Batteries
Johnson Controls Batteries has appointed Mike Hall as managing director to develop new market share growth strategies in the UK and Irish aftermarket. Prior to his new appointment, he was Sales Director for Europe and Africa within the Building Efficiency Division of Johnson Controls.
Only last week Continental announced plans to run a joint venture operation with Korea’s SK Innovation to develop, manufacture and market lithium ion batteries systems for electric vehicles; now the German company has released a few figures outlining why it sees so much potential in the electric vehicle market. As long as the price is right.
ATS Euromaster has announced the renewal of its three-year deal with Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions. The fast-fitter and service provider supplies Michelin replacement tyres across a fleet of more than 51,000 cars, light commercial vehicles and trucks. The agreement extends a partnership that began in 1991. ATS-E will also provide a range of fast-fit services including batteries, brakes, exhausts, oil and shock absorbers, as well as MOTs, fault diagnostics and air conditioning re-gassing.
Continental Corporation and Korean company SK Innovation have announced they will jointly develop, manufacture and market lithium ion batteries systems for electric vehicles. The two companies have signed an agreement to set up a joint venture for this purpose, with SK Innovation and Continental holding 51 and 49 per cent ownership respectively.
Bosch has appointed Iain Procter to the position of product specialist for Around the Wheel equipment within its Automotive Aftermarket division. Proctor’s sphere of responsibility includes tyre service equipment, four wheel alignment, lifts and brake testers. His role encompasses marketing and product management, including both technical and sales support for the Bosch and Beissbarth product ranges.
Tool manufacturer Facom is introducing a new range dedicated to the safe maintenance and repair of hybrid and electric vehicles. Known as the EVT (Electric Vehicle Tools) range, these insulated tools have been designed specifically to protect mechanics working on electric and hybrid vehicles. The "high voltage" systems in these vehicles can have up to 500 volts running through some cables – enough to cause serious harm or even death.
ZAFCO, the UAE-based distributor of automotive tyres, batteries and lubricants, has announced the launch of its “Safe Tire, Safe Family” campaign. According to the company, “Safe Tire, Safe Family” is a bid to help make roads safer for commuters in the UAE. In launching the effort, ZAFCO conducted complementary vehicle inspections, starting with Al Noor Training Centre on the 23 and 24 of October, with plans for the campaign to branch out to schools across the country.
Fuel consumption and tyre wear account for a large chunk of most transport operators’ ongoing costs, thus it is crucial to eliminate all unnecessary expense. Incorrectly aligned bus and coach wheels, for example, can have an adverse effect on both tyre wear and fuel consumption. When PSV wheels are aligned properly, these two problems are reduced, less strain is placed upon mechanical components, drivers report reduced fatigue and tyres are less likely to overheat.
Fast fit franchise HiQ has announced that it will give free winter safety checks to motorists, prompted by Department for Transport figures indicating a three per cent increase in road accidents resultant from slippery road conditions caused by bad weather in the last five years. The free comprehensive vehicle inspections will be available at all of HiQ’s 150 centres. HiQ fast fit manager Stuart Carr says that the franchise believes winter tyres are “absolutely essential when travelling safely during the inevitable freezing temperatures.”
The Tyrespot autocentre chain in the north east has upgraded its website with a new look, also offering a new online tyre ordering facility and MOT booking service. The updated website features increased functionality, including a tyre price check and the ability to book a fitting. Johnathon Shaw, retail director of Tyrespot comments: “The updated site offers a very polished look, is much easier to navigate and offers visitors many key benefits.
The e-paper edition of Tyres & Accessories October 2011 is now available online. To access the most recently published edition, which contains feature on the wholesale business, e-commerce and batteries subscribers need only click more.
Continental is pleased to announce that Lodge Tyres has joined the tyre manufacturer’s pan-European Conti360° Network. Operating a dozen sites across the central area, Lodge Tyres is ideally located to offer commercial vehicle operators the support they require.
Simon Christmas, director at Lodge Tyres said: “Being part of the Conti360° Network means that we offer the same high standard service to our customers as all the other partners throughout Europe. Lodge Tyres was founded in 1935 as a family-run business and it’s still the same today. We offer a wide range of commercial vehicle, van and car tyres, as well as commercial retreads. To complement this, our fleet of over sixty fully-equipped breakdown vans maintain a 24hr breakdown service throughout the region”.
Varta’s start-stop batteries have scooped two industry awards, reinforcing the brand’s prominence in both the OE and European aftermarket. Heading the accolades is a bronze Edison Best New Product Award in the Energy and Sustainability category. The annual Edison Awards are one of the most renowned business prizes, with the jury honouring the most progressive, creative and successful products and services from industry and commerce.
Bosch reports that members of its battery range landed both ‘Best Buy’ and ‘Recommended’ accolades in this year’s Car Mechanics magazine awards. The tests used to determine the best product in each category looked at usability, durability, capacity and cranking. The Bosch S5 Silver Plus, which features 610 cranking Amps, a 63AH capacity and a five-year warranty, was determined the ‘Best Buy’ – with the maximum score of 20/20, while the – Bosch S4 Silver, with 540 cranking Amps and 60AH capacity, received a ‘Recommended’ accolade.
LKQ Corporation, purportedly the largest provider of aftermarket and recycled collision replacement parts in the US and Canada, has acquired Euro Car Parts. The initial purchase price was £225 million, however in addition the purchase agreement provides for the price to increase by a further £55 million if Euro Car Parts meets certain growth targets.
If you would like the latest news from the Chinese tyre industry in Chinese, visit our partner site TyrepressChina.com. Or click below to continue on Tyrepress.
