PRA warns new record fuel prices to be ‘eclipsed’
Brian Madderson, chairman of the Petrol Retailers Association, has warned that record pump prices are almost certain to be eclipsed before the end of October. The current record prices of 142ppl for petrol and 148ppl for diesel were set in April 2012. Experian Catalist UK averages for 19 October were 141.35ppl and 144.84ppl respectively.
Continue ReadingTyreSafe: UK motorists ‘waste £0.6-1 billion’ due to tyre underinflation
TyreSafe has calculated that UK motorists waste more than £600 million worth of fuel due to tyre underinflation. Using data from Michelin’s Fill Up With Air survey showing that 57 per cent of vehicles are driven on underinflated tyres, as well as information sourced from the Department for Transport and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, TyreSafe is tying the economic argument for ensuring tyres are correctly inflated alongside safety concerns for this year’s Tyre Safety Month. Referring both to the general awareness of tyres as a vital safety component and rhetorically to question why drivers would not check their tyres at least once a month, his year’s October campaign asks Britain’s motorists directly: “What’s Stopping You?”
Continue ReadingStapleton’s relaunching Continental’s Matador brand tyres in UK
Stapleton’s is relaunching Continental group brand Matador onto the market. The UK’s largest tyre wholesaler said it is bringing in a new Matador Customer Key Dealer Programme “designed with forward-thinking initiatives and has retailers at the centre of its strategy.” In the current trading environment, the brand has several advantages, one being the proximity of its production to the UK; all the brand’s car, van and 4x4 tyres are manufactured in Europe. Combined with Conti’s strong European supply chain infrastructure, Stapleton’s makes the point that Matador “has excellent availability with fast shipping into the UK from European factories.”
Continue ReadingMTS demonstrates evolving approach to complex UK tyre wholesale market
The complexity of the UK tyre wholesale sector has certainly ramped up considerably thanks to what may be termed an almost perfect storm of external factors relating both to the Covid pandemic and Brexit. With retail margins on consumer tyres already very fine, the wholesale sector has been key in keeping price increases under control, especially considering the spiralling cost of shipping. But as those in the sector know, the value wholesalers add within the distribution chain is a considerably wider subject than purely price. Arguably, the service dimension has never been more important than in the last 18 months, as retail businesses adapted to a market transformed by externalities. Tyres & Accessories asked Graham Mitchell, Micheldever Tyre Services wholesale director, about how the business is faring in 2021, starting with its performance this year.
Continue ReadingAll in the same boat – Maritime Cargo Services explains shipping situation
For tyre distributors in import-heavy markets such as the UK, the sharp and sustained rise in the cost of shipping product from key sources such as China and South-East Asia is a major headache with potential market-reshaping consequences. While there have been varying levels of success in managing this headwind according to some in the market with whom Tyres & Accessories has spoken, strategically placed orders and bumper levels of stockholding can only ameliorate prices on such products for so long. Wholesalers have faced a difficult trading environment this year, which to this point has shown little sign of abating.
Continue ReadingMichelin sustainability award entry ‘head and shoulders above rest’ – NTDA
Michelin’s successful entry for the Tyre Industry Environment and Sustainable Solution Award 2021 “stood head and shoulders above the rest in terms of corporate ambition, vision and practical commercial initiatives across the whole field of tyre recycling, materials reuse and wider environmental campaigns,” according to the judging panel, NTDA chief executive Stefan Hay commented. The tyre manufacturer’s entry for the award highlighted its aim to create greater value at all stages within the circular economy.
Continue ReadingFormula One aiming for 135 autocentres in 2022
Following the news that Formula One Autocentres can now count 124 garages in its growing network after the addition of its Spalding branch on 13 October 2021, company representatives have confirmed that they are aiming to grow the network to at least 135 autocentres by the end of 2022.
Continue ReadingTraining, partnerships and philanthropy: NTDA national chairman Martin O’Brien’s speech
Speaking on behalf of the executive officers of the NTDA, national chairman Martin O’Brien welcomed delegates to the 7th NTDA Tyre Industry Conference (sponsored as it was by GB Tyres (UK) Ltd in association with Linglong Tyres), before updating us all on the continued growth of the association and addressing the subjects of recycling (via a TRA update) and industry training.
Continue ReadingFormula One Autocentres opens its 124th garage
Formula One Autocentres can now count 124 garages in its growing network after opening the doors to its Spalding branch on 13 October 2021.
Continue ReadingBA Bush appoints Colin Creasey to agricultural trade team
BA Bush & Son has recruited tyre industry veteran Colin Creasey to its agricultural trade team. Creasey has specialised in the agricultural tyre sector, from farm implement tyres to lawn and turf tyres, throughout his career, which began at Fossitt & Thorne in 1978. After running his own company, Colin Creasey Tyres, supplying the car, truck and agricultural segments for 16 years, he became general manager at Europa Tyres – a role he performed for 21 years. At BA Bush, Creasey joins the growing BAB Distribution trade team at the new 70,000 square foot Boston Warehouse. The company says he will help bolster BAB’s agricultural tyre trade, as well as the original equipment (OE) department, helping with speciality OE2.
Continue ReadingValentine business development manager at Point S
In August Wayne Daniel, network operations manager UK, announced the appointment of Tony Valentine as business development manager within the Point S UK team. Valentine, who joined in July has worked in the tyre industry for 40 years latterly with Yokohama HPT.
Continue ReadingHow Wheelwright is coping with the new normal
While almost every automotive business has been affected by current world events, for wheel manufacturers, a ‘perfect storm’ of global trading conditions has created a challenging trading period. Tyres & Accessories recently heard from Dave McMillan, sales director for Wheelwright, one of Britain’s longest standing manufacturer and retail names, who gave us an insight into how the company is coping with a new raft of logistical and financial travails.
Continue ReadingNew TechMan website reflects Garage Management System development
Garage Management System, TechMan has launched a new website. The company says the new site represents its growing list of features developed to improve day-to-day tasks in a busy garage environment. The firm has invested in new head office premises and additional staff appointments in addition to the ongoing development of the Garage Management System. In the past 18 months, more garages have been using Techman’s software to enable increased digitalisation of their businesses, prompted by pandemic operating conditions.
Continue ReadingNo fleet MOT peak in September – epyx
While DVSA data suggests there will be another Autumn/Winter MOT demand peak this year following last years extension related mini-boom, the fleet sector was not part of it in September 2021. According to fleet system provider epyx, there was no substantial jump in the number of fleet MOT tests undertaken during September, despite warnings that deferrals made during the pandemic could lead to massive demand.
Continue ReadingAutogem ‘an indispensable aftermarket partner’ – Tyre Industry Awards 2021
Autogem has been praised as “an indispensable partner in the aftermarket to a great number of businesses” following its victory in the Tyre Industry Awards 2021 Aftermarket Equipment Supplier of the Year category. The UK provider of automotive chemicals, fasteners, hand tools, workshop consumables, and TPMS solutions was recognised for its adaptation during the pandemic as well as its investment in products and training support.
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