(Akron/Tire Review) JD Power/LMC Automotive Forecasting Services predicts that new vehicles powered by hybrid electric or clean diesel engines will garner 11 per cent of US sales by 2012. Currently, such vehicles hold a 4.8 per cent market share, said the firm.
The Snap-on Solus is the latest addition to the equipment manufacturer’s series of hand-held diagnostic tools.
Designed to provide the technician with faster performance and more diagnostic data the product has a much larger display than previous models, taking the technology used in Scanner to a higher level.
CVC Capital Partners has sold Kwik-Fit to French private equity firm PAI for £800 million. The news follows months of speculation including suggestions that a Bridgestone/Mitsubishi joint venture was pulling out in front when it came to bidding for the UK’s largest fast-fit chain. Bloomberg reports that PAI plans to open more fast fit retail outlets as a result of the acquisition.
Automotive air conditioning specialists Autoclimate claim that garages are missing out on valuable profit opportunities by not offering an in-house air conditioning service and repair facility.
This is partly due to a misconception that air conditioning is both tricky and hazardous to repair, with mechanics facing a potential risk of frostbite. This view is both outdated and erroneous, says Autoclimate, with better equipment design and new and impending legislation having eliminated any such risks.
Triple P, accessory supplier, has launched Tenneco Automotive’s DNX performance exhausts range, as part of the continued rollout of the brand in the UK aftermarket.
The range features universal and direct fit mufflers and tips. The exhausts are specifically designed to lower backpressure and increase horsepower and torque, explains the company.
The products utilise ‘P2’ technology something the automotive industry has never seen before claims Triple P. P2 technology is a highly polished stainless steel ensuring maximum durability and, duel-perforated partitions for unique tuner sound and performance says the supplier.
A service to help garages, workshops and automotive centres deal with the disposal of hazardous waste in line with the new July waste regulations has been introduced by waste disposal specialists, the OSS Group.
The HazTech package provides a guaranteed scheduled collection for all hazardous wastes including oil, filters, batteries, solvents, brake fluid and aerosols. Under the service guarantee late collections will mean customers get the next collection free.
Costs are based on a set pick-up price after which customers are only charged for the actual number of waste containers emptied at the time of collection. Containers that comply with regulations for each waste type are supplied on a weekly rental basis and the frequency of the collections depends on individual customer needs.
Kayaba UK has continued to strengthen its sales team with three new business managers. Each will be responsible for managing Kayaba’s existing accounts across the country.
Responsible for the Midlands and North West, Paul Tranter, joins Kayaba from motor industry suppliers Febi Bilstein.
Stephen Moore, who previously worked as an area sales manager at FAI Automotive, will cover Scotland and the North East.
Morris Gordon will be in charge of the South East and comes from LDV UK where he held the position of area sales manager.
Matt Robinson, sales manager says: “Our new business managers will each be responsible for their own region enabling Kayaba to develop its relationships with existing customers to ensure that we continue to fully understand their needs and meet their requirements.
“This is a very exciting year for Kayaba, with us also recently having improved our aftermarket operations in the UK by opening an additional warehouse facility, enabling high-speed delivery targets to be met.”
At the end of May Bridgestone inaugurated its new 3,000 square metre European Education Centre (EUEC) situated within the tyre manufacturer’s European Proving ground at Aprilia near Rome.
A scheme to raise standards of car servicing and repair by testing the competence of technicians currently working in the retail motor industry has been launched.
Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) is a voluntary assessment system designed to appraise technical competence and in turn raise the professional status and credibility of skilled individuals whilst providing a benchmark for technician recruitment and career development. It is hoped that the initiative will improve consumer confidence in the retail motor sector.
The NTDA’s spring conference, held last month, highlighted the tyre industry’s desire to initiate a similar scheme and the Institute of the Motor Industry, IMI, offered its support in moving forward with the idea. The assessments would be based upon National Occupational Standards, and formed in cooperation with industry representatives to ensure that they are updated with changing technologies. The NTDA is currently looking to organise a seminar in July, which will be hosted by the IMI, and invites all interested parties to join the discussion.
The Aftermarket Show, has appointed Sam Gilbert as sales manager in preparation for next year’s show which will run in January at Birmingham’s NEC.
Gilbert, who has a background in publishing, exhibitions and also in the automotive industry in both the car and commercial vehicle sectors, will be responsible for recruiting new exhibitors.
Commenting on his new role, Gilbert said: “The aftermarket wants and deserves an all-encompassing industry event and we are working with all aspects of the industry to deliver this. We are developing the event every year and, for 2006, are giving The Aftermarket Show a real identity of its own with a dedicated entrance, signage and coloured flooring in hall 6, differentiating it from Autosport International.”
A UK network of specialist battery dealers is being set up to handle the new range of Optima high-tech automotive batteries manufactured by Johnson Controls.
The Optima range of YellowTop dual power batteries is aimed at car customisers and ICE fans. Optima says that it combines the proven abilities of a starter battery with all the advantages of a deep cycle battery for optimum charge and recharge. The capacity to maintain higher voltage during the discharge cycle means that motorists can power all the electronics and play car audio systems louder and longer.
(Akron/Tire Review) Tire Group International Inc. (TGI) has acquired a 600,000-square foot warehouse facility in Miami that will be converted into its new headquarters.
(Akron/Tire Review) Automotive News has reported that the Los Angeles-based investment group, Leonard Green & Partners will buy a 49 per cent stake in the Tire Rack. Leonard Green & Partners, which also owns shares in the Rite Aid drugstore chain and Diamond Triumph Auto Glass will effectively buy out The Tire Rack founders, Peter and Wilma Veldman, while remaining family members and senior management would retain 51 per cent in the South Bend, Ind., mail order and wholesale tyre and wheel company.
Family members and senior management that will retain majority ownership include Mike Joines, Tom Veldman, Matt Edmonds and Mark Veldman. In addition The Deal.com suggested Leonard Green & Partners’ would spend in excess of $350 million for its minority stake in The Tire Rack.
(Akron/Tire Review) Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co has named Christopher Werner as its new vice president of manufacturing for its North American Tire unit. Christopher Werner comes to Goodyear from GST AutoLeather Inc, a supplier of automotive leather for luxury vehicles from Toyota/Lexus, Acura, Ford, Chrysler and others, where he served as senior vice president of global operations. Mr Werner, 42, will report to Jon Rich, president of North American Tire, and Chris Clark, senior vice president of global sourcing.
UK Equipment Ltd has appointed David Speirs as area sales manager for Scotland and Northern Ireland.
In this role Mr Speirs will be responsible for strengthening the company’s existing distributor base, whilst growing the brand through its OEM business and corporate dealers throughout the region.
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