Erdington 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”.
Continue Reading2.5 million uninsured cars on UK roads
There are now 2.5 million uninsured on UK roads, according to the new Private Motor Insurance Market Report, published by Lake Market Research. The report also suggests that 84 per cent of motorists want car insurance to be more tightly regulated and only 49 per cent of motorists completely trust the price comparison websites.
Continue ReadingNew catalytic converter designed to cut fuel and manufacturing costs
A British scientist has designed a new type of catalytic converter that could cut fuel consumption and manufacturing costs. Dr Benjamin Kingsbury, a scientist from Imperial College London, suggests that the new prototype could reduce fuel consumption in a standard vehicle by up to three per cent. Furthermore the new design uses up to 80 per cent less rare metal, a development that could significantly reduce costs for vehicle manufacturers. Catalytic converters are expensive to manufacture because they use precious metals such as platinum to eliminate emissions. These metals currently account for up to 60 to 70 per cent of the cost of the component.
Continue ReadingRNF Digital and Bridgestone report app success
RNF Digital and Bridgestone are reporting that their Firestone Tyre Pressure Calculator and Bridgestone Challenge apps re delivering impressive results since being launched a couple of years ago (the Firestone app is aimed at farmers and agricultural contractors and the Bridgestone Challenge was developed for use by Bridgestone’s sales teams in assisting customers and helping to land new contracts).
Continue ReadingTyresure: TPMS take-up fastest in northern Europe
Retail sales of tyre pressure monitoring system sensors and service kits are growing fastest in northern Europe. According to Ian Smith, managing director of British firm Tyre Sure which supplies Tech Europe’s TPMS needs across the continent, drawing a line from the Nordic region south to Spain and Portugal gives you an ever-decreasing continuum of market demand. As you might expect there is a direct correlation between having a distinct winter market and TPMS success. Those at the South of Europe have comparatively little demand by comparison.
Continue ReadingFalken joins TyreSafe
TyreSafe shares that Falken Tyre Europe GmbH is the latest tyre maker to sign up as a member. Punning the avian ring to the tyre maker’s name, the tyre safety organisation’s chairman commented that “it’s fantastic news to welcome Falken to the TyreSafe nest thanks to the sterling work they’re already doing.”
Continue ReadingKleber products now available under Michelin’s 0% agri credit scheme
During the first year of its zero per cent credit scheme, Michelin financed more than £600,000 of agricultural tyres and supplied more than a hundred UK farmers. The tyre maker reports the success of this initial finance offer and says it is now being extended to cover the full Kleber brand range of agricultural tyres. As before, the promotion also includes Michelin’s full range of agricultural drive and trailer tyres, as well as rims required for its Ultraflex technology range.
Continue ReadingThe Nation’s Favourite Van
New research published by Direct Line for Business, reveals the A-team’s classic GMC Vandura is the nation’s favourite van. Despite the cult TV show ending in 1987 the A-team van has become an enduring pop culture icon capturing 43 percent of the vote. Thousands of Britons voted the iconic black and metallic grey vehicle with is characteristic red stripe, driven by Sergeant Bosco Albert B.A Baracus played by Mr T, in the show as their favourite.
Continue ReadingBartec’s six steps to TPMS success
With TPMS due to be included on every new European vehicle later this year, well-known TPMS tool manufacturer Bartec offers six steps it says will support TPMS success. Indeed, the company says that order to offer a professional TPMS service to your customers, you need the following:
Continue ReadingRema Tip Top unveils UK TPMS strategy
While Rema Tip Top has a significant Tyre Pressure Monitoring heritage, it might be said that the TPMS part of their offering has been flown somewhat under the radar – in the UK at least. Now however, the company’s management is sharing details of its broad offering in what is quickly becoming an important part of the professional tyre retail business.
Continue Reading