LKQ Corporation completes Uni-Select acquisition, reiterates GSF divestment
On 3 August, LKQ Corporation (LKQ) and Uni-Select Inc confirmed that the previously-announced acquisition of Uni-Select by 9485‑4692 Québec Inc, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of LKQ, officially completed on 1 August 2023. This follows a complex and ongoing monopoly-related investigation by UK authorities.
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SUV haters destroy more than 200 tyres at dealership
Tyres have been targeted in retaliation for a collision that caused the deaths of two children. Tyre Extinguishers, the movement aiming to make it “impossible to own an SUV” by deflating these vehicles’ tyres, has drawn the tragedy into its campaign and “takes responsibility” for destroying all the tyres on at least 60 vehicles at a dealership 170 miles from the collision site.
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July UK sales of new cars mark 12 months’ continuous growth
The new car market grew 28.3 per cent in July with 143,921 new vehicles registered, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). As a result, the market has enjoyed non-stop growth for a full year despite challenging economic conditions, as supply chain challenges ease, production increases and deliveries can be fulfilled.
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Demand for electric vans almost doubles as UK van market continues to grow
The number of UK light commercial vehicles (LCV) registered in the UK grew for the seventh consecutive month in July, increasing by 44.2 per cent to 26,990 units, according to the latest figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). In the best July since 2020, registrations were also up 4.4 per cent compared with pre-pandemic 2019 volumes, a result of rising demand for new vans, pickups and 4x4s and the easing of supply chain issues constraining production.
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TRA Briefing Day speakers announced
Following the news that the TRA Briefing Day is returning on 13 September 2023, the Tyre Recovery Association has released details of the speaker line-up.
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Micheldever Group moving to new warehouse in Bellshill, Scotland to aid expansion
Major UK tyre wholesaler Micheldever Group has signed a pre-let agreement to lease the new Connect-70 warehouse in the Bellshill, Scotland. Under the terms of the lease, the company, part of Sumitomo Rubber Industries, will occupy the state-of-the-art logistics development for 15 years once practical completion is reached in January 2024.
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Halfords’ Jamison appointed to TyreSafe Steering Committee
Halfords head of marketing Morgan Jamison has been appointed to the TyreSafe Steering Committee. TyreSafe said Jamison has a “wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the importance of how safe tyres impact on road safety issues.” In his new role, the tyre safety organisation said Jamison would “play a pivotal role in shaping strategic initiatives, fostering collaborations, and driving positive change within the industry.” He will also “play a significant role in shaping strategic initiatives, fostering collaborations, and driving positive change within the industry.” Halfords recently reached the 10-year milestone as a member of TyreSafe, which has been at the forefront of promoting tyre safety for more than two decades. It advocates for safe driving practices to ensure the wellbeing of road users through the collective effort of reducing collisions and injuries caused by defective tyres.
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GB Tyres introduces commercial vehicle wheel range
GB Tyres started its wholesale offering back in 2012 focusing on value truck tyres. The business has grown rapidly in the last 10 years, and has even extended its product range into PCR, agricultural, plant and OTR segments. The business is now sees itself as “easily one of the largest commercial truck tyre wholesalers in Europe”, with a stockholding of more than 80,000 truck tyres and continues to focus on development in the commercial vehicle sector.
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Group Tyre Wholesale installs CAM’s Warehouse Management Solution
Made up of 10 regional members, Group Tyre UK Ltd is one of the UK’s largest tyre wholesalers. Group Tyre UK’s strapline is ‘National Strength, Local Service’, words that reflect the company’s business philosophy and its commitment to customers. Group Tyre UK chairman, Gary Oliver, who also acts as managing director for home counties Group Tyre member and tyre distributor, Group Tyre Wholesale Ltd, and IT manager, John Kingman, explained how the company is working to deliver on its promise, an approach that can be summed up in two words: “transformational IT”. And that specifically means the adoption of CAM’s Warehouse Management System, following on from the earlier adoption by fellow group tyre member Magowan’s.
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ISN Garage Assist debuts run-flat fitting standard
Tyre changer and wheel balancer specialist ISN Garage Assist recently introduced a new standard for tyre fitting technology to ensure that those investing in a piece of equipment get what they pay for. ARC (Absolute Run-Flat Compatibility) is a test for performance and capability based on the tyres that technicians commonly regard as the toughest to handle.
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NTDA reveals Tyre Industry Awards 2023 finalists
The National Tyre Distributors Association has announced the finalists in the Tyre Industry Awards 2023. The association revealed that it has received a record number of entries for this edition of the UK tyre industry’s premier awards, which will be presented at the NTDA’s 94th Annual Dinner, sponsored by Maritime Cargo Services, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Milton Keynes on Thursday 19 October. The awards ceremony, sponsored by Sailun Tyres, will be hosted by television personality Jon Culshaw, with a capacity audience of 640 guests in attendance.
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Lotus opens European brand centre in London
On 1 August, Lotus opened the doors to its first flagship European global brand centre in Mayfair, London. Lotus London can be found at 73 Piccadilly, at the heart of luxury, art and culture in the capital city. It brings together Lotus’ long-standing commitment to technology, performance and heritage by providing customers with an exclusive and immersive entry into the Lotus brand.
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Hankook top management in London for Formula E season finale
Two of Hankook’s top executives travelled to the UK to witness the end of the ninth season of Formula E, for which the tyre manufacturer is the exclusive supplier. Sanghoon Lee, president & COO, Hankook Tire Europe, and Jeongho Park, executive vice president & CMO Hankook, joined the Formula E management and all 22 drivers for an official photo, while Jeongho Park also presented the winner’s trophy to the victorious Jaguar TCS Racing team after driver Mitch Evans’ victory the first race of the weekend on Saturday.
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Jake Dennis wins first Formula E world title at Hankook London E-Prix
Jake Dennis won his first Formula E title in the Avalanche Andretti Formula E after claiming second place in the first race of the Hankook London E-Prix double-header. The British racer made it onto the podium eleven times over the course of the season but was particularly successful when the series’ tyre supplier Hankook was the event title sponsor: Dennis won the season-opener at the Hankook Mexico City E-Prix and the Sunday race at the Hankook Rome E-Prix. Dennis was crowned the first British champion of Formula E in nine seasons at his home race.
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UK all-season tyre market: leading wholesaler MTS on continued fast growth
While the all-season tyre market in the UK has started its ascent from a low base, it remains the fastest growing consumer car tyre segment. The trend has been supported by the last five years of manufacturers’ all-season product development, which have reduced the compromises involved in fitting a tyre capable of performing well in moderate winter weather conditions all year round. Leading independent UK tyre wholesaler Micheldever Tyre Services (MTS) has been strengthening its all-season range with exclusive brands, including the new all-season tyres from its owner Sumitomo Rubber Industries’ global flagship brand Falken and long-term MTS partner GT Radial, the recent addition of Turkish brand Petlas to its line-up, and further product additions from brands such as Runway and Ovation. MTS wholesale director Graham Mitchell tells Tyres & Accessories about how the wholesaler views the all-season (and winter) tyre segment in the UK, as well as the company’s plans to support its dealer network with the increased interest in these adaptable products.
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