Remember This? – November 2023
Stories from the past 20 years of Tyres & Accessories: 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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More than half of UK tyres are illegal or borderline at point of replacement – TyreSafe study
A landmark new study by TyreSafe, Imperial College, London, and National Highways has revealed that more than half of tyres replaced in the UK have illegal or borderline tread depth. The tyre safety charity said the eye-opening data underscores the urgent need for increased awareness and action. TyreSafe published the report on tyre maintenance and safety practices among motorists, which is available to download now, ahead of the country’s Road Safety Week.
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Vaculug using eucalyptus-derived lignin as a protective agent
Vaculug is using lignin as a protective agent in its compounds. The company described the integration of the sustainable material into its production process as an “innovative approach” that “marks a significant milestone in the quest for eco-friendly solutions in the tyre industry”.
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Delphi Training Centre retains IMI approval, ADAS and EV course in demand
Delphi’s Titan 10 technical Training Centre in Warwick has retained Centre Approval from the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), effective for three years. This follows a detailed IMI audit process, completed at the Training Centre during October.
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UK auto sector commits to huge investment in workforce for the future
Britain’s automotive industry is helping young people gain the life-changing advantages of car mobility, thanks to a new pilot scheme that helps fund driving lessons for new apprentices in the sector. Drive to Thrive, launched by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) Charitable Trust Fund in partnership with automotive charity Ben, is further evidence of industrys commitment to its workforce – with more than 14,000 new jobs related to the net zero transition being created or expected in the UK thanks to huge investment from auto employers.
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Repairify: technology, AI can help bridge ADAS servicing skills gap
Garage and diagnostics equipment supplier Repairify has addressed the current chasm between the approximately 3,500 ADAS-qualified technicians in the UK and the 21,500 required to meet market demand for these services. The company says it can help businesses meet the dramatic increase in demand, set to continue as growth in ADAS-equipped vehicles rises, via the support of its own team of IMI-qualified technicians and the development of technology to support maintenance work on these cars. Phil Peace, managing director (SVP) international at Repairify Inc, told Tyres & Accessories that AI and machine learning has enabled the company to enhance its data to support its solutions that puts critical repair information into garage workflow.
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IMI: ‘profound economic repercussions’ ahead if ADAS technician skill shortage not addressed
Electric vehicles dominated discussions about future mobility in 2023, but the latest data from the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) suggests that a more urgent issue has been neglected in the rush to promote EVs. The latest IMI TechSafe Technician Forecasts data identifies what the institute calls a “dangerous shortfall” in technicians able to work safely and competently on vehicles equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), with approximately 18,000 extra ADAS-qualified technicians required to meet demand.
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Mid-Devon garage records most profitable period with new ownership, First Stop membership
Mid-Devon garage Cully Tyres & Autocare is enjoying its most profitable period of trading since new owners took over in May 2022. The biggest independent tyre dealer in Cullompton recently invested £100,000 on a wide-ranging refurbishment, new equipment and opting to become a member of the First Stop network. Cully Tyres & Autocare, formerly known as Marsh Tyres, has recruited new staff and now offers additional automotive services, such as repairs and solutions for electric vehicles and hybrids. As a result of its First Stop membership, the branch has also broadened its range of premium tyre brands in stock, naturally featuring the ranges from First Stop parent company, Bridgestone and its Firestone brand.
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Northgate makes Halfords merger offer
Van rental company Redde Northgate has reportedly presented a £1.4 billion merger to Halfords. According to multiple reports, the two companies have held “detailed talks”. Redde Northgate owns 130,000 vans and corporate cars in the UK and Spain.
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Bridgestone prepares for Paris 2024 with Olympic athletes Adam Peaty and Charlotte Worthington
Bridgestone is a Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner for the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad Paris 2024, the third Games of its association. The tyre manufacturer is launching its “Prepared to Perform” campaign with its two UK ambassadors; the five-time Swimming medallist, Adam Peaty, and Freestyle BMX gold medallist, Charlotte Worthington. Bridgestone will present insights from its ambassadors on some of the aspects of their preparation, starting with the process of visualisation, a technique employed by many athletes to cultivate a heightened state of mental awareness.
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Battery supply chain bottlenecks a threat to EV, low carbon transition – GlobalData
The electric vehicle (EV) revolution faces a critical challenge as the low-carbon transition hinges on sufficient battery production. Potential raw material shortages loom large, threatening to disrupt the demand-supply balance. The success of this green transition necessitates addressing these supply chain concerns to ensure a seamless and sustainable future for EVs and the broader low-carbon agenda, says data and analytics company GlobalData.
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RH Claydon appoints new Southwest BDM
RH Claydon has appointed Jonathan Mcluckie as the tyre wholesaler’s business development manager for South Wales and the Southwest region. Mcluckie brings with him experience at Ceat and Trelleborg Wheel Systems as well as, most recently, Nordic Tyres.
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Point S member Tyrepoint Services reflects on NTDA award
Tyrepoint Services, which is a member of Point S, was named the Small Tyre Retailer of the Year in the UK at the National Tyre Distributors Association (NTDA) 2023 Awards. The prestigious award recognises Tyrepoint Services’ professional, trustworthy, and reliable service. According to the retail group, the award highlights the strength of Point S’ network of independent centres, with the chain reflecting on the success.
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Melett: technicians should think ‘turbo’ this winter
Turbochargers and parts supplier Melett is urging technicians to stay on top of turbo maintenance this winter. The company offers best practice tips to help customers prolong the life of their turbo as temperatures plummet.
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Newport haulier predicts ‘£50k-plus’ annual savings from Michelin Connected Fleet solutions
Newport haulier Jaga Brothers says it has saved £35,000 in fuel costs across its fleet of 42 trucks and a further £5,600 in tyre replacements on its 130 trailers, following its partnership with Michelin Connected Fleet. The company added that its access to vehicle data analysis has helped its drivers to implement driving behaviour improvements, further affecting positively its cost savings. The company was already using an exclusively Michelin tyre policy before rolling out the Connected Fleet solutions that have yielded additional efficiencies. Jaga Brothers managing director, James Hill, says: “The Michelin Connected Fleet solutions have had a huge financial impact on our business. Our aim was for the service to start paying for itself in the first year and the figures so far have exceeded our expectations.”
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