There was a positive start to the year for TyreSafe with the announcement of a new member – Adrian Flux Insurance Services is one of the UK’s leading motor insurance firms and the first TyreSafe member from the insurance sector.
The latest figures for sales of new motorcycle and scooter show an overall drop of 2.2% in 2011 compared to 2010. Overall the market has moved away from large motorcycles towards smaller motorcycles and scooters, often used for commuting. This trend is reflected with the biggest sales growth of the year coming from the 51-125cc sector.
The Association of British Insurers has issued a statement reassuring motorists that fitting winter tyres shouldn’t result in an extra charge on their motor insurance. ABI member insurers, who represent 90 per cent of the UK motor insurance market, have confirmed they will not charge any additional premium if winter tyres are fitted, provided the tyres meet, and are fitted in accordance with, vehicle manufacturer specifications – and are in a roadworthy condition.
Looking back on 2011 and forward to the coming year, Rick Phillips, Yokohama Tire Corporation’s director of commercial sales, states that the tyre maker expects the strong demand it has experienced in the North American market this year to continue. “Demand has continued to outweigh supply so we have literally sold everything that we are able to build,” he commented. “As an industry, we will go into 2012 with very little beginning inventory, much like we did in 2011…we see the demand continuing to be greater than supply, at least through next summer. Despite reports on the economy being on the brink of another recession, the trucking industry remains strong.” Phillips believes that high levels of demand, particularly within the OEM segment, may lead to further pressure upon the replacement market.
BMW has revised its winter tyre programme following in its inaugural year in 2010. As well as offering a selection of winter wheel and tyre packages, BMW UK is offering to store and insure the spare set of summer wheels and tyres until they need to be changed again in spring for £30.
As part of its service provision that to farm tyre customers, Goodyear has put together some top tips for storing your harvester for the winter. Phil Stanton, Goodyear’s Farm Manager said: “It is important for farmers to store their harvesters in a good, sheltered place for the winter. Ensuring that a harvester remains lubricated and internally dry can mean there is less time wasted in the new year and a smaller risk of problems developing through the cold season.”
National road safety charity Brake is appealing to companies to register now for Road Safety Week 2011 to help spread life-saving road safety awareness on UK roads. The week will run from 21-27 November. Brake campaigns director Julie Townsend says: “Companies can play a crucial role in spreading road safety awareness and helping to prevent needless tragedies on our roads.
Avon Tyres has announced that it will be the sole tyre supplier to the 2011 Eastern Airways British F1 Sidecar championship following the first two rounds of the 2011 season, in which teams will be allowed to use up remaining stock. The eight-round series started on the Easter Bank Holiday weekend and will conclude on 1 October, with four of the eight races alongside the UK’s premier two-wheeled series – the MCE Insurance-backed British Superbike Championship – shown live on Eurosport and ITV 4. The Avon series will also feature in an hour-long highlights show of all eight rounds during a prime-time slot on Eurosport.
Last weekend’s BSB round at Oulton Park provided a “best ever” moment for Maxxis-sponsored team MSS Colchester Kawasaki. The tyre maker reports that team rider Stuart Easton, having secured the new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R’s first podium in the 2011 MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship with a third place in race one, followed up with an even better performance in the second race and led for the majority of laps before finishing second overall. This was, Maxxis states, the team’s best ever Superbike finish.
Despite repeated warnings not to do so, it appears a quarter of British motorists continue to give thieves more than a sporting chance by leaving their unattended vehicles unlocked and running while they warm up. This statistic was comes courtesy of the HiQ fast fit network, who questioned more than 200 motorists on their preferred method of tackling freezing winter mornings. In the company’s own words, a full 25 per cent “disappearing out of view while their cars warm up.”
The Independent Tire Dealers Group says 2010 is shaping up to be a record year, with an increase in purchases from existing members, several new key vendors and the expansion of its geographic footprint through the addition of new members, according to Michael Cox, president and CEO. He noted ITDG, which has 125 members representing 341 tyre and service center locations in 25 states, will exceed its forecasts for both top and bottom line growth.
September was a record month for MoT tests at Kwik-Fit. During this period the fast-fitter examined a total of 60,000 cars at its UK service centres during, a larger number of monthly MoT tests than at any other time in the company’s history. The company says this ability to examine so many cars for the national roadworthiness test is the result of sustained investment in the provision of servicing and MoT testing, including the installation of additional MoT testing bays.
Jojo the boxer has unfortunately failed to bring a tyre connection into the winner’s circle at this year’s Hambone awards. The three year old dog from Jacksonville, Florida was nominated for the distinction after catching the large UPS delivery truck he was chasing by biting into its tyre.
The photo accompanying this article depicts a world renowned and respected personality. Standing next to him is the Prime Minister of Canada, who of course is also highly respected, even if his global recognition is somewhat lower than the Michelin Man’s. Prime Minister Stephen Harper posed for this photo opportunity together with Bibendum during a visit to Michelin’s Waterville plant in the province of Nova Scotia.
Carlisle Companies Incorporated reported net sales from continuing operations of US$709.4 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2010, an 11 per cent increase from the second quarter of 2009. Income from continuing operations decreased 32 per cent to $38.9 million, or $0.62 per diluted share, and net income was $38.6 million, compared to net income of $55.5 million for the second quarter 2009.
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