![Massive drop in trailer production projected in 2020](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/three-white-enclosed-trailers-1267325-scaled.jpg)
Massive drop in trailer production projected in 2020
In April 2020 many European countries reached the peak of new infections resulting from the coronavirus, something that is likely to lead to a massive fall in trailer production in the second and third quarters of 2020, according to analysts Clear. During April many trailer manufacturers closed their business in April in order to comply with government recommendations on social distancing but also because there was little or no business to be done. Now manufacturers are having to consider how they can resume production to at least meet the low level of demand that will exist in Q2 2020.
Continue Reading![Analysts comment on April car sales figures](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/April-registrations-2004-to-2020.jpg)
Analysts comment on April car sales figures
Analysts have commented on the “unsurprising” news that UK new car sales have plummeted to depths not seen for 70 years in April. Automotive industry observers at Deloitte and KPMG looked to the future, suggesting cautiously that the reopening of showrooms could provide opportunities for consumers, while suggesting that sales digitisation could be important for dealers.
Continue Reading![UK new van market shrinks -86.2 per cent in April](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/rolling-van-regs-april20.png)
UK new van market shrinks -86.2 per cent in April
3,387 new light commercial vehicles were registered in the UK in April, 21,217 fewer than in the same month last year. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) figures show that the market declined -86.2 per cent in the month as nearly all registrations stopped due to coronavirus lockdowns.
Continue Reading![Paul Heard appointed CEO of SMMT Industry Forum](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Paul-Heard-the-new-Chief-Executive-of-SMMT-Industry-Forum-scaled-e1588691916585.jpg)
Paul Heard appointed CEO of SMMT Industry Forum
Paul Heard has been appointed the new Chief Executive of SMMT Industry Forum. Heard was formerly President of Automotive Tier 1 supplier Futaba UK and has worked for more than 20 years in management and consultancy roles at companies including EV Cargo, QT Consulting, Futaba subsidiaries and Tenneco Automotive. He has a track record of leading multi-million pound businesses within complex supply chain ecosystems and a wealth of experience delivering successful business transformation programmes across multiple sectors.
Continue Reading![Commuters may help car market recovery](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/china-motorway-sml.jpg)
Commuters may help car market recovery
Although UK monthly new car registrations in April were lower than since the days of postwar petrol rationing, there is at least some optimism that the automotive industry will benefit from one aspect of the COVID-19 crisis. With social distancing and fear of contagion part of the ‘new normal’, mistrustful commuters may shun public transport in favour of private cars.
Continue Reading![Kwik Fit: Battery problems reaching winter levels during lockdown](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/battery-sml.jpg)
Kwik Fit: Battery problems reaching winter levels during lockdown
The great reduction in vehicle movements resulting from lockdown has had an unintended and unwelcome consequence for some motorists. Kwik Fit reports that with the vast majority of people making only infrequent, or very short journeys, the number of drivers visiting its outlets over the four weeks to 1 May needing a new battery has been double the usual rate for the time of year.
Continue Reading![UK new car registrations hit record low in April](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/motorway.jpg)
UK new car registrations hit record low in April
Figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that UK new car registrations plummeted 97.3 per cent year-on-year in April. This marks a record low for the new car market as the coronavirus pandemic forced the nation into lockdown for the entire month, with showrooms closed and car buyers housebound.
Continue Reading![Goodyear Farm Tires organises virtual tractor parade](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/1958-Massey-Ferguson-35-23c-Goodyears-all-round-Kevin-Osborne.jpg)
Goodyear Farm Tires organises virtual tractor parade
Although a number of UK-based agricultural shows have been postponed during the COVID-19 outbreak, Goodyear Farm Tires has found an innovative solution to keep the wheels turning on one traditional show highlight for the farming community. The brand, which returned to the UK and European markets in 2019, has staged its own virtual vintage tractor show during lockdown.
Continue Reading![New tyre labelling rules move a step closer](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/20200428PHT78031_original.jpg)
New tyre labelling rules move a step closer
On 29 April, the European Parliament announced that new tyre labelling rules have moved a step closer to implementation. The European Parliament and the Council of EU reached an informal agreement on the labelling scheme in November 2019. The Council formally endorsed the rules in February 2020 and Parliaments industry, research and energy committee voted in favour of them on 28 April 2020. The Parliament as a whole must now approve the deal in order for the new labels to be rolled out.
Continue Reading![Will there be a British grand prix in 2020?](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/silverstonethursday5-278979-scaled.jpg)
Will there be a British grand prix in 2020?
The decision on whether Silverstone will host Formula 1 at all in 2020 is “still weeks away” according to the circuit’s managing director Stuart Pringle. However, Pringle has been able to confirm the news that should the circuit host one of exclusive tyre supplier Pirelli’s “home events” at all, it will be “behind closed doors”. Formula 1 is hoping to fulfil much of its planned 2020 calendar with an ambitious revised itinerary after racing was dramatically suspended at the eleventh hour in Melbourne, Australia. Plans current at the time of printing would see racing begin in Austria on 3-5 July, which could provide a blueprint for future events, with visits to European, Asian, American, and finally Middle Eastern venues making up a season of between 15 and 18 grands prix, according to F1 CEO Chase Carey.
Continue Reading![Milestone to one side as Saracens Tyres sticks to customer-first approach](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Saracens-Tyres.jpg)
Milestone to one side as Saracens Tyres sticks to customer-first approach
Saracens Tyres has put any plans to celebrate its 50th anniversary on hold to focus its efforts on helping its customers stay fully operational throughout the coronavirus pandemic. The Michelin Quality Centre-approved dealer is keeping its doors open during the UK’s lockdown period to support key workers in the transport and agricultural industries who are working around the clock to help keep essential supplies, including food, moving.
Continue ReadingHSE delivers advice for distributors maintaining social distancing for drivers
Loading and unloading goods vehicles can put drivers and other workers at risk. It is important to consider all risks to the health, safety, and welfare of drivers delivering to and collecting from sites, and take reasonable and practical steps to safeguard drivers and mitigate risk to their health and safety.
Continue ReadingReactivating the supply chain after COVID-19 – Ricardo offers free webinar
With the significant disruption of business around the world as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ricardo experts will provide a free webinar to explore approaches to regaining or improving upon business as usual performance following lockdown.
Continue Reading![After 3 full weeks of lockdown, the aftermarket is still suffering](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/GiPA-survey-wk3.png)
After 3 full weeks of lockdown, the aftermarket is still suffering
GiPA UK has been tracking the activity of 420 British workshops for the last 3 weeks, since the Government announced strict measures to tackle the COVID-19 outbreak in the UK and published its 2nd analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on the aftermarket. On week 16, the proportion of workshops that were closed had slightly increased (46 per cent being open). Some previously open workshops decided to close but also some sites that were closed decided to open.
Continue Reading![MPA Creative orchestrates 3-year extension to BTCC-Autocar partnership](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/BTCC.jpg)
MPA Creative orchestrates 3-year extension to BTCC-Autocar partnership
PR and marketing agency MPA Creative has confirmed a three-year media partnership extension between the British Touring Car Championship and major automotive magazine Autocar. MPA Creative orchestrated the initial deal between the two parties back in 2014, and since then the relationship has enjoyed much success, with all parties committed to extending the joint venture into at least a ninth consecutive year.
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