![Conti’s Bandvulc purchase results in UK market remoulding](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/DAW-6304.jpg)
Conti’s Bandvulc purchase results in UK market remoulding
On the 4 July, as the USA began to celebrate its independence day, Continental AG’s UK subsidiary (Continental Tyre Group) announced it had bought Bandvulc (B.V. Environmental Ltd.), one of only two substantially sized independent retreaders left in the UK. Legally, the takeover establishes Bandvulc as a wholly owned subsidiary of Continental UK Group Holdings Limited. T&A understands Bandvulc’s existing management team are to continue to lead the business.
Continue ReadingUK car manufacturing continues to grow
UK car manufacturing achieved its 12th consecutive month of growth in July, rising 7.6 per cent to 126,566 units compared with the same month in 2015, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Year-to-date production grew 12.3 per cent to 1,023,723 units – the best performance since 2000, and the first time in 12 years volumes have been greater than one million in the first seven months. Demand was up both at home and abroad with a 14.1 per cent increase in output for the domestic market and exports up 6.0 per cent to 101,184 units. More than three quarters of a million cars built this year are destined for overseas markets, a 77.8 per cent share of total production volumes.
Continue ReadingWhat a difference a year makes – July CV production down 5.2 per cent
SMMT figures reveal that UK commercial vehicle (CV) manufacturing fell -5.2 per cent in July. The decline shows a marked difference to last year’s figures, when a remarkably strong performance in July 2015 saw production rise by almost 50 per cent.
Continue ReadingBirmingham “is worst city to drive in” says poll
In a poll of British drivers, Birmingham has been voted the worst city to drive around in the UK, closely followed by London, with Bristol coming in third. The team at offer and discount website www.VoucherCodesPro.co.uk conducted the research as part of an ongoing study into Britons on the road. 2,240 British drivers and 18 and over, all of whom stated that they had been driving on UK roads for a minimum of two years, were quizzed about their driving habits and what they liked and disliked about driving.
Continue ReadingRMI Bodyshops debt recovery hits £100k
As part of its ongoing challenge for bodyshops to treated fairly, RMI Bodyshops (NAB & VBRA), the UK’s leading trade association for the vehicle body repair sector, has reached a milestone in its debt recovery service. The association, which provides a variety of services designed to provide support to its members and allows them to focus on the day-to-day running of their business, has now recouped over £100,000 so far this year on behalf of members - without any commissions being deducted.
Continue ReadingUnrealistic valuations helping to distort used vehicle market, says Glass’s
Fleets hanging onto cars and vans in an attempt to achieve unrealistic and inflated valuations are causing distortions in the used car and van markets, say Glasss. Reluctance to sell below these guide prices, and continually resubmitting vehicles for sale at the same or other auctions, creates a range of problems, said Rupert Pontin, director of valuations. He explained: Lately, we are going through a phase where we see the same cars and vans presented at auction time and again - and our feedback says that failure to reach book values is the reason.
Continue Reading![New vans to increase GSF Car Parts delivery efficiency](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/gsf.jpg)
New vans to increase GSF Car Parts delivery efficiency
GSF Car Parts has invested in 10 new VW Caddy vans to be used across the branch network. The vehicles will be added to the existing fleet rather than used as replacements, enabling more frequent local trade customer deliveries. The vans have been selected using criteria to evaluate a full range of factors including load capacity, fuel economy, purchase price and anticipated running cost - with VW Caddy scoring well across the board.
Continue Reading![Stamford extends ‘mid-range’ Firenza brand with bus tyres](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/SSR065-2.png)
Stamford extends ‘mid-range’ Firenza brand with bus tyres
Firenza recently introduced a new range of urban bus tyres which have been specifically designed and manufactured for all position buses. The Firenza SSU05 incorporates a reinforced sidewall to ensure a high standard of protection against kerb damage along with an extremely durable casing construction to guarantee several life cycles. Additional benefits include a high resistance to irregular wear and outstanding mileage performance. Whilst the Firenza SSU500 includes a specially designed tread pattern for exceptional grip and again offers outstanding mileage return. The SSU05 tyre is currently available in size 275/70R22.5 and the SSU500 tyre in size 305 /70R22.5.
Continue ReadingGEA members raise £2,500 for BEN
Garage Equipment Association members recently raised £2500 for BEN at their annual Charity Golf Day. The event, which has been running for over 20 years was set up to allow GEA members and non-members to network whilst raising money for charity.
Continue Reading£50K worth of Goodyear, Dunlop tyres stolen from lorry
According to Northamptonshire Police, Goodyear and Dunlop tyres with a total value of around £50,000 were stolen from a lorry parked in the northbound Watford Gap services overnight. Two small holes were cut in the lorry’s side curtain and the security tag cut on the rear doors in order to reach the tyres sometime between 11pm yesterday and 6am this morning. The driver of the lorry was asleep at the time.
Continue Reading![Used bike market ‘muted’ as YOY July registrations drop](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Honda_Fireblade.jpg)
Used bike market ‘muted’ as YOY July registrations drop
The motorbike, scooter and moped sector is described as “muted”, with inclement weather and a contracting new bike market suggested as reasons for the relative inactivity. My Car Check’s Rob Hobson said: “It is very much a mixed report this month. New registration numbers for 2016 are still up, although July was down compared to the same month in 2015 – the first time that’s happened this year.
Continue Reading![August used car trends slow as expected, My Car Check suggests premium option](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/BMW_X1.jpg)
August used car trends slow as expected, My Car Check suggests premium option
My Car Check’s valuation experts have spoken about the significant trends in the UK used vehicle market for August, adding its car of the month. Head of valuation services at My Car Check, Gavin Amos, said: “Used car sales have slowed over the last month, which is only to be expected at this time of year.”
Continue Reading![Supertracker aligner installed in motorsport-focused depot](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/P1010014-e1471629145411.jpg)
Supertracker aligner installed in motorsport-focused depot
Hoole Racing and Restoration has taken delivery of one of Supertrackers popular laser wheel aligners, becoming the first motor racing company to use Supertracker equipment at their busy workshop.
Continue Reading![Gloucester logistics firm extends Bridgestone contract](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Richard-Downton-and-Greg-Ward-3.jpg)
Gloucester logistics firm extends Bridgestone contract
Gloucester based CM Downton has extended a 10-year partnership with Bridgestone until 2020, declaring the tyre manufacturer’s commitment to fleet uptime is reaping rewards. It added that its decision to switch to a pence-per-kilometre (PPK) agreement is already paying off.
Continue Reading![Yokohama tyres fitted to Chelsea FC team bus](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Costa-on-coach-HR.jpg)
Yokohama tyres fitted to Chelsea FC team bus
Yokohama has added a further initiative to its shirt sponsorship link with Chelsea FC; the manufacturer is fitting its tyre to the team bus. Chelsea will roll into Watford FC’s Vicarage Road ground for the squad’s first away fixture of the 2016/17 season on Yokohama 104ZR coach and bus tyres. The company has also fitted its high-performance, premium car tyres to a number of the players’ own cars.
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