![Peter Duckworth dies](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Peter-Duckworth.jpg)
Peter Duckworth dies
NTDA Honorary Life Member Peter Duckworth died on Friday 23 February 2024 whilst on holiday in Gran Canaria. Tyres & Accessories learnt of Peter Duckworth’s passing via NTDA chief executive Stefan Hay, who gave this tribute:
Continue Reading![Firemax planning Cambodia tyre factory](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Firemax-Cambodia.jpg)
Firemax planning Cambodia tyre factory
Shouguang-based tyre manufacturer Firemax plans to invest in a Cambodian factory in 2024, according to local media reports. The project has been registered with the project department. According to filing information, the total investment in the project is US$190 million, with a designed annual production capacity of 1.2 million all-steel radial tyres and 8 million semi-steel radial tyres.
Continue Reading![Jiangsu General aims for 10 billion yuan turnover](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Jiangsu-Target.jpg)
Jiangsu General aims for 10 billion yuan turnover
Gu Cui, chairman of Jiangsu General, revealed the tyre manufacturer’s four development priorities in 2024: the Thailand factory phase II project, the Cambodia factory phase II project, China’s domestic semi-steel radial tyre market, and the OTR market. Specifically, the company hopes to achieve sales and market value of 10 billion yuan.
Continue Reading![GRI appoints former Conti leader Barry Guildford global commercial director](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Barry-Guildford-sml.jpg)
GRI appoints former Conti leader Barry Guildford global commercial director
Speciality and agricultural tyre manufacturer GRI has appointed Barry Guildford as its new global commercial director (GCD). The appointment bolsters the company’s increasingly international leadership team as the Sri Lanka based company proceeds with its global growth strategy. Guildford arrives with a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success in strategic leadership and sales management roles within the tyre industry over the last 23 years. He has held a variety of leadership positions within Continental, most recently as head of region Northeast Europe & head of sales ContiTrade. He joined GRI officially on 1 March. GRI has made significant strides in integrating sustainable materials in its flagship tyres in the last year, and demonstrated its leading sustainability position and expanding manufacturing base in Sri Lanka to Tyres & Accessories – see Tyrepress next week for more details.
Continue Reading![Pirelli F1 tyres are FSC certified, demonstrating boosted sustainability](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Pirelli-p-zero-yellow-close-scaled.jpg)
Pirelli F1 tyres are FSC certified, demonstrating boosted sustainability
Pirelli’s 2024 Formula 1 tyre range has become the first to be certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), with all the P Zero and Cinturato tyres carrying the FSC logo on the sidewall. The marking certifies that all the natural rubber used in the tyre complies with stringent environmental and social criteria required by the global non-governmental organisation for sustainable forestry. The new certification was announced on 10 October when Pirelli renewed its agreement as the Global Tyre Partner of Formula 1 until at least 2027. Pirelli said the new FSC certified tyres were introduced after an intense development programme that began in 2022. It adds that the tyres are improved in terms of reliability and performance. On average the tyres in the Pirelli F1 range contain natural rubber equating to 15 per cent of the tyre’s weight.
Continue Reading![Bridgestone highlights four original equipment trends to watch in 2024 and beyond](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Bridgestone-OE-on-Lamborghini-Huracan-scaled.jpg)
Bridgestone highlights four original equipment trends to watch in 2024 and beyond
Bridgestone has revealed four tyre trends to look out for as the automotive industry evolves with the rise of electric vehicles. The tyre manufacturer is a major tyre supplier for many of the world’s leading vehicle manufacturers, holding a significant share of the OE market. It is designing and supplying more fitments for EVs than ever before. In the European OE market, Bridgestone’s team has shared four major trends it believes will have the biggest impact on an evolving automotive industry throughout 2024 and beyond.
Continue Reading![ETB, Britannia hit platinum customer service levels for second successive year](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/DSC_7817-scaled.jpg)
ETB, Britannia hit platinum customer service levels for second successive year
ETB Autocentres and Britannia Tyres have been awarded the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award for 2024, in honour of the retail experience created for their customers over the past 12 months. The tyre retail and autocentre chains qualified for the independent award after recording more than 50 ratings of between 4.5 and 4.9 between 1 January and 31 December 2023. The networks received the same award in 2022, upgrading their gold standard performance in 2021. ETB and Britannia said the awards validate a their work to create a memorable experience for motorists over the past 12 months.
Continue Reading![Many MOT testers still need to take Annual Assessment](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/MOT-testers.jpg)
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.
Continue Reading![Automotive apprenticeship starts in England rise for first time since pandemic](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Apprenticeships.jpg)
Automotive apprenticeship starts in England rise for first time since pandemic
According to new analysis from the automotive industry’s professional body, the IMI, the first quarter of the current academic year saw a significant milestone in automotive apprenticeships. With the highest number of new enrolments since before the Covid-19 pandemic, starts have seen a 9 per cent rise compared to the 2022-23 academic year. “This uplift indicates a renewed interest in both the automotive sector generally and apprenticeships as an entry route, both of which are critical to build the talent pipeline for the future”, explained Emma Carrigy, Research Manager at the IMI.
Continue Reading![60,000th electric van joins UK roads as LCV demand continues to grow](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/New-LCV-regs-summary-graphic-01-13-1024x512-1.png)
60,000th electric van joins UK roads as LCV demand continues to grow
UK demand for new light commercial vehicles (LCVs) grew by 8.4 per cent with 23,962 vehicles joining businesses and company fleets across Britain during January, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The increase marks 13 consecutive months of growth and the highest January total since 2021, reflecting the growing role of vans in Britain’s economy, from local trades and deliveries to national retailers.
Continue Reading![The Blend 2024 calls for conference speakers](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/The-Blend-calls-for-speakers.jpg)
The Blend 2024 calls for conference speakers
The Blend has extended an invitation for industry insiders to share their insights and expertise by speaking at this years hotly-anticipated independent garage annual conference and networking event. The 2024 event takes place at the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham on Saturday, 28 September. Building on the success of last years conference, The Blend is eager to inject fresh perspectives by introducing new speakers.
Continue Reading![Garage’s ‘best “employee” works 24/7’](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Uckfield.jpg)
Garage’s ‘best “employee” works 24/7’
An independent garage in Uckfield, East Sussex has seen a significant rise in new customers and its online bookings double since launching its new website. Uckfield Motor Services says its online strategy is also attracting the work it wants most; the ‘clean’ profitable jobs such as servicing, MOTs, brakes, and clutches. Director Edward Cockill appointed aftermarket website provider, Garage Services Online 12 months ago. He said: “At least 20 per cent of our customers book in their vehicle online via our website, and it’s growing all the time.”
Continue Reading![66% of surveyed drivers wouldn’t consider buying an EV – Refused Car Finance](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/AdobeStock_7975393911.jpeg)
66% of surveyed drivers wouldn’t consider buying an EV – Refused Car Finance
Around two-thirds of non-EV drivers say they will still not be switching to an electric car any time soon. A recent survey conducted by Refused Car Finance shows a number of customers said they would not consider buying an electric car as their next vehicle. Consumers who did not already own an EV were asked whether they would consider an electric car in the future and the vast majority of these surveyed individuals said they would not. Electric cars are heavily promoted to be better for the environment, cheaper to run and improve fuel efficiency but the survey suggests these incentives are not enough for UK drivers to make the switch. The main concerns for this group of drivers were the cost of buying an EV, the mileage capacity of EVs and the availability of charging points in the UK.
Continue Reading![New Clarke JS1224LIN Lithium-Ion Jump Starter](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Clarke-Jump-start.jpg)
New Clarke JS1224LIN Lithium-Ion Jump Starter
Want to make sure you’re covered in emergency situations? Don’t want to get stranded with a flat battery? Always want to make sure you can charge your phone to keep in contact? Then look no further than one of Machine Mart’s Clarke jump starters, including the new Clarke JS1224LIN 12V/24V Lithium-Ion Jump Start.
Continue Reading![Growth in the used car market and used electric reaches record levels](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/59_QWJzdHJhY3QgYmFja2dyb3VuZCB3aXRoIGVhcnRoLmpwZw-scaled-e1602237450291.jpg)
Growth in the used car market and used electric reaches record levels
“2023 proved to be a healthy year for the used car market, seeing four straight quarters of growth and growth of 5.1 per cent on 2022.”, said Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), commenting on the latest SMMT’s used car figures. The UK’s used car market has grown by 6.9 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2023, with 1,679,116 transactions. The year as a whole saw transactions up 5.1 per cent from 2022 to 7,242,692 transactions. Used battery electric vehicles (BEVs) saw an impressive 90.9 per cent growth for a 1.6 per cent market share in 2023 whilst plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) experienced 25.1 per cent growth and hybrids (HEVs) increased by 40.0 per cent.
Continue Reading