UK beats CO2 emissions targets again
The UK has once again beaten CO2 emissions targets, with the average new car in 2014 posting CO2 emissions 4.2 per cent below this years EU-wide target of 130g/km, according to a Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) new report. The annual SMMT New Car CO2 Report 2015 reveals that carbon tailpipe emissions have fallen for the 17th consecutive year to an all-time low. In 2014, new cars averaged just 124.6g/km, beating last years record average by 2.9 per cent and 2007 levels by almost a quarter (24 per cent).
Continue ReadingChange to the driving licence – paper counterpart to become obsolete
From 8 June 2015 the paper counterpart of the driving licence (D740) is to be abolished and will no longer be issued by the the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
Continue ReadingCars should not become living rooms, warns IAM
The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has warned that car manufacturers are building high-tech distractions into their new vehicles and have made interiors so comfortable they are being turned into living rooms. The warning came from IAM chief executive officer Sarah Sillars, who said efforts to reduce distraction factors for motorists are being undone by the relentless pace of technology and eagerness of car makers to pack more gadgets onto dashboards.
Continue Reading![Klarius backs Government on air pollution targets](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Klarius051_CATs_made_in_UK_reduce_pollution_pic1_PR3255_38176.jpg)
Klarius backs Government on air pollution targets
On the back of a recent ruling by the Supreme Court that requires the UK government to take action on air pollution in several major cities, the UK’s largest vehicle emission control component manufacturer Klarius has revealed plans to increase the manufacturing volumes of its pollution reducing diesel particulate filters (DPFs) and catalytic converters (CATs). Not only that, Klarius has increased its schedule of new-to-range introductions to include far more cars and light commercial vehicles in the near future. Essentially aimed at older cars that produce a higher level of pollution, it’s thought that the ability to ensure all UK replacement emission components meet high quality and performance standards will make a significant contribution to the Government’s task of meeting new stricter pollution reduction targets.
Continue ReadingKorean demand for British-built cars up 476% since 2009
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is to lead a delegation of specialist UK automotive companies in a trade visit to Seoul, as the industry seeks to strengthen business links and partnerships with Korean companies. The trade mission comes on the back of a record UK-Korea trading year. Korea is now the third biggest Asian export hub for the UK automotive industry – and the eighth largest export market. British car exports to Korea have grown by a record 476 per cent, with 13,337 vehicles shipped to the country last year compared with 2315 in 2009.
Continue ReadingCV Show records ‘one of busiest’ years since UK recession
The organiser of the 2015 Commercial Vehicle Show has predicted that official, independently audited figures will prove it was “one of the busiest” editions of the annual event since the UK came out of recession. Stating that the second day in particular (15 April) saw packed halls and long registration queues, Rob Skelton, CV Show Director, said: “There was a buzz about the CV Show this year right from the very start and attendance levels were high.
Continue Reading![Pirelli returns alongside all major UK players at CV Show 2015](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/CV-Giti.jpg)
Pirelli returns alongside all major UK players at CV Show 2015
The strong representation of the tyre and wheel business at April’s Commercial Vehicle Show 2015 proved that the show is considered an increasingly important platform for those within the business. Indeed, Giti Tire’s notably larger stand, effectively re-launching its corporate identity, and the presence of Pirelli after a decade of non-attendance – alongside strong commitments from all the leading UK CV brands; major CV tyre wholesalers, Kirkby Tyres, RH Claydon and Kings Road Tyres; fleet servicing companies; and garage machinery providers.
Continue Reading![Hankook exhibits increased load index SmartFlex, TL02 trailer tyre at CV Show](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Hankook-Smart-Flex-AH31-Slanted-Left1.jpg)
Hankook exhibits increased load index SmartFlex, TL02 trailer tyre at CV Show
Hankook’s Commercial Vehicle Show stand contained its CV tyre portfolio, with the recent adapted products for Euro V and VI vehicles taking centre stage. The SmartFlex AH31 and the TL02 trailer tyre were the key products in this respect, while the manufacturer also emphasised its Alphatread, retread range, which was extended with the addition of the popular 315/70R22.5 size, made available in January 2015. Hankook also hosted a football competition on its large Hall 5 stand, run in conjunction with its sponsorship of the UEFA Europa League.
Continue Reading![How Goodyear’s tyre products and technologies support ongoing growth](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/IMG_3962.jpg)
How Goodyear’s tyre products and technologies support ongoing growth
Looking around the 2015 CV Show, it’s easy to see that there is a significant amount of Goodyear-shod vehicles being exhibited. One particular example that Goodyear representatives pointed Tyres & Accessories to is the well-known truck manufacturer DAF, which brought a particularly high number of Goodyear-equipped trucks to the show. So, with this in mind, can such a strong showing in the exhibition fitment stakes be seen as a metaphor for the company’s ongoing growth? T&A met with Marc Preedy, Goodyear commercial director UK & Ireland, to find out.
Continue Reading![Pirelli opens up its Carlisle plant](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/ONY3368-2.jpg)
Pirelli opens up its Carlisle plant
While the Pirelli-backed Carlisle Rally returned to the city forming round three of both the Mintex MSA British Historic Rally Championship and the West Wales Rally Spares RAC Rally Championship on the weekend of 24 – 26 April, the company also played host to local dignitaries and visitors. In conjunction with the rally, over the course of two days Pirelli Carlisle opened its doors and staged both a VIP tour and an employee fun day at its Carlisle factory.
Continue Reading![The Parts Alliance launches national tool hire programme, Toolhireclub.com](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Toolhireclub-Homepage.png)
The Parts Alliance launches national tool hire programme, Toolhireclub.com
The Parts Alliance has launched a national tool hire programme. Designed to allow independent garages and workshops to retain business by improving access to specialist tools, Toolhireclub.com, is described as “a first” for a motor factor group. 300 special service tools and pieces of diagnostic equipment covering every major area of service and repair are available for hire. The Parts Alliance says it will allow garage owners to hire tools at low cost that in some cases would cost thousands of pounds to buy and would otherwise be beyond their budget.
Continue ReadingLowest petrol sales for 25 years in March 2015
The National Franchised Dealers Association has revealed that petrol sales fell 10 per cent in March to a record low of 1.31bn litres. The month followed growth of around four per cent in February, when drivers took advantage of prices 22p per litre lower than the year before.
Continue Reading![Landsail tyre dealer ‘on Target’](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/image5-2.jpg)
Landsail tyre dealer ‘on Target’
Target Tyres in Sowerby Bridge is reporting increased business in its first year as a Landsail key dealer. An independent tyre company, Target Tyres specialise in a full range of car, SUV and van tyres. As winter tyre specialists Target Tyres were also attracted by the Landsail winter tyre range. Target’s exclusive Winter Tyres Club offers customers who buy winter tyres from them free storage for their seasonal tyres, discounted re-fitting and fitting reminders.
Continue Reading![Whippet Coaches signs first tyre management deal with Michelin Solutions](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Whippet-Mich-Effitires.jpg)
Whippet Coaches signs first tyre management deal with Michelin Solutions
Whippet Coaches has moved its fleet on to a rolling Effitires contract with Michelin Solutions. The outsourced tyre management deal is the first pence-per-kilometre agreement to be implemented by the coach operator.
Continue Reading![Kingsway Tyres first dealer to register with CAM’s e-jobsheet.com](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Kingsway-CAM.jpg)
Kingsway Tyres first dealer to register with CAM’s e-jobsheet.com
Kingsway Tyres has become the first tyre dealer to register with e-jobsheet.com, CAM’s open-access mobile data platform for digital tablet technology in the truck, bus and van service arena. Signing up at the CV Show in April, director and general manager of Kingsway Tyres, Martin O’Brien, says, “We were persuaded to register by the many benefits associated by taking greater control of our truck tyre service work which will continue to improve our processes, drive efficiencies and reduce costs.”
Continue Reading