Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket received possibly its final award under its current name when it was presented with the CV Parts Manufacturer of the Year trophy during a successful Auto Trade Expo weekend for the company, which rebrands as Schaeffler Vehicle Lifetime Solutions UK Ltd on 1 November.
Delphi was named Diagnostic Equipment Manufacturer of the Year at the Auto Trade Awards 2025. The accolade was unveiled on Saturday, 12 October, during a ceremony at the Auto Trade EXPO held at the RDS Simmonscourt in Dublin.
Oak Tyres, part of Oak Group Holdings, has partnered with Linglong Tire to exclusively distribute its products across the UK and Ireland. According to the company, the new partnership and extension of Oak’s brand portfolio is “a strategic move to facilitate growth, whilst reacting to increased market demand in the value tyre category”.
European Tyre Enterprise Ltd (ETEL) is set to extend its footprint with the acquisition of Tractamotors Group, a leading tyre distribution company operating in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Together with shareholders of Tractamotors Group, ETEL has reached an agreement to purchase a 100 per cent shareholding in the business.
In Eire, The Midland Tyres Group announced its acquisition of T.A.B. Tyres and Batteries Ltd (TAB) at the end of July. According to Midland, this strategic move will “enhance Midlands’ service offerings to our fleet customers where we will be positioned to have the largest number of fitters and vans inside and outside the M50.”
Kavanagh Crane Hire has taken delivery of three new Liebherr mobile crane units all specified on Michelin X Crane + tyres. The business – which operates the largest crane fleet in Ireland – has been buying Michelins since it was established back in 1973 and now specifies all new vehicles exclusively on the manufacturer’s premium fitments.
First Stop has appointed business development manager Celine May to drive the network’s growth across Ireland. A familiar face to many of First Stop Ireland’s partners, May has worked in a number of positions for the brand’s former equity stores for seven years in key account manager and procurement roles. She joins Sarah Gardner, Shaun Sweeney and Nick Salt as First Stop’s UK and Ireland BDMs. They report to national franchise manager Brenden Marais. The new-look team is completed by retail managing director Anton Wessels, who was also appointed in mid-2023.
James Stopps is gearing up to expand PCL’s distributor base in the South. He joins the company from consumables and fasteners supplier Würth UK Ltd, where he managed a team of 12 sales consultants and over 1800 accounts for the automotive division, growing the area by over 20 per cent.
Goodyear has appointed TyreCall as “a Full Service Distribution (FSD) partner” in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. According to Goodyear, the strategic partnership will help Goodyear “manage stock, simplify the sales process, and improve the service offered to retailers. “
The Republic of Ireland’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme for tyres is to be extended to cover all tyre categories set out in country’s Tyres Regulations (8th regulation). According to Ossian Smyth, Minister of State with responsibility for Communications and Circular Economy, this extension will take effect on 1 January 2025 and enable the environmentally sound management of bus, truck, agricultural, construction and industrial waste tyres. Currently, the EPR scheme manages and seeks sustainable solutions for end-of-life passenger car, 4×4, van and motorcycle tyres.
Kerr’s Tyres Group has announced its purchase of GM Tyres in Tandragee, Northern Ireland. The Antrim-based company says this acquisition “marks a significant milestone for Kerr’s Tyres Group” that further solidifies its “commitment to providing proven products and services to its customers.”
Midland Tyre Group has made two senior leadership changes to its leadership team that the well-known Irish truck and off-road tyre supplier described as “pivotal”. Chris Parle, the company’s current chief operating officer (COO), is transitioning to the role of group commercial director, with a focus on training and regional business development. At the same time, Neil O’Gorman has been appointed as COO and is said to bring “extensive experience in driving operational excellence”.
Third generation family-owned Heffernan Tyres, based in Kildare, enjoys a long-standing relationship with Prometeon supplying their customers with a range of Pirelli-branded tyres including the new Series02 line-up.
Prometeon recently organised an exclusive 4×4 off-road driving experience in the Dublin Mountains with their Irish distributor Heffernan Tyres, for tyre dealers from all corners of Ireland.
Banner batteries has appointed Matthew Evans as Business Development Manager (BDM) for the South West and Ireland. Reporting directly to country manager, Lee Quinney, Evans will be responsible for targeting Banner’s growing customer base of motor factors, garages, independent distributors and other specialist automotive parts outlets.
Dasos Michaelides, who has over 40 years of experience working within Northern Ireland’s automotive industry, has been appointed by Autotech Training as Head of Business Development for Ireland.
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.
Stephen Goodchild / Tyre Industry Publications Ltd
Midland Tyre Services
Banner
Autotech Training