MOT
Controversial new plans being considered by the UK government could result in motorist who use “quiet tyres” paying less tax. The focus of the proposed legislation is a reduction in road noise produced by the tyres. Critics have suggested the proposals are impractical. As well as causing disturbance to people living near major roads and motorways, tyre noise has been found to reduce driver concentration, with consequent effects on road safety.
Rema Tip Top has officially launched its new-look consumables and equipment catalogue, ‘Everything for Tyres and Wheels’. As the name indicates, the new catalogue is the most comprehensive ever with eight product sections, containing over 2,000 quality products. It is packed with useful features and information, providing detailed product descriptions, clear product images/diagrams, technical specifications and up to date charts and recommendations.
Fleets can now get their company cars and light commercial vehicles serviced and MoT’d at Kwik-Fit centres. Around 230 of Kwik-Fit’s nationwide network of 670 centres are now equipped to undertake interim and full services on all-makes of vehicles and 250 centres will also be capable of undertaking MoTs by the end of 2006. Following the completion of a long-time retail pilot, Kwik-Fit is now extending its servicing and MoT capability to all fleets.
Did you know that the tyre business could be subject to a “super complaint” because of poor service in the wider automotive service sector? Did you know that it could cost you as much as £750 per depot if the government is forced to push external regulation on the business? During the recent NTDA conference in Marbella, this subject stood head and shoulders above the rest as most delegates were surprised to hear what a so-called super complaint might mean for them.
So what’s behind all this talk of an Office of Fair Trading (OFT) super complaint? Basically the National Consumer Council (NCC) believes that there are too many legitimate customer service complaints being made against the automotive service industry and the tyre trade is being tarred with the same brush in terms of potential consequences. The recent push for action from the consumer point of view also follows media reports highlighting the “garages don’t care” attitude fostered by many consumers.
Maha has introduced a four-post lift which will be able to test vehicles with a wheel base exceeding 4.4 metres, in both the MOT and ATL configuration. With the introduction of the new range of vans with a wheelbase exceeding 4.4 metres, most class VII lifts will not be able to lift these vehicles when the front wheels are on the turn plates or the shaker plates.
Fleet decision-makers are failing to grasp the importance of managing occupational road safety with glaring holes in policies and procedures uncovered in a survey by Kwik-Fit Fleet. A nationwide survey of 162 fleet operators by corporate sales managers at Kwik-Fit Fleet, Britain’s largest independent fast-fit organisation, has uncovered a widespread failure to embrace best practice in numerous risk management issues.
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A business partnership stretching over more than 20 years between two of the biggest names in the UK fleet industry – Kwik-Fit Fleet and Arval – has been further extended with the signing of a new two-year contract. The new contract, with an option to extend for a third year, gives Kwik-Fit Fleet AllStar preferred supplier status with Arval for tyre replacement and the provision of other fast-fit services across the leasing and maintenance management company’s 160,000-strong UK vehicle fleet. AllStar recognition is being awarded only to suppliers who meet strict criteria to deliver service quality and value to Arval customers.
Some unscrupulous dealers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have allegedly been running a tyre rental racket. According to the Gulf news report, drivers are able to hire tyres at a fraction of the cost of buying a new set in order to gain MOT-style certification. This deal is said to cost as little as 40 dirhams (around £5.90) to customers who use popular cars such as Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. Local police have publicly condemned the trade and warned that those involved will be prosecuted. Gulf News reported that 20 per cent of road accidents in the region are attributed to faulty or badly maintained tyres.
Kwik-Fit, recently installed a new drive through Automatic Test Lane (ATL) for MOT testing. Kwik-Fit’s Hemel Hempstead branch was the first to use the new ATL equipment provided by Gemco Equipment. Kwik-Fit has also installed the Gemco ATL in their training academy in Derby, ensuring that their MOT testers are trained on new technology. Gemco will now oversee a nation “roll-out” programme across the country.
Maha UK is in the process of doubling its project team. Extensions to their existing offices are under way to cope with the work load and the increase in staff. The project and planning team lead by Neil Ebbs has many years experience in this field and offers workshop planning for small extensions of up to 30+ bays including all the services and infrastructure that may be required.
Pro-cut International (with a UK base in Cheltenham), will launch the truck market’s first On-Truck Brake Disc lathe at this year’s Commercial Vehicle Show. The TD502 is a new addition to the existing Pro-Cut on-car brake disc lathe range and is a unique product being introduced into the UK market.
Pro-Cut sales director Guy Carter said: “The need for this type of brake lathe has been identified after extensive research. The London Bus Company has already implemented this new lathe and are seeing excellent returns in time and money, whilst having the added advantage of reduced vehicle downtime, critical to any bus, truck or coach business.”
Following the success of the company’s appearance at last year’s ATS show, JIA Sources International Ltd has decided to increase its stand floor-space to almost five times the area it occupied last year. On the stand will be the Nitro-Ride – Nitrogen Inflation System. Worldwide sales for this product are said to have exceeded all expectations.
Supply Direct has just published a new catalogue and price list. The catalogue features a full range of two-post lifts, four-posts lifts, scissor lifts, compressors, wheel aligners, tyre changers, wheel balancers, MOT bays (including the new Automated Test Lane) and a full variety of other garage equipment. Details for every product include 3D CAD drawings with full dimensions, and complete specification tables for every piece of equipment.
ATS Euromaster, the Michelin equity network of over 500 depots, has rejoined the NTDA after a period of six years. Commenting on the move ATS Euromaster Group managing director Nick Gregg said: “We look forward to rejoining NTDA after more than six years and we will endeavour to play an active role in the important work that the Association is engaged in on behalf of the trade in the UK”.
Tool company Snap-on will join forces with Snap-on Diagnostics and Snap-on Equipment at the Automotive Trade Show to demonstrate their combined ability to deliver a complete solutions package for the workshop and technician.
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