Batteries
Merityre Specialists Ltd opened its newest centre in Reading on 8 April. The new Purley Tyre Care Specialists is part of an ongoing expansion programme, which Merityre is expected to roll out during 2006. The new Purley Tyre Care Centre specialises in wheel alignment and will stock a wide range of products and services from tyres, through to batteries and wheels.
A high proportion of the new cars launched at the recent Geneva Motor Show and set to reach the UK market shortly feature Varta calcium-silver and AGM batteries as original equipment. Varta claims a share of more than half the European OE market. Among the new cars with Varta as OE are two high-performance coupes from two of the UK’s most famous marques; the Jaguar XK8 and the Aston Martin V8 Vantage.
Following the success of Banner’s new Interactive Training Presentation at Mechanex Coventry, the company will again be offering visitors to their ATS stand the opportunity to “fun and informative” 15 minute sessions covering new technological advances and warranty testing.
Members of the audience will be issued with a “Clikapad” and during the presentation will be asked to respond in “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? – Ask The Audience” style by pressing a button on their pad. Everyone taking part is assured of a prize.
The Al-Dobowi Group has announced plans to participate in the 11th International Automotive Aftermarket ‘AAME 2006’ scheduled to be held from 20 – 22 March 2006 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE. The Middle East’s Automotive Industry is estimated to be worth around 18 billion dirhams (£2.8 billion, 4.1 billion euros).
Varta is re-launching its range of premium quality 12V motorcycle batteries to increase coverage of the high performance sector, including machines such as the Yamaha R6 and Suzuki GSX 1300R.
Aftermarket parts supplier Motaquip has warned that the flood of ‘bargain batteries’ into the EU from Asian manufacturers pose a direct threat to a vehicle’s starting capability and could invalidate manufacturer vehicle warranties.
In millions of vehicles, lead-acid batteries start people on billions of journeys every day. Yet as car engines become more complex and the technology of automotive batteries advances, motorists seem to be confused about the proper maintenance of the batteries under their hoods. The article, “Auto Batteries: Some Go the Distance” in the November 2005 issue of Consumer Reports, clouds the issue further, a trade association of battery manufacturers said today.
Chester-based Allan Morris Transport, established in 1893 and one of the oldest transport companies in the UK, has switched to Bridgestone and its independent Truck Point dealer network for its tyres and tyre management services.
Varta has warned that recent mild winters could lead to an air of complacency in the trade and that severe weather conditions could have a marked effect on aftermarket battery stocks.
The warning comes as the Meteorological Office is predicting the coldest UK winter for at least a decade and Varta’s managing director Paul Matarewicz believes that many independent and franchised workshops may not have sufficient stocks to meet increased demand, saying: “Even though improved battery technology and a succession of mild winters have had the effect of lessening peaks and troughs in battery sales across the year, there can be no doubt that the return of a hard winter would lead to a substantial surge in battery failure, especially in older cars.”
With some weather forecasters expecting a cold winter, Stapletons Tyre Services is urging motorists to ensure their vehicles and tyres are in tip-top condition to brave through the icy winter roads. Stapletons retail centres across the country are offering motorists a free winter check on their vehicles.
Stapletons Tyre Services has made a substantial investment in the relocation and improvement of its Watton branch. Motorist can now benefit from a brand new, dedicated fast fit and exhaust centre.
STS Holburn Tyre and Exhaust Centre in Watton was recently launched by ex-Norwich City FC Goalkeeper, Bryan Gunn. The centre, based at Brecklands Business Park, off Norwich Road hosted a family fun day in conjunction with the official launch, where motorists and families enjoyed competitions, give-aways and discounts on tyres and exhausts.
Fast-Fit, a leading East Anglian tyre and exhaust specialist with branches across the region, has become one of the largest fast fit companies to achieve the Pirelli Driver accreditation.
All eleven branches of Fast-Fit, which sells and fits batteries, tyres and exhausts, have achieved the ‘Driver’ standard from the world famous Pirelli brand, after successfully meeting all elements of the technical audits.
Here’s a question for you – which tyre retailer has 42 outlets in the capital and in November opened the 43rd on a Tesco hypermarket, making this the 10th centre on a Tesco forecourt?
The answer is B-Quik, of Thailand and the capital city is, of course, Bangkok. For many people in Europe, the first they heard of the name was during the period when the Ford Motor Company was going through its “showroom to scrapyard” phase and it bought Kwik-Fit in Europe and B-Quik in Thailand.
Varta is to introduce AGM technology to the aftermarket, with its premium range of Ultra Dynamic batteries. Varta is the European market leader in OE Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) battery technology, claiming a share in this sector of over 90 per cent.
AGM uses special micro-glass fibres in between the battery plates to fix the electrolyte. This increases the bonding of the active plate material between the plates and the electrolyte, which increases both the life span and the electrical performance of the battery, as well as making it spill proof.
Fast fit network, Hi-Q has recently signed up to be a partner organisation in a new campaign aimed at ensuring drivers aren’t left stranded in the event of a breakdown. The Goodyear ‘Drive Home Safely’ offers drivers practical advice on what to do if stranded, or if being followed. The campaign also aims to create a network of ‘safety zones’ where drivers can go to receive free preventative safety checks on their vehicle.
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