Scottish National Party will vote against fuel price increase
The Road Haulage Association has welcomed the news that the Scottish National Party are to vote against the 3ppl fuel duty increase planned for January 2013.
Posts
EC tables CARS 2020 action plan
LegislationWith 12 million sector-related jobs the automotive industry is vital for Europe's prosperity and job creation. The automotive industry as a whole (automotive producers, supply chain and aftermarket, including thousands of SMEs) is of strategic importance to the European economy, representing 12 million direct and indirect jobs, 4 per cent of GDP and a €90 billion trade surplus (in 2011). This industry is the biggest private investor in research and innovation, spending around €30 billion annually.
Snap-on introduces dimple rollers for Sun brake range
NewsSnap-on Diagnostics is now producing all of the brake testers in its extensive Sun range with a new dimple roller. The Sun range of roller brake testers cover both car and light commercial vehicles, with the car chassis taking vehicles up to 3000kg in weight (800Kgf brake force) and the light commercial taking vehicles up to 6000KG in weight (1200Kgf brake force).`
Vauxhall offers winter tyres through MasterFit network
NewsThis year, Vauxhall is offering a wide range of winter tyres through its MasterFit winter tyre programme. All MasterFit Retailers nationwide will supply and fit tyres for all popular Vauxhall models so that motorists are prepared for the winter ahead.
Lack of spare puts pressure on breakdown companies – Times
NewsWriting in The Times on November 1st, Simon de Bruxelles says: "Nearly half of all new cars now come without a spare tyre, putting unprecedented pressure on breakdown companies called out to deal with punctures, according to a survey.
"MINI, Volvo and SKODA have abandoned the spare altogether, and other manufacturers, such as Audi, fit them only to certain models. Where a spare is fitted, it is likely to be a thin ‘space saver' that can get the vehicle to the nearest garage but is not suitable for normal driving."
CGS buys Savatech
Career TracksOn 25 October Czech rubber company CGS Holding a.s. announced that it has acquired the rubber manufacturing division Savatech, d.o.o., and related assets from Sava, d.o.o., which is based in Slovenia. Savatech makes motorcycle tyres, rubber compounds and components for home appliances and the automotive industry, among others. According to the company, Savatech has eight sales subsidiaries, and in 2011 it had consolidated revenues of 123.2 million euros. CGS’s consolidated sales were 537.1 million euros in 2011. No details of how much was paid were released in the sale announcement.
X-Line product developments
NewsSo, apart from the obvious investments in research and development, how exactly has Michelin improved its XLine highway tyre range’s wet grip and rolling resistance? And what do we know about why these tyres perform throughout the life of the tread?
Marangoni Meccanica completes TRM acquisition
RetreadingMarangoni’s retreading machinery business, Marangoni Meccanica reports that the company has completed the acquisition of retreading equipment manufacturer TRM. According to the company, this development represents the achievement of its targets of the “rationalization and innovation” of its business although further details about exactly what this means have not been released.
IGA launches free websites for members
News"The Independent Garage Association (IGA) has now launched its website building service to its members, helping to bring additional business into their workshops and an opportunity to market their garage to the modern consumer" said Stuart James, RMI IGA Director.
Goodyear works to improve young driver safety
NewsGoodyear and the European Driving Schools Association (EFA) have announced a joint collaboration, to increase awareness for safe driving among young drivers and address this in the training for youngsters on the road. EFA represents the interest of 25 driving school associations from 24 European countries.
Michelin celebrates truck radials’ 60th anniversary
NewsMichelin has marked the 60th anniversary of the introduction of radial truck tyres in 1952. The company says its first Michelin X Radial truck tyre helped to transform the road transport industry, which until then was using cross-ply tyres. The company says radialisation made trucking safer and more efficient. Of course, following the innovation, other manufacturers pursued the same path, meaning that radial tyres accounted for 100 per cent of the Western European truck tyre market in 2011. Michelin now estimates that radials account for 73 per cent of truck tyres worldwide.
Charges dropped against ex-Bridgestone scientist
Company NewsAll charges against a former research scientist at the Bridgestone Americas technical centre in Akron have been dropped, reports the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Xiaorong Wang, 50, of Hudson, Ohio, is "very relieved," his lawyer, Paul Adamson, told the newspaper.
French go easy on breathalyser offenders
International NewsFines for drivers of all motor vehicles – including motorcyclists, – who are caught without a breathalyser kit, will be implemented in France from March 2013, according to the Institute of Advanced Motorists. The fines were due to be enforced from 1 November 2012.
Bridgestone aiming to be the “best and most profitable” in Europe
NewsIt’s only a few months since German financial daily the Handelsblatt referred to Hankook as “an aggressive challenger” to Continental. On 9 October the newspaper reported on a challenge facing the German tyre maker from other quarters. In an interview, a senior Bridgestone manager let it be known that the global market leader also wants to play a leading role in Europe in future.
Pirelli to launch ‘AA’ truck tyre before year’s end
NewsAt June’s Reifen show in Germany Pirelli was first cab off the rank with a market-ready ‘AA’ labelled passenger car tyre. Now the Italian manufacturer has announced the impending launch of its ‘AA’ truck tyre, the ST:01 Neverending Energy. The range has been specifically developed for trailers and semi-trailers and is said to have benefited from testing and work conducted at Pirelli’s research facility in Milan. Developments engineered into the ST:01 include a patent pattern tread pattern and a dual compound tread, also paten pending, with a high silicone content for reducing heat build up. The profile and geometry of the sidewalls and tyre bead are also brand new.
