MOT set for modernisation
A new Internet-based MOT testing system is to replace existing MOT computers and Vehicle Testing Station (VTS) devices this year, with the first garages switching over to the new system as early as next month. The switchover, which will take place between April and September, will require Test Stations to have IT equipment that meets the minimum requirements set out in the government’s MOT Modernisation guidance. Garages will be contacted by the DVSA with a date of transition and the system is likely to go live overnight.
Continue ReadingMotorcycle registrations sustain January growth – NMDA
The National Motorcycle Dealers Association has revealed that February registrations continued the strong start to 2015 witnessed in January, with double-digit year-on-year increases. As with previous months the 51-125cc sector showed an increase of 12.4 per cent as the biggest sector in volume terms, which means 207 more machines registered over February 2014. While sales in most power ranges increased, the sub-50cc moped segment decreased 20.7 per cent.
Continue ReadingSilverline launches UK website for Atturo brand
A new UK website has been launched for the Atturo brand by its distributor, Silverline. Atturo.co.uk details its 4x4, SUV and light truck models, with three road-centric AZ range products and the Trail Blade M/T, X/T and A/T tyres featured.
Continue ReadingFirst Stop renovations begin with Halesowen facelift
UK fast fit network First Stop has begun its 2015 investment programme with a facelift for its Halesowen centre. The 52 centre network has announced new locations and significant investment expected this year, with the re-launched, new-look garage on Overend Road the first to benefit from substantial investment. The centre boasts improved branding and equipment as a result of the renovation, with three other members – Horndean Tyres, Ashton Tyres & Exhausts and Thorntons Tyres – joining Halesowen in the early stages of the planned investment.
Continue ReadingSMMT campaigns against “the demonisation of diesel”
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has launched a nationwide consumer campaign to raise awareness about the latest low-emission car technology and challenge the increasing demonisation of diesel.
Continue ReadingEx-fleet market looks strong for 2015
Supply of ex-fleet used vehicles has picked up significantly in the first two months of the year and the strong market looks set to continue through the first half of 2015, according to Andy Brown, managing director of online auction, Cars Direct.
Continue ReadingTransense and Tip Top sign million pound deal
Transense Technologies Plc reports that its Translogik tyre management solutions division has signed an exclusive agreement to supply its tyre inspection probe to Rema Tip Top Holdings UK Limited for use in Rema Tip Top’s new passenger car tyre inspection system, ‘Tip Top Tread’. Tip Top Tread, based on Translogik’s proprietary tyre probe technology, will […]
Continue ReadingConsumers most likely to repeat-buy mid-range tyres
Tyrereviews data suggests mid-range is perceived as outperforming premium The tyre-buying public is most likely to repeat-buy mid-range tyre brands, according to data collected and compiled by consumer tyre rating website, tyrereviews.co.uk. The data, which is based on a total of 11,429 consumer reviews even goes as far as saying that consumers believe their mid-range […]
Continue ReadingNew distribution centre and new product range
Kumho executives show Tyres & Accessories around Lutterworth NDC Just over a year after Kumho moved into its Lutterworth, Leicestershire national distribution centre (NDC), Tyres & Accessories caught up with brand manager Dan Woodward and marketing director John Thrupp in order to learn more about both the NDC and the company’s ongoing progress in the […]
Continue ReadingIAAF to discuss legislation, internet parts and social media misuse
The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) has announced that its latest breakfast network meeting will address key legislation, internet parts and social media misuse for employers in the automotive aftermarket. Taking place at Valeo Service UK, Redditch, on Tuesday 21 April, the event will welcome a representative from Capita, a leading FTSE business and provider of business process management solutions.
Continue ReadingFull house of UK’s biggest CV tyre brands at CV Show 2015
The CV Show has become an increasingly important event for the tyre and wheel segment in recent years, and the trend will continue with the 2015 edition. The UK segment’s biggest manufacturers – Hankook, Goodyear, Michelin, Continental, Bridgestone, Pirelli and Giti will all be present, as will the ambitious Sailun and Aeolus brands and retreader Bandvulc – and related companies such as wholesaler RH Claydon, and Pro-Align with the new Hunter commercial vehicle wheel aligner.
Continue ReadingCrews work to extinguish Essex tyre fire
Firefighters from Essex County Fire & Rescue Service are still dealing with a large tyre fire near the Fairglen Interchange on the A130. A pile of tyres covering an area of 50 metres by 20 metres and stacked two metres high caught fire late Monday. As of 7:30am today, crews were working with diggers to break up the pile and extinguish fires. Three pumps were working at the site.
Continue ReadingCoach and Bus tyre features punching above segment’s weight
When we consider the truck and bus market it can be easy to downgrade the importance of the latter half of the equation. According to the latest Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) Factbook, there were 89,374 buses (including coaches) on the UK’s roads last year, equating to 13.6 per cent of the UK heavy commercial vehicle parc (i.e. not including van-sized vehicles) and 0.2 per cent of the total vehicle parc. Compared with 568,993 trucks (86.4 per cent of the CV parc), the people transportation segment of the CV market is clearly the junior partner. New bus registrations have made a strong start to 2015 (see textbox), but are still relatively small beer.
Continue ReadingHankook UK bus and truck tyre market leader in 2014
In September Tyres & Accessories published a truck tyre market analysis suggesting there has been a massive shift in UK truck tyre market share distribution in the five years since the last time we did a study of this kind. In short, we found that the market is no longer the three-horse race it was in 2009 when Bridgestone and Michelin were fairly evenly matched ahead of Hankook in third place. Instead it looked like it had become a five-horse race, with Hankook and Goodyear Dunlop duking it out at the top. Of course, we have to be conscious that this all refers to sales volume data (tyre unit sales) as opposed to sales values (and the pound notes tell a wholly different story), however the overall point remains extremely pertinent to understanding what is going in the market.
Continue ReadingRingtons opts for Michelin winter tyres after trial
Tea company Ringtons, a proud family business steeped in history, is adapting its tyre policy to ensure it can continue to deliver to customers across the UK on time, every time. The Newcastle-based firm will progressively roll out a Michelin winter tyre policy for its fleet of 220 VW Caddy commercials, following a trial during winter 2014/15 which demonstrated a clear improvement in mobility throughout the colder weather.
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