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First Stop Employees Maximise Their Retail Potential

Employees across the First Stop network have passed a new customer-centred training course with flying colours. The active learning course, entitled ‘Maximising Sales Potential in the Retail Tyre Business’, has been established by Bridgestone UK and accredited by the Institute of Motor Industry (IMI). The bespoke training programme focuses on the key specific processes within tyre retailing, concentrating on all the essential elements required to maximise sales potential, from initial enquiries to the satisfied customer. Due to its success, the course is being offered to Bridgestone’s network of dealers throughout the UK.

Mark Fereday, from the First Stop network, said: “First Stop is committed to investing in its staff to ensure they are equipped with a wide range of skills. We firmly believe in rewarding excellence, and in the current climate, we recognise the importance of developing great customer service skills and giving staff the knowledge and confidence to maximise their sales potential.”

23rd March 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Johnson Controls: Check Your Bike Battery for 2009

Johnson Controls, the manufacturer of market-leading Varta motorcycle batteries, is reminding riders that they can take advantage of a free battery check at their nearest participating stockist. In addition a new 2009 pocked-sized Varta motorcycle battery catalogue is available to help riders choose exactly the right replacement battery to match the unit supplied with the bike or scooter as original equipment. The pocket guide has been updated to include over 300 new models, including the latest BMW bikes such as the R 1200 HPZ sport, and the F 800 GS. Varta’s range provides 98 per cent coverage of the UK two-wheel market. For commuting and sports bikes, VARTA LF AGM batteries are the ideal solution. They are vibration, spill and leak proof and 100 per cent maintenance free. They offer high starting performance and longer lifespan, while a low self-discharging rate means that they can withstand longer periods out of use.

23rd March 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Stapleton’s Exclusive and Private Brands ‘Lead the Way’

As one of the largest distributors of passenger car tyres in the UK, Stapleton’s claims to be “leading the way” when it comes to private brands. The company offers a range of private and exclusive brands and offers dealer support packages that reward customer loyalty.

Prestivo, Stapleton’s own brand range of tyres, is positioned as a quality mid-range tyre and. According to company representatives, new sizes and tread patterns are scheduled for release later in the year. The range is available exclusively to members of Stapleton’s Prestivo Partners scheme, which offers dealer support including: exclusivity, attractive rebates, branded clothing, not to mention posters, POS material and other branded support items.

23rd March 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Apollo Board Approves Share Buyback Proposal

The Apollo Tyres Board of Directors has given its approval for a buyback of equity shares, as allowed by India’s Companies Act. The March 19 decision paves the way for a buyback programme of up to Rs 1.222 billion (£16.48), around 10 per cent of the company’s paid up capital and free reserves as of March 31, 2008. The buyback will be for a minimum of 67,00,000 equity shares, and the maximum buyback price is Rs 25 per share, on a face value of Rs 1.

23rd March 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

UniWheels – Now Number Three in Europe

The early 2008 acquisition of the ATS-Group’s European interests by the UniWheels group has led to the emergence of an aluminium wheel business that ranks number three in the European market. Subsequent to the purchase, which followed the insolvency of ATS Beteiligungs in July 2007, UniWheels has assumed the number three market position in Europe behind Ronal and Borbet (who produce approximately 12 million wheels per annum each) and ahead of Hayes Lemmerz and Turkish supplier CMS.

23rd March 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

OZ Releases Range for Tuning Newcomers

A new entry-level range from OZ is catering for newcomers to the tuning scene that don’t want to look like beginners. Called the X-Line, the rim line-up is, says OZ, intended for those wanting a “taste of tuning”, and the manufacturer reports buyers will be “rewarded with real OZ rims at an entry-level price.” Three different products are currently available in the X-Line range.

The Adrenalina is a five double-spoke rim design that is available in polished matt black or titanium. The outer struts of the spokes and the rim bead between the spokes is always silver turned. Six sizes are available. The five-spoke Energy features, says OZ, no edges or protruding angles. The manufacturer adds that the slightly lowered centre of the wheel gives the outer struts a fresh impetus, therefore rendering an elegant touch. The wheel is available in matt black or matt silver, and in three sizes.

23rd March 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Michelin’s Bad Kreuznach Plant Reaches the Quarter-Billion Mark

Michelin’s factory in Bad Kreuznach, Germany has produced its 250 millionth tyre, an Energy Saver 175/65 R14 82T. This event gave the site the opportunity to celebrate with the plant’s manager, Cyrille Beau, the head of the Michelin Germany/Switzerland /Austria region, Dieter Freitag, the town mayor, Andreas Ludwig and some 200 site employees. The factory first entered production in 1966.

“Our technology is excellent and we have modern equipment and assembly lanes,” commented plant manager Cyrille Beau. “But, first and foremost, what distinguishes us from our competitors is our personnel’s know-how and commitment.”

23rd March 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Audi, Corvette Claim Victories in Michelin Green X Challenge

Proving their race cars to be both faster and greener than the competition, Audi and Corvette scored the prototype and GT race wins respectively while winning the first Michelin Green X Challenge awards at the Twelve Hours of Sebring, the opening event of the 2009 American Le Mans Series season. Making its first race appearance, the low sulphur diesel powered Audi R15 TDI prevailed in an epic 12-hour battle against archrivals from Peugeot to claim the race victory while also using less energy. The pairs of cars from the two teams exchanged the lead 23 times in the 12-hour race that produced new records for race distance and average speed.

23rd March 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Goodyear Agrees State Aid Deal to Retain Topeka Jobs

In the US, Goodyear agreed on Friday to a ten-year guarantee on the 1,400 jobs situated at its Topeka, Kansas plant in exchange for $14.2 million in state financing. The additional funds are to be used to support the refurbishment of the outdated production machinery housed at the plant. Previous reports had put the figure requested by Goodyear at $37.5 million, with the tyre maker wanting to invest $250 million in the proposed refitting.

The commerce secretary David Kerr – who had voiced concerns at the size of the initial figure – stated to the Topeka Capital-Journal that the Kansas state Impact programme would support the issuance of incentive bonds for Goodyear’s benefit. The debt will be repaid through revenue generated by the company’s state payroll tax, he said.

23rd March 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Reports: Denman Needs Government Money or Will Close

Denman Tire says it will be forced to close its doors if it does not get government bailout dollars or purchase contracts, according to news reports out of Youngstown, Ohio. The Youngstown Vindicator reported this morning that Denman president Sandy Pensler said the federal government will pay one way or another, either by giving aid or paying unemployment benefits to affected workers.

Denman Tire has one plant and is based in Leavittsburg, Ohio, near Youngstown, and produces industrial and small OTR tires. Denman, according to reports, claims its needs an infusion of $3 million by the end of 2009 to buy new equipment or it will be forced to shut down. Denman recently laid off 85 workers, which Pensler was quoted as saying would return to work if the 90-year-old company gets needed capital. (Tire Review/Akron)

20th March 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Norbar’s New Wrenches

Norbar has enhanced its range of torque wrenches with the addition of two brand new TruTorque models ideally suited to tough environments. The new models increase the TruTorque range of wrenches from 1N.m to 300 N.m and encompass outstanding durability.

Philip Brodey, Sales & Marketing Director of Norbar, said: “This development provides our customers with even greater reliability, resilience and range of choice. The Trutorque is accurate to +/– 3 per cent of reading, which exceeds all international standards. And, as each wrench is supplied with a coded calibration certificate it makes compliance and traceability an exact science. We believe our design team has produced the best tool for UK and World markets at a very competitive price.”

20th March 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Unipart Automotive Launches Apprentice Scheme

In the wake of Gordon Brown’s announcement to increase the number of apprenticeships for 16 to 18-year-olds, Unipart Automotive is launching an apprentice scheme across its Unipart Car Care Centre network from September 2009. Funded by the Learning & Skills Council, the programme will enable apprentices to benefit from skills training and continuous professional development, ensuring motorists receive the highest standards of service from the independent garage sector.

The three-year training course will provide successful students with both ATA and NVQ Level 3 qualifications. Apprentices will go through a strict selection process to ensure the most promising candidates are selected. In addition to the structured programme, those who are chosen for the Unipart course will also learn about the importance of using OE matching quality parts, garage accreditation and customer service, as well as elements of the industry renowned Unipart Way to give them tools to help with the day to day running of a workshop. With on-the-job training at Unipart Car Care Centres, the apprentices will be provided with Unipart-branded clothing, protective equipment and specific tools along the way.

20th March 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Grouptyre Provides 4×4 Response Wales with Maxxis Tyre Trial

A newly-launched volunteer organisation that works alongside Emergency Planning officers and provides logistical support to the emergency services, local authorities and GPs in the event of severe weather conditions and emergency situations, is considering switching its vehicle fleet to Maxxis 4×4 tyres. 4×4 Response Wales is currently trialling the Maxxis Bravo all-terrain tyre after Grouptyre, the country’s leading independent tyre wholesaler and exclusive distributor of Maxxis 4×4 tyres in the UK, agreed to supply a test set of tyres for evaluation purposes.

“Our members are currently using a variety of tyres…but we have heard good things about Maxxis and, pending a positive evaluation, we are seriously contemplating switching,” says 4×4 Response Wales co-ordinator Mark Margetts. “Since our team of volunteers use and maintain their own vehicles, they are very interested in a brand of tyre which is robust, absolutely reliable and affordable, and we are most grateful to Grouptyre for giving us this opportunity to see just what Maxxis can do.”

20th March 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

HiQ Makes £100,000 Breast Cancer Care Pledge

HiQ is aiming to raise £100,000 for Breast Cancer Care as part of a new partnership agreement between the tyre retail chain and the charity. HiQ made its ambitious pledge at the British Touring Car Championship media launch on 19 March, where the charity officially met franchisees and company bosses for the first time. Dozens of fundraising activities will be organised throughout the year to coincide with the BTCC calendar, and fast fitters across the HiQ network will be encouraged to take part in as many events as possible to swell the coffers at Breast Cancer Care. HiQ has set the £100,000 target, which will be achieved if every centre around the network can raise £500 during the course of the year.

Marketing manager Geraldine McGovern said the charity was the perfect fit for HiQ, as it reached out to a family audience: “We are all extremely excited with Project Pink and the opportunities that exist with Breast Cancer Care. We think the charity fits perfectly with what we are trying to achieve at HiQ. Not only is the charity close to all of our hearts, but no fast fit company reaches into the family market to help remove the intimidation associated with the fast fit sector.”

20th March 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Goodyear Announces 26th North American Highway Hero

Goodyear has announced the winner of its 26th Goodyear North American Highway Hero Award, honouring Colorado truck driver Jorge Orozco Sanchez. He saved the lives of two young girls after a horrific highway accident last October. The announcement was made at a special awards banquet during the Mid-America Trucking Show. Alongside the award, he also received a $10,000 U.S. Savings Bond, a plaque and a specially designed ring.

An independent owner-operator, Orozco Sanchez was hauling grain on Oct. 28, 2008 on Highway 392, north of Greeley, CO, when an SUV suddenly crossed the centre line and crashed head-on into his tractor-trailer rig. After impact, the truck pushed the SUV backward down the road for about 200 feet. As the vehicles stopped moving, a shaken Orozco Sanchez quickly jumped from his cab and went to the other vehicle. There, with flames already beginning to surround the vehicles, he saw two girls, strapped into their car seats and crying, and a woman up front who was not moving. Working with a passer-by who used a fire extinguisher to fight back the flames, Orozco Sanchez used his knowledge of child car seats – he has two young children – to rescue the two girls.

One of the youngsters was extracted quickly, but the fire was getting bigger and the smoke was so thick he had trouble seeing into the vehicle. He was finally able to remove the other girl, then the truck’s saddle fuel tanks ruptured and exploded, creating an inferno. The 27-year-old mother died in the crash. Orozco Sanchez sustained burns on his arms from the rescue and was taken to a nearby hospital. The fire reduced the cab and the SUV to rubble, also burning the side of a nearby building.

20th March 2009/by Tyrepress Editors