SMMT calls for new zero-emission measures
February’s car registration figures were released as the SMMT calls on the Chancellor to use next week’s Budget to announce bold new measures to make new-tech zero emission-capable cars, including plug-in hybrids, more affordable for mass-market buyers. In 2020, manufacturers will bring more than 23 new battery-electric and ten plug-in hybrid electric cars to the UK to add to the more than 65 already on sale, but take-up of these new models depends on affordability and the provision of adequate charging infrastructure.
Continue ReadingCar registrations down 2.9% in February
February is traditionally one of the quietest months of the year for new car registrations in the UK, coming as it does ahead of the March number plate change. It was even quieter this year – data published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that last month’s sales were 2.9 per cent below those recorded in February 2019, with just 79,594 new cars registered in the UK during the month.
Continue ReadingEmissions Analytics on tyre particle pollution: Change has to come
One effect of regulatory-driven decreases in vehicle emissions is that other kinds of pollution become comparatively higher. The contribution of tyres to overall transportation pollution has been scrutinised on a number of occasions, and opinions on the matter vary. Emissions Analytics now brings the issue of tyre pollution back to the table, flagging up that they’re much more polluting than car exhausts.
Continue ReadingMichelin renews Transaid membership, pledges £25k
Michelin has renewed its corporate membership of Transaid, the official charity of the transport and logistics industry. The tyre manufacturer, which was a founder member of the charity in 1998, also pledged to fundraise a further £25,000 in cycle challenge sponsorship during 2020.
Continue ReadingFirst Stop aiming for 220 branches in four years
When Mark Widdows left HiQ to head up the First Stop project as UK retail network manager, Bridgestone EMIA in October 2019, it was a fair guess that the revamped First Stop would end up competing with HiQ for the role of leading UK tyre retail franchise operation. However, six months into the role, Tyres & Accessories met up with Widdows and learnt that the new First Stop retail proposition has both ambitious plans and a comprehensive franchise offer.
Continue ReadingChina now in 3rd place as source for EU truck tyre imports
In previous features on commercial vehicle tyres, Tyres & Accessories has noted the varied effects European Union tariffs on product manufactured in China have had on the market. Questioning whether the tariffs have “worked” is a complex question, because their effect on new tye segmentation and retreads have been varied across Europe’s major markets. Truck tyre markets in France and Germany reacted in very different ways to the UK, at least partially because the latter market was contracting anyway.
Continue ReadingNFDA on CTSI consumer law guide for used car industry
The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) has published a free guide on consumer law for the UK used car industry, titled Car Traders and Consumer Law.
Continue ReadingMalcolm Group driver trainer completes Transaid secondment
The Malcolm Group’s driver training & compliance manager, John Heirs, has returned to the UK after completing his third voluntary placement supporting Transaid’s Professional Driver Training Project with the National Institute of Transport (NIT) in Dar es Salaam.
Continue ReadingPRA appeals to government for ATM fee reform
The PRA has sent the chancellor, Rishi Sunak, and the Right Honourable the Lord Tyrie, chairman of the CMA, the case for government intervention in the reform of unfair changes to ATM usage fees. Many other organisations have also raised their concerns, including the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), the Association of Convenience Stores, and consumer group Which?
Continue ReadingMobility services to create new range of remarketing service demands – VRA
The growing emergence of mobility services over the coming years will create demand for a whole new range of mobility services, says the Vehicle Remarketing Association.
Continue ReadingThree in ten drivers wouldn’t know what kind of fuel-powered car to buy
A new survey of 2,000 UK drivers reveals that almost a third (30 per cent) say that if they were buying a new car or a new second-hand car they would not know whether to buy a petrol, electric or diesel one. Younger drivers, 18 – 34s, are even more undecided with 41 per cent saying they are unsure what type of fuel-powered car to go for.
Continue ReadingDenso to join OESAA partners in Wolverhampton for Autoinform Live
Denso will be joining fellow Original Equipment Suppliers Aftermarket Association (OESAA) members at Autoinform Live, held at the GTG Training Academy in Wolverhampton, where hands-on air conditioning and thermal management training will be the key focus for the company.
Continue ReadingEBT boosts its sales team
Having recently been appointed as a key strategic partner for Exide in the UK & Ireland, ECOBAT Battery Technologies (EBT) has recruited Brian Sanders and Scott Barker from Exide Technologies to spearhead the company’s nationwide push with the prominent original equipment (OE) brand with Carbon Boost 2.0 technology.
Continue ReadingEverton Football Club renews Davanti commercial partnership
Everton FC and Davanti Tyres will continue their official brand partnership for a further three years, following the extension of their commercial partnership. The new deal was unveiled at Davanti’s first ever International Dealer Conference at Everton’s Goodison Park stadium in Liverpool on Friday, 28 February. Davanti discussed the impact of its Official Tyre Partner status with the club on global growth since the arrangement formally began in 2017, in addition to presenting further details of its 2020 plans.
Continue ReadingHidden costs of EV charging
Charging an electric vehicle using a public charging point can cost almost 10 times more than charging up at home. This is according to Britain’s new-car buying platform, What Car?
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