![Pirelli ‘investigating’ failed tyres after dramatic Silverstone British Grand Prix](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/silverstonesunday20-scaled.jpg)
Pirelli ‘investigating’ failed tyres after dramatic Silverstone British Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton’s seventh win at Silverstone’s British Grand Prix came in dramatic circumstances after a last-lap tyre failure. The Mercedes driver was able to limp home with Max Verstappen’s Red Bull bearing down on him in a denouement filled with more tension than the rest of the race combined. Hamilton’s team-mate Valtteri Bottas had suffered a tyre failure with two laps to go, preventing a predictable and regulation 1-2 finish for the team, and leaving the Finn without a point despite his team’s domination of the weekend. Tyre supplier Pirelli is conducting a full examination on what led to the tyres’ failure – McLaren’s Carlos Sainz also experienced final lap tyre issues. Initial assessments point to the lengthy stints completed on the P Zero White (C1 compound) tyre, and debris on the track after two early crashes. Tyre strategy was largely dictated by the second crash on lap 12, as many drivers opted to change early to the harder tyre during the safety car period begun.
Continue ReadingWomen account for 50% of online car purchases for first time
More women have headed online to buy cars in recent months than ever before through internet car supermarket BuyaCar.co.uk, accounting for half of all sales for the first time ever. And deeper analysis shows that women remain significantly more decisive than men, measured by how likely they are to go ahead with an online car purchase.
Continue ReadingNFDA calls for government support on combustion ban
In its response to the consultation on ending the sale of new petrol, diesel and hybrid cars and vans, the National Franchised Dealers Association has highlighted dealers’ concerns and provided the Government with detailed recommendations to ensure that the transition to zero-emission vehicles can be sustained. The Government has proposed that the original 2040 date be brought forward to 2035 or perhaps earlier, yet no clear strategy has been defined.
Continue Reading![MOT demand set to double in the last quarter of 2020](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/auto-repair-3691962_1920.jpg)
MOT demand set to double in the last quarter of 2020
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is encouraging motorists to get their delayed MOT test done this summer ahead of a surge in demand in the Autumn. The projections, based on due dates and vehicle MOT expiry dates, show that demand for MOTs will be at around 3.4 million in September, 4.8 million in October and November and 4.2 million in December. This demand is predicted to be around double the normal volumes (approx. 2.5 million per month). However, August demand is predicted to be just over 2 million MOTs, which is fewer than usual.
Continue ReadingPRA outlines forecourts’ concerns with combustion engine ban
Ending the sale of new petrol, diesel, and hybrid cars and vans by 2035 or earlier would not only be unfeasible but seriously economically damaging, particularly at a time when the economy is struggling to recover from the Coronavirus lockdown. The original date of 2040 is already a very tough ask”, said Brian Madderson, chairman of the Petrol Retailers Association (PRA).
Continue Reading![The road to recovery – MOT spikes, diagnostics and all-season tyres in context](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/spanner-3013135_1920.jpg)
The road to recovery – MOT spikes, diagnostics and all-season tyres in context
With the UK and many other European countries having experienced three months of lockdown, most sources are predicting full-year 2020 car tyre sales declines of around 25 per cent. The most optimistic appear to be suggesting 10 per cent drop, but how likely is a 90 per cent recovery by the end of the year? The good news is that there are reasons to suggest the post-lockdown tyre market is on the road to recovery.
Continue Reading![Goodyear commands 75% share of West Midlands Police tyre fleet](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/West_Midlands_Police_cars_near_Birmingham_New_Street_Station_34089884271-scaled-e1596198231641.jpg)
Goodyear commands 75% share of West Midlands Police tyre fleet
During the last few months Tyres & Accessories has analysed the tyre choices of the UK’s largest Police fleets. Having begun with an introductory investigation into Police tyre supply as part of the June 2020 magazine, our July edition took a closer look at which tyres the Metropolitan Police fleet chooses. Throughout the series we have found a number of consistent trends. Firstly, despite the tyre supply business being contracted to Goodyear and Michelin (via ATS Euromaster), the Police fleets are actually surprisingly open to competing tyre brands. And secondly, tyre consumption habits vary significantly between Police forces.
Continue Reading![UK commercial vehicle output falls -24.8% in 2020 to date despite June growth](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/CVs-Manufacturing-graphic.png)
UK commercial vehicle output falls -24.8% in 2020 to date despite June growth
UK commercial vehicle production increased 23.9 per cent in June year-on-year, but this was not enough to mitigate first-half contraction in 2020. Figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that 4,144 vans, trucks and buses left production lines last month. The increase appears particularly strong because it follows a particularly weak June 2019, when output fell by more than half due to key model changeovers. Despite this production ramp-up, the first six months of 2020 saw total output decline by -24.8 per cent, on the same period in 2019, due to the pandemic lockdown of global markets.
Continue Reading![Auto analysts comment on ‘perfect storm’ for car sector](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Car-output_rolling-year-totals-Jun-2020.png)
Auto analysts comment on ‘perfect storm’ for car sector
Car industry analysts have outlined the compound challenge facing the UKs car sector following the publication of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders half-year figures. The stats show that the first half of 2020 yielded the lowest level of UK car manufacturing since the 1950s. Edwin Kemp, head of automotive strategy at KPMG, commented that the SMMT’s June 2020 new car manufacturing analysis is a harbinger for businesses’ likely descent into insolvency throughout the automotive supply chain. Peter Barnes, head of automotive at global legal business, DWF, added that the challenges facing the UK automotive industry add up to a perfect storm for the sector.
Continue Reading![UK car production down -42.8%, 11,000 jobs lost in coronavirus crisis](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Car-Reg-twitter-graphic-June-03-03.png)
UK car production down -42.8%, 11,000 jobs lost in coronavirus crisis
UK car manufacturing output declined -48.2 per cent in June, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders figures reveal. Only 56,594 units were produced in the month. The SMMT revealed that the 381,357 cars produced in the first half of 2020 represent the weakest six months of UK manufacturing since 1954. This is -42.8 per cent down on 2019’s first half, with more than 285,000 units fewer produced. 11,349 jobs have been lost across manufacturing and retail during the pandemic. The SMMT warns that the fear of Brexit tariffs could endanger more jobs without dedicated restart support. The society called for greater urgency in talks to secure an ambitious free trade agreement with the European Union. Its latest survey data shows nine in 10 firms are missing clarity of information to allow them to prepare for the end of the transition to the new ongoing relationship between the UK and EU.
Continue ReadingDiesel used cars help set record prices
Diesel used car prices rise by 31.3 per cent as demand for older vehicles in the used car market outstrips supply. Vehicle auction group Aston Barclay says it recorded its highest ever used car prices in Q2 as demand exceeded supply during and after lockdown. During Q2 older used cars were the most in demand with stock between 55-78 months rising by 20.6 per cent and stock between 79 and 126 months rising by 13.1 per cent. Diesel used cars rose by 31.3 per cent, which was an all-time high at Aston Barclay.
Continue Reading![LKQ Euro Car Parts launches cloud-based GMS](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/lkqecp-carsys-laptop.png)
LKQ Euro Car Parts launches cloud-based GMS
As part of its ongoing efforts to future-proof the independent aftermarket, LKQ Euro Car Parts has introduced a new, cloud-based version of its Garage Management Software (GMS), CarSys. Exclusively available to customers of LKQ Euro Car Parts, CarSys is a user-friendly software platform that allows garages to streamline the way they work – boosting productivity and efficiency in the workshop, while delivering a more professional customer experience. The system houses customer and vehicle databases, meaning technicians can easily look up MOT and service histories, as well as all the data needed for accurate quoting and invoicing.
Continue Reading![NFDA comments on FCA’s Motor Finance Discretionary Commissions ban](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/FCA.jpg)
NFDA comments on FCA’s Motor Finance Discretionary Commissions ban
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has confirmed it will introduce a ban on motor finance discretionary commission models. The announcement followed a consultation in October 2019. “In the light of consultation feedback and the additional operational pressures which the sector is facing at present the FCA has agreed to give firms limited additional time to implement the new rules, with the ban coming into force on 28 January 2021”, FCA said.
Continue Reading![Allan Vlah, Tim Yeo join Powerhouse Board as non-executive directors](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/PHE-Allan-Vlkah-non-executive-director-1-27.7.2020.jpg)
Allan Vlah, Tim Yeo join Powerhouse Board as non-executive directors
UK technology company Powerhouse Energy Group has appointed Allan Vlah as a non-executive director with immediate effect. With twenty years’ experience in the investment industry, Vlah (43) is a director in Aviva Investors’ infrastructure group where he started and continues to lead Aviva Investors’ Energy from Waste equity strategy. Powerhouse commercialises hydrogen production from waste plastics, including end of life tyres.
Continue ReadingOver two-thirds of over 55s bought car outright
Over two-thirds (69 per cent) of car owners over 55 bought their car outright without using finance, compared to half (50 per cent) of 34 – 54yrs and a third (33 per cent) of under 34s, according to a survey of over 2,000 UK drivers. On average, over half (56 per cent) of cars were bought outright via cash or debit card, 10 per cent were bought on hire purchase, 11 per cent using personal contract purchase (PCP), 5 per cent loan from a bank, 5 per cent on lease and 3 per cent were given as a gift. The Opinium survey, commissioned by InsuretheGap, an independent provider of GAP (Guaranteed Asset Protection) car insurance, finds that almost one in five (17 per cent) under 34s use a PCP to finance a car purchase, compared to just 9 per cent of over 55s.
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