Motoring experts comment on April’s upcoming changes to the theory test
Following today’s announcement from the DVSA that changes to the driving theory test are coming into effect in April 2020 for new learner drivers in England Wales and Scotland, Peter Brabin, head of training at www.BillPlant.co.uk, commented:
Continue ReadingGoodyear not looking to buy back all HiQs
Following the news that Goodyear has bought one of its largest and longest-established HiQ franchisees, Easy Tyre and Autocare, Tyrepress got in touch with executives in order to find out more. For example, how much money changed hands? And, considering the latest purchase is the second acquisition of its kind, is Goodyear planning to go full-circle with retail ownership? The short answer is no. But a Goodyear/HiQ spokesperson did say “the acquisition of Easy Tyre and Autocentres further strengthens the competitive advantage of Goodyear and HiQ”, adding:
Continue ReadingGiti to support new evening track programme at MotoFest Coventry 2020
Giti Tire has extended its support of MotoFest Coventry with an evening circuit programme for the first time. The main GT Radial sprint circuit will host a full track programme on the Saturday night, including a dynamic display of wheel to wheel motorsport from teams involved in the VW Fun Cup UK series.
Continue ReadingAll 15 Quick Lane centres offer MOTs
All of Quick Lane’s 15 centres now offer MOT testing. The news follows the Bracknell site’s attainment of MOT testing certification from the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). Quick Lane, which has been operating as a franchise in the UK for a year, sees the burgeoning MOT market as a key source of business, with dedicated bays, equipment and testers in each Quick Lane location. Its strategy to provide motorists with convenience with confidence, together with a service that fits around driver’s needs is paying off, with plans to extend the network further throughout 2020.
Continue ReadingGoodyear buys Easy Tyre and Autocentres
Goodyear Tyres UK Limited has acquired Easy Tyre and Autocentres, which runs 17 HiQ branches as a franchisee. Easy Tyre and Autocentres’ branches span from Telford to Kettering, in a geographical area with a high value car parc and, according to Goodyear, represent the “second step” in the company’s ongoing retail strategy. All sites will become Goodyear’s equity operating under the HiQ brand going forward.
Continue ReadingUsed car market ends 2019 with increase in Q4
The used car market saw a growth of 2.4 per cent in the last quarter of 2019 with 1,804,343 transactions. Overall in 2019, the used car market finished almost on par with the previous year with a marginal decline of -0.1 per cent and a total of 7,935,105 sales. Used petrol declined by -0.3 per cent, diesel -0.6 per cent, while combined alternative fuel vehicles grew by 23.4 per cent. Transactions of Euro 6 diesel models were up 32.5 per cent.
Continue ReadingPotential “charging crisis” for remarketing companies, says VRA
A potential “charging crisis” could soon emerge among vehicle remarketing companies as electric vehicles start to make their way onto the used market in larger numbers, says the Vehicle Remarketing Association.
Continue ReadingCWA welcomes proposals for hand car wash licensing scheme
Tomorrow, Matthew Taylor, the interim director of the Office for Labour Market Enforcement (OLME) will call for tighter regulations on the UK’s hand car washes, by introducing a national licensing scheme in order to combat the prevalence of human trafficking, poor working conditions and environmental concerns, amongst other issues.
Continue ReadingConfirmed UK-EU trade barriers ‘worrying for UK auto industry’, says GlobalData
Government cabinet minister Michael Gove has confirmed that trade barriers will be imposed between the UK and the EU post-Brexit, warning businesses to prepare for “significant change.”
Continue ReadingJanuary sees ‘good’ growth in motorcycle registrations
“With motorcycle registrations improving by 2.8 per cent on the previous January, the start of the new year is heading in the right direction,” said Stephen Latham, Head of the National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA) which represents motorcycle retailers across the UK.
Continue ReadingAutoinform LIVE 2020 tickets on sale now
The Original Equipment Suppliers Aftermarket Association (OESAA) has announced that tickets are now on sale for the first of two Autoinform Live events for 2020, to be held once again at the fantastic GTG Academy in Wolverhampton on Saturday 25 April.
Continue ReadingKlarius’ community programme 2020 ‘building on good work’
In September 2018, the then new Klarius CEO Mark Brickhill established a Works Council, one of a number of initiatives to improve employee engagement and feedback within the company and externally with the local community. The Works Council members chose Dougie Mac (Douglas Macmillan Hospice) to be the Charity of the Year for 2019, and have again for 2020.
Continue ReadingBritain’s biggest new car discounts revealed ahead of March plate change
Britain’s biggest new car discounters have been revealed ahead of the introduction of the new ‘20’ registration plate on 1 March, with Citroën dealers offering the biggest cash discounts on average, but with the Fiat Tipo attracting the biggest individual percentage discount, with close to 30 per cent available off its RRP. Research by What Car? – which guarantees shoppers on its website at least these savings – found Citroën dealers are slashing prices by an average of 16.44 per cent, meaning buyers save an average of £4431 on a new Citroën.
Continue ReadingPRA urges Chancellor to cut road fuel tax by 2ppl
The PRA has written to Sajid Javid MP, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, a case for cutting road fuel duty by 2 pence per litre in the first Budget of the new Government.
Continue ReadingGuernsey, Jersey, Isle of Man dealers join Michelin Quality Centres
Michelin’s accredited dealer network continues to grow, with new Michelin Quality Centres (MQC) – the new name for members of the Michelin Auto Professional programme – appointed in the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.
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