Campaign suggests tyre underinflation present in more than half of UK cars
As part of its activities to support Tyre Safety Month in October, ATS Euromaster tested the tyre pressures of more than 1,000 cars at 28 of its centres across the UK. What it found was that 55 per cent of those vehicles – 561 cars – had at least one underinflated tyre. This high figure closely tallies with the 57 per cent recorded by industry association TyreSafe as part of its ‘Bad Air Day’ campaign.
Continue ReadingWelcoming the digital evolution – Michelin Auto Professional regional forums
Embracing the ever-evolving digital consumer experience is key to thriving in the tyre retail trade, Michelin’s partner dealers were told at annual regional forums across the UK and Ireland. Guests at the full-day events, held in Windsor, Manchester and Kilkenny, were encouraged to make full use of the tools and advice Michelin provides to develop a slick, engaging and accessible online presence capable of reaching a far wider audience. The forums also highlighted the dedicated end-to-end support that Michelin offers to all partner retailers – giving them the best possible platform upon which to build a solid and loyal customer base.
Continue ReadingThree new HiQ centres open their doors
The HiQ network has grown this month with the addition of three new centres – HiQ Oxford, HiQ Cardiff and HiQ Witney – on 1 December.
Continue Reading![Why combustion engines won’t disappear just yet](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Electric_car_charging_point_-_road_signage.jpg)
Why combustion engines won’t disappear just yet
In our August edition, this column examined how “the clocking is ticking for combustion engines”, which also means the clock is ticking for conventional tyres designed with combustion engine-centric vehicles in mind. Four months later, both points are true. However, there are also significant challenges facing this market development that also warrant our attention. Two of the obstacles between the status quo and the electric vehicle car parc of the future are charging points and technological recall risk.
Continue ReadingBalancers, changers increase sophistication to match latest workshop needs
Pro-Align’s recent distribution agreement with ADAS diagnostic and calibration tools supplier TEXA shows how garage equipment specialists are adapting to the rapid development of the connected car. Yet the staple equipment remains a vital part of the equation; greater accuracy in the tyre changing and wheel balancing processes can help ensure the full functionality of downstream systems. In addition, Pro-Align tells Tyres & Accessories that balancers and changers are often overlooked in terms of their potential for a workshop’s efficiency and profitability.
Continue ReadingFalling demand for diesels sees November new car market down 11 per cent
The UK new car market declined for an eighth consecutive month in November, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). 163,541 vehicles were registered, down -11.2 per cent year-on-year, driven by a significant fall in diesel demand.
Continue ReadingLCV registrations down 11 per cent in November
SMMT figures show that new light commercial vehicle (LCV) registrations experienced a double-digit decline in November. The market fell -11.1 per cent, with 26,486 new vans and pick-ups registered – the third consecutive monthly fall.
Continue ReadingContinental the official partner of Tour de France
From the beginning of 2018, Continental will be an official partner of the Tour de France. This means from 2018 onward, for an initial five-year period, all official support vehicles – cars, vans and motorcycles – at the Tour de France will be equipped with Continental tyres. The sponsorship agreement was officially confirmed by Christian Prudhomme, general director Tour de France, and Nikolai Setzer, Member of the Executive Board of Continental AG.
Continue Reading![Sailun sells Kings Road Tyres for £500,000](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/KRT.jpg)
Sailun sells Kings Road Tyres for £500,000
Sailun Jinyu Group has announced that it sold its Kings Road Tyres Group (KRT Group) tyre wholesale subsidiary to KRT Holdings Ltd in a November Shanghai stock market statement.
Continue ReadingPro-Align, TEXA demystifying ADAS calibration with technical seminar
Pro-Align and TEXA are collaborating to deliver a series of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) calibration technical seminar. The first free seminar addresses one of the biggest challenges currently faced by workshops, namely the resetting and calibration of ADAS, giving workshops the knowledge needed to service the growing suite of on-board safety systems. Pro-Align added that booking is now open for 2018 seminars.
Continue ReadingAlloyGater offers workshops silver lining for pothole cloud
The AlloyGator wheel protector has an opportunity for growth as motorists battle alloy wheel damage caused by hitting potholes. Hitting the side of a pothole can cause scrapes, scuffs and dents to alloy wheels resulting in expensive repair bills or even the need for replacements – all of which can be avoided by fitting AlloyGators, the company states. With the winter months sure to exacerbate the pothole problem, due to frozen water expanding cracks in the road, AlloyGator is increasing its efforts to roll out its product to more tyre retailers.
Continue ReadingIslington Council introduces parking surcharge on diesels
Islington Council has gone a step further than the Mayor of London by proposing to impose on all diesel vehicles – including Euro 6 diesels and diesel hybrids – a £2 per hour visitor parking surcharge from early next year.
Continue ReadingGSF upgrades set to boost Derby branch
GSF Car Parts has continued its rolling branch refurbishment programme with Derby being the latest location to gain an upgrade, following improvements to Smethwick last month. The Derby site is located on London Road, near Pride Park; it’s less than a mile from the city centre, with strong walk-in retail counter sales. The branch employs a total of 10 staff and has 5 delivery vans servicing a thriving trade customer base with regular local deliveries.
Continue ReadingDavanti appoints marketing manager
Davanti Tyres has appointed Emma Mercer as its new marketing manager. Davanti states that Mercer brings a host of transferable skills to the table in her role as marketing manager, where she will be in charge of managing the marketing of the house brands; Davanti, Landsail and Evergreen.
Continue ReadingPro-Align, Hunter support trainee technicians at Skills Show
Workshop equipment distributor Pro-Align’s support for the Skills Show has stretched to half a decade, including the last five years in succession. Trainee vehicle technicians competing in this year’s show were able to gain valuable hands-on experience using some of the most advanced wheel alignment and diagnostic wheel balance systems currently on the market, thanks to this ongoing support. Held over three days at the NEC, Birmingham, competitors took part in a diverse range of practical skills and knowledge tests such as beauty therapy, bricklaying, landscaping, and games design.
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