3,000 EV technician shortfall predicted by 2031
An analysis by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) highlights “a postcode lottery for EV skills” across the UK, the Institute says. The IMI’s latest EV TechSafe certification data shows that 58,800 technicians are now qualified to work on electric vehicles, representing 24 per cent of the UK automotive workforce. Based on the forecast increase in EVs on UK roads, the IMI is currently predicting a shortfall of 3,000 technicians by 2031. The gap is expected to reach 16,000 by 2035.
Continue ReadingJuly marks two straight years of growth for UK new car market
The UK new car market rose by 2.5 per cent in July, delivering two years of consecutive growth, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). With 147,517 new cars reaching the road, it was the best performance for July since 2020, when a re-opening of dealerships following four months of lockdown saw a surge in deliveries to fulfil demand pent-up demand.
Continue ReadingDelphi Academy celebrates UK’s ‘youngest’ EV IMI L3 graduate
A 19-year-old apprentice working at Oldfields Garage in Leominster is thought to be the youngest technician in the UK to have been awarded the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Level 3 qualification, having completed the course at Delphi Academy in Warwick.
Continue ReadingDavanti Tyres donates charity livery to Dan Zelos
Current Vertu MINI challenge points leader, Dan Zelos, debuted unique livery, showing his continued support for Parkinson’s UK, at the Croft Circuit recently. As part of his ongoing fundraising efforts, Zelos, with the help of the Mini Challenge series team, arranged some special activations, aligning with last weekend’s track races at Croft Circuit on 27th - 28th July.
Continue ReadingMajor rebrand signals new chapter for Prometeon Tyre Group
Commercial, agricultural and OTR sector specialist Prometeon Tyre Group has successfully implemented the first stage of its rebranding initiative with the UK launch of Prometeon branding upon its premium tyre range at the recent Road Transport Expo (RTX) at NAEC Stoneleigh, Warwickshire.
Continue ReadingGeorge Eustice keynote at TRA conference
George Eustice, who was Secretary of State for the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) 2020-2022, will address the Tyre Recovery Association (TRA) on Tuesday, 24 September 2024. Those attending the day will hear from the last administration’s the longest serving DEFRA minister. Eustice held numerous ministerial positions in the Environment department from 2013 until he stepped down as Secretary of State following the arrival of Liz Truss as Prime Minister in 2022.
Continue ReadingHiQ Tyres & Autocare expands into Tewkesbury
The HiQ Tyres & Autocare network has recently expanded with the opening of a new location in Tewkesbury. This first HiQ centre in the Gloucestershire town is managed by PJ Nicholls and welcomed its first customers in May. The new centre is located on Ashchurch Road, conveniently situated a few minutes from Junction 9 on the M5 and equipped to provide comprehensive services such as MOTs, tyre changes, and other car maintenance tasks.
Continue ReadingGovernment’s plans on battery health checks discussed at VRA member meeting
The new government’s plans on used electric vehicle (EV) battery health checks were discussed at July’s meeting of the Vehicle Remarketing Association (VRA), held at Cox Automotive in Bruntingthorpe.
Continue ReadingBridgestone supports visions of future mobility at Goodwood Festival of Speed
Bridgestone has supported two of the most forward-thinking teams in the automotive industry at Goodwood Festival of Speed. Durham University navigated its 5kWh three-wheeled asymmetrical catamaran up the 1.16m track, becoming the first fully solar powered car to ever complete the route. Meanwhile, the Indy Autonomous Challenge’s (IAC) self-driving AV-24 race car pushed the boundaries of autonomous technology, setting the record for the fastest autonomous hillclimb at Goodwood. Both projects were assisted by specially designed Bridgestone solutions.
Continue ReadingService manager wins Goodwood VIP tickets on Valeo Specialist Club app
A Surrey garage service manager won exclusive VIP tickets to Goodwood Festival of Speed after he entered a prize draw through the Valeo Specialist Club app. Gary Churcher, workshop controller at Woking-based Fields Car Centre was the lucky recipient of a pair of Startline Club tickets for the historic motoring occasion, which took place 10-13 July. The tickets provided access to the main event area and the starting line as well as the grandstand and more.
Continue ReadingRead and download Tyres & Accessories Magazine July 2024 now
Tyres & Accessories features construction and mining tyres as well as a comprehensive review of The Tire Cologne in the July 2024 issue, available as an e-paper for subscribers to Tyrepress. The issue also features the annual Tyres & Accessories ranking of the worlds largest tyre manufacturers. Non-subscribers can gain access to Tyrepress with a print or online subscription. Tyre professionals can take advantage of the current Tyrepress Membership offer, helping to drive business online and stay informed with the industry’s leading magazine and websites.
Continue ReadingTyre News in Numbers – July 2024
Tyres & Accessories’ monthly Tyres News in Numbers’ column boils down the latest tyre industry news to the most important statistics of the month. Below, we look at the big numbers from the July 2024 magazine.
Continue ReadingThe Tyre Collective partners with HIVED to reduce particle emissions
London-based cleantech start-up, The Tyre Collective, has announced a partnership with electric delivery company, HIVED, to advance research in capturing and reducing particle emissions from tyres. Starting in August, The Tyre Collective’s fourth-generation prototype device (TC04) will be installed on five of HIVED’s all-electric delivery vans in London.
Continue ReadingTarga Telematics consolidates UK subsidiaries under Targa Viasat UK
Connected mobility firm Targa Telematics has consolidated and rebranded its British subsidiaries under the new name, Targa Viasat UK. The new integration follows Targa Telematics’ acquisition of Viasat Connect Ltd in 2023. Viasat Connect has a 30 year history, founded as Enigma Vehicle Systems, with a long history in stolen vehicle recovery and the construction sector. The company said the integration “reinforces the group’s commitment to serving the needs of the UK market.” Targa Viasat UK will focus primarily on the British market, led by Simon Keam-George as country manager.
Continue ReadingFinancial Conduct Authority delays motor finance complaints investigation
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) will set out next steps into its review of discretionary commission arrangements (DCAs) in May 2025, rather than in September 2024 as initially set out. A pause on complaint handling in relation to DCAs will also be extended until 4 December 2025. The FCA said it would set out its proposed next steps sooner, if possible.
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