Dynomec invest >£1 million developing new locking wheel nut removal tool
Two decades after the introduction of Dynomec’s patented locking wheel nut removal tool, 2024 saw the Wakefield-based company introduce a brand-new version in January. The company has also been working with the RAC in order to bring it to market.
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Thinkcar promotes free TPMS T90 tool offer
Thinkcar UK is offering its newest T90 TPMS tool for free when customers buy 20 TPMS sensor valves. The T90 offer is available on a first-come, first-served basis, while stocks last.
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Dean Dyoss promoted to sales director at Kumho Tyre UK
Kumho Tyre UK promoted Dean Dyoss to the role of sales director effective 1 January 2024. Dyoss has more than 30 years of experience in the tyre industry in various sales positions with the likes of Bridgestone and Nankang as well as with Point S and Kwik Fit on the retail side. However, he has spent the last eight years with Kumho where he has been key account manager. As a result of his promotion, Dyoss will take responsibility for the Kumho consumer products sales team including business development and key accounts.
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TyreSafe: 4500 organisations involved in MOT consultation, tyre and brake wear key concerns
TyreSafe was among the 4,500 organisations that responded to the MoT Consultation, which has now concluded, detailing “the significant risks extending the first MoT for vehicles from three years to four or even five”. DVSA figures show the most likely reason for a vehicle, up to six years of age, to fail its MoT is tyre defects. Over 2 million cars fail their MOT each year due to tyre defects with over 1 million classified as ‘dangerous’.
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NTDA welcomes UK government’s decision to retain MOT gap
The UK’s National Tyre Distributors Association has welcomed the publication of the Department for Transport’s (DfT) response to the extensive consultation on modernising MOT testing for cars, motorbikes and vans. The association was vocal in its opposition to any extension to the current gaps in required MOT tests, namely three years after a new car’s registration and an annual test thereafter. The NTDA said its position was based “primarily on safety grounds, but also based on years of independent statistical information demonstrating that the current model works and is, overwhelmingly, supported by both the trade and UK motorists.” The consultation was launched in January 2023, with the aim of seeking views to ensure roadworthiness checks continue to balance the cost to motorists, road safety, advances in vehicle technology and tackling vehicle emissions.
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GSF Car Parts pilots delivery bikes
GSF Car Parts is piloting utilising a kind of electric bike to deliver car parts around its London branches. Company representatives report that delivery times are reportedly cut down to as short as just 10 minutes to some garages.
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Government keeps annual MOT, considering more diesel emissions checks
Motorists will still take the first MOT test three years after buying a new car. Following the conclusion of its latest consultation on MOT frequency, the government says it is updating MOTs but the first MOT will remain at three years from registration and every subsequent MOT will also continue to be taken once every year.
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Michelin XMCL telehandler tyre ‘passes test of time’ for Yorkshire farmer
A Yorkshire farmer has praised the Michelin XMCL tyres fitted to its Claas Scorpion telehandler, after it recorded more than 7,000 hours in operation. T Grange & Son said the Scorpion is still operating on the same original equipment 460/70 R24 tyres on which it arrived at Hasling Hall Farm, Otley, in 2011. Part of Michelin’s popular Compact Line range, the XMCL offers high wear resistance thanks to a robust rubber compound.
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Goodyear “in advanced discussions” on Avon motorsport tyre asset sale
Following the news that Avon’s ex-motorsport head has formed the Nova Motorsport tyre brand, Goodyear has confirmed to Tyres & Accessories that its Cooper Europe operation is “in advanced discussions” relating to the sale of certain Avon motorsport tyre assets.
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Delphi supports independent factor growth
Autovaux Car Parts (Autovaux), an independent supplier of automotive parts and accessories, is set to open a fourth branch. The expansion into West Yorkshire represents a significant milestone for the family-run business, which has rapidly evolved from humble beginnings in 2000. With existing branches in Dewsbury, Leeds, and Castleford, the latest addition will cater to increasing demands. Attributing success to consistent reinvestment into the business and strategic collaborations, Autovaux managing director, Paul Starling, highlights the pivotal role played by Delphi, the first tier-one supplier to extend a direct account to Autovaux.
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Garage Hive presents panel at 1TEC Auto Hub Connect
Garage Hive has taken part in the 1TEC Auto Hub Connect event on 19 January at The Belfry Hotel in Sutton Coldfield. Bringing together industry leaders to discuss the latest trends and innovations, Garage Hive director Alex Lindley was a guest panellist for the ‘Community Connections’ session, alongside Tina Drayson of CCM and Nathan Taylor of Walsall Wood Tyre & Service, chaired by renowned TV presenter Mark Durden-Smith. The session explained how independent garage businesses can leverage tools, including data, social media, and marketing, to strengthen operations and boost customer reach.
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NFDA Outlook Survey highlights need for more Government support
From 3 to 10 January 2024, the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) surveyed its members to seek dealer opinions and their outlook for 2024. The survey received 50 responses from various franchised dealership groups across the UK, representing a total of 279 sites.
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Indefinite strike threatens supply of TMD Friction brake products
Pay strikes intensified at TMD Frictions Hartlepool factory, according to Unite, the UK’s leading union, on 23 February. Around 150 workers began strike action over pay earlier this month. That number has since increased to over 180 as more workers join the union. The workers have now moved to continuous indefinite strike action, risking brake product shortages for TMD’s partners, which include Rolls Royce, Ford, Nissan, Toyota, Bentley and McLaren.
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SPC Rubber forms new tyre brand Nova Motorsport, appoints ex-Avon motorsport head
UK compounder SPC Rubber Group has formed a new tyre brand targeting the global motorsport market. Nova Motorsport founder and SPC Rubber managing director Paul Hallas said the company will focus “solely on low-volume racing and specialist tyres,” looking forward to announcing its first products and international partnerships in 2024. With a website and social media channels already in place, Nova will take its public bow at Retromobile – The Classic Car Show in Paris (31 January to 4 February 2024, Hall 1, Stand M-002). Nova has also recruited strong segment experience in its leadership team, including former Avon Motorsport head Paul Coates. Nova launches shortly after Goodyear’s closure of the Cooper Tire manufacturing facility in Melksham, the historical home of Avon and its motorsport operations. Nova is headquartered in Wiltshire, the same UK county as Melksham. “Nova”, as will already be apparent to those in the tyre industry, is Avon in reverse, perhaps a nod to a UK brand with a long motorsport heritage, whose future is being reconfigured under its new owner.
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Continental building premium agri tyre business to meet UK farming needs
The demands on the agricultural industry around the world are evolving rapidly. Spiralling cost pressures mean an uphill battle for farmers transforming their operations to feed a growing global population more sustainably. While there is substantial variance in the global market, this context means there is substantial demand for innovative, high-technology solutions for agricultural tyre supply, which increasingly transcend the boundaries of the tyre itself. Since it re-entered agricultural tyre manufacturing in 2016, Continental has supported the development of its European agricultural tyre business with heavy investment in its production line at Lousado, Portugal; Tyres & Accessories profiled the factory in the November 2023 issue. For this year’s agricultural tyre feature, T&A spoke to Tom Godwin, sales manager – agricultural for Conti in UK and Ireland, about the development of the company’s agricultural tyre business in our home markets and its strategy for taking on well-established agricultural tyre premium brands, as well as seeing the Conti TractorMaster VF in action with Dave Oldershaw Groundworks and Contracting in rural Herefordshire.
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