Grabber GT Plus joins General Tire’s SUV range
While Continental’s General Tire brand may be best known for its off-road and all-terrain products, General Tire offers a wide range of road tyres. The Grabber GT Plus is the latest tyre to join the General Tire line-up. Replacing the Grabber GT, the Grabber GT Plus offers “a marked improvement in performance in all areas including economy and safety”, according to its manufacturer. Specifically, this means a 12 per cent reduction in rolling resistance and a five per cent improvement in mileage along with “enhanced wet-weather performance”.
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February: YoY CV production markedly higher but still below 2019
UK commercial vehicle production grew 92.2 per cent in the second month of 2022, with 8,278 vans, trucks, taxis, buses and coaches rolling out of British factories. However, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) notes that this result compares with the worst February on record last year, when supply chain shortages, new customs processes and prolonged lockdown measures posed significant challenges to production. Production in February 2022 was still 10.3 per cent lower than the 9,233 units built in pre-pandemic 2019.
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All-female front desk takes Northampton garage into First Stop network
The manager of one of the latest independent garages to join the First Stop retail network is committed to creating the most welcoming customer environment in the industry, supported by an all-female front desk. Kim Dorr decided to embark on a career in the industry to dispel common stereotypes associated with garage forecourts after feeling intimidated and undermined when taking her car to the garage. She aimed to create a warm, welcoming environment at Northampton-based In Town Automotive, featuring a children’s play area, a screen showing live video updates of technicians’ work, and bunches of fresh flowers from the local florist. Now Dorr is heralding a new chapter for the centre as it gains national sales, marketing and purchasing support from the First Stop network.
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Car production falls for 8th consecutive month
UK car production fell 41.3 per cent in February, with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reporting the manufacture of 61,657 units during the month, 43,351 fewer cars than were made than in February 2021. This reduced output was primarily due to the persistent global shortage of semiconductors causing some factories to pause production, as well as the loss of output following the closure of a major plant in Swindon last summer.
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Bush Tyres expands Boston depot with new bays, MOT testing
Bush Tyres has expanded its Boston, Lincolnshire branch with four new service bays. The branch offers MOT testing for cars as well as Class 7 MOTs for vans and motorhome. The improvements to the branch include the installation of wider bays for improved access for larger vehicles. Bush has also installed an Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Camera and Radar Calibration Service. The mechanical expansion means Bush Tyres Boston can offer products and services to the car, 4x4, SUV, and agricultural tyre segments, in addition to exhausts, batteries, brakes, wheel alignments, wheel balancing and suspension work.
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Yokohama OHT expands Alliance Agri Star II range, presents latest yield research
Yokohama Off-Highway Tires (YOHT) aims to be a top-three player in the global off-highway’ tyre segment and the company hopes that the recent expansion of the Alliance Agri Star II range as well as the performance of its other products will help it reach that goal. Highlighting the 4,000 plus SKUs it already offers, YOHT used the occasion of a virtual briefing to launch the Alliance Agri Star II range in 70, 85, 90 and 95-series fitments. In short, the company launched an additional 12 sizes and shared on-the-ground experiences of farmers as well as the results of recent research.
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DTM appoints Leigh Goodland as managing director
Tyre management specialist Direct Tyre Management (DTM) has appointed Leigh Goodland as managing director. Goodland brings with him 25 years’ experience in commercial transport, logistics and vehicle fleet management.
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Hayley Pells, Avia Autos, joins IAAF Council
The IAAF has formed its new look council including distributors, suppliers, buying groups, service providers and garages, who come together regularly to debate industry issues and IAAF policy, ensuring the independent aftermarket can continue to thrive and develop. Appointed at its recent Annual General Meeting (AGM), the meeting provided a welcome opportunity for members to network face to face, with some members attending virtually.
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Exhibitors give a glimpse of what’s on offer at inaugural UK Garage and Bodyshop Event
The UK Garage and Bodyshop Event, presented by Automechanika Birmingham, provides the first opportunity for the industry to meet face to face on this scale since 2019, and get hands-on, learn, network and prepare for the fast-evolving landscape of the automotive industry. With just under three months to go until the inaugural event, exhibitors are giving a glimpse of what visitors can expect to see at the show, taking place from 8-9 June at Birmingham’s NEC.
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PCL appoints new key account manager
Andy Traynor has joined PCL as the company’s new key accounts manager. After an initial period familiarising himself with the Sheffield-based company’s systems, processes and products, Traynor is now meeting customers across the UK.
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Trelleborg Wheel Systems raises tyre prices 15%
Trelleborg Wheel Systems will increase the price of all its brands across all segments globally by up to 15 per cent. The sharp price hike takes effect from April 2022.
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BM Catalysts opens new UK site to meet continuing demand
UK manufacturer of catalytic converters, DPFs and front pipes, BM Catalysts, has kickstarted the year with the opening of an additional UK production plant, as part of the company’s ongoing investment to meet customer demand. The purposely developed facility, based in Stoke, will enable BM Catalysts to increase its manufacturing capacity, highlighting the company’s ethos for continual investment in its supply of products to UK and European markets.
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Servicesure launches IMI-accredited EV scheme for members
Servicesure has launched an innovative scheme to help its network of 548 member garages become trusted traders for the growing EV and hybrid aftermarket.
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Construction begins on new UK HQ for GS Yuasa
GS Yuasa Battery Sales UK Ltd (GYSUK) have announced that construction has begun on a new HQ and distribution centre. The 178,500 sq ft purpose-built facility is situated in Dorcan, Swindon.
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Electric vehicles produce less non-exhaust particulate than ICEs
Motoring organisation RAC has moved to “set record straight” following controversial remarks from Environment Secretary George Eustice that electric vehicles (EV) may not be as green as people think. In order to do that the RAC, which wants to speed up EV take-up, commissioned battery electrochemist Dr Euan McTurk to address the suggestion that EVs produce more particulate from brake and tyre wear than their petrol and diesel counterparts.
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