Associations
Halfords Autocentres has joined the National Tyre Distributors Association (NTDA), bringing all of its 358 branches into the NTDA network. The NTDA has also confirmed that in line with the ‘Rules of the Association’, Halfords Autocentres will also have two representatives joining the NTDA’s executive council, the governing body of the association.
Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) has appointed Mark Field as its new chief executive, succeeding Wendy Williamson who is retiring later this year. Field has worked with the IAAF through the Federation’s PR representative, Impression Communications, for the past nine years and will assume chief executive responsibilities from 1 July 2021. He also has experience working within automotive media, PR and automotive trading groups.
The Independent Garage Association (IGA), which represents the independent garage sector in the UK, is pleased to announce the appointment of Rob Collison as Chairman effective from March 2021. Collinson succeeds Colin Parlett, who recently stepped down from the role after many years.
On 1 May 2021 new tyre labelling rules take effect across Europe. Now, the Tyre Industry Federation (TIF – the umbrella body for UK tyre associations BTMA, ITMA and NTDA) has published details of its proactive response to the rules and specifically to their implementation in the post-Brexit environment. In short, cross-industry cooperation means the latest information will be available for the market from 1 May. The UK government Department for Transport (DfT) has welcomed the tyre industry’s approach to the implementation of the new tyre labelling regulations since the solution allows the continued flow of labelling information to consumers despite initial regulatory differences between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
“Given the challenges facing businesses and the increasing importance of having a robust digital strategy in place, we are delighted to launch NFDA Engage, a new programme aimed at supporting dealers’ communication activities”, said Sue Robinson, chief executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), which represents franchised car and commercial vehicle retailers in the UK.
At the start of this year the Borbet Group became a member of the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI). The alloy wheel manufacturer shares that its decision to join the ASI as of 1 January 2021 reflects an intention to actively address ecological challenges in the field of sustainable wheel production.
The National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA), which represents motorcycle dealers in the UK, is introducing its ‘Safe to Ride’ campaign. The purpose of the campaign, says NMDA head Paddy O’Connell, is to “promote the use of motorcycles as an ideal alternative to public transport.”
The US Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) has elected two new members to its board. Kumho Tire’s Yong-Sik Shin and Pirelli’s Pietro Berardi were elected during the board’s 29 July virtual meeting. The board also extended the term of current chair Steve McClellan, president, Americas, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, for an additional year through to October 2021.
The British Tyre Manufacturers Association (BTMA) has welcomed government’s decision to ban 10 year old front axle truck and bus tyres, particularly because it sheds light on the issue of tyre ageing.
In the US, the Tire Industry Association (TIA) board has elected Jim Pangle of Fountain Tire as board secretary and re-elected Mike Wolfe of Southeastern Wholesale Tire to a third term as board treasurer, effective 2 November 2020.
The National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) is pleased that car showrooms can reopen from today (1st June) in England if they meet the COVID-19 guidelines to protect staff and customers. Franchised dealers have been working hard to prepare their premises in line with the Government and industry guidelines to ensure the safety of staff and customers when reopening.
The Garage Equipment Association (GEA), Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF), the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), the Scottish Motor Trade Association (SMTA) and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Ltd (SMMT) have published a best practice guide outlining the necessary steps for garages exiting lockdown.
Following the government closure of auctions due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, NAMA has looked at ways in which its members can maintain operations and continue to sell vehicles to customers safely. “We have issued guidance for our motor auctions to give them advice on how they can effectively and safely maintain their business activities during the current lockdown,” said Louise Wallis, head of the National Association of Motor Auctions (NAMA) regarding the opening of motor auctions during the COVID-19 restrictions.
The Federation of Engine Re-manufacturers (FER) has announced that its 2019 FER Conference, AGM & Dinner will take place at the Chateau Impney Hotel in Droitwich, Worcestershire on Saturday 12 October and will be free for all members to attend.
The International Rubber Study Group (IRSG) and the Forests, Trees and Agroforestry research program of the CGIAR (FTA) led by the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) have decided to collaborate on issues related to the sustainability of natural rubber production in order to support sustainable development of the natural rubber economy.
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TIF
Borbet Group
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GEA, IMI, SMMT