RMI backs TPMS rule change
The Retail Motor Industry (RMI) has reacted to the European Commission’s plans to tighten the mandatory detection requirements for Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS). While the RMI backs the change and sees it as an important move towards improving road safety, it also wants to ensure that its members will be ready and equipped to work with the new technology.
Continue ReadingRL Automotive markets TAC-Scan at CV Show
With the cost of fuel only going one way, how tyres are managed is becoming increasingly more important. That’s why RL Automotive was showing its TAC-Scan laser-based tyre wear diagnostic equipment at April’s CV Show. According to the company, tyre wear diagnostic equipment has been left behind in the tide of new technology as it is largely still done manually, which not only effects accuracy but also makes readings subjective.
Continue ReadingWholesale changes in UK tyre distribution
Like London buses, acquisitions come along in threes - or so the string of recent purchases in the UK tyre distribution sector would make it seem. Between the tail-end of February and the very first days of March, it emerged that Stapleton’s Japanese owner Itochu had bought Britain’s largest tyre retailer Kwik-Fit, Stapleton’s had itself bought North Eastern Tyres & Exhausts, while fellow Grouptyre member King David Tyres had been sold to Malvern Tyres. And what’s more, this movement doesn’t look like it has quite finished yet. In February Harris Brothers sold its four branches to Micheldever Tyres Services, bringing the company’s retail depot count to 53 and counting. True, this overview is lumping changes in the wholesale business together with developments in the retail sector, but as history and recent events tell us the two parts of the trade are inextricably linked.
Continue ReadingAutoSocks for trucks
After two particularly cold winters, there has been a noticeable increase in the attention of tyre manufacturers on distributing their cold-weather lines in the UK. This of course includes tyre products for commercial vehicles, without which the logistics business would always run the risk of getting stuck. One surprise exhibit at the CV Show addressed this problem is a more surprising way.
Continue ReadingNational Tyres to provide AA Tyres Online
National Tyres and Autocare is proud to announce the launch of AA Tyres, a new online tyre shop powered by National. National secured the contract to provide the tyre shop which has been integrated into the AA’s own website, offering special discounted prices on tyres online and automotive parts in-branch to AA members. The site, which is now live at www.theaa.com, follows on from a similar move by well-known e-tailer Blackcircles.com and AA-competitor RAC.
Continue ReadingNational warns of online scam
National Tyres and Autocare has warned businesses to be aware of attempts to defraud unsuspecting traders using National’s name. Fortunately, the fraudulent activity was identified and National has initiated proceedings to ensure the false listing is removed as an infringement of trademark legislation. However the company is concerned that other organisations could encounter similar scams.
Continue ReadingGraham Simpson appointed director at Truck Tyre Specialists
Graham Simpson has been appointed a as director of Truck Tyre Specialists Ltd (TTS). His primary function remains sales, an area in which has gained over 21 years of experience in in the Retreading industry. Simpson heads up a team of account managers and van sales team alongside the development of new fleet and casing asset solutions. According to TTS, the company will be soon launching a new online “Casing Bank Reporting Suite” where customers can not only track there asset value but get an overview of RTD Removal rate, acceptance rate of casings among other detailed reporting.
Continue ReadingNew app from General Tire
A new General Tire application giving its North American customers quick access to an arsenal of product information and a database of pictures and videos has been approved by Apple and released into its iTunes Store, where it is available for free download. Within the General Tire app are five key functions, including Tire Descriptions, which feature sizing and pictures to help customers find the right tyre for their passenger car, light truck, off-road or commercial vehicle; Dealer Locators with maps to assist customers in finding the most convenient location to purchase General Tires; Team GT Race Videos; a Photo Gallery and a News/Promotions section. Off-road enthusiasts can watch the latest and greatest from Team GT and consumers can research the right General Tire for their car or truck.
Continue ReadingStapleton’s Confirms NETE Purchase
Stapleton’s Tyre Services has officially confirmed that on 28 February 2011 it acquired all the shares of North Eastern Tyre & Exhaust Limited (NETE). However, an official statement issued by the company reported that NETE will continue to trade as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Stapleton’s Tyre Services. Stapleton’s representatives said the company intends to complement NETE’s “professional approach to the market and their excellent customer service in order to ensure the future success of both companies.” No further details of the price or the terms have yet been released.
Continue ReadingHankook continues ‘success story’ with Ventus Prime2
Drawing inspiration from sources that include the “teeth of predatory cats,” the next generation Hankook Ventus premium comfort tyre has pounced onto the European market. The all-new Ventus Prime2 follows on from its similarly-named predecessor, a tyre that achieved European sales of more than ten million units during the seven years it was available. Hankook describes the new tyre, intended for “frequent drivers with a high safety awareness and maximum demands, as an evolution of a format “Ventus Prime drivers have known for many years and grown to love.” The lion’s share of the range will be produced in the company’s Rácalmás, Hungary factory.
Continue ReadingMarch Editorial: Driving distribution forward
The last time Tyres & Accessories reported at length on EDIWheel the coverage provoked a welcome reaction. The healthy debate on the implementation of EDIWheel followed our publication of a report on the subject just over a year ago (January 2010), which featured a TIF hosted summit on the protocol. More than a year after the event, and after systems suppliers such as Tyreman made recent efforts to promote their EDIWheel compatible wares, Tyres & Accessories thought it was time for an update.
Continue ReadingKwik-Fit confirms Itochu is new owner
Kwik-Fit Group has confirmed earlier reports that PAI Partners has sold the fast fit chain to the Japanese Itochu Corporation for £637 million. The purchase price is said to include £457 million of debt, which will be paid off in full at completion, according to a Financial Times report. The deal is reportedly Itochu’s biggest investment in the UK and follows its acquisition of Stapletons in 1994. The company is also already talking about the potential synergies between the two businesses:
Continue ReadingItochu Buys Kwik-Fit for £637 million
Kwik-Fit has reportedly been sold to the Japanese conglomerate that owns Stapleton’s, Itochu Corporation. According to a City AM report, the deal follows the signing of a three digit million pound deal yesterday (1 March 2011). The article suggests Kwik-fit’s former owner, private equity firm PAI Partners” has “cashed out” of its six-year ownership of the chain for “£637 million, which includes net debts of £457 million.” A Kwik-Fit spokesman refused to confirm or deny the reports when Tyres & Accessories asked for confirmation of the news. Either way, the reports suggest the deal is still subject to regulatory approval.
Continue ReadingDineen wins General 4×4 award
Dave Dineen, Micheldever/Southam’s 4x4 sales manager, was recently presented with a unique award by General Tire for exceptional sales achievement. Dineen who has headed up the MTS specialist 4x4 sales division based at Southam for over 10 years, received a handmade belt constructed from the tread of the General Grabber AT2 for exceptional sales achievement.
Continue ReadingAndy Dingley becomes Brigestone UK communications manager
Bridgestone has appointed Andy Dingley, previously Bridgestone UK’s advertising and promotions manager, as communications manager. Dingley will reportedly use his 16 years experience in the tyre industry to build the strategic communications campaigns, focusing on public relations, brand, corporate and crisis communications, online activity and consumer shows. The move brings all product groups together for the first time and follows a recent restructuring of the senior sales and marketing team at Bridgestone North Europe. Dingley will focus on boosting the company’s visibility in the UK whilst helping to promote the business’ success across the whole North region.
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