RMI Bodyshops welcomes government stance on ‘whiplash epidemic’
RMI Bodyshops (NAB & VBRA), the UK’s trade association for vehicle repairers, is encouraged to see that the Ministry of Justice has launched a consultation today on proposals which will reduce the unacceptably high number of whiplash claims, and allow insurers to cut premiums.
Continue Reading![Autoparts marks 25 years](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/AutopartsVAN.jpg)
Autoparts marks 25 years
Autoparts UK has reached its 25th anniversary of trading in the automotive aftermarket. After reaching this milestone, the motor factor is investing more resources in order to raise awareness of its exclusive brands, products and services such as its Loyalty Link rewards programme, all of which are designed to support the running of an independent garage.
Continue ReadingDemand for HGVs falls in Q3
Figures released by the SMMT show that the new heavy goods vehicle (HGV) market declined -3.6 per cent in the third quarter of 2016, with 11,242 units registered. The fall in demand follows five consecutive quarters of growth, and year-to-date the market remains strong, with registrations up 6.6 per cent against the same period in 2016.
Continue Reading‘Modest growth’ in October car registrations
The UK new car market experienced modest growth in October following a bumper plate-change month in September, according to figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. 180,168 cars were driven off the UK’s forecourts last month as registrations grew 1.4 per cent.
Continue ReadingUnion unhappy over ‘unnecessary’ language test
The GMB trade union is up in arms over what it calls a ‘ridiculous’ language test which forces London private hire drivers to fork out at least £180 to prove they speak English. GMB says introducing the tests could see a private education firm pocket £20 million.
Continue Reading![Michelin Auto Professional annual conference explores online opportunities](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/mich-autopros-meagher.jpg)
Michelin Auto Professional annual conference explores online opportunities
Customers who research tyres online, but purchase offline were the major topic of this year’s annual conference for Michelin’s Auto Professional network. Michelin estimates that around 70 per cent of tyre purchases begin online – though actual online tyre purchases remain much lower – so tackling this growth market is now an important aspect of tyre retail, as Mark Meagher, retail programme development manager explains.
Continue Reading![Spalding stocking TyrePal Agri-TPMS](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/thumbnail_TYP096-Tyre-pressure-monitoring-takes-the-field-HN-e1479305307706.jpg)
Spalding stocking TyrePal Agri-TPMS
Spaldings is supplying TyrePal tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) to its customers in the agricultural sector. The TPMS can be attached to tractor or trailer tyres to help farmers increase safety, as well as reduce downtime and the risk of an expensive tyre blow out.
Continue Reading![Pro-Align celebrates 25th anniversary](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Pro-Align-25th-anniversary-HR.jpg)
Pro-Align celebrates 25th anniversary
Garage equipment supplier and exclusive UK distributor of Hunter products, Pro-Align has marked its 25th anniversary at its Towcester headquarters. The company unveiled a new slate sign outside its offices, while each member of staff was presented with a 25th anniversary decanter and 1991 bottle of vintage port, marking their contribution to the firm’s growth and success. Pro-Align’s aftersales team also recommissioned one of the first wheel alignment systems the company sold back in 1991.
Continue Reading![A1 Motor Stores adds 38 Motor World stores to motor factor network](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Simon-2.jpg)
A1 Motor Stores adds 38 Motor World stores to motor factor network
UK automotive buying group A1 Motor Stores has added Motor World Ltd to its motor factor network, effective immediately. The deal means 38 more branches have been added to A1’s motor factor membership of 40, and is described as “a major milestone for the group”. The newest additions are placed around England and Wales, improving coverage.
Continue ReadingTRA and WRA: Environment Agency’s approach to fire prevention ‘unviable’
The Tyre Recovery Association (TRA) and Wood Recyclers Association (WRA) are describing the Environment Agency’s (EA) attempt to create a single set of ‘one size fits all’ fire prevention guidelines for all sectors as ‘unviable’, a view that the association states is held by firms across the waste recovery industry. The need to store a diverse range of materials in various grades, each with differing combustibility, burn rates and fire risk, across widely differing sites, makes the adoption of a ‘catch-all’ solution impossible, they point out. Should such a policy be adopted, it would also pose a severe threat to reputable businesses, while at the same time encouraging an increase in sites exempt from regulations and which the EA admits it does not have the funds to inspect.
Continue ReadingCenex names new head of transport
Cenex has appointed Steve Carroll as Head of Transport. As Head of Transport, Carroll will be responsible for carrying out Cenex’s large-scale vehicle trials; developing new relationships with technology innovators, local governments and end users; and helping fleet owners and local authorities realise the value of investing in low carbon vehicle technology.
Continue Reading![AA Garage Guide enlists patrols to pick best local garages](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/aa-garageguide-recommend.jpg)
AA Garage Guide enlists patrols to pick best local garages
AA Garage Guide, the online search and booking site, has enlisted the help of the AA’s expert patrols to recommend the best local garages in their area. Each of the nearly 4,000 garages included on the Garage Guide’s site must adhere to its strict listing criteria. Patrol suggestions will be highlighted on the Garage Guide website as a ‘Patrol Pick’ so that members can see which selections they suggest. The AA says this will help to make sure that workshops get the recognition and the business that they deserve.
Continue Reading![TyreFinders celebrate Maxxis shop fit with charity day](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/tyrefinders.jpg)
TyreFinders celebrate Maxxis shop fit with charity day
TyreFinders, is celebrating the success of a new shop-fit by raising over £200 for charity. The Cornwall-based group opened the fifth of its garages in Helston, in July this year, and its celebrations extended further, as this was the second of its five branches to receive the Centre of Excellence title from top ten global tyre manufacturer, Maxxis.
Continue ReadingNTDA supports sidewall drilling
The National Tyre Distributors Association (NTDA) has endorsed sidewall drilling in a bid to re move end of life tyres from the retail supply chain. Following its executive council meeting on 9 November 2016, the NTDA stated:
Continue Reading![Goodyear wins Auto Express all-season tyre test](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/auto-express-astt2016.png)
Goodyear wins Auto Express all-season tyre test
Recognising the attractiveness of all-season tyres to the majority of the UK market, leading weekly magazine Auto Express has conducted its second comparative test of six products in the segment. Testing on the bestselling 17” size, 225/45R17, the magazine used the independent Test World facility, with support from Hankook, to test in snow, and Continental’s Contidrom to test in cold and wet conditions to represent winter, and dry conditions to represent summer. The full test also included two leading seasonal tyres, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen-1 winter tyre and the Continental ContiSportContact 5 summer tyre, which showed that all-season products continue to represent a compromise; however the performance gaps in the tests most relevant to UK drivers may surprise critics of year-round tyres.
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