later in the year. Transport Department whip Earl Atlee told the House of Lords in July “we intend to look at the issue of MOT frequencies later this year.”
Continue ReadingIndependent Hails Labelling as “Bright New Future for the Tyre”
The Independent newspaper has hailed the forthcoming 2012 labelling legislation saying “drivers will soon be able to make a much more informed choice when buying tyres – and the product should be better too.” Asking the question “how did you choose your last set of tyres?” the report, written by the Independent’s David Wilkins pragmatically suggests “the chances are that you simply asked for the cheapest option or told the garage to fit tyres of the same brand and type as those being replaced” and confesses “The truth is that most of us lack the knowledge to make informed choices about the subject.”
Continue ReadingFinding a Healthy Balance
Upcoming European tyre labelling and associated regulations are serving as a laxative for some tyre manufacturers, while others are relishing their implementation. Counted amongst this second category is Michelin, who sees similarities between the label and its own ‘innovation strategy’ – the tyre maker’s focus upon three areas it sees as inseparable: Reducing vehicle fuel consumption, ensuring outstanding safety performance and offering greater total mileage.
Continue ReadingThe Guardian Publishes Michelin-Sponsored Tyre Labelling Roundtable
The Guardian has published comments made by the eleven participants in a roundtable discussion about the new European tyre labelling system, which will be introduced in November 2012. Operating the Chatham House rule (attributing no comments to those who made them), the discussion was split into the categories of what information the labels will contain – the tyre’s fuel efficiency, wet grip characteristics and road noise – and what the current labels do not contain – specifically the make and model of the tyre graded and the lifecycle of the tyre; both features that similar labels in the USA do contain.
Continue ReadingTyre Dealers Feature in Guardian Labelling Article
On 6 May Tyre retailers, fleet operators and consumer organisations took part in a panel discussion on the subject of tyre labelling organised by The Guardian in association with Michelin. The event, which took place at the Aviator hotel in Farnborough, was hosted by and was chaired by the newspaper’s executive environment editor Joe Confino. According to the resulting report, which is scheduled for publication in the Society supplement of tomorrow’s newspaper, the discussion covered various aspects of the forthcoming EU legislation concerning tyre labelling, which Michelin says it “wholeheartedly supports”. Topics included the likely effects on the tyre retail industry, both in-store and on the internet, and fleet operations. Previous experience of this type of labelling was brought to the table by David Evans of consumer organisation Which? and this centred around the similar labels found on white goods and its effect on consumer behaviour.
Continue ReadingBrickhill: Tyre Labelling to Facilitate Tyre Value Conversation
his last public engagement before completing his transfer to Brussels. Goodyear Dunlop’s new vice president of the company’s EU Consumer Business Unit talked at length on a wide range of subjects including what he sees as “the cornerstone of our branding strategy”; his thoughts on the newly launched Dunlop High Performance Centre and the rest of the company’s retail involvement; Dunlop and HiQ’s roles in the BTCC and his experiences with the company over his time in the UK hotseat. Here, tyrepress.com presents Brickhills thoughts on his new role in the companys EMEA division and his views on tyre labelling. The whole interview will be printed in the May edition of Tyres & Accessories Magazine.
Continue ReadingIrish Motorists Falling Foul of E-Mark Requirement
As of April 1 the presence of an E-Mark on tyres became mandatory in Ireland in order for cars to pass the NCT (National Car Test), the Irish MOT equivalent. While the president of the Irish Tyre Industry Association, Dave Naughton, refers to this measure as a “big step forward for road safety”, the association estimates that 50,000 tyres currently fitted to vehicles do not conform to the European standard, and thus thousands of motorists’ cars may not pass their next NCT.
Continue ReadingNew Sales Operations Manager at Toyo Tire USA
Toyo Tire USA has announced the hiring of Anne Holland as the company’s sales operations manager. Holland will report to John Hagan, senior director of sales operations. “We would like to welcome Ms Holland to the Toyo Tires team,” said Yasushi Takagi, president & CEO, Toyo Tire USA. “She brings valuable experience to her department and will be a great asset to the company.”
Continue ReadingIncreased Fuel Duty, Road Spending and Business Support in Pre-Election Budget
Alistair Darling’s last pre-election Budget has delivered a duty on fuel to be phased in between April and January 2011. The road network – the subject of much criticism following the appearance of more potholes than usual after the harsh winter season – will be subject of a £385 million investment.
Continue ReadingHankook Tire Comments on Aromatic Oil Compliance
The European Union has legislated that, as of January 1, 2010, highly aromatic oils with a high polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) content may no longer be utilised in tyres. In a note from its vice president of sales & marketing, H.S. Ahn, Hankook Tire Europe declares “all E-marked tyres sold by Hankook Tire Europe and its EU-based affiliates designated to be used on the territory of the European Union fully comply to this new EU-legislation.
Continue ReadingETRMA Publishes REACH Exposure Scenario Information
At the end of December, ETRMA published details of a set of exposure scenarios covering the use of chemicals in the rubber industry in order to support European rubber chemicals manufacturers and importers that operate within the framework REACH legislation. The latest REACH legislation took effect on 1 January 2010.
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