![Two-thirds British workshops open – GiPA garage survey](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/GiPA-survey-0620.png)
Two-thirds British workshops open – GiPA garage survey
On the ninth consecutive week of lockdown in the UK, two thirds of British workshops were open, according to the GiPA garage survey. This average includes franchised dealers, independent motor traders and tyre dealers, as well as national chains. Watch the Tyrepress webinar, Kick-starting your tyre business for more information and advice on how different dealer groups have tackled lockdown and reopening.
Continue Reading![Motorcycle registrations improve in May, though still 50% down](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Pirelli-Honda-OE.jpg)
Motorcycle registrations improve in May, though still 50% down
Motorcycle showrooms had to stay closed in May although workshops could remain open to facilitate repair. As a result, it is remarkable that 5,394 new machines were put on the road in May, the National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA) says. This is about half the number of units registered a year ago when motorcycle dealerships were fully open, and customers were not asked to remain at home.
Continue Reading![Car scrappage scheme would quickly benefit UK economy – GlobalData](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/import/scrappage2_855570474.jpg)
Car scrappage scheme would quickly benefit UK economy – GlobalData
A car scrappage scheme to boost UK vehicle sales was reported to be unlikely this week, quelling hopes of a subsidised shift towards electric cars. However, according to Calum MacRae, automotive analyst at data and analytics company GlobalData, such a move would benefit the country’s economy. “Just a few days ago, it seemed that a £6,000 new car purchase incentive scheme was close to being signed-off, but it looks like the Treasury is now considering a wider-ranging fiscal stimulus package that will forego specific incentives for the automotive sector.
Continue Reading![Yokohama-sponsored Chelsea FC Women awarded league title](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Chelsea-Women-HR.jpg)
Yokohama-sponsored Chelsea FC Women awarded league title
Yokohama-sponsored Chelsea FC, have been named champions of the 2019/20 Barclays FA Women’s Super League. With a game in hand, the Blues were in second place and a point behind Manchester City when the season was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Following a meeting by the FA board, it was decided to finish the league prematurely and award the title on a points-per-game basis. In addition to securing victory for Chelsea, the decision also confirms the team’s qualification for next season’s Women’s Champions League.
Continue Reading![Conti CEO warns staff of job cuts](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Continental-pr-sml.jpg)
Conti CEO warns staff of job cuts
Continental AG is warning staff that the company has to save three-digit millions of euros, which will result in staff lay-offs, according to German business magazine WirtschaftsWoche.
Continue Reading![Global car tyre demand to contract 20-30 per cent in 2020 – GfK](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/GfK.png)
Global car tyre demand to contract 20-30 per cent in 2020 – GfK
On the morning of 10 June 2020, well-respected market analysts GfK hosted an webinar for north of 170 European tyre executives. Overall, the Global Car Tyre Market Overview presentation concluded that, while there are many variables and unknowns, retail tyre demand in 2020 market is likely to be down 20-30 per cent compared with 2019.
Continue Reading![PCL invests in new electronic testing and development facility](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/PCL-RD.jpg)
PCL invests in new electronic testing and development facility
Led by Senior Electronics Development Engineer, Michael Crookes, the introduction of the new electronic testing facility and role will “enable PCL to test and develop electronic products in-house at its state-of-the-art Sheffield HQ”, according to the company.
Continue Reading![Cooper Tire equips UK mountain search and rescue teams](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Mountain-Rescue.jpg)
Cooper Tire equips UK mountain search and rescue teams
Cooper Tire Europe has increased its involvement in UK mountain search and rescue operations. The tyre manufacturer is providing support to teams across England and Wales. As part of the initiative, several teams are now equipped with Cooper 4x4 tyres.
Continue Reading![Absolute Alignment sales ‘back to pre-lockdown level’](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/absolute-sales-recovery-scaled.jpg)
Absolute Alignment sales ‘back to pre-lockdown level’
Four wheel alignment equipment supplier, Absolute Alignment says its May sales have “matched pre-lockdown figures in March.” The company has adapted its work practices to protect customers and staff and adhere to government pandemic guidelines. Social distancing measures are followed during every installation and each training session for workshop personnel. The business has also turned to online demonstrations.
Continue ReadingBorg & Beck’s Citroën/Peugeot brake disc installation tips
As more and more vehicles are being fitted with technology to assist drivers, this is impacting the way technicians work. One of these components is the ABS sensor, which is often located next to the brake discs and now needs to be considered and checked when changing the discs. With this in mind, Borg & Beck have offered the following advice:
Continue Reading![Varta application database covers 99.6% of European car parc](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Varta-760x500-1.jpg)
Varta application database covers 99.6% of European car parc
The European car parc comprises more than 40,000 different models, which means – according to battery maker Varta - that not even workshop experts are able to identify the right battery for every single one of them. This is where the Varta Partner Portal comes in and provides assistance with finding the right fit. Varta has now updated its reference application database with an additional 7,176 vehicle models from 165 brands, representing 19.8 million additional vehicles on Europe’s roads. The database now covers 94 per cent of the models in the European market and no fewer than 99.6 per cent or 381 million of the registered vehicles. Customers and workshops can now search for 38,000 car models and their batteries on the industry leading Varta Partner Portal (www.varta-automotive.com/en-gb/business-portal).
Continue Reading![Zinc alloy car parts “more sustainable”](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Journal.png)
Zinc alloy car parts “more sustainable”
Switching from aluminium to zinc alloys could greatly improve longevity and sustainability of automotive parts, according to a new study conducted by Cranfield University’s Sustainable Manufacturing Systems Centre.
Continue Reading![Growth in upper UHP tyre sizes continues](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/IMG_20190412_094534.jpg)
Growth in upper UHP tyre sizes continues
The latest GfK data based on its tyre retail sell-out sources - what it refers to as its panelmarket - shows that UHP tyre sizes, especially above 17, continued to represent a growing market in 2019. The analyst compared UHP tyres, here defined as 17” and above, in the period from January 2018 to December 2018 with January 2019 to December 2019. The first column shows that 17” takes a share of the total tyre market of just over one-fifth (21 per cent). 17” has been a popular size for many years, benefitting from the transition of more compact cars onto higher rim sizes. However, growth in 17” dimensions has now plateaued, with this figure representing no change on the previous year’s data.
Continue Reading![Trico highlights wiper blade sales opportunities](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/231115_004.jpg)
Trico highlights wiper blade sales opportunities
Original equipment (OE) manufacturer, Trico, is highlighting valuable sales opportunities for the workshops, despite the huge drop in the number of vehicles being MOT tested.
Continue Reading![First Line’s Becktec braking range](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Dry-Braking-Group2-scaled.jpg)
First Line’s Becktec braking range
To undertake service or repair work on a vehicle’s braking system, technicians need to be sure they are fitting a brand they can trust, with the product quality that both they and their valued customers can depend on. First Line Ltd is a well-known aftermarket supplier and under its Borg & Beck brand offers a range of Becktec coated brake discs and double rubber shimmed brake pads that provides the ideal solution for the discerning professional.
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