UK records best half-year for new van sales since 2019
The UK new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market has risen for the sixth consecutive month, growing by 31.0 per cent to 34,630 units in the best June since 2019, according to the latest SMMT figures. 169,926 new vans, pickups and 4x4s were registered in the first half of 2023, up 17.7 per cent compared with the same period last year, as once-persistent supply chain shortages ease.
Continue ReadingEddie Fogarty Joins GB Tyres
Eddie Fogarty has joined GB Tyres as national key account manager. Fogarty joins the existing PCR team and will work with colleagues and the senior management team within the business to “further develop and grow its share of the passenger car market.” That means heading up the Kenda tyre dealer programme in addition to “supporting passenger car tyre sales growth through the development of key accounts”.
Continue ReadingBuoyant new car sales in June as SMMT calls for VAT cut on public charging
The new car market grew 25.8 per cent in June with 177,266 vehicles registered, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The June performance marks the 11th consecutive month of growth as the industry gradually overcomes the pandemic-induced supply chain shortages that constrained production for much of the previous two years. With waiting times easing and pent-up demand being met, the sector is a rare bright spot in a gloomy economic landscape even though overall market volumes remain below pre-pandemic levels.
Continue ReadingUK fleets ‘lead way’ in sustainability investment – Goodyear
Goodyear’s recent Sustainable Reality Survey has shown that UK fleets are more focused on sustainability than their European counterparts, with higher-than-average knowledge and application of sustainable solutions, including fuel-efficient tyres. Goodyear surveyed more than 1,400 fleets from 33 countries, asking about their current efforts and targets for the future. It found that 93 per cent of UK fleets are committed to sustainability goals, compared to the European average of 83 per cent. The UK industry is also in a position of strength when it comes to investing in sustainable solutions, including fuel-efficient tyres, telematics and driver training. The full report on Goodyear’s survey is available from the manufacturers website.
Continue ReadingRepairify gains 14001 Environmental Certification
Repairify has been awarded ISO 14001 for its Luton and Peterlee offices. It is the first company within the Repairify Inc group to achieve the accreditation for its environmental management system. Repairify met the required certification by ensuring its UK sites are compliant with specific environmental criteria and demonstrated strict monitoring processes and awareness of environmental policies. These include effective waste management, battery containment, spillage kits, energy usage, and fire regulations.
Continue ReadingMaverick Diagnostics’ wins engagement bronze from Automechanika Birmingham
Automechanika Birmingham culminated in the prize of third-place for customer engagement for Maverick Diagnostics.
Continue ReadingVarta hosts uprated battery conference for fleets
Varta ran a conference focusing on commercial vehicle (CV) battery technology at the iconic British Motor Museum on 14 June. With the requirements of heavy-duty batteries changing to meet the modern needs of logistics, fleet and transport industries, Varta has developed a high-end range of enhanced flooded (EFB) and absorbent glass mat (AGM) batteries, to deliver improved reliability, protection from vibration, and reduce total cost of ownership.
Continue ReadingBridgestone van tyre sales ‘buoyant’ as upgraded Duravis Van driving impressive performance
Bridgestone is reporting a buoyant sales period to coincide with the start of summer, with its upgraded Duravis range credited for a significant share of success. Bridgestone says the Duravis Van tyre is gaining more traction than ever before, due to its impressive performance characteristics. In TÜV SÜD testing carried out on the request of Bridgestone in July-August 2022, the tyre secured best in class mileage against key premium brand competitors (the tests were conducted on a VW Caravelle 2.0 TDI with the tyre size 205/65 R16C). The testing organisation also found the Duravis Van to be ahead of the competition in dry and wet braking performance and fuel or energy efficiency when it pitted the tyre against premium competitors at ATP Papenburg, fitted to VW Caravelles and Mercedes-Benz Sprinters. Bridgestone says these performances have left a lasting impression on van fleets.
Continue ReadingBridgestone supports electric vehicle Rally with EV Ready tyres, Webfleet
Bridgestone will sponsor the EV Rally 2023 for the first time, using its “EV Ready” tyre technologies on the 1,200 mile, five-day event. The rally spans the UK and Ireland between 3 and 7 July, commencing in Cardiff. The new Bridgestone Turanza 6 and Duravis Van tyres, designated ‘EV Ready’ by the manufacturer, will be in the spotlight as the rally demonstrates the countries’ charging infrastructure.
Continue ReadingYokohama makes record investment in Silverstone Festival
Yokohama is returning to the Silverstone Festival, where it is the official tyre partner for the fifth consecutive year, and is also making a record investment in information and attractions.
Continue ReadingDaksh Gupta appointed as an IMI vice president
The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has confirmed the appointment of Daksh Gupta, the former Group Chief Executive Officer of Marshall Motor Holdings plc and Vice President of BEN, as a Vice President of the professional body. With three decades’ automotive experience, Daksh Gupta joins six other IMI Vice Presidents who all bring unprecedented hands-on experience, benefitting the IMI community, the wider sector and a new generation of people entering or considering entering the automotive workforce. Led by IMI President, Professor Jim Saker, the Vice Presidents’ vast knowledge and varying perspectives help the professional body adapt and respond to the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.
Continue ReadingDenso and its customers raise £2,599 for Ben
On Monday, 5 June, as part of its ongoing 50 years in Europe celebrations, the Denso UK team invited a selection of its key customers to enjoy a golf orientated event at The Belfry, one of the most prestigious golfing venues in the UK. “The theme of the day was teamwork and the importance of aligning the objectives and relationships of the whole supply chain,” explained Denso’s UK and Eire sales manager, Kevin Peacocke. “To this end, as well as direct customers, the team were joined by service suppliers, representatives of OESAA and their garage forum and senior managers from within Denso. In addition however, we also wanted to raise funds for the important work that Ben does to help industry colleagues in need.
Continue ReadingSpurs legends aplenty at Kumho five-a-side tournament
An annual five-a-side football tournament involving its customers and legends of the beautiful game is one of the many benefits of Kumho Tyre’s long-term partnership with Tottenham Hotspur. This year’s money-can’t-buy experience saw eight teams battling for glory at the Club’s Training Centre in Hotspur Way, with players travelling from across the UK and as far afield as the North of Scotland to participate.
Continue ReadingRightcharge partners with Green Flag to accelerate smart EV charging in the UK
Charge point installation platform, Rightcharge, has partnered with one of the UK’s leading breakdown providers, Green Flag, to help accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles in Britain by simplifying the process of installing an EV charge point at work or at home. Green Flag users can now access Rightcharge via the Green Flag app on IOS and Android and find the right charge point in just five clicks using Rightcharge’s industry-leading recommendation engine.
Continue ReadingLaunch Tech UK show diagnostics at Automechanika Birmingham
Launch Tech UK’s Automechanika Birmingham stand was “a hive of activity”, according to the company, with popular influencers Baz Meredith, and Jimmy O’Riley of O’Rileys Autos on hand to talk to fellow technicians about Launch Tech’s diagnostic devices and workshop equipment.
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