GSF Car Parts opens new branch in Cornwall
GSF Car Parts has unveiled the second of 11 new branches set to open in 2025. The branch is located on the St Austell Bay Business Park. It will act as a Regional Distribution Centre (RDC) boosting availability to independent garages in Cornwall, supporting existing GSF branches in Camborne, Penryn and Newquay.
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Delphi Academy hosts IMI Skills Competition heats
Delphi Academy has successfully hosted IMI Skills Competition heats for both heavy vehicle and light vehicle technology at its next-generation training facility in Warwick. The week-long event held 19 - 23 May, showcased top emerging talent from across the UK, with Delphi Academy’s technical trainer, David Guilfoyle, serving as a judge in the light vehicle category.
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Dunlop Aircraft Tyres boosts efficiency with factory upgrades
Dunlop Aircraft Tyres Limited (DATL) is enhancing its manufacturing capabilities through significant factory upgrades at its location in Birmingham. DATL, which is a key player in the global aircraft tyre market, has invested £2,451,000 in capital expenditure, money which has been spent on factory upgrades including a new duplex cold feed extrusion line and a multi-phase roof cladding renovation, both designed to improve operational efficiency and sustainability, according to DATL’s most recent annual report. These upgrades come as the aviation industry recovers strongly, with Dunlop reporting a 5.4 per cent increase in turnover to £57,026,000 in 2024, driven by rising demand.
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Bimson switches to Michelin
Construction logistics fleet Bimson, which uniquely works with the UK’s three largest brick manufacturers, has reported “a huge improvement in tyre performance since committing to a fleetwide Michelin replacement policy”. Indeed, the figure quoted is up to triple performance of other tyres. Bimson typically runs up to the 44-tonne weight limit and must negotiate challenging off-road conditions delivering to building sites, for which it opted for Michelin X Multi tyres.
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Point S aiming to be UK’s largest independent automotive service network by 2035
After decades of experience in management roles across in Turkey, the Middle East as well as in the UK, the Nordic markets and across Europe, in January Point S announced that Ali Yilmaz had been appointed as UK managing director. Yilmaz joined Point S after almost eight years at Pirelli/Prometeon Tyre Group. Yilmaz most recently held the post of head of fleet development – Europe and MEA, following a successful term as the business’ UK managing director. Prior to that, Yilmaz also worked with Goodyear. And that’s where our interview began, with a conversation about how the new MD came to be at Point S and what the well-known and fast-growing retail group plans to do next.
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Kumho Tyre exhibiting at RTX for first time
This year, Kumho Tyre UK will be exhibiting for the first time at the Road Transport Expo (RTX) 2025 at Stoneleigh Park. Visitors to Stand R37 will be shown “how Kumho’s latest commercial vehicle (CV) tyres combine performance with long-term value, helping to reduce total cost of ownership through cutting-edge design and advanced tyre technology”, according to the company.
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Eden Tyres opens West Bridgford flagship branch
In mid-May, Eden Tyres & Servicing opened its “flagship” Castrol service garage in West Bridgford. Located on Wilford Industrial Estate, this spacious centre is described as a “modern garage offer[ing] a wide range of services including tyres, MOT, car servicing and repairs” and “a perfect alternative to expensive main dealerships…”.
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Apprenticeships policy shift underscores need for alternative strategies, says IMI
As part of its skills reforms, the government is placing a greater emphasis on training at lower levels, an area where it anticipates the “greatest impact.” To help finance this rebalance, it will withdraw funding for Level 7 (masters-level) apprenticeships from January 2026. The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) notes that while an emphasis on lower-level training aligns with the automotive sector’s traditional focus on younger apprentices, it also warns of unintended consequences.
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Bush Tyres opens new Attleborough branch
Bush Tyres has opened its latest branch in Attleborough, Norfolk, with the shutters on the new centre officially rolling up this morning (27 May 2025).
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EV charging will be cheaper from July 1st
Carmoola, the digital car finance lender, has calculated that EV drivers in the UK will see a reduction in costs from 1 July following Ofgem’s updated energy price cap.
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Stop neglecting tyres, Bridgestone urges
Bridgestone has reiterated its appeal for motorists to perform regular tyre safety checks following new research revealing that a significant proportion of UK drivers continue to overlook fundamental maintenance practices. The tyre manufacturer expressed particular concern for young motorists, who appear disproportionately unaware of basic tyre safety protocols.
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Shimizu timing chain focus for Imexpart at Automechanika Birmingham
Imexpart (Imex) will make its Automechanika Birmingham debut next month, and to celebrate the company is bringing key products from its range, with pride of place going to the brand-new Shimizu timing chain kits and Monroe shocks and mounting kits.
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Apollo appoints Vintage Tyres as UK Vredestein distributor
Apollo Tyres Ltd has signed a distribution agreement with Vintage Tyres for the supply of Vredestein classic car tyres in the UK. Vintage Tyres, which is reportedly the UK’s leading supplier of period-correct tyres for classic vehicles, will supply Vredestein products to trade customers – including tyre retailers, fitters and restoration firms – while also continuing direct sales to retail customers.
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GSF Car Parts begins 2025 expansion with new branch in West Midlands
Motor factor GSF Car Parts has unveiled the first of seven new branches set to open in 2025. The branch is located on the Stourbridge Industrial Estate in the West Midlands, boosting the services available to independent garages in the Black Country area, in addition to existing branches in Kidderminster and Cradley Heath.
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Hella Gutmann to exhibit at Fix Auto Conference
Hella Gutmann Solutions (HGS), the provider of advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) calibration and diagnostic equipment, will make its debut at the Fix Auto Conference on 7-8 May in Birmingham. Part of Forvia Hella, Hella Gutmann is already a preferred choice for many Fix Auto bodyshops. The event will see Hella Gutmann strengthen its relationship with Fix Auto and expand its reach across the network of more than 110 franchise-operated bodyshops in the UK.
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