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Vaculug becomes B Corp – ‘first tyre retreader in Europe’ to achieve sustainability certification
UK-based tyre retreader Vaculug has become a Certified B Corporation, commonly known as B Corp. The company calls the certification “a landmark achievement”, adding that it is the “first tyre retreader in Europe” to earn B Corp status. Membership of the global movement demonstrates that the company meets the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility.
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Fighting the fakes – ZF Aftermarket says ‘Keep it Real’
ZF Aftermarket has recently outlined its ‘Keep it Real’ campaign on the subject of counterfeiting – from the dangers to drivers, passengers & other road users, to the cost implications to the global economy through to the immense damage done to brand, reputation and the job market.
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2025 begins with downturn in the UK new motorcycle market
“After showing signs of growth in the new motorcycle market towards the end of 2024, January saw a decline of -30.5 per cent in total registrations, with many motorcycle categories experiencing a downturn” says Symon Cook, Head of National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA), commenting on the latest MCIA figures.
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TD Tyres announces ‘strategic acquisition’ of Dawson Tyre Services
TD Tyres Limited has announce the acquisition of Dawson Tyre Services Limited, which specialises in servicing commercial fleet operations and is based in Redditch, Worcestershire. According to TD Tyres representatives, the acquisition is set to “expand the reach of TD Tyres across the Midlands and Southwest”, adding to the company’s existing locations near Newton Abbot, Devon, and Staunton, Gloucestershire. The move will also help TD Tyres “cement their presence along the M5 corridor”, meaning the business will be well situated for servicing commercial fleets in the region. Directors Tim Davis and Adam Fletcher will form part of the new management team at Dawson Tyres alongside Vanessa Dawson.
Continue ReadingIGA to meet Minister to discuss ‘stagnant’ MOT fee cap
The Independent Garage Association (IGA) is pleased to report that it has been invited to a meeting by The Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood MP, to discuss the critical financial challenges posed by the stagnant MOT fee cap, which has not seen an increase in over 14 years.
Continue ReadingUsed car buyer confidence at lowest level for six months
Used car buyer confidence in the UK is at its lowest level for six months, according to new research from Startline Motor Finance. February’s Startline Used Car Tracker shows the percentage of motorists who are positive about the idea of buying a used car has fallen from 59 per cent in August to 48 per cent now.
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Wheely-Safe Averts potential crisis for Angela Coaches
Southampton-based Angela Coaches has hailed the benefits of Wheely-Safe technology, after the cloud-connected system spared the public transport operator a costly breakdown. The company has Wheely-Safe Connect fitted to its Beulas VDL 44-seat coach that it uses for a variety of tours across Europe.
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Bosch Mobility Aftermarket celebrates National Apprenticeship Week
Ahead of next weeks National Apprenticeship Week, Bosch Mobility Aftermarket has shared details of how it is investing in its Automotive Apprenticeship programme. Research from the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) suggests the UK’s automotive sector will have a shortfall of 160,000 people by 2031, and a need for an additional 48,000 technicians in the next 10 years.
Continue ReadingThe IMI calls for urgency over critical reforms in apprenticeship funding
Ahead of National Apprenticeship Week (10th-14th February 2025), the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) is calling for urgency over reforms for apprenticeship funding. The professional body believes this is critical to ensure a robust skills pipeline can meet the automotive sector’s future needs, which are integral to the government’s net zero targets.
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LKQ Europe supports EU’s mobility transition pathway with training pledge
As part of the European Commissions Mobility Transition Pathway initiative, LKQ Europe has committed to support the green and digital transformation of the automotive sector across the continent, including in the UK and Ireland.
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Massimo and Quedam Tyres sponsor national league football match
On 18 January 2025, Huish Park was the stage for the National League clash between Yeovil Town FC and Gateshead FC. Massimo Tyres, the official tyre partner of Gateshead, and Quedam Tyres, with strong ties to Yeovil Town, sponsored the game in “an ideal way for Massimo to collaborate with a key partner from within their growing network”.
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ATS Euromaster considering closure of 86 tyre retail centres in the UK
ATS Euromaster, the Michelin-owned UK tyre retail business, is consulting on the closure of 86 of its centres. In answer to questions from Tyres & Accessories, a company spokesperson confirmed the specific number of branches being considered and explained that the plans come in “a UK automotive aftermarket context of overcapacity”. Furthermore, as well as consulting on the subject of the closures, company representatives confirmed that all appropriate support would be given to those affected by subsequent closures.
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6% drop in new automotive apprenticeships, IMI calls for funding reforms
Ahead of National Apprenticeship Week (10-14 February 2025), the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) is calling for reforms to apprenticeship funding. At the same time, the IMI’s latest data shows that the automotive training workforce continues to be severely under-resourced and the pipeline of new talent is not being adequately filled by new apprenticeships. In the 2023/24 academic year, there were 7,372 automotive apprenticeship starts, 6 per cent lower than in 2022/23.
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UK LCV market falls sharply in January
Britain’s new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market fell by -20.5 per cent in the first month of 2025 with 19,050 vans, pick-ups and 4x4s registered, according to the latest figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). A second consecutive monthly decline follows robust growth in 2024, and is set against a tough economic backdrop and weakened business confidence to invest.
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Repairify and QA launch Digital Technician Apprenticeship Programme
Ahead of National Apprenticeship Week (10-16 February), Repairify is announcing the launch of the industry’s first bespoke Digital Technician Apprenticeship Programme in conjunction with training provider QA.
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