£94m lost following discontinuation of car tax discs
The abolition of tax discs has led to soaring numbers of unlicensed vehicles and an unpaid tax bill of £94 million, as reported in the DfT’s 2019 survey on Vehicle Excise Duty evasion.
Continue Reading![Key appointment to lead Ricardo focus on innovation](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/mike-bell-17_730.jpg)
Key appointment to lead Ricardo focus on innovation
Mike Bell has joined Ricardo plc as chief innovation officer (CINO) to spearhead the company’s forward plans on future product, technology and service innovation
Continue Reading![Warwick University: Want safer car battery transportation? Freeze them](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/batts_7_.png)
Warwick University: Want safer car battery transportation? Freeze them
Currently transporting damaged and defective car batteries is an expensive process as they need to be placed in an explosion proof box which costs thousands of pounds, however researchers from WMG at the University of Warwick in collaboration with Jaguar Land Rover engineers have been able to freeze batteries with Liquid Nitrogen.
Continue Reading![UK new car market falls -1.3% in November](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/November-2.png)
UK new car market falls -1.3% in November
The UK new car market fell -1.3% in November, with 156,621 models registered, according to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). In November, the decline was driven primarily by weak private demand, registrations down -6.1%, while the business market also fell, down -3.2%, but fleet registrations fared better, up 2.8%. For the second consecutive month, total alternatively fuelled vehicle (AFV) registrations reached a record market share, with more than one in 10 cars joining UK roads either hybrid, plug-in hybrid or pure electric – equivalent to 16,052 cars.
Continue Reading![Terratoura leading new generation of Davanti tyres](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Terratoura.jpg)
Terratoura leading new generation of Davanti tyres
Davanti reports that its strong recent growth “showed no signs of slowing in 2019” as the company launched its Terratoura all-terrain tyre. But, according to the company, Terratoura is just the first of a wave of next-generation projects the brand is working on.
Continue Reading![PCL helps distributors restock](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Distributor-portal.jpg)
PCL helps distributors restock
Busy distributors with frequent orders of tyre inflation and compressed air products have given PCL’s new online portal the seal of approval. The easy to navigate system at www.pcl-online.com allows distributors to log in to their account and place bulk and one-off orders for next day delivery, removing the need for lengthy, time-consuming emails listing each item by part number.
Continue Reading![Vredestein exhibiting at LAMMA 2020](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Vredestein-lamma.jpg)
Vredestein exhibiting at LAMMA 2020
Vredestein has chosen the largest British farm machinery, equipment and service show, LAMMA 2020 (NEC Birmingham, 7/8 January) to introduce the newest addition to its agricultural range, the Traxion 65 tyre, to the UK market. Vredestein will also show the Traxion XXL tested by independent German test institute DGL (and the test results) together with LAMMA 2019 Innovation Awards ‘Driven Innovation’ winner, the Traxion Optimall.
Continue Reading![Goodyear and Halfords moves represent the virtualization of the tyre distribution chain](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/e-commerce-hand-1593857-e1442836685663.jpg)
Goodyear and Halfords moves represent the virtualization of the tyre distribution chain
The ongoing effects of import tariffs, Brexit uncertainty and structural changes in the distribution chain have all affected the tyre business this year. As well as featuring the latest motorsport news and covering market developments in our regular features, this month’s Tyres & Accessories focuses on a number of key examples of changes in the marketplace in our Review of the Year feature. But one trend stands out above the others – virtualization. In short, increasing moves towards electric and autonomous vehicles (complete with their inherent sensorisation tendencies), coupled with changes in vehicle (and tyre) ownership models such as MaaS (Mobility as a Service) are driving changes in the tyre market that are resulting in the virtualizing of parts of the distribution chain.
Continue Reading![2020 dates announced for IMI/Schaeffler Repxpert Academy LIVE](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/2IELdbpQ.jpeg.jpg)
2020 dates announced for IMI/Schaeffler Repxpert Academy LIVE
Schaeffler has hailed the first-ever Repxpert Academy LIVE event as a “fantastic triumph” after welcoming more than 70 technicians through the doors of Lincoln College. Following the inaugural event, Schaeffler has confirmed that the next Repxpert Academy LIVE event will take place at Basingstoke College on 25 January 2020. Other host venues planned during 2020 include Blackpool, Warwick and Swansea.
Continue Reading![Michelin: training programme helps Midland Tyre Services](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/407-Michelin-Midland-Tyre-Services.jpg)
Michelin: training programme helps Midland Tyre Services
Midland Tyre Services (MTS)’s frontline team recently received a series of in-depth Michelin training courses tailored to its business. MTS, based in Borris-in-Ossory, County Laois, is one of Ireland’s largest and most recognised fleet mobility businesses. Operating 24 mobile service vans, all equipped with the latest tyre management technology – including real-time digital inspection and reporting tools – MTS supports thousands of commercial vehicles operating across Ireland.
Continue ReadingTECH USA launches new e-commerce site
TECH Tire Repairs, a wholly-owned company of Technical Rubber Company (TRC) has launched a new e-commerce site. According to the company, the site provides a way for any automotive, commercial truck or agriculture repair shop not supported by a TECH distributor, to access 24-7-365 TECH’s products.
Continue ReadingCrown Court acquits Klarius directors
Manchester Crown Court cleared five current and past directors and managers of Klarius Products Ltd of charges of selling non-typed approved catalytic converters on 3 December. The case, which was brought by the DVSA, had alleged that between 01/02/2013 and 30/08/2015 the business of Klarius Products Ltd, carried on for fraudulent purposes, the marketing, distribution and sale of counterfeit and non-type approved catalytic converters.
Continue Reading![Goodyear starts direct online tyre retail in Europe](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Goodyear-startet-Online-Reifenverkauf-für-Endkunden-in-Europa-–-Deutschland-ist-Pilotmarkt_Original_95960.png)
Goodyear starts direct online tyre retail in Europe
Goodyear has launched a direct to consumer online tyre retail solution in the European market. The roll-out begins with a pilot project in Germany. The direct-to-consumer approach is said to be in addition to existing distribution channels. Based at goodyear.com/shop, the site aims to “seamlessly plan the purchase from choosing the right tyre to assembling with a local trading partner”.
Continue Reading![Evergreen’s Dan Zelos completes Mini adventure in triumph](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/evergreen-zelos-end.jpg)
Evergreen’s Dan Zelos completes Mini adventure in triumph
Dan Zelos’ switch to the Mini Challenge series proved to be a masterstroke in 2019 as the Dereham Dynamo lifted the Rookie Cup. The rising star - in his sixth year as an Evergreen Tyres athlete - went into the final race at his home track at Snetterton with a mathematical shot at the overall title. And while the convoluted series of circumstances required to carry him to the overall championship for the MINI UK VIP team didn’t quite come to pass, the rookie title ensured the season ended as a hugely successful one for the series debutant.
Continue Reading![BPW offers AirSave tyre pressure system](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/BPW-TPMS.jpg)
BPW offers AirSave tyre pressure system
BPW is now delivering the AirSave tyre pressure system, claiming that it pays for itself in the first year. The effectiveness of the company’s intelligent tyre pressure control system saves costs was tested in practice with transport companies: The purchase pays for itself astonishingly quickly, said Alfred Weyres, owner and managing director of Alfred Weyres Spedition GmbH. The system ensures a permanently optimised roll resistance; fuel economy is clear – and added is the considerably longer tyre mileage. Because the fabric carcass is conserved, the system also optimises retreadability.
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