Ford Fiesta becomes the UK’s best-ever selling car
As total sales topped 4,115,000 units this month, the Ford Fiesta became the best-selling vehicle nameplate of all time in the UK. It took over from its ancestor the Ford Escort, which sold 4,105,961 units in the UK between 1968 and 2000. The Fiesta was first launched in 1976 and is now in its sixth generation. For 27 of its years the Fiesta has led the UK small car segment and has been the country’s annual best seller since 2009, when it surpassed the Ford Focus.
While one aftermarket supplier had everyone talking about who would own it and what this would mean for the market, and while at least two others were said to have been considering their merger/acquisition options, Groupauto was putting its emphasis on “raising standards within the aftermarket generally”. However, Grouptauto also says it is “able to make a practical difference to the lives of the members of its two independent garage networks: AutoCare and Approved Garages”.
Breakdowns and crashes are amongst the best reasons for using motorway hard shoulders. However, not everyone pulls over for the best reasons. According to the Highways Agency, wheeler-dealers trading cars, people picking flowers, and a driver who thought the “fire” notification on their dashboard display meant their car was ablaze - instead of the name of the Adele track they were listening to are all examples of less than ideal uses of our beloved tarmac.
Unipart Automotive has another week to negotiate rescue deal
At the end of last week Unipart Automotive renewed its intention to appoint administrators, which several sources have named as being KPMG. This is significant because, as was the case when news of the rescue talks broke on 8 July, such an announcement not only raises the possibility of the company entering administration but it can also provide a moratorium which acts as protection for a limited time.
Tarox launches Ford Fiesta St 180 front brake conversion kit
Italian brake firm Tarox has released details of its new front brake conversion for the highly acclaimed 2013 Ford Fiesta ST. The first Fiesta ever to feature rear disc brakes, and with a factory-approved upgrade that raises its power output from 180bhp to 217bhp this car would appreciate some front disc brakes too.
New bidders enter into Unipart Automotive rescue talks
While there hasnt yet been a clear outcome of the Unipart Automotive rescue talks, new bidders have entered into takeover discussions. Sources close to the talks have confirmed to Tyres & Accessories that buyout firm R Capital, which is known for an earlier rescue of the Little Chef chain in 2007 (the café business was sold to Kuwaiti investors last year) has now entered the Unipart Automotive rescue talks.
William Blair in favour of a Euro Car Parts rescue of Unipart Automotive
Investment bank William Blair said it views a potential rescue deal between Euro Car Parts and Unipart Automotive, if it were to happen, as “a good fit”. However, these words were written in an investor’s note dated 10 July and so far there hasn’t been any more information on how the talks with Euro Car Parts, Better Capital and at least one other party are progressing as yet.
Goodyear signs 3-year contract to provide port handling tyres at London Gateway
Goodyear off-the-road tyres have been fitted to 28 Kalmar ESH-250 Shuttle Carrier vehicles at London Gateway. The fitment took place under a new three-year contract between Goodyear and DP World London Gateway to provide Goodyear OTR EV-3+, EV-4A and EV-4C industrial radial tyres.
Chemix Autocentres reports 70% increase in air conditioning related calls
With 95 per cent of new cars being sold with air conditioning as standard, Chemix Autocentres is reporting that the company has seen an almost 70 per cent increase in calls relating to air conditioning related problems.
On Tuesday 8 July Andrew Page Group (one of the top three independent UK aftermarket suppliers), announced that it is rejoining The Parts Alliance, the major UK and Ireland buying and distribution group. The company’s decision to rejoin came after an absence of six years. It also came the same day that Unipart Automotive confirmed that it had put the administrators on standby in the event that it would not be able to negotiate a rescue deal with the at least three parties it has been talking to.
Companies planning on supporting this October’s Tyre Safety Month campaign can now register to receive their free campaign materials. The month-long, TyreSafe-organised campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of driving on tyres with adequate tread depth, and after the wettest winter on record will include essential advice about minimising the risk of aquaplaning.
British Gas adopts Michelin tyre policy under ATS-E service agreement
ATS Euromaster has won a significant new contract with British Gas to fit and service tyres across the energy provider’s fleet of 13,000 vans. The Michelin-owned service provider says its nationwide network coverage, detailed fleet reporting and expertise in managing B2B accounts were crucial factors in securing this new account. As part of the agreement, ATS Euromaster will roll out a full Michelin tyre policy across the fleet; winter tyres, specifically the Agilis Alpin, will be the fitment of choice.
Entries for the second annual TyreSafe awards are now open, and interested parties have until 5 November to nominate organisations that help reduce tyre related road casualties for a 2014 honour.
Sources are reporting that the Unipart Automotive rescue bids have been received and we are likely to hear the outcome in the next 24 hours, but these claims could not be officially verified. Earlier in the week separate sources close to the negotiations told Tyres & Accessories they were expecting talks to conclude towards the end of the week, which would seem to fit into the same timeframe. With managers saying they were hopeful talks could be wrapped up in 36 hours at the beginning of the process on 8 July, the fact that almost 10 days have now passed suggests things are becoming increasingly urgent. It is also putting pressure on its loyal workforce. However, the official line from shareholders Unipart Group and H2 Equity as well as one of the three bidders Euro Car Parts has been a unified “no comment”.
‘Loyal’ Unipart Automotive staff in quandary while takeover talks continue
We know Unipart Automotive is in need of a buyer. We know at least three companies including Euro Car Parts and Better Capital are talking to the owners about a takeover/rescue plan. But a lot remains unknown and so Unipart Automotive’s roughly 1600 employees are facing a great deal of uncertainty while the talks continue causing some to consider their employment options moving forward.
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