Extended warranties – how good are they?
Mitsubishi, Renault, Subaru, Hyundai and Kia now offer warranties ranging from four to seven years from the initial purchase date, but a closer examination of the small print reveals major discrepancies between the advertised cover and the time elapsed.
Continue Reading![Fuel purchasing shows discretionary spending’s up almost 9%](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/import/Fuel_web_531536427.jpg)
Fuel purchasing shows discretionary spending’s up almost 9%
Discretionary spending could be up by the best part of 9 per cent, according to data which compared the decrease in fuel costs with increase in total fuel sales to consumers. The latest Verum Financial Research Household Discretionary Spending Tracker, reached its conclusion by subtracting essential living costs from total household spending. The result was an 8.7 per cent year-on-year increase in UK household discretionary spending during the third quarter of 2014 - its fastest rate for over 15 years. The analysis was based on quarterly data published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on UK household spending.
Continue Reading![Jeff Fowkes Wheels launches “Love Your Tyres” campaign](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/LoveYourTyres.png)
Jeff Fowkes Wheels launches “Love Your Tyres” campaign
Leicestershire’s Jeff Fowkes Wheels has launched the second stage of its 2015 tyre safety campaign. Themed around Valentine’s Day, “Love your Tyres” is designed to encourage motorists “to show their tyres some love and participate in free tyre safety checks,” the tyre retailer states.
Continue Reading![An influx of imports is making the car tyre market even more competitive](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/IMG_6444.jpg)
An influx of imports is making the car tyre market even more competitive
On 27 January the UK economy registered growth of 2.6 per cent in 2014. Of course it has not been the same across Europe, but with record new car registrations in the UK and 32 consecutive months of growth in that figure, you could be forgiven for asking why the UK tyre market came out as flat according to both the sell-in and sell-out measurements in 2014. At the same time it is important to set all this into its wider European context, something which this month’s analysis of the passenger car tyre market attempts to embark on.
Continue Reading![Michelin identifies young riders as a key UK motorcycle growth area](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Michelin-bike.jpg)
Michelin identifies young riders as a key UK motorcycle growth area
Michelin has suggested that 2015 could be the “year of two wheels for young drivers” after an increase in compulsory basic training applications from the under-25s and a sales uplift from bike retailers and tyre dealerships. According to the tyre manufacturer’s Stoke-based driver safety partner – Bryans Road Safety Centre with whom Michelin runs a range of on-road and off-road driver and motorcycle rider training courses – 2014 saw double-digit growth for courses from each of the key 16, 17-18 and 19-23 age groups. The increase seems particularly relevant to the latter group, which registered a 25 per cent increase.
Continue Reading![ABD calls for greater transparency on casualty figures](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/ABDlogo_200x200.png)
ABD calls for greater transparency on casualty figures
As the government announces another quarters casualty figures some four months after the quarter end, the Alliance of British Drivers (ABD) calls on the government to investigate casualty data far more rigorously and to ensure openness and honesty amongst all bodies concerned.
Continue ReadingGrowth continues in CV market
The commercial vehicle market continues growth for the ninth consecutive month, up 23.2 per cent to 24,567 units, according to the latest figures from the SMMT.
Continue ReadingBest January for new car sales for eight years
SMMT figures on new car registrations showed a positive start to the year as the numbers grew 6.7 per cent in January to 164,856 units – the strongest January since 2007.
Continue Reading![Tyre network launches ‘HiQ-In-A-Box’ concept](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Hi_Q_Maidstone_1-2.jpg)
Tyre network launches ‘HiQ-In-A-Box’ concept
HiQ has launched what it calls the HiQ-In-A-Box concept with a new centre in Maidstone. HiQ-In-A-Box is designed to give franchisees an accelerated expansion route to market by delivering a turnkey ready-made centre. Explaining the initiative, Mark Widdows, HiQ national franchise manager, said:
Continue Reading![Yokohama confirms Top Gear Live supply deal](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/SIMPLIFIED_TGL_gocompare-copy.jpg)
Yokohama confirms Top Gear Live supply deal
Yokohama has signed a deal to become the official tyre supplier for the 2015 Top Gear Live UK Tour. Yokohama tyres will be used on all vehicles featured during the five-venue tour. Commenting, Yokohama HPT Ltd managing director David Seward said: “I am delighted that Yokohama has been confirmed as official tyre supplier for the 2015 Top Gear Live UK Tour. The series of events really brings the television series to life and I am sure that our products will deliver the performance that the drivers require on every level.”
Continue Reading![Michelin contributes to 12% fuel saving at Hermes UK](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/hermes-2000.jpg)
Michelin contributes to 12% fuel saving at Hermes UK
Hermes UK, the consumer delivery specialist, has renewed its three-year tyre contract with Michelin solutions, saying the efficient management of its tyres helped contribute to a 12 per cent reduction in diesel bills over the last three years. The Effitires contract – Michelin solutions’ name for an outsourced tyre management deal – will cover the entire Hermes UK fleet of 190 tractor units, 368 rigid trucks and 760 trailers.
Continue ReadingIs £1 a litre fuel really likely?
Just last week Energy Minister Amber Rudd raised the prospect of petrol costing less than £1.00/litre ahead of the general election as crude prices continued to fall. However from a low point of $45/barrel for Brent Crude in mid-January, there has been a significant rally back to $54/barrel this week. The point is that this makes is less likely that fuel will get as low as a pound a litre any time soon.
Continue ReadingTreasury secretary responds to RMI submission
David Gauke MP, financial secretary to the Treasury, has written to the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI) in response to the RMI’s pre-autumn statement submission.
Continue Reading50 years on from seat belt law and people are still not buckling up
The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) is warning that despite 50 years of seat belt laws, far too many drivers and passengers are still putting themselves and others in great danger by not wearing seat belts. The first seat belt law came into force in January 1965, which saw all new cars in the UK required to have seat belt anchorage points on the outer front seats – and paved the way for far-reaching compulsory seat belt wearing laws in the decades after.
Continue ReadingAndrew Page expanding commercial vehicle parts presence
Autoparts and workshop equipment distributor, Andrew Page, has confirmed plans to expand its existing presence in the commercial vehicle aftermarket. Working with Unipart Autoparts as a key supply partner, Andrew Page reports that it will distribute its full TTC offer of truck and trailer parts, complemented by additions to the range from current Andrew Page […]
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