Decline in battery electric vehicle sales underlines continuing need to address demand – Deloitte
The -17.1 per cent decline in battery electric vehicle registrations in November may have been a result of supply chain issues, but analysts argued that the setback on the electrification of the UK car parc also underlines the need to continue addressing issues affecting consumer demand. Jamie Hamilton, automotive partner and head of electric vehicles at Deloitte, said: “In a month where we’ve seen significant announcements in the UK supporting electric vehicle (EV) production, the decline in sales of battery electric vehicles in November is a reminder that we also need to think about demand and the underlying charging infrastructure that’s required for consumer adoption.
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Latest new car registrations: ‘best November for four years’
The UK new car market grew by 9.5 per cent in November to reach 156,525 units, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). In the market’s best November for four years, registrations almost returned to pre-pandemic levels, down just 96 units (-0.1 per cent) on 2019.
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Vaculug offers electric waste vehicle tread compound
Vaculug has introduced an electric waste vehicle-orientated tread compound integrated with its Protekt System. This compound is being developed at Vaculug’s R&D facilities in Grantham and with their partner Vipal’s R&D team in Brazil.
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Halfords: Motorists could save £400 million by not servicing at dealerships
According to research conducted by Opinium for Halfords, 54 per cent of motorists are wrongly told they must get their vehicle serviced at a dealership to protect their warranty. The truth is that, under UK law, motorists can get their vehicles serviced anywhere from the moment they drive off the forecourt.
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Halfords accelerates Autocentre investment after strong first-half 2024 results
Halfords Groups reports that its “strong” first-half 2024 financial performance was driven by “substantial revenue and profit growth through increased market share” and “optimisation of our Autocentres business”. And that means we can expect accelerated capital investment in Autocentres moving forward.
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Remember This? – December 2023
Our monthly magazine column looks back at the biggest news events from the tyre industry five, 10, 15 and 20 years ago. Click the month and year to access the digital edition of the relevant issue of the magazine from Tyres & Accessories expanding digital archive.
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44% of dealers think car buyers will stick with petrol, diesel for longer after UK government’s EV decision
More than four out of 10 dealers (44 per cent) think used car buyers will stick with petrol and diesel cars for longer following the government’s decision to delay the new car electrifcation deadline to 2035. Startline’s November Used Car Tracker also shows that 29 per cent believe the move will mean the used electric vehicle (EV) market will take longer to develop while 19 per cent forecast that consumer demand for EVs will fall. Additionally, 24 per cent of dealers now believe it is more likely that motorists will buy a hybrid as a stepping stone to full electrification while 20 per cent believe that EV prices will fall further in addition to recent reductions.
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Autotech Recruit creates new employment gateway
Autotech Recruit has introduced a new pathway for skilled vehicle technicians and MOT testers wanting to try freelancing within the sector, while retaining the security of full-time employment. The cuts to National Insurance contributions for self-employed workers, recently outlined in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, could be a catalyst in helping those, considering becoming freelance, make the transition, according to Autotech.
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Tyrefix buys C&S Tyres
Tyrefix completed the acquisition of C&S Tyres (UK) Limited, which provides heavy off-highway tyre services across the earthmover, waste and recycling markets. The deal completed on 16 November 2023. According to Tyrefix, “the combination of the two businesses further strengthens Tyrefix’s national offering and is the second acquisition completed under the ownership of Literacy Capital.”
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Enso partners with In’n’Out Autocentres and M4 Tyres
Enso has expanded its service network via fitting partnerships with INnOUT Autocentres and M4 Tyres. This distribution expansion follows Ensos nomination as a finalist in the Clear Our Air Category of Prince William’s The Earthshot Prize. And, according to the company, “reaffirms Ensos commitment to setting new standards for Londons electric taxi industry”, by providing access to its “double-A rated specialist EV tyres across the entire city”.
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Defence Employer Recognition Scheme awards Tecalemit bronze status
Tecalemit Garage Equipment signed the Armed Forces Covenant in early 2023 as part of its commitment to supporting and empowering the wider Armed Forces community as an inclusive employer. The company now reports that it has been awarded the Bronze Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, demonstrating its success as an Armed Forces-friendly employer.
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Apollo celebrates Vredestein Quatrac’s strong performance in Auto Express all-season tyre test
Apollo Tyres is celebrating the achievement of its latest Vredestien Quatrac all-season tyre, after the product secured second place in the 2023 Auto Express All Season Tyre Test. Developed for mid-sized family cars and SUVs, the Quatrac was given a ’Recommended’ rating alongside the winning Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3, having proved its all-round performance in all conditions – it was top in braking on snow and in the wet, while it only dropped one place in the dry braking test, emphasising its safety credentials. Overall, it was just 0.1 per cent behind the winner. The Quatrac could also be called a value champion, acquired for a price around 20 per cent cheaper than the winning tyre.
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EV tyre opportunity for independent garages – Cleevely Electric Vehicles
An analysis of MOT failure data suggests that independent garages should consider how best to service demand for electric vehicle tyres. Matt Cleevely, managing director of Cleevely Electric Vehicles (EV), said the company is stocking a growing inventory of EV-specific tyres, with around 100 sales every month. This is on the back of new data analysis by Garage Industry Trends, which reveals that half of all EV MOT failures on vehicles registered after 2016 relate to tyres – almost double that of a diesel. Additionally, almost 60 per cent of EV advisories relate to tyre condition.
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Shaftec ranks highest for coverage, wins TecDoc Premier Data Supplier status
Shaftec has been ranked number one in the UK for coverage across its product groups: transmission, steering, and braking. The aftermarket supplier has also achieved TecDoc Premier Supplier status (PDS).
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WAI partners IAAF annual conference, sponsors Car Distributor award
WAI has become a partner sponsor at the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation’s (IAAF) upcoming annual conference. The rotating electrics and EV charging cable specialist is also sponsoring the Car Distributor of the Year award at the Pride of the Aftermarket Awards, which will be held on 7 December at DoubleTree by Hilton, Milton Keynes.
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