![Brexit and COVID-19 leading UK businesses to turn to international markets](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/import/Shipping_and_Trade_rdax_4256x2848_web_556201578.jpg)
Brexit and COVID-19 leading UK businesses to turn to international markets
A survey among of over 900 decision-makers within UK businesses has found that: 57 per cent of UK private sector organisations are considering expansion into new global markets in the near future as a result of COVID-19. The research, commissioned by One World Express, also found that 45 per cent of businesses say the pandemic has made them realise they are overly reliant on one market. At the same time, 44 per cent are looking to expand into markets outside of the Single Market due to Brexit.
Continue Reading![Bandvulc supplying Specialist Fleet Services](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/IMG_2693-scaled.jpg)
Bandvulc supplying Specialist Fleet Services
Bandvulc, a Continental Tyres subsidiary is the preferred choice for leading contract hire and fleet management company, Specialist Fleet Services (SFS). Indeed, SFS, a leading contract hire and fleet management supplier to local authorities across the UK, is seeing its relationship with Teignbridge District Council move into an 18th year, something the companies credit in part to the tyre supply and management contract with Bandvulc.
Continue Reading![Rising demand for private parking as UK workers seek public transport alternative](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/photo-of-cars-parked-along-roadside-1266152-scaled.jpg)
Rising demand for private parking as UK workers seek public transport alternative
Demand for renting private parking spaces in or near city centres has increased dramatically in the past few weeks, according to ParkLet, the UK’s largest parking space letting agent. The company, which initially experienced an 82 per cent slump in demand at the beginning of the UK’s lockdown period, has since seen a 47 per cent rise above normal April volumes (and similar for May), as the country’s employees avoid using public transport and instead switch to driving to and from their workplace. With traditional city-centre parking often being overcrowded and overpriced, it appears many commuters are looking at alternative options such as renting private parking spaces.
Continue Reading![GlobalData forecasts 30% drop in UK new car market 2020](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/April-registrations-2004-to-2020.jpg)
GlobalData forecasts 30% drop in UK new car market 2020
Following the news that car dealerships in England can re-open from 1 June, David Leggett, automotive analyst at GlobalData urged caution that car demand will continue to be “well below normal.” The analyst currently forecasts that the UK new car market will be 30 per cent down, year on year.
Continue Reading![Bridgestone praises frontline fleet tyre workers](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Calvagh-ODonnell-Translink-tech-in-Belfast-Short-Strand-Depot-scaled.jpg)
Bridgestone praises frontline fleet tyre workers
While much of the tyre industry has helped keep Britain rolling during the coronavirus lockdown, commercial vehicle technicians have played a particularly key role since they have serviced the fleets that have kept the blue lights flashing, the food deliveries moving and much more. In order to gain an inside perspective, Tyres & Accessories spoke with Bridgestone North Region Commercial Business Unit Director Greg Ward who, prior to his promotion into this role in October 2019, served as the company’s commercial sales director, UK and Ireland, for 17 years.
Continue Reading![PM Johnson boost for Silverstone-hosted F1 grands prix](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/silverstonethursday15-995163-scaled.jpg)
PM Johnson boost for Silverstone-hosted F1 grands prix
Silverstone and Formula 1 are facing a race against time to ensure the UK circuit’s two conditionally agreed 2020 grands prix can go ahead in July or August. But the circuit was given a boost by prime minister Boris Johnson, who has reportedly told cabinet ministers to make plans for the events to take place.
Continue Reading![McLaren Group to cut 1200 jobs](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Large-11909-McLaren-Technology-Center-scaled.jpg)
McLaren Group to cut 1200 jobs
Supercar manufacturer and historic Formula 1 competitor McLaren is expected to cut 1200 jobs, according to UK news reports. The redundancies, which amount to more than a quarter of its 4,000-strong workforce, represent the UK company’s response to the damage inflicted by the coronavirus pandemic on the car sector. Staff reductions are expected to be spread across its road car, F1 and Applied Technologies divisions.
Continue Reading![Goodyear Blimp returning to Europe](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/two_airships_ground.jpg)
Goodyear Blimp returning to Europe
For the first time in nearly a decade, the Goodyear Blimp will take flight over Europe. The Goodyear Blimp operating in Europe will be a Goodyear-branded, Zeppelin NT airship, operated by Deutsche Zeppelin-Reederei GmbH of Friedrichshafen, Germany. This marks the latest chapter in a nearly 100-year relationship between Goodyear and Zeppelin.
Continue Reading![Kwik Fit warns of ‘1.1 million unroadworthy vehicles’](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Empty-MOT-bays-at-a-Kwik-Fit-centre-scaled.jpg)
Kwik Fit warns of ‘1.1 million unroadworthy vehicles’
MOT exemption means many cars will not be checked for up to six months and 49 per cent of drivers receiving an MOT extension will go to the end of the period without getting car tested, according to Kwik Fit’s analysis. However, the leading fast-fit chain also reports that the majority of drivers think the MOT extension should be ended now.
Continue ReadingBusiness welcomes government decision to reopen car dealerships
The government’s decision to include car showrooms in its first wave of of retail reopenings on 1 June has been welcomed by dealers. Sue Robinson, director of the National Franchised Dealers Association stated: “Following our lobbying efforts where we highlighted it was vital to include dealerships in the first wave of non-essential retail reopening, it is positive that the Prime Minister has confirmed the Government intends to reopen car showrooms from 1 June.
Continue Reading![Pirelli pitching its tyres as ‘the perfect fit for fleets’](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/PZERO_LOCATION_01-scaled.jpg)
Pirelli pitching its tyres as ‘the perfect fit for fleets’
Bearing in mind that Pirelli’s high-performance leading product portfolio is based on an OE-homologation heavy “perfect fit” strategy, it is no surprise to learn that the Italian-based manufacturer is pitching it tyres as “the perfect fit for fleets” as well.
Continue Reading![Schaeffler distributes 2,000 free workshop essentials packs](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/back-on-track-kit.png)
Schaeffler distributes 2,000 free workshop essentials packs
It looks like a light has appeared at the end of the tunnel, as some of the lockdown restrictions begin to be eased. The latest government advice is that those who are able to work, but not from home, should now return to work. They are also advising commuters that it is their civic duty NOT to use public transport, and cycle, walk or use the car instead. As the average UK commute is almost an hour, lots of people will start to use their cars again.
Continue Reading![Survey shows retailers optimistic about future EV product range](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/BMW20i320recharging-scaled.jpg)
Survey shows retailers optimistic about future EV product range
The latest edition of the NFDA EV Dealer Attitude Survey revealed key insights into retailers’ views about electric vehicles. The survey was launched in May 2018 to monitor retailers’ satisfaction levels with manufacturers’ approach to the EV sector.
Continue Reading![PRA welcomes landmark Supreme Court ATM decision](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/car-refill-transportation-gas-9796.jpg)
PRA welcomes landmark Supreme Court ATM decision
The Supreme Court unanimously decided in favour that ATMs at existing shops should not be subject to separate business rates assessment on 20 May. “We are delighted that the Supreme Court has ruled in favour of retailers, meaning that they will now be rightly owed around £500 million in business rates refunds,” said Brian Madderson, chairman of the Petrol Retailers Association (PRA).
Continue Reading![AMTE Power and Britishvolt move towards UK’s first Gigafactory battery manufacturing factory](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/1280px-Teslas_Gigafactory_on_2017-08-08_by_Planet_Labs.jpg)
AMTE Power and Britishvolt move towards UK’s first Gigafactory battery manufacturing factory
Roughly a year after reports suggested the UK could become home to a gigafactory, AMTE Power and Britishvolt announced plans to investigate collaborating to build the UK’s first full cycle battery cell GigaPlant, servicing the automotive and energy storage markets. Both parties have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) focussed on each other`s complementary ambitions to create and expand an onshore manufacturing supply chain. The successful outcome of the collaboration would enable scalable production of a diverse product portfolio of lithium ion batteries to support the country’s Road to Zero targets and unprecedented transition to electrification.
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