![Pro-Align presents Kings Lynn’s K Brown with £15k Hunter wheel alignment prize](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/k-brown-pro-align-winner.jpg)
Pro-Align presents Kings Lynn’s K Brown with £15k Hunter wheel alignment prize
Pro-Align has announced independent workshop, K Brown Auto Repairs in Kings Lynn, as the winner of its 25th anniversary competition. The workshop will receive a Hunter PA200 Plus wheel alignment system with a list price of £15,000. Pro-Align states the addition of the aligner will enable K Brown to expand its service offering and grow its wheel alignment business.
Continue Reading![Goodyear publishes driving advice ahead of oncoming winter storms](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/goodyear-winter-infographic.jpg)
Goodyear publishes driving advice ahead of oncoming winter storms
With forecasters predicting an end to the mild temperatures of this winter so far and a wave of cold weather and storms towards the end of this week, Goodyear Tyres UK has published its winter driving safety tips. According to research commissioned by the manufacturer, over half (53 per cent) of motorists say they find driving in the snow and ice nerve-racking, with a further 48 per cent listing de-icing wind screens in the mornings as a problem. 40 per cent of British drivers also believe more grit should be provided by councils during periods of icy weather.
Continue Reading![2016 car sales peak at 2.7 million units](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/smmt2.jpg)
2016 car sales peak at 2.7 million units
The UK new car market achieved another record year in 2016, with annual registrations climbing for the fifth year in a row to almost 2.7 million, according to figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The market has experienced uplifts in 10 out of the last 12 months, albeit finishing with a December down slightly by -1.1 per cent – with 178,022 new cars registered in the month. However, the SMMT also gave a negative prediction for growth in 2017.
Continue Reading![Autodata sold for £340 million](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/autodata.png)
Autodata sold for £340 million
Following the news Autodata was sold yesterday, it has emerged that Solera Holdings paid some £340 million. Autodata originally sold for £143 million in May 2014 when the founders sold the business to Bowmark and Five Arrow Principal Investments. Therefore the price Solera paid represents a 137 per cent increase in Autodata’s valuation.
Continue Reading![Sumitomo MTS acquisition ‘ensures continuity’ of management, brand strategy](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Duncan-Wilkes-CEO11-e1483612107950.jpg)
Sumitomo MTS acquisition ‘ensures continuity’ of management, brand strategy
Sumitomo Rubber Industries’ (SRI) £215 million acquisition of the Micheldever Group from Graphite Capital, including Micheldever Tyre Services (MTS), the UK’s second largest distributor of tyres, “ensures continuity” of the management and multi-segment brand strategy, according to MTS chief executive Duncan Wilkes. The move also extends the trend of tyre manufacturers buying into – or indeed buying back into – retail through the acquisition of the UK’s largest chains. In April 2016, Tyres & Accessories pointed out that Micheldever’s Protyre chain was the largest growing in the annual survey of the market’s retail landscape – a factor that will have informed the purchase – and three of the top five (Michelin’s ATS Euromaster and Goodyear Dunlop’s HiQ franchise chain) are now manufacturer controlled.
Continue ReadingIGA launches MOT training campaign
The Independent Garage Association (IGA) is launching its biggest MOT training campaign yet across the industry as a response to low numbers of MOT Testers having completed the DVSA’s mandated annual training.
Continue Reading![Sumitomo Rubber Industries to acquire Micheldever Group](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/protyre2.jpg)
Sumitomo Rubber Industries to acquire Micheldever Group
Japan’s Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. has announced its intended acquisition of Micheldever Group Ltd. from Graphite Capital Management LLP. for an enterprise value of £215 million. The tyre maker states its decision to purchase Micheldever is closely linked to the aim of strengthening the market position of its Falken tyre brand in the UK.
Continue Reading![Autogem growing, moving to new premises, introducing new products in 2017](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/TPS01-Sensor.jpg)
Autogem growing, moving to new premises, introducing new products in 2017
2016 was an eventful year for workshop consumables supplier Autogem. The company entered a new chapter back in September 2005 when it was taken over by managing partners and brothers Prashant and Adit Chopra. Operations were relocated to North London and the very disparate parts and consumables supplies line has improved considerably by focusing on its strengths. During the last decade or so, in addition to its wider automotive supply business, TPMS has emerged as something of a strength at Autogem. Indeed, it is this focus that has seen the company repeatedly nominated for Tyre Industry Awards. Tyres & Accessories met with managing director Prashant Chopra and discussed the company’s growth, new warehouse and headquarters, new products and more.
Continue ReadingSolera buys Autodata
Solera Holdings, Inc. has agreed to acquire Autodata, a provider of technical information and knowledge solutions for the automotive service, maintenance and repair industry. “Throughout a car’s life, there are over 54 transactions that occur between motorists and automotive businesses,” said Tony Aquila, Solera’s founder, chairman and CEO. “One of Solera’s missions is to digitize the vehicle ownership ecosystem by developing cognitive applications that not only power connectivity and engagement, but also proliferate awareness and transparency across the entire automotive lifecycle.”
Continue ReadingLearner drivers to be allowed on motorways for first time
Plans to improve driver and motorcyclist training in Great Britain were announced by Transport Minister, Andrew Jones on Friday 30 December 2016. The proposed changes will see competent learner drivers able to have lessons on motorways with an approved driving instructor in a dual controlled car. Allowing learners on a motorway is expected improve the awareness and experience of new drivers, which is aimed at boosting safety on roads in Great Britain.
Continue ReadingGovernment launches plans to improve driver and motorcyclist training
Plans to improve driver and motorcyclist training to improve safety on roads in Great Britain were announced by Transport minister, Andrew Jones on Friday 30 December 2016. The proposed changes will see competent learner drivers able to have lessons on motorways with an approved driving instructor in a dual controlled car. Allowing learners on a motorway will improve the awareness and experience of new drivers which is aimed at boosting safety on roads in Great Britain.
Continue Reading![Halfords the official sponsor of National Pothole Day 2017](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/halfords_streetrepairs.png)
Halfords the official sponsor of National Pothole Day 2017
Halfords Autocentres have become the official sponsors of the StreetRepairs.co.uk website and #NationalPotholeDay 2017. The collaboration heralds a breakthrough in offering road users the ability to have the safety of their vehicles checked after hitting a pothole. Potholes are an increasing problem on Britain’s roads, causing damage to vehicles and presenting a potential safety hazard.
Continue Reading![The Parts Alliance acquires motor factor Waterloo (Motor Trade) Ltd](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Peter-Sephton-CEO-The-Parts-Alliance.jpg)
The Parts Alliance acquires motor factor Waterloo (Motor Trade) Ltd
HgCapital-owned Parts Alliance Group has acquired Waterloo (Motor Trade) Ltd. The company will continue to trade under its own name, serving customers in the East Riding of Yorkshire, with branches in Hull, Beverley and Bridlington. Waterloo was founded in 1928 by current managing director Jim Munday’s grandfather.
Continue Reading![ATS Euromaster signs new two-year deal with Arval](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/arval-e1483458851265.jpg)
ATS Euromaster signs new two-year deal with Arval
ATS Euromaster has secured its position as primary tyre supplier to major vehicle leasing and fleet management company Arval, which leases more than 150,000 cars and vans in the UK.
Continue ReadingContinental’s Tom Whittaker dies
Continental Tyre Group has announced that Tom Whittaker passed away on 19 December 2016.
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