Director Makes Marathon Effort for Charity
Goodyear Dunlop’s UK Director of Consumer, Paul Wilde, has completed one of the world’s most famous races, with the proceeds raised as a result of his effort going to a good cause.
Goodyear Dunlop’s UK Director of Consumer, Paul Wilde, has completed one of the world’s most famous races, with the proceeds raised as a result of his effort going to a good cause.
Derbyshire-based Pneu-Logic has introduced a new wireless and paperless fleet data recording system. The company has gone into partnership with Goodyear Dunlop to market and promote the system. Pneu-Inspector is a hand held, easy-to-use, tyre tread depth combined pressure gauge which collects accurate tyre data and uses Bluetooth technology to communicate with a hand-held mobile computer. The result is real-time information, allowing fleet managers to view data about their tyres within seconds of them being inspected.
The Mini was one of the success stories of the UK motor industry over the last five years, and the new Oxford built Mini 2 promises to continue this success. For Goodyear Dunlop, the Mini played a major role in bringing RunOnFlat tyre technology to a wider market, and the new Mini, launched in the UK this week, has Goodyear and Dunlop RunOnFlat tyres as original equipment fitment in all of its 16 and 17-inch wheel options.
In his inaugural speech as chairman of the NTDA Tyre Wholesalers Group (TWG), Ashley Croft did not waste any time in highlighting the issues he wishes to address during his tenure. Referring to certain manufacturers’ use of logistics companies and the place of wholesalers in the UK tyre business, Croft opened a discussion to which there is no quick resolution – calling on manufacturers to resist the urge to increase their direct market control and rather further their relationship with the professional wholesale membership that the TWG represents.
In his own words Ashley Croft is “a great believer in not perpetuating things if they have served their purpose.” Croft commented that there is still “unfinished work to be done” and the fact that he accepted immediate past chairman Peter Gaster’s invitation to take over at the TWG would suggest that Ashley Croft remains a firm believer in the usefulness of the group.
Infleet have appointed Clive Powell as a senior consultant to assist in the company’s aggressive business plan growth. Powell, who until recently was a director of Goodyear Dunlop’s UK Commercial Tyre strategic business unit, will work with managing director Bill Hall and commercial director Chris Comport on several major development opportunities.
Goodyear Dunlop plans to “blow the lid off the fast-fit industry” by expanding its Hi-Q operation, mainly through franchised outlets. At present, the manufacturer owns all but 22 of its 150 retail sites. Peter Tye, Goodyear Dunlop franchise development manager, says: “Our aim is to revolutionize the industry and to become a challenging force within UK fast fit.
“We intend to grow our network to 250, and the planned split is 100 owned by us and the rest by franchise holders. We expect all our current franchisees to continue with us, and we’re going through a consultation exercise with them looking at the benefits,” Tye added.
Goodyear Dunlop has announced a new franchise opportunity for people looking to start or expand their own business in the tyre/motor industry. The company used the National Franchise Exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham, to reveal a complete rebrand of its retail operation, Hi-Q and to announce the new franchise opportunity surrounding the fast-fit business.
ATS Euromaster has secured one of the largest tyre supply and management contracts awarded in 2006 after winning a three year deal with Fraikin. The contract includes the majority of the 14,000 vehicles under Fraikin’s management, ranging from small vans and rigids to 44 tonne tractor units and trailers. ATS Euromaster secured the contract – estimated to be worth approximately £3 million a year – after carrying out a complete review of Fraikin’s requirements.
The Dunlop range of industrial tyres is now available directly from Goodyear Dunlop Tyres UK, rather than through a single authorised distributor as previously. This will allow for wider distribution and availability of this range of tyres for the industrial and construction markets, according to Andy Morris, UK director of OTR tyres.
Goodyear Dunlop UK is listing winter tyres in its trade catalogue this season. The best-known product in Goodyear range is the UltraGrip 7, which has won awards including the prestigious ADAC test, and is on sale for the first time in the UK ahead of this winter. “Our Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D was runner up in this test, so the company is very well prepared for winter,” corporate communications manager James Bailey told T&A, adding: “Our most recent new product is from Fulda, the Kristall. This tyre is designed for SUVs and 4x4s – ideal for the skiing holiday!”
Goodyear Dunlop Tyres UK Limited has announced the appointment of Mark Dilks as Brand and Market Planning Manager. Dilks will be responsible for developing the brand and market strategies for the company’s wide range of consumer tyre brands, including Goodyear, Dunlop, Fulda, Falken and Sava.
Hi-Q has invested “heavily” in the re-development of its three national training centres. The training facilities in Slough, Leeds and Dudley provide on-going professional training to employees based throughout the UK. Facilities over the three sites include e-learning zones, ramp areas, functioning tyre changing facilities and a fully equipped mock up reception area.
The last shift at Dunlop’s Washington UK plant clocked off ahead of schedule on 14 June. The Early April announcement that Dunlop would close the plant came as a “body blow,” to workers, the Sunderland Echo reported, as it followed a similar announcement at nearby Stag Furniture. Dunlop said it is continuing to work alongside Sunderland Council and One North East to help the workers find new employment through the JobCentre.
Goodyear Dunlop Tyres UK has appointed Robin Sharpe as director, Truck Tyres UK and Nigel Sowerby as manager, TruckForce, UK. Sharpe joins the company on 1 August, and will lead the continued expansion of the UK Goodyear Dunlop truck and bus tyre business, including the rollout of the recently launched TruckForce service network across the country. Announcing the appointment, UK general manager, Mark Brickhill said: “Robin has a proven record of delivering successful results in varied markets. He has particular skills in managing organisational change and building people management capabilities. His background in managing key accounts and building long term business to business relationships will enhance our truck business unit.”
The latest ‘Next Tread Utility’ tyre will be displayed at the Chartered Institute of Waste Management Show on 13 15 June, demonstrating the Next Tread commitment to developing bespoke tyres to suit specific industry applications. ‘Next Tread’ is the retread brand of Goodyear Dunlop Tyres, and the tyre giant claims that kerbing damage is a major reason for premature tyre wear and unscheduled replacement for municipal vehicle operators.
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