Many in the industry will be familiar with the work of GfK within the tyre market, producing regular reports on market size, market shares and trends, among other information. According to the old saying, "knowledge is power" and GfK (which stands for 'Growth from Knowledge') describes itself as 'a knowledge provider' and has been collecting, processing and analysing data on various markets since its foundation in 1937.
Following much discussions amongst trade bodies and within the industry, exhaust manufacturer Klarius has added its voice to the continuing debate about the government MOT frequency change proposals. “Is this move really aimed at helping motorists or deflecting anger at artificially high fuel prices being used to prop up government spending in other areas?”, the company asked in a statement.
The National Tyre Distributors Association (NTDA) has added a new retail-orientated award to its Tyre & Fast-Fit (TAFF) line up. The awards are given in a number of categories (tyre manufacturer, wholesaler, and environmental award to name but three) but 2011 brings with it the introduction of "tyre centre of the year". Retailers will be able to put forward a tyre or fast-fit depot for consideration and those nominated will be subject to a 'mystery shopping' exercise and rated on their performance.
Infinity Tyres has announced that it is to sponsor the Lord’s One Day International between England and Sri Lanka in London on 3 July. The game is the third in the five-match ODI series following a crushing victory for England in the first at The Oval and tomorrow’s game (1 July) at Headingley. The brand will have a static publicity panel at the ground.
TyreSafe has become the latest motoring body to come out in support of maintaining current MOT frequency along with other road safety organisations such as the AA and consumers Association “Which”. Tyre Safe pointed out that over 2 million MOT failures annually are attributed to illegal tyres and any extension would lead to thousands of cars running around on our roads with unsafe, and in some cases dangerous tyres.
In a fact sheet published today and sent to Tyres & Accessories, TyreSafe outlined its position: “Tyres are safety critical items which constantly wear with vehicle use and it is imperative that they are regularly inspected and properly maintained. As many motorists rely on their annual MOT for the inspection of their tyres, any extension or lengthening of the MOT frequency is likely to have a significant detrimental effect upon driver and road safety. For these reasons TyreSafe does not support any extension to the frequency of the MOT test.”
Infinity Tyres has announced that it will provide the grand prize for this year’s auction at the NTDA’s Annual Dinner: a complete Formula One package in Abu Dhabi consisting of: two flight tickets, two nights in a hotel and two tickets to the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix. Richard Edy, the NTDA’s Director, described Infinity’s gesture as a “tremendous offer, stating that: “last year, the £1,600 raised by the auction of Infinity’s prize helped us raise more than £5,000 for BEN on the night and I anticipate that the bidding for this year’s donation by Infinity will be keen and competitive. It is a truly generous gesture by Infinity and a great package for whoever ends up as the highest bidder.”
Westlake Tyres has announced that it will sponsor the NTDA’s annual golf day, which will be held on 15 September at the Oxfordshire Golf Club. The brand’s sponsorship will make it the title sponsor of the day. “Westlake Tyres strongly believe that the NTDA is doing a great job of promoting the interests of tyre retailers to a higher professional standard and that is why it is an enormous pleasure sponsoring their Golf Day event. We really look forward to strengthening our partnership with this particular trade association in the UK,” stated Jorge Crespo, European general manager of Eskay Tyres.
Infinity used the opportunity of the Autopromotec 2011 fair held in Bologna in May to announce that it is developing a new pattern for its UHP range. According to the company, the new design has been in development for the last six months following consultation with what the tyre brand calls “the Infinity family” (its network of dealers and partners) with the aim of getting product feedback. This information is said to have been “fully incorporated in this new size and pattern development.”. The pattern is also said to feature a number of new sizes.
The Retail Motor Industry (RMI) has become the latest automotive industry body to voice opposition to the proposed MOT test changes. Says John Ball, MOT Chairman for the RMI: "The RMI has taken a leading role in the fight against the possible change to the frequency of MOT testing and will continue to lobby on behalf of its members. The MOT debate is already very much underway on the Red Tape Challenge site and it is important that our views and accurate information are put across to help our anti 4.2.2 regulation cause. We are urging everyone to voice their opinion against the change to ensure the safety of our road users and livelihoods.
The NTDA Executive Council’s decision to proceed with a plan to encourage tyre technicians to carry a “licence to fit” means the concept is a step closer to being enacted. The licence to fit programme is currently being developed by a group of association members and the NTDA directorate and will include a requirement that fitters attending truck tyre breakdowns on the roadside will be “suitably trained, through a variety of qualifications, to work safely in the dangerous environment of a roadside breakdown.”
Halfords-owned Nationwide Autocentres, which purportedly performs more MOTs than any other garage group, has released details of research showing how cars perform when it comes to the annual road worthiness test. It found that three year old Renault Meganes examined in 2009 had a one in four chance of failing, while similarly aged Vauxhall Corsas had a one in five chance. According to the company the data was collated more than six months ago, but it still raises some interesting points on the the frequency of test failures of particular models.
The National Tyre Distributors Association (NTDA) is calling on those involved in the tyre, fast-fit and garage industries to put pen to paper before the government goes ahead with recently announced MOT changes. As we reported yesterday, the NTDA believes that the proposed MOT revisions are “a dangerous and retrograde step, which would lead to job losses in the tyre and garage trade, more pollution and an increase in accidents, injuries and deaths on our roads.”
Writing in an article published on the association’s website, the NTDA has warned that Phillip Hammond’s recent incendiary decisions regarding MOT frequency look likely to have galvanised the industry against the proposals. In an article not dissimilar to an open letter National Tyre Distributor Association representatives wrote: “If Transport Secretary Philip Hammond was looking to provoke a reaction when he suggested that the interval between MOT tests should be extended, then he succeeded beyond his wildest dreams, as the idea has been universally condemned by industry bodies, trade associations and consumer organisations.”
There are signs that the government is moving closer to changing MOT frequency, despite the protests of industry experts and associations. Announcing a consultation on the proposed meaures, Philip Hammond, the Transport Secretary, said: “Car technology has come a long way since the 1960s, that’s why we think its right to look again to check whether we still have the right balance of MOT testing for modern vehicles. We want to work with the industry and motorists to get the decision absolutely right.”
National Tyres and Autocare has warned businesses to be aware of attempts to defraud unsuspecting traders using National’s name. Fortunately, the fraudulent activity was identified and National has initiated proceedings to ensure the false listing is removed as an infringement of trademark legislation. However the company is concerned that other organisations could encounter similar scams.
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