![Continental and Bandvulc management comment on integration process](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Patrick-OConnell.jpg)
Continental and Bandvulc management comment on integration process
It is no secret that Continental and Bandvulc have been working together for decades. So it was also no surprise to learn that the subject of a possible takeover arose as long as 12 years ago. However, the round of talks that resulted in the sale agreement were instigated by Bandvulc managing director Patrick O’Connell during a meeting at the CV show in 2013. In the two or so years that followed the two firms say they grew together before a final deal was completed in July 2016.
Continue Reading![Tyre Intelligence Europe data platform development gathers pace](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/tyre-intelligence-europe.jpg)
Tyre Intelligence Europe data platform development gathers pace
The new Tyre Intelligence Europe data platform is developing quickly, with 132 UK tyre sales locations incorporated by mid-February. Data is structured to distinguish clearly between consumer, van and 4x4 – delineating between retail and wholesale sources – an approach that also applies to truck and bus tyre sales.
Continue Reading![Westgate Tyres dealer is Foxy Lady Drivers Club Woman of the Year 2017](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/jane-bailey-foxy-woman-year.jpg)
Westgate Tyres dealer is Foxy Lady Drivers Club Woman of the Year 2017
Jane Bailey of Morecambe’s Westgate Tyres has been made the inaugural Foxy Lady Drivers Club Woman of the Year 2017. The Award acknowledges Baileys business story, describing her as “a rare and inspirational female role model within the tyre industry.”
Continue Reading![Bridgestone partners England Golf with trophy, Pro-Am prize](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/bstone-golfdreams.jpg)
Bridgestone partners England Golf with trophy, Pro-Am prize
Bridgestone has extended its support of golf with its new Bridgestone Chase your Dream Trophy. Played for the first time in 2017 and open to members of England Golf’s 1,900 affiliated clubs, the new event will run annually with separate men’s and women’s competitions to discover the country’s top handicap golfers of the year. Club golfers will get the chance to win a place in a European Tour Pro-Am. The trophy is presented by the tyre manufacturer in partnership with England Golf.
Continue Reading![GfK: SUV sales drive UK tyre market post-Brexit](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Tyres_1120x600.jpg)
GfK: SUV sales drive UK tyre market post-Brexit
GfK reports that 2016 was a successful year for tyre manufacturers in the UK. This is said to have been driven by “the increasing number of SUVs on the road”, which naturally does its part to improve product mix. To be specific, according to GfK, 4x4 tyre sales leapt up 18 per cent in terms of units sold year-on-year. However, taking the year as a whole (including other passenger vehicle fitments), last year GfK’s Panel Market GB was flat.
Continue ReadingSigmavision to exhibit TreadReader devices at CV Show
Sigmavision is to promote its TreadReader technology to the commercial sector when it exhibits at The Commercial Vehicle Show (Stand 4F65, Birmingham NEC, 25-27 April). The company states that TreadReader “addresses the shortcomings of traditional dip gauges and other spot-measurement or laser-line devices currently available.” Each product in the range, which includes mobile and fixed workshop options, creates a 3D scanned image showing a 50mm band across the full width of the tyre. Sigmavision adds that its scans are reliable and accurate even on wet and dirty tyres.
Continue Reading![Kwik-Fit names Andy Fern as new fleet sales director](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Andy-Fern-Simon-Lucas-Paul-Lambert-Web-small.jpg)
Kwik-Fit names Andy Fern as new fleet sales director
Andy Fern has joined Kwik-Fit as fleet sales director following an 18-year career with Michelin, most recently as national fleet sales manager. He replaces Peter Lambert who has retired after seven years as Kwik-Fit GB fleet director. Meanwhile, Simon Lucas has been promoted to the new role of customer support director of Kwik Fit GB. This role includes responsibility for Kwik-Fit Mobile, numbering some 200 vehicles, and the management of the company’s Customer Support Centre in Tannochside, Scotland, serving both fleet and retail customers. Both Fern and Lucas will report directly to Kwik-Fit GB managing director Kenji Murai.
Continue Reading![Bridgestone offers new licence to commercial tyre technicians](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/bstone-tech.jpg)
Bridgestone offers new licence to commercial tyre technicians
Bridgestone has become the first tyre manufacturer to offer the Society of Operations Engineers’ (SOE) Commercial Tyre Technician Licence to employees of fleets across the UK. The company said the licence would raise standards and improve uniformity in the commercial tyre industry. Attaining the licence requires the completion of three practical assessments and an online test. It aims to regulate the industry and provide best practice with an approved standard that everyone can aspire to achieve. The licence is currently being rolled out, and Bridgestone UK development trainers Phil Thirsk and Paul Turner passed rigorous tests in October to become qualified assessors.
Continue Reading![Michelin CrossClimate+ rollout for North West Ambulance Service rapid responders](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/michelin-crossclimate-plus.jpg)
Michelin CrossClimate+ rollout for North West Ambulance Service rapid responders
The North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust has fit Michelin’s CrossClimate+ to its 160-strong rapid response paramedic fleet of Škoda Octavias and Volkswagen Passats. The tyre is designed to match high performance summer competitors, but with winter capabilities, enhancing safety, longevity and durability.
Continue ReadingIAAF chief executive defends current MOT timings on BBC Radio 4
The IAAF’s chief executive Wendy Williamson told the Radio 4 You and Yours consumer programme that proposals to extend the MOT test from three years to four for newer vehicles are fraught with danger. With the proposals to extend the frequency of MOTs currently at the consultation stage, the IAAF is highlighting the dangers involved and the risks that threaten driver safety.
Continue Reading![TerraClean awards set to be biggest yet](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/TerraCleanawards2016.jpg)
TerraClean awards set to be biggest yet
The TerraClean Annual Awards 2016, held on Saturday 11 March 2017 at Holiday Inn Seaton Burn, Gosforth Park is set to be the biggest yet with a record number of garages attending. The event will highlight the brand’s success over the past year and will be recognising and rewarding the achievements and hard work within the service centre network. There are 12 awards in total and the winner of the Overall TerraClean Service Centre of the Year 2016 will win a trip for two to Canada, home of TerraClean.
Continue Reading![The Parts Alliance named ‘Factor Chain of the Year’ in 2017 CAT Awards](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Paul-Dineen-with-Factor-of-the-Year-Award.jpg)
The Parts Alliance named ‘Factor Chain of the Year’ in 2017 CAT Awards
The Parts Alliance has been named CAT magazine’s ‘Factor Chain of the Year’. The Award came on Friday 10 February at an industry awards ceremony at Manchester’s renowned Lowry Hotel. The national trading group was represented by the eight branches in its South West region. They were shortlisted in recognition of a dramatic turnaround in fortunes under The Parts Alliance’s ownership. The branches were all previously part of the Unipart network, but have since been developed with significant investment from The Parts Alliance.
Continue Reading![GSF branch manager’s London Marathon charity run](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Paul-Snook-GSF.jpg)
GSF branch manager’s London Marathon charity run
GSF Car Parts’ long-serving Poole branch manager Paul Snook has been stepping up his training ahead of the London Marathon on 23rd April, after opting to enter the gruelling race to raise funds for the Prostate Cancer Research Centre. Paul started running just three years ago but has quickly progressed from fun runs, up to 5km, then 10km and even half marathons. The London Marathon he readily admits will be the ‘ultimate challenge’.
Continue Reading![Fast Parts Wales to donate £30,000 for 30th anniversary](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Fast-Parts-Rally-2016_Barry.jpg)
Fast Parts Wales to donate £30,000 for 30th anniversary
Fast Parts Wales, a leading automotive motor factor in Wales, has revealed its plans to raise more than £30,000 through its Fast Parts Grand Rainbow Tour for Welsh children’s hospice, Ty Hafan, as part of the company’s 30th anniversary celebrations. Taking place on from Saturday 29 April to Monday 1 May 2017, all are welcome to participate in the family-orientated event and will have a budget of £300 to purchase a car and paint it in rainbow colours, being as creative as possible.
Continue Reading![Places filling fast for Transaid cycle challenge](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/transaid-cyclists.jpg)
Places filling fast for Transaid cycle challenge
Places are filling up fast for Transaid’s London to Paris cycle challenge this autumn, and organisers are urging those interested in taking part to sign-up now to avoid disappointment.
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