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French eTailer wants to be Major UK Player

Pneus Online, the European online tyre shop founded in 2001 in France, wants to reinforce its activity in the UK with the message that it has chosen WorldPay to provide an improved payment method to customers. “We have sold tyres in the UK since 2005, but were not satisfied with our banking solution. After a call for tender, WorldPay got the deal by offering the best and the more secured solution” said Alexis Nerguisian, CEO of Pneus Online.

Pneus Online boasts free delivery and a catalogue of 824,433 car tyres and 185,503 motorcycles tyres. The company says that the majority of these products is rated by hundreds of Pneus Online customers, helping users find the best selection for their vehicles.

4th June 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

45 Years with Avon Tyres

Wiltshire tyre dealer Melksham Tyre Supplies is celebrating its 45th year in partnership with local tyre manufacturer Avon Tyres, offering promotional giveaways including Avon goody bags and jackets. The company sells some 500 Avon tyres a week – or 26,000 a year – having been a partner since its inception in 1964. Avon Tyres account manager, Graham Mitchell, said: “We are proud to have been part of MTS’s success for the past 45 years. Through outstanding customer service, MTS has successfully provided local people with access to quality, locally-produced tyres. We look forward to another 45 years working with them!”

29th May 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

TyreSafe Warns Against Consumers’ e-Commerce Errors

The rise in online tyre shopping seems set to remain ongoing, but will this trend prompt another more worrying development in terms of consumers fitting appropriate tyres to their equipment? Tyresafe believes that as e-Commerce continues to boom motorists looking to online retailers for their next pair of tyres are putting their safety at risk by selecting tyres with a lower speed symbol than recommended for their car. This error is not always made unintentionally, says the campaign; in fact, there is a danger that some customers are deliberately choosing lower speed rated tyres due to the lower prices yielded in online comparisons. With safe vehicle handling largely dependent on using the right type of tyres for the car, TyreSafe is urging motorists to consider that selecting tyres of the recommended size, load index and speed symbol is essential to safe driving.

Stuart Jackson, chairman of TyreSafe comments that, “When shopping for tyres, many motorists hold the misconception that their choice of speed symbol should be determined by how fast they drive. The reality is that a tyre’s speed symbol is not just a measure of the tyre’s maximum speed capability; it also provides an indication of overall performance, even at lower speeds. While many motorists may be feeling the pinch in the current economic climate, we would encourage them not to compromise on road safety. Driving on tyres with a lower speed symbol than recommended may seriously compromise vehicle handling, putting the driver and other road users at risk. It could also cause irreversible damage through exaggerated wear or sidewall cracking.”

28th May 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Kwik-Fit Fleet Wins Fleet Award for ‘Green’ Focus

Amongst those recognised at the 2009 Van Fleet World Honours, announced in London on May 20, was Kwik-Fit Fleet, who walked away with the Environment Award. This accolade, which the company states is the first fleet recognition of its environmental strategy, follows activities in this area that include the opening of its Northamptonshire based National Distribution Centre in summer 2008.

The £10 million, 245,000 square foot complex stocks up to 300,000 tyres across up to 650 different sizes with the guarantee of next day delivery to Kwik-Fit’s 670 centres and more than 200 mobile fitting units. According to Kwik-Fit Fleet, the benefits delivered by the new centre are varied and include a number of environmental pluses. One example is the ‘reverse logistics’ process that has been introduced: Kwik-Fit’s 69-vehicle truck fleet – after delivering tyres to its centres or its five distribution hubs across the UK –returns with removed tyre casings and scrap catalytic converters.

22nd May 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Pro-Align: Hunter HawkEye ‘Special’ is a Real Bargain

With the recession biting and more of the aftermarket looking to wheel alignment servicing to generate revenue and increase profit margins, Pro-Align is its new Hunter HawkEye ‘Special’ alignment system at an economical price. The idea is to increase access to premium quality products by offering an entry-level model at a competitive price.

The HawkEye Special is very similar to the Hunter HawkEye 100 model, with the only real difference being it uses a two camera system instead of the four camera system of its sibling. The camera lift system offers versatility enabling the HawkEye Special to operate at variable adjustment height. With the console mounted on the main column, the system remains compact, offering great space savings in the workshop whilst not compromising on quality and accuracy of alignment readings as well as offering the valuable ‘before’ and ‘after’ colour customer printouts. According to the Hunter HawkEye imaging provides low cost of ownership through the use of its polycarbonate HEX targets and the cameras being mounted out of harms way.

21st May 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Michelin 2Q Tyre Volumes Predicted to Be -18%

Assuming stable share, Michelin’s second quarter tyre sales volume is expected to be inline with analysts’ earlier estimates of a drop of 18 per cent. However, Michelin’s monthly tyre market data, which has become something of barometer in the current unstable market conditions, shows that the leading French tyre manufacture is performing better than analysts had expected. In an investor’s note entitled ‘Punctured but still rolling” Morgan Stanley described the company’s recent performance as “slightly better than our expectations, after adjusting for an average two fewer selling days across Europe.” Year-on-year growth rates remain negative, but the pace of the decline is considered to be “more on track to meet or exceed [forecasted] tyre sales to dealers.”

As a result of the fact that tyre prices are positively correlated with both volume and input costs, Morgan Stanley suggested manufacturers remain under pressure to cut prices: “Investors must prepare for a reasonable level of price ‘give back’ to struggling tyre dealers, distributors and consumers in this environment…We believe depressed volumes and the tailwinds from lower raw material that will materialize in the second half will continue to put at risk the pricing discipline – and the profitability – of the industry.”

20th May 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Conti Expresses Concerns Over EU Tyre Labelling Plans

Discussions on the EU Commission’s plans to introduce a tyre label continue, and Conti claims that experts are still sceptical about the problems involved. The manufacturer has also voiced its own concerns, highlighting some potential issues that could make it difficult for consumers to understand the label.

The manufacturer notes it already has tyres in its portfolio that easily meet the proposed high threshold values, however Conti says it still recognises a distinct need to clarify what will be implemented in terms of threshold values and certification, and points to a particular need to ensure the label signage contains clear graphics. All suggested designs to date, the company adds, have been hard for the consumer to understand, especially those indicating braking distance on wet roads. Continental comments that this particular graphic is “hardly recognisable as such”. A further Conti concern is that so far no agreement has been reached on a precise and meaningful measuring process for braking characteristics.

20th May 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Event Mobile Tyres Reports 10,000th Happy Customer

Online and mobile tyre fitting business Event Mobile Tyres has reportedly received over 10,000 positive testimonials on its website. The company broke the 10,000 mark prior to going to press with the news, so the running total is understood to be in excess of 10,313. Speaking to Tyres & Accessories, IT and marketing manager Dave Jones explained that despite having had so many customers satisfaction rates remain very high. In real terms this means there have only been six or seven negative comments compared with five-figures of positive responses.

Here’s what the 10,000th happy customer, Andrew Sturgeon, said: “Competitive prices and friendly, helpful staff mean I don’t waste time searching the web because there seems little point in going elsewhere. Above all they keep you informed so you don’t waste time waiting. Now been using them for five years.”

19th May 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Stapleton’s Boast Own Brand HP Tyre and Nexen Exclusivity

Stapleton’s offers a substantial range of high performance tyres including its own brand Prestivo and tyres from the manufacturer Nexen, from whom it holds distribution exclusivity. Prestivo, Stapleton’s own brand range of tyres, is positioned as a quality mid-range tyre. The brand will be available in new sizes and tread patterns later in the year. The range is available exclusively to members of Stapleton’s Prestivo Partners scheme and ensures all retailers receive the backing and support they need to maximise sales of Prestivo tyres. Stapleton’s other exclusive high performance brand is Nexen. The range is available in more than 140 patterns and sizes, ranging from family to high performance cars.

Describing the Prestivo 2000, Stapleton’s trading director, Steve Parker, said, ”The Prestivo 2000 gives a sense of assurance. This performance tyre provides a smooth and comfortable ride. It offers confidence across all road conditions with longevity.” On the Sport iteration of the series, he commented: “The Prestivo Sport offers true driving pleasure. You can feel reliable acceleration, braking and cornering in everyday driving. Aggregated and advanced technology gives this tyre sport and comfort performance.”

11th May 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

UK Restaurants Now Included in Michelin Guide for iPhone

Admit it – you just can’t get by without your mobile phone. When it’s not glued to your ear you are busy prodding the thing with your texting thumb or downloading the latest must-read e-mails. And now, thanks to Michelin, the mobile can also offer sterling service should you wish to whet your appetite. Following the successful introduction of its ‘Michelin guide Restaurants’ iPhone applications for France and selected other European locations, the company has extended its offering to the UK and three other European countries plus two US cities.

Developed by ViaMichelin, the applications list all restaurants selected by the Michelin guide, including starred restaurants and Bib Gourmand eateries offering excellent value for money. The European titles, which cover the UK, Germany, Italy, Portugal and Spain, are available in five languages (French, English, German, Spanish and Italian) while the stateside titles, covering New York and San Francisco, are available only in English.

6th May 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Revolution Goes Classic With Cades Eros

Revolution Motorstore has added another retro-flavoured rim to its portfolio. The Cades Eros, says Revolution, mixes old-school cool with the latest production methods. The rim is available in either black, gold or silver and in 15 or 16-inch fitments – sizes that make Revolution confident the wheel will be a hit with the Classic, Retro, Euro and Jap tuning fraternities.

1st May 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

March Sales Give Pirelli a Glimmer of Hope

Upon reporting its first quarter 2009 financials, Pirelli commented that its tyre division experienced “signs of recovery” in March; these indications of better times came in the form of a slowdown in sales decline in some countries and positive growth rates in others. Various government incentives to boost new car sales partly contributed to this reversal of fortune following OE business contraction in the first two months of the year, Pirelli comments.

22nd April 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Shall We Scrap the Banger Today, Darling?

Whip out the financial righteous indignation/mindless optimism, for today is Budget Day in the UK, and Alistair Darling has a whopper of an idea to administer some serious cardiovascular stimulation to the automotive industry. The government is prepared to pay up to £2,000 towards a new (or nearly new) car when motorists scrap a vehicle that is more than ten years old. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the idea is taken from the Germans and other EU nations, where similar schemes have resulted in new car sales jumping up to 40 per cent in the last month. Citroen dealerships in the UK have reportedly seen a rise in new car sales following their own implementation of such a system.

However, questions have been raised about the value of investing tax-payers’ money in such a scheme, since many of the additional new cars sold through it will have been imported, while the vehicles to be scrapped must prove their roadworthiness to qualify; only those in possession of an MOT certificate will be able to claim money off a new purchase. Of course, without this latter measure, it is easy to see a loophole developing, through which opportunists may profit by buying an old car with the sole intention of using it to claim money off a new purchase. While these concerns are worth addressing, it would take a hardened cynic to foresee no boost at all for new car sales in the UK as a result of these plans.

22nd April 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Rubber Prices May Plummet 35% as Tyre Sales Slow

International News

Global sales of passenger car and commercial vehicle tyres may decline to 1.32 billion units in 2009 from 1.41 billion last year, said No Dock Moung, an analyst with the Singapore based International Rubber Study Group. The drop of almost 6.4 per cent would be the steepest since at least 1975, he said. And according to a Singapore based trading manager from Marubeni Corp., Japan’s largest rubber trading company, this could lead to natural rubber prices weakening by as much as 35 per cent.

21st April 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

HiQ Banbury Gets £60,000 Face Lift

HiQ’s Banbury centre has invested £60,000 in a refurbishment programme. The Oxfordshire centre is the first of the franchise network’s 150 stores to boast British Touring Car Championship branding, to coincide with the company’s official sponsorship of Britain’s premier motor racing series.

HiQ is the official sponsor of the British Touring Car Championship and the Banbury centre will aim to bring the excitement and passion of the motor racing series onto its forecourt. The new Banbury concept has been developed on the back of an 18 month study looking at consumer attitudes to fast fit services.

17th April 2009/by Tyrepress Editors