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Two-thirds of tested tyres don’t do what they say on the tyre label – DVSA
When DVSA tested 10 different tyres from three tyre sizes, equating to 30 individual tyres in total, 20 came out with results different to the official tyre label. Here we take a closer look at those results as well as parallel research into part-worn and retread compliance.
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LCV market shrinks by a fifth 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. Figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show a second consecutive monthly decline following robust growth in 2024, with the motor industry association looking ahead to a tough economic backdrop and weakened business confidence to invest.
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“Greater encouragement” – SMMT calls for EV incentives to bridge gap between targets & registrations
The Society of Motor manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has released registration data for January’s UK new car market, and sales of hybrids and electric vehicles rose despite a slight drop in the overall market. Despite growing EV market share, the vehicle industry association wants the government and other stakeholders to encourage more drivers to make the switch to electric.
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Don’t forget your tyres this Valentine’s Day
A new campaign from UK road safety charity TyreSafe gives motorists a light-hearted yet crucial reminder to prioritise regular tyre checks. The ‘Love Your Tyres’ campaign notes that while an estimated three in five Brits part with hard-earned cash to celebrate Valentine’s Day, a recent survey conducted in partnership with the RAC shows that only a third of drivers check their vehicle’s tyre tread at least once a month – the minimum frequency recommended by road safety experts.
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Say cheese: DVSA updates garages on anti-fraud efforts
When DVSA set out its strategy for 2030 back in 2023, combating fraud plus “making it easier to identify and support those getting things wrong” were key focus areas. Connected equipment has been a part of that too. Now, the department has published an article explaining what has been done and how that will impact garages.
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Talking Crop – debut for Goodyear Farm Tires podcast
Goodyear Farm Tires is Talking Crop and intends to do so on a regular basis. The agricultural tyre brand debuted its new podcast today, with the inaugural episode shedding light on what happens when a police officer and a beauty salon owner decide to take over a 200-acre farm.
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UK debut for Bridgestone e-CENTRE at Protyre Taunton
An automotive retail centre in Taunton has become the first in the UK to adopt Bridgestone’s ‘e-CENTRE’ concept. At Protyre Autocare, located within the Crown Industrial Estate, the aim is to revolutionise the way that vehicles are catered for with a sustainable approach to car maintenance.
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Grant aiding Kingswinford Tyres’ expansion plans
Established in 1992 with redundancy money received from MG Rover, Kingswinford Tyres has developed into one of the Black Country’s leading tyre specialists. In recent times founder Andy Page has expanded the business with an investment exceeding £100,000, and Kingswinford Tyres is now benefiting from a £27,000 grant from Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM).
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IAAF ‘Enrichment Days’ to inspire future automotive aftermarket talent
The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) has launched a series of ‘Enrichment Days’, a new initiative aimed at introducing schools and colleges to the diverse career opportunities within the automotive aftermarket industry.
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Garage Hive launches IMI-approved front-of-house training
Garage Hive, the community-driven garage management system, has announced the launch of a new IMI-approved training course for front-of-house service advisors. Delivered at its training centre in Nottingham, the IMI-accredited Garage Hive Service Advisor course equips front-of-house staff with the skills and knowledge to fully leverage Garage Hive’s most advanced tools, enhancing customer service and operational efficiency.
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T&C Site Services joins NTDA, helping to develop OTR tyre technician accreditation
T&C Site Services has joined the National Tyre Distributors Association (NTDA). Managing director Trevor Adams has also been appointed to the NTDA Executive Council to represent the interests of the specialist tyre sector of the UK tyre trade. Both moves will assist with the NTDA’s intention to develop a new licence for technicians working with earthmover, plant and OTR tyres, while more generally marking the association’s intent to strengthen its membership and activities in this segment. T&C Site Services are the UKs largest independent earthmover tyre specialist with more than 45 years of industry experience.
Continue ReadingNFDA 2025 outlook survey: dealers urge more government support amid pessimistic market outlook
From 10 to 24 January 2025, the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) surveyed its members to seek dealer opinions on pertinent topics and their outlook for 2025. The survey received 46 responses from various franchised dealership groups across the UK, representing a total of approximately 165 sites.
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Eden Tyres working with Breast Cancer Now in fundraising partnership
Eden Tyres & Servicing is partnering with Breast Cancer Now to support life-changing research and support services for those affected by breast cancer. As part of the partnership, Eden Tyres will donate £2 to Breast Cancer Now for every tyre sold from the Radar Tyre range throughout 2025, with a minimum expected donation of £30,000. These funds will contribute directly to Breast Cancer Nows efforts to advance research and provide essential support to individuals affected by breast cancer across the UK.
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TechMan partners with AAG for simplified parts ordering
TechMan says that users of its popular garage management system can now order parts direct from Alliance Automotive Group (AAG) with its latest integration that enables access to AAG’s complete catalogue of quality components.
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Tyres the number-one cause of breakdowns for third year running
From November 2023 to February 2024, there were a total of 90,852 breakdowns on British roads – an 11.3 per cent increase from the same period a year before (81,617 total). Of these, tyres have been reported as the most common cause of winter breakdowns (November to February) in the UK for three years running.
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