Transaid’s London to Paris cycle challenge raises more than £65,000
A team of 40 riders drawn from across the transport and logistics sector have completed a 187-mile cycle ride from London to Paris to raise funds for Transaid’s work in sub-Saharan Africa, which is focused on improving road safety and access to health for rural communities. Upon reaching the French capital on 24 September the group had already raised more than £65,000 before costs, with fresh sponsorships still coming in. This has been aided by generous funding from headline sponsor uTrack Software, and support sponsor DP World.
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SAS Logistics opts to fit Michelin tyres across commercial fleet
SAS Logistics is switching to an exclusive Michelin tyre policy across its commercial vehicle fleet – including eight biomethane-fuelled tractor units – as part of the company’s ongoing sustainability drive. The Avonmouth-based operator is transitioning its Volvo and Scania trucks, as well as its mixed trailer fleet, onto products from the Michelin X Multi and Michelin X Works ranges.
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eBay offers “assured fit” purchase protection for car parts including tyres
eBay has launched a new “eBay Assured Fit” programme, promising consumers the right part for their vehicle, or their money back. The idea is that, by using eBay’s MyGarage feature, motorists can get the right part for their vehicle by simply entering their registration plate to see appropriate items with the eBay Assured Fit badging. If the part doesn’t fit as expected, the eBay initiative provides a 30-day money-back guarantee and a free shipping label, with a simple returns process.
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Women Automotive Awards winners revealed at star-studded event
The winners of the first-ever Women Automotive Awards, hosted by Women Automotive Network, were announced at a prestigious ceremony on 20th September. The awards, which took place following the record-breaking Women Automotive Summit at Forum am Schlosspark, Ludwigsburg, Germany, were contested by an esteemed list of automotive professionals, all of whom were nominated by their peers and recognised for their remarkable achievements and contributions within the automotive sector.
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Auto industry bodies react as UK extends deadline for ICE ban
‘Furore’, ‘about turn’, ‘climb down’ – all of these expressions have been levelled at the UK Government on release of the news that the much-vaunted and well-publicised deadline for the ban on sales of new petrol and diesel internal combustion engine, (or ICE) vehicles has been put back five years, from 2030 to 2035. On the other hand, the news has also been described as ‘sensible’, ‘pragmatic’ and ‘more transparent’, so which stance is the correct one? And what are the reasons behind the change in attitude, and what are the reactions of the various players in the automotive sector? A press release issued from 10 Downing Street says that: “Under revised plans, the Government will move back the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by five years, so all sales of new cars from 2035 will be zero emission. This will enable families to wait to take advantage of falling prices over the coming decade if they wish to.” Prime Minister Rishi Sunak acknowledged that the going could be tough, saying: “There will be resistance – and we will meet it. Because I am determined to change our country and build a better future for our children. Nothing less is acceptable.” Following a mixed reaction from the NFDA, other automotive industry associations have added their opinions to the move.
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Government EV commitment climbdown could create confusion but has dealer support – NFDA
On Wednesday, 20 September 2023, the UK government announced that the ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030 has been pushed back to 2035. The National Franchised Dealers Association surveyed its members on this issue in August 2023; 60 per cent of respondents supported an alignment with the European Union, emphasising a lack of confidence in the Governments current plan to deliver the necessary support the industry needs in achieving the 2030 deadline.
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FOI request reveals the alarming reasons for MOT refusals
More than 7,000 vehicles were given an “MOT refusal” because they were too dangerous, or too excessively dirty, to test. Select Car Leasing presented its findings after making a Freedom of Information request for the top reasons for MOT refusals in 2023 between January and May 2023. Of the 7,000 vehicles given a refusal, 526 were simply “too dirty to examine.” A further 785 MOT tests were refused on the grounds that the state of the vehicle was ‘too dangerous’ for a proper inspection to be carried out, with a threat posed to the tester, surrounding property, and the car itself.
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Putting tyre service at the centre: Bridgestone North region commercial director on truck tyres, webfleet and Hotread
18 months ago, David Almazan joined the Bridgestone North Region as commercial business unit director. During that time the commercial vehicle sector in general as well as the UK fleet business proved their resilience and creativity and the market has experienced a number of shifts. Tyres & Accessories caught up with Almazan at the company’s relatively recently refurbished Warwickshire headquarters in order to find out more about how the leading tyremaker’s commercial vehicle strategy is evolving.
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30 million retreads and counting: Michelin celebrates 100 years of tyre re-manufacturing
Michelin started retreading tyres back in 1923. In the years that followed, the process was refined and demand grew, with the Michelin Remix process (REmould, MIchelin, and X the designation for the French tyremaker’s radials) born in the 1960s. Demand for retreads continued to increase, leading to the expansion of production at the Stoke-on-Trent plant in 1968. Since then, around 30 million worn tyres have been remanufactured at the Michelin plants in Stoke-on-Trent, UK and Homburg, Germany. With around 10 million of those retreads manufactured at the Campbell Road, Stoke-on-Trent operation, Tyres & Accessories went to see the latest developments at the largest retreading facility in the UK and arguably one the most modern retreading facilities in Europe.
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GS Yuasa opens Swindon battery facility
This week, battery manufacturer GS Yuasa officially opened its new state-of-the-art facility at Ignition Park, Swindon. Osamu Murao, president of GS Yuasa Corporation, cut the ribbon at the site during a ceremony held on Monday 18 September in the presence of 100 guests, including a selection of customers, suppliers, local dignitaries, and GS Yuasa colleagues.
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First Line celebrates 40 years of growth and innovation
First Line Ltd is marking its 40th anniversary in 2023, as the company celebrates its continued commitment to providing customers with a comprehensive range of high-quality, automotive aftermarket components. Founded in 1983 as Filter International by Peter Joyner and John Madden, the forward-thinking duo are still very much involved in the business today, as they remain owners and key chairholders of the company. Since the company was launched, it has continued to experience a trajectory of growth, with the First Line brand introduced in 1987 to advance its multiple product range portfolio.
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Glen Callum Associates kickstarts Benathlon charity effort
Glen Callum Associates (GCA) has launched a team effort to complete Benathlon, a 30-day challenge encouraging participants to exercise for 30 minutes every day for the 30 days of September. Benathlon is an event organised by mental health charity Ben, which is dedicated to supporting employees within the automotive industry and their families. Ben works with automotive professionals to improve their lives by enhancing their health and wellbeing through its free and confidential helpline and support services.
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Enso named finalists in Earthshot prize for EV tyres
London-based specialist Electric Vehicle (EV) tyre technology company Enso has been named as one of the 15 global finalists for The Earthshot Prize, which was launched by Prince William in 2020.
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Halfords wins Yodel tyre supply deal
Yodel, one of the UK’s leading parcel carriers, has awarded a five-year tyre management contract to Halfords Commercial Fleet Services. Halfords Commercial Fleet Services’ position as the UK’s largest commercial service network with 104 depots and over 500 dedicated mobile vans was cited as a major factor behind decision.
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Halfords the largest commercial fleet tyre servicing operation in the UK
Earlier this year we found that Halfords Autocentres is neck-and-neck with Kwik-Fit for the title of largest car tyre retailer in the UK, with 650 centres a piece. However, what that figure doesn’t tell you is just how influential the company’s commercial vehicle tyre business has become. Tyres & Accessories recently met up with Halfords Commercial Fleet Services director, Greg Ward in order to find out.
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