![First Stop Tyres and Car Services tyre retail proposition launched](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/0.jpg)
First Stop Tyres and Car Services tyre retail proposition launched
At the start of March, Tyres & Accessories met with UK retail network manager, Bridgestone EMIA Mark Widdows in order to learn more about the newly relaunched First Stop tyre retail proposition. The first thing we at T&A noticed was that the tyre retail network previously known simply as First Stop is now badged as First Stop Tyres and Car Services. This subtle but important development shows that the network is moving with current trends that show that leading tyre retail chains are generating almost as much turnover from servicing and light repair work as they are from tyres themselves. It also suggests the level at which the newly-rejuvenated network it planning to pitch its offer. Put the tyres and services language together with the 220-branch goal and it is clear that First Stop is aiming for the top five of the tyre retail tree. And as far as target customers are concerned, this means drivers of roughly three-year-old cars – the post-dealership motorist. It will also have a keen car, van and 4x4 focus.
Continue Reading![Goodwood Festival of Speed 2020 postponed](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/goodwood.jpg)
Goodwood Festival of Speed 2020 postponed
Goodwood took the decision to postpone the Festival of Speed until later in 2020 on 26 March, following advice received from the UK government and Public Health England. It was scheduled for 9-12 July. The organiser said that it is currently exploring potential alternative dates for late summer or early autumn, with tickets remaining valid for the new date. Several key tyre companies will await developments with interest, as Goodwood events are often employed as a platform for UK UHP and competition tyre marketing.
Continue Reading![SD International: Zeta, Pace and Toledo brands still available](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/TL30002.jpg)
SD International: Zeta, Pace and Toledo brands still available
With the Tire Cologne Show in Germany already cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the UK and European tyre markets are facing an unprecedented trading period. However, according to SD International, digital communication is now proving to be a valuable lifeline to keep the industry moving until the market is able to resume normal trading procedures. With this in mind, SD-International is continuing to promote its three private brands Zeta, Pace and Toledo “in support of the tyre trade”.
Continue ReadingWorkshops have ‘vital role’ in COVID-19 lockdown – First Line
As workshops have a vital role to ensure the country keeps moving during this challenging period, they are one of the few businesses officially allowed to stay open amidst the COVID-19 outbreak. To show its support for the important part they play, First Line Ltd is offering advice as to how technicians can stay safe, as well as standing alongside them to continue to supply the parts they need to effectively continue to run their businesses.
Continue Reading![Aftermarket suppliers can remain open in Covid-19 lockdown](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Wendy-Williamson-IAAF-Chief-Executive.jpg)
Aftermarket suppliers can remain open in Covid-19 lockdown
The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation has gained clarification from government that businesses in the automotive aftermarket supplying garages, namely motor factors and suppliers, can remain open during the Covid-19 lockdown. Garages are exempt from the enforced closure of retailers, but motor factors can stay open in order to supply workshops who continue to support logistics providers, local councils, blue light services and key workers.
Continue Reading![The Tire Cologne on why it moved to 2021](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/TTC.jpg)
The Tire Cologne on why it moved to 2021
In light of the news that Koelnmesse took the decision to delay The Tire Cologne until 2021, Tyres & Accessories interviewed communications manager, Voelker de Cloedt in order to find out more about the thinking behind the move as well as the particular dates the company has chosen. The conversation began with a question about the nature of physical exhibitions in light of analysts reports suggesting we could be witnessing to transition of the sector to virtual shows.
Continue ReadingBeware cheap waste tyre collection offers – TRA urges retailers
The Tyre Recovery Association has urged tyre retailers, vehicle dismantlers, and others who need to dispose of waste tyres to beware unrealistically low rates. Reprocessing costs are soaring, as Tyrepress previously reported, and measures by Asian authorities, especially in India, are countering the trade imbalance that has artificially lowered the cost of exporting waste tyres to the continent. Tyre Recovery Association secretary general Peter Taylor explains that rates hit historic lows over the past year or two due to often questionable treatment processes in the region.
Continue ReadingNational Tyres: Vehicle safety vital, staff and customer safety paramount
National Tyres and Autocare have spoken up in support of vehicle maintenance as well as detailing how it will protect staff and customers during the coronavirus outbreak.
Continue ReadingNTDA: MOTs are central to vehicle safety
Following the news that cars, motorcycles and vans will begin being exempted from MOTs from 30 March 2020 (on a six-month rolling basis) for the next 12 months, the NTDA has affirmed the importance of the MOT. However, NTDA chief executive Stefan Hay also sought to bring some detail and nuance to the discussion.
Continue Reading![Tyre industry ‘braces’ for COVID-19 impact, calls for recovery support – ETRMA](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/import/thumbnail/article_medium/newspic__etrma_logo_912010271.jpg)
Tyre industry ‘braces’ for COVID-19 impact, calls for recovery support – ETRMA
The European Tyre Manufacturers’ Association has called the response to the COVID-19 pandemic “one of the biggest challenges our industry has ever faced.” It calls for “constructive dialogue between industry, EU institutions and governments” to support the workforce of around 370,000 people while an “unprecedented” level of temporary closures and shutdowns are in place, and to smooth the transition to restart activities in the sector. Secretary-general Fazilet Cinaralp also said that the tyre sector is “vital… for the European economy at large,” adding that all stakeholders would need to find ways of supporting the sector “to avoid a permanent loss of capacity, research capability and innovation.”
Continue Reading![MOT exemption starts on 30 March 2020](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/MOT_Approved_Test_station_symbol.png)
MOT exemption starts on 30 March 2020
Following talk of a possible MOT suspension, the government has clarified the position. Cars, motorcycles and vans will be granted a six-month MOT exemption from 30 March 2020 in order to allow people to carry on with essential travel. This means vehicles that would usually would require an MOT test won’t need one from 30 March. However, the government does say “vehicles must be kept in a roadworthy condition, and garages will remain open for essential repair work”, adding that “drivers can be prosecuted if driving unsafe vehicles.”
Continue Reading![Pothole damage costing motorists £1.25 billion](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Kwik-Pothole.png)
Pothole damage costing motorists £1.25 billion
UK motorists spent a total of £1.25 billion repairing pothole damage to their vehicles over the last year, reveals research published this week by Kwik Fit. This research from Walnut (formerly ICM) indicates that more than 10.8 million vehicles in the UK were damaged in the last 12 months due to poor road conditions. The costs to motorists for such damage over the last three years amounts to an astonishing £3.4 billion.
Continue ReadingGarage staff are key workers, says Protyre
Protyre confirms that all its centres are operational at this point in time, adding that the company is monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic daily and will respond accordingly to government advice.
Continue Reading![Are MOTs suspended during the Covid-19 lockdown?](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/MOT_Approved_Test_station_symbol.png)
Are MOTs suspended during the Covid-19 lockdown?
The Covid-19 lockdown prompts the question of whether getting an MOT test is permitted as a reason to leave the house. As Tyrepress has reported, garages are allowed to stay open under the terms of the lockdown, so does it follow that MOTs will continue to be required? The latest information is that MOTs for the vast majority “lorries, busses, and trailers” are currently suspended (see below or click here for more details), but this could be extended to private passenger vehicles as the situation develops. The Department for Transport states that it is keeping MOT testing for cars, motorcycles and light vans under review. [UPDATE (25/03/2020): the government has announced that cars, motorcycles and vans will receive an exemption from Monday 30 March 2020. Click here for further details.]
Continue ReadingNTDA: Tyre retailers, garages are “essential” during lockdown
Following the news that everyone in the UK should stay at home and therefore the country has entered a de facto lockdown, the government has published exceptions to that rule of key businesses include garages. In light of this and the closure of schools the week before, the National Tyre Distributors Association (NTDA) has reaffirmed the associations support of tyre centres.
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