Could Red Sea shipping issues be catalyst for UK to increase circular economy capacity utilisation?
The UK’s exportation of end-of-life tyres (ELTs) is coming under further scrutiny considering the current crisis in the Red Sea, which is disrupting shipments to the Indian subcontinent, a typical route for many the country’s ELT arisings. Research reveals that this might total as much as 300,000 tonnes of ELTs. With the economic feasibility of these exports under threat, the Tyre Recovery Association is asking for governmental support in promoting the utilisation of currently dormant capacity to process ELTs within the country. The positive case for this is that useful materials can be extracted from ELTs, supporting the country’s circular economy with the residual value offered by proper processing. Meanwhile, the TRA adds, the country would also be doing the right thing in not allowing ELTs to become a highly pollutive issue for authorities in the Indian subcontinent, where UK waste supports unethical, dangerous, and illegal businesses.
Continue ReadingBond International buys Viking and McConechey’s fleet
Well-known tyre wholesale business Bond International was growing fast before the latest acquisitions were announced, but now the company has agreed to purchase Stepgrades Motor Accessories Limited trading as Viking Wholesale Tyres, Birkenshaw Distributors Limited and McConechey’s Commercial Fleet Services, growth will be considerably faster. All three Stepgrades businesses have been acquired from Halfords Group Plc as part of a deal which will see Bond International partner with Halfords to distribute tyres to all of their network. Moving forward, company representatives suggested that there will “further announcements” as the company looks to expand its operation in Scotland, where the business previously had limited exposure.
Continue ReadingETRMA members’ replacement tyre sales continue negative trend in Q4 2023
The European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (ETRMA) has published details of its members’ European replacement market sales for the fourth quarter of 2023. The figures show a year-on-year decline in all market segments.
Continue ReadingDVSA staff striking during February
The Driver and Vehicles Standards Agency (DVSA) has confirmed that the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) has served DVSA notice of strike action on 8 and 9 February as well as 10 and 11 February 2024. This means that up to 2000 staff from 270 centres across the country will strike.
Continue ReadingDynomec invest >£1 million developing new locking wheel nut removal tool
Two decades after the introduction of Dynomec’s patented locking wheel nut removal tool, 2024 saw the Wakefield-based company introduce a brand-new version in January. The company has also been working with the RAC in order to bring it to market.
Continue ReadingThinkcar promotes free TPMS T90 tool offer
Thinkcar UK is offering its newest T90 TPMS tool for free when customers buy 20 TPMS sensor valves. The T90 offer is available on a first-come, first-served basis, while stocks last.
Continue ReadingDean Dyoss promoted to sales director at Kumho Tyre UK
Kumho Tyre UK promoted Dean Dyoss to the role of sales director effective 1 January 2024. Dyoss has more than 30 years of experience in the tyre industry in various sales positions with the likes of Bridgestone and Nankang as well as with Point S and Kwik Fit on the retail side. However, he has spent the last eight years with Kumho where he has been key account manager. As a result of his promotion, Dyoss will take responsibility for the Kumho consumer products sales team including business development and key accounts.
Continue ReadingTyreSafe: 4500 organisations involved in MOT consultation, tyre and brake wear key concerns
TyreSafe was among the 4,500 organisations that responded to the MoT Consultation, which has now concluded, detailing “the significant risks extending the first MoT for vehicles from three years to four or even five”. DVSA figures show the most likely reason for a vehicle, up to six years of age, to fail its MoT is tyre defects. Over 2 million cars fail their MOT each year due to tyre defects with over 1 million classified as ‘dangerous’.
Continue ReadingNTDA welcomes UK government’s decision to retain MOT gap
The UK’s National Tyre Distributors Association has welcomed the publication of the Department for Transport’s (DfT) response to the extensive consultation on modernising MOT testing for cars, motorbikes and vans. The association was vocal in its opposition to any extension to the current gaps in required MOT tests, namely three years after a new car’s registration and an annual test thereafter. The NTDA said its position was based “primarily on safety grounds, but also based on years of independent statistical information demonstrating that the current model works and is, overwhelmingly, supported by both the trade and UK motorists.” The consultation was launched in January 2023, with the aim of seeking views to ensure roadworthiness checks continue to balance the cost to motorists, road safety, advances in vehicle technology and tackling vehicle emissions.
Continue ReadingGSF Car Parts pilots delivery bikes
GSF Car Parts is piloting utilising a kind of electric bike to deliver car parts around its London branches. Company representatives report that delivery times are reportedly cut down to as short as just 10 minutes to some garages.
Continue ReadingGovernment keeps annual MOT, considering more diesel emissions checks
Motorists will still take the first MOT test three years after buying a new car. Following the conclusion of its latest consultation on MOT frequency, the government says it is updating MOTs but the first MOT will remain at three years from registration and every subsequent MOT will also continue to be taken once every year.
Continue ReadingMichelin XMCL telehandler tyre ‘passes test of time’ for Yorkshire farmer
A Yorkshire farmer has praised the Michelin XMCL tyres fitted to its Claas Scorpion telehandler, after it recorded more than 7,000 hours in operation. T Grange & Son said the Scorpion is still operating on the same original equipment 460/70 R24 tyres on which it arrived at Hasling Hall Farm, Otley, in 2011. Part of Michelin’s popular Compact Line range, the XMCL offers high wear resistance thanks to a robust rubber compound.
Continue ReadingGoodyear “in advanced discussions” on Avon motorsport tyre asset sale
Following the news that Avon’s ex-motorsport head has formed the Nova Motorsport tyre brand, Goodyear has confirmed to Tyres & Accessories that its Cooper Europe operation is “in advanced discussions” relating to the sale of certain Avon motorsport tyre assets.
Continue ReadingDelphi supports independent factor growth
Autovaux Car Parts (Autovaux), an independent supplier of automotive parts and accessories, is set to open a fourth branch. The expansion into West Yorkshire represents a significant milestone for the family-run business, which has rapidly evolved from humble beginnings in 2000. With existing branches in Dewsbury, Leeds, and Castleford, the latest addition will cater to increasing demands. Attributing success to consistent reinvestment into the business and strategic collaborations, Autovaux managing director, Paul Starling, highlights the pivotal role played by Delphi, the first tier-one supplier to extend a direct account to Autovaux.
Continue ReadingGarage Hive presents panel at 1TEC Auto Hub Connect
Garage Hive has taken part in the 1TEC Auto Hub Connect event on 19 January at The Belfry Hotel in Sutton Coldfield. Bringing together industry leaders to discuss the latest trends and innovations, Garage Hive director Alex Lindley was a guest panellist for the ‘Community Connections’ session, alongside Tina Drayson of CCM and Nathan Taylor of Walsall Wood Tyre & Service, chaired by renowned TV presenter Mark Durden-Smith. The session explained how independent garage businesses can leverage tools, including data, social media, and marketing, to strengthen operations and boost customer reach.
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