The tyre business along with the rest of the automotive industry was hit hard by the effects of coronavirus. This tag brings you the latest news as it happens.
Test centre Horiba MIRA has fully converted its facilities into ‘COVID-Secure’ operations in three weeks. On 13 April the company suspended most physical operations at its expansive 850-acre site in Nuneaton and a further facility in Basildon, but safely welcomed the first wave of furloughed employees back to both sites by 4 May, well ahead of the UK government guidelines issued this week.
The used car market in Q1 2020 saw a fall of -8.3 per cent in comparison to Q1 2019, with 1,851,919 transactions taking place. In Q1 2019, that figure was 2,020,144. However, in January and February, the market had grown by +2.9 per cent and +4.0 per cent respectively compared to their figures in 2019, showing the used car market had a strong start to the year. The COVID-19 outbreak, and subsequent halt of auction transactions however meant March sales fell -30.7 per cent, causing the quarter overall to indicate a reduction of sales.
According to figures from the Motorcycle Industry Association, just 1,623 new motorcycles were registered in April, down from 9,820 in the previous April. Year-to-date, the market has declined by -31.1 per cent, from 36,951 in 2019 to 25,451 in 2020 so far.
Pirelli UK is to recommence production at its plants in Carlisle and Burton-on-Trent from 18 May 2020. Initial production will be at a reduced rate, reflecting current market demand. “The company’s top priority is ensuring the health and safety of its workers and the wider community”, an official statement added.
Idle vehicles around the UK as a result of Coronavirus lockdown measures introduced in late March could lead to considerable damage to car batteries. In-vehicle electrical systems and alarms drain the battery continually, alongside the natural loss in charge. These factors could result in significant numbers of batteries requiring recharging or replacement in the coming months. Aftermarket supplier The Parts Alliance is encouraging garages to offer a battery testing service to their customers proactively. The company has produced a range of marketing materials to help promote such an offering.
Drivers in Northern Ireland whose MOTs are due during the pandemic shutdown will enjoy a one-year exemption, a Stormont minister said. It would not be possible to accommodate the backlog as well as conduct normal business at testing centres, infrastructure minister Nichola Mallon said. Drivers will instead apply for MOTs as normal next year. The announcement caps a year of turmoil for MOT testers in the region. In January, all tests were suspended due to faults with vehicle lifts used in MOT centres. Anti-Coronavirus lockdown measures had already led to further extensions for the MOT exemption.
Italian supercar marques Ferrari and Lamborghini announced that their top-end vehicles went back into production during the first week of May.
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.
Award-winning engine decontamination specialist EDT Automotive has battled through its toughest-ever month as the effects of the coronavirus hit home hard. Trouble flared when their invoice factoring provider blocked access to funds without notice. “We were trading at only around 30 per cent of our agreed facility,” said EDT founder and managing director David Holmes. “Yet we suddenly couldn’t access our own funds.
Originally scheduled to take place between 17 and 19 August this year, the 18th edition of the China International Tire Expo (CITEXPO) has been postponed due to the COVID-19 crisis. The tyre and wheel trade fair is now scheduled to return to the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center between 16 and 18 August 2021.
In March, the rapid spread of COVID-19 began to drastically impact almost all industries across Europe. Some had to accelerate production to address a sudden spike in demand while others cut back production in response to declining demand and as a means of limiting the further spread of the virus.
Venson Automotive Solutions is urging fleet managers to encourage company car drivers to ensure their vehicles are road ready as the nation anticipates an easing of lockdown. The advice from Venson follows its latest survey of UK motorists which revealed that one in five do not know when their MOT is due, and 69 per cent are unclear about when the Government’s six-month MOT exemption came into play.
A study earlier this year concluded that electric cars are much better for the climate than petrol cars in 95 per cent of the world. Other research last week found that on a yearly basis, electric cars (9,435 miles) are driven 26 per cent more miles when compared to petrol cars (7,490 miles).
Hankook Tire has reported consolidated global sales of KRW 1.4358 trillion (£945.0 million) for the first quarter of 2020, around 12.6 per cent less than in the opening quarter of last year. Operating profit decreased 24.8 per cent year-on-year to KRW 105.9 billion (£69.7 million).
Rosava reports that its modernisation programme is continuing despite the coronavirus crisis. The Ukraine-based tyre maker shares that six containers with a new VMI Exxium tyre builder arrived at its plant today. This will allow it to extend its portfolio with increased production of 15- to 20-inch dimensions.
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