Tyre Spot reports 272% increase in sales of Michelin CrossClimate tyres
North East-based tyre wholesaler and retailer, Tyre Spot, has put 30 of its staff through a training course centred on Michelin’s sustainability principles and the CrossClimate range. We all know that all-season tyres have become increasingly popular in the UK, but Tyre Spot has reported a 272 per cent increase in CrossClimate sales following the training.
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IGA applauds UK Prime Minister’s initiative to boost apprenticeships and support small businesses
The Independent Garage Association (IGA) “enthusiastically welcomes” the recent announcement from the Prime Ministers Office unveiling a comprehensive reform package aimed at strengthening small businesses across the UK. The IGA notes with satisfaction that concerns previously expressed to MP Robert Halfron, minister for Skills, Apprenticeships, and Higher Education, have been addressed in the recent announcement and commends the governments commitment to fostering apprenticeships and reducing regulatory burdens, recognising the significant positive impact these measures will have on the automotive sector.
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Classic Car Garage star Colin Denton to speak at Schaeffler Repxpert Conference
Colin Denton, star of TV’s Classic Car Garage has been unveiled as a keynote speaker for Schaeffler‘s all-new Repxpert Conference, which takes place at the Manufacturing Training Centre in Coventry on Wednesday 22 May, 2024. Having clocked-up decades of automotive experience, when he’s not in front of the camera, Colin is busy as the Chief Executive of the North London Garages Group Training Association (NLGGTA), which for 50 years has been delivering training, apprenticeships and more.
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HSBC funds Metro Tyres expansion
Metro Tyres has utilised a six-figure funding package from HSBC UK to complete the purchase of a new 10,500 square foot warehouse in Liverpool. Founded in 2005, Metro Tyres describes itself as “a supplier and wholesaler of second-hand tyres”. The business employs 7 staff and deals with part worn tyres for cars and commercial vans.
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Yokohama sponsors Everything Electric Live Action Arena
Yokohama Tyres has signed up to become an Everything Electric London event partner. The event at London ExCel on 28-30 March, formerly called Fully Charged Live, will showcase the latest home energy and clean energy solutions, including electric cars. As part of its partnership, Yokohama will be the official sponsor of the Live Action Arena, where visitors will be able to see some of the latest EVs to be launched to the UK including the Chery Omoda E5, which will be making its UK debut, the Fisker Ocean, the ORA O3 Pro and the BYD Seal.
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Which European countries are using electric vehicles the most?
New research has revealed the European countries using electric vehicles the most, with Norway coming out on top. The study by electronic registration portal Vignettecroatia.com analysed the latest 2022 data from Eurostat, to see which European countries had the highest percentage of electric vehicles. It found that Norway is leading the way for electric vehicle use in Europe, with a whopping 20.12 per cent of all vehicles being electric. As of the latest 2022 data, there are 3,018,728 registered vehicles in the country, of which 607,516 are electric-powered.
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NFDA concerned over Northern Ireland’s persistent MOT testing backlog
The National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) has expressed concerns over the delays drivers in Northern Ireland are facing in getting MOT tests. The region has been in an MOT crisis since 2020, when hairline cracks were found in the Driver and Vehicle Agency’s 55 Maha lifts, found to be caused by excessively long service cycles, as Tyrepress reported in 2021. These issues were compounded by the Covid pandemic, and a satisfactory resolution has yet to be found. Sue Robinson, chief executive of the NFDA said the current state of MOT testing in Northern Ireland is “unacceptable”.
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Mahle Aftermarket unveils streamlined marketing portal
The new UK Mahle Webshop presents an excellent array of merchandise and user-friendly experience for browsing and purchasing clothing and point-of-sale of Mahle branded items. This includes apparel, accessories, and collectibles, such as beanies, cups, pens, notebooks, water bottles promotional snack boxes, air fresheners and workshop clothing, all adorned with the Mahle logo.
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Arnold Clark Autoparts offers extra value to garages with technical training event
Arnold Clark Autoparts recently hosted a technical training evening at the GTG Training Centre in Wolverhampton to offer garages technical expertise, networking opportunities and industry knowledge from leading suppliers and organisations. Speakers included Mark Field, Chief Executive of the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF), as the voice of the motor industry. Field delivered an update on current affairs affecting garage businesses and other pressing issues such as 2035 ban, the right to repair and MOT changes.
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Gavin White becomes Activate Business Finance ambassador
Autotech Group founder Gavin White has become Automotive Ambassador in partnership with commercial finance broker Activate Business Finance. The announcement follows the recent news that White has stepped down from the day-to-day running of Autotech Group.
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Mark Widdows appointed Colewood Automotive network director
Colewood Automotive, the tyre e-commerce platform operator, has recruited Mark Widdows as network director. Widdows has more than 40 years’ experience in the tyre industry. He has managed and developed franchise networks comprised of independent dealers for both Goodyear and Bridgestone over the last 17 years. Colewood Automotive is behind several of the biggest tyre websites in the UK including Asda Tyres, etyres and RAC Tyres. Widdows will be responsible for increasing its business online and broadening its fitter network.
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Landsail brand designed to fulfil value SUV tyre demand
If the market data is right, 2024 could be another busy year for SUV tyre sales. For garages, it means more and more SUVs coming in for tyre maintenance checks or new tyres. SUV drivers don’t necessarily need to be serious off-roaders. Unintentionally, drivers often find themselves changing from smooth surfaces, such as motorways, to country lanes or off-road driveways, not to mention the number of potholes on the roads in the UK. Couple this with unpredictable spring and summer weather, and having tyres that give them peace of mind, as well as excellent handling and reliability, is important.
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UK SUV sales top 1 million in 2023
SUV sales in the UK have increased by 23 per cent since 2022, according to Transport & Environment analysis of Dataforce data. In 2022, the number of new SUVs (sports utility vehicles) registered stood at 910,000 but now that number has grown by a third and stands at 1.12 million. In 2021, 50 per cent of all new car registrations were SUVs. In 2022, that figure stood at 57 per cent. And in 2023, that rose again to 60 per cent. If the trend continues, in 2027 SUV registrations could make up 75 per cent of new registrations.
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Hankook sponsoring UK truck shows
Visitors to three trucking events taking place in the UK this summer will have the opportunity to get better acquainted with the Hankook and Laufenn truck tyre ranges. In addition to continuing its support of the Devon and Cornwall shows, as of this year Hankook Tyre UK has announced its sponsorship of the Best of the Best event.
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Pirelli honours BMTR Birmingham with double Performance Centre awards
BMTR Birmingham has secured a double victory in Pirelli’s UK retail network awards. The West Midlands retailer was awarded Pirelli Performance Centre (PPC) of the Year and Pirelli’s 4x4 Key Dealer of the Year, recognising BMTRs “exceptional commitment to excellence and outstanding service in the automotive industry,” according to Pirelli. This is the fifth time BMTR have been crowned PPC of the Year. Chris Woodhall, sales director at BMTR, said the awards were “a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion of our entire team.” Pirelli UK CEO, Livio Magni, said that the company applauds BMTR “for achieving this accolade for the fifth time. BMTR Birmingham has demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence in all areas of their business, from customer service to technical expertise.”
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