Workshops “can’t survive on one piece of diagnostic kit” – Launch UK
Launch UK managing director, Dave Richards, believes the automotive aftermarket has come a long way in embracing diagnostics, but that workshops require more support in order to offer a complete solution as one piece of kit is no longer enough to offer the best possible service and coverage.
Continue ReadingKwik Fit secures 21st consecutive BusinessCar award
Kwik Fit is celebrating 21 consecutive years of award-winning success after being voted the UKs number one fast-fit company for 21 years in succession in the annual BusinessCar Awards. The company is the only organisation to have walked off with first prize each year since the honours were launched. BusinessCar editor Paul Barker commented that “Kwik Fits success once more in the fast-fit category of the BusinessCar Awards illustrates that the corporate marketplace is enjoying the excellent improvements the company is making to its network.”
Continue ReadingCar registrations up 7.6% in January
According to statistics published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), new car registrations in the UK rose 7.6 per cent year-on-year. Last year’s best-seller the Ford Fiesta retained the top ranking in January 2014, with 9,072 units registered during the month. Ford also occupied the number two position, with Focus registrations reaching 5,333 units, while the Vauxhall Corsa was the third best-selling car in the UK, with 4,470 units registered.
Continue ReadingApollo Tyres building UK dealer network at ‘iconic venue’ events
Apollo Vredestein UK managing director Stuart Jackson revealed several strategic details with which Apollo plans to grow its brand in the UK. Apollo is to introduce a truck and bus tyre range and expand its passenger car tyre lines into a fourth generation, with a sizeable investment in UK marketing “to support brand growth.” The tyre manufacturer will also develop its links with Manchester United, both as a partner in a sports facility initiative and as a significant branding opportunity, with video and print marketing materials featuring the purple of Apollo and the red of the Stretford team.
Continue ReadingDavid Cameron to “look carefully” at options for retaining Dunlop production
Goodyear Dunlop says it is “not possible” to retain motorsport tyre production at its current UK location, and therefore this will transfer to plants in France (Montlucon) and Germany (Hanau) later in the year. Nevertheless, upon urging from MP for Erdington Jack Dromey on 5 February, the Prime Minister indicated he’d investigate the matter more closely. He told the House of Commons that I am happy to look carefully at it and see what can be done in order to get a good outcome.”
Continue ReadingBlackcircles: labelling is changing tyre choice
Blackcircles.com has become the latest tyre firm to share its experience of how the adoption of tyre labelling is (or isn’t) affecting the purchase choices motorists are making. According to Blackcircles’ sales data, consumers are definitely using the EU Tyre Labels when deciding which tyres to purchase. Additionally, data collated by Blackcircles.com suggests shows that tyre safety is of more importance to motorists than fuel efficiency.
Continue ReadingTransense reports first profits
Transense Technologies, which develops RFID and TPMS systems, reported its first profits of £20,000 (EBITDA) for the first half of the current financial year, ended 31 December. The figures are still comparatively small, but the company hopes its progress is now entering growth territory.
Continue ReadingITMA appoints technical partner
The Imported Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ITMA) has welcomed TREAD Ltd into associate membership as its preferred technical partner. According to the association, Tyre Reifen Engineering and Development (TREAD Ltd) offers specialist technical services to many of the world’s tyre makers.
Continue ReadingMood of optimism amongst garage owners
A survey by The Parts Alliance has revealed that garage owners are feeling confident about the future with many planning to invest in equipment and training, and some looking to take on extra staff. Some 67 per cent of those who responded said they expected the first half of 2014 to see an upturn in trade and, looking further ahead, some 73 per cent felt ‘very confident’ about the year as a whole. The survey was conducted among garages belonging to the Servicesure Autocentre garage programme run by The Parts Alliance.
Continue ReadingErdington MP: Dunlop factory closure ‘outrageous’
The member of Parliament for Erdington, the constituency when Goodyear Dunlop is based has criticised the “outrageous and irresponsible” way in which the tyre manufacturer has opted to close its Dunlop Motorsport factory in Birmingham. Jack Dromey (Labour) said the closure confirmation came two days after a summit with business secretary Vince Cable.
Continue ReadingDunlop: Motorsport tyre production is leaving Birmingham
Dunlop is set to transfer its European motorsport tyre production to plants in France and Germany, following confirmation from the company that there are no viable plans for its manufacturing operation to stay in the UK when the lease for its Erdington home expires on 1 September 2014. The company reports that it has begun consulting with affected employees and Union representatives of the Erdington site. 241 jobs, mainly in the manufacturing part of the operation will be affected, however company representatives told Tyres & Accessories that Dunlop remains committed to motorsport tyre production and as such wants to retain talent – especially in specialist fields such as research and development – wherever possible.
Continue ReadingTMD Friction scoops Autoparts supplier of the year award
Autoparts UK has named TMD Friction as its supplier of the year 2013. The news was announced at Autoparts’ Burns Night celebrations, which also included fellow customers and suppliers in an event comprising Haggis ‘n’ Neeps, Robbie Burns poems and some professional boxing at the St. Andrews Boxing Club. Branch managers and staff from Autoparts’ 13-strong branch network were asked to vote for their supplier of the year against a criteria of parts availability, technical assistance, sales support and customer service.
Continue ReadingAeolus appoints KRT exclusive UK PCR distributor
Aeolus has extended its exclusive UK distribution agreement with Kings Road Tyres (KRT) to include its passenger car tyre range. The fast growing tyre manufacturer, noted in European tyre markets mainly for its OTR and commercial vehicle products, has previously announced its intention to exhibit its PCR products on its stand at Reifen 2014, held at Messe Essen on 27-30 May. KRT previously announced its intention to give a then unnamed PCR range its UK market debut in Manchester at October’s Brityrex International exhibition.
Continue ReadingPoint-S hosts 2014 member’s conference
On Friday 17th January members of Point-S, the leading of independent tyre dealer network, attend their annual conference and gala dinner at the Menzies Welcombe Hotel in Stratford upon Avon.
Continue ReadingCV Show 2014 hosting 14 tyre suppliers
The CV Show’s organisers are gearing up for the 2014 event, but promoting its cooperation with a number of leading tyre suppliers. The idea seems to be to pitch to fleet operators and owner drivers alike, explaining that the show recognises the role tyre choice and maintenance cost plays in dictating profits. That’s why – the organisers say – this year’s show features 14 different suppliers to this “essential sector of the road transport industry”.
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