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Kwik-Fit Pumps up Road Safety with Tyre Bay Direct

Kwik-Fit has signed a contract with Tyre Bay Direct to supply Uniflate Nitrogen Inflation systems across its UK and subsidiary European centres. The system, supplied exclusively to Formula 1 Grand Prix Racing for the last 17 years was the first nitrogen inflation system ever developed for tyre inflation. Rollout of the system has begun across Kwik-Fit’s 595 UK centres and will be completed by the end of July 2009. Kwik-Fit reportedly chose the Uniflate Nitrogen Inflation system following successful trials in the Netherlands earlier this year, which led to the installation of over 200 systems countrywide.

Adding Kwik-Fit’s UK outlets extends Tyre Bay Direct’s distribution of the Uniflate Nitrogen Inflation system to around 1,500 European outlets, ranging from fast fits, service centres, MOT bays and car dealerships through to independent fleet users and Borough councils. On its website Tyre Bay Direct’s parent company, Pneu-Air, also names ATS Euromaster, Merityre, Selecta Tyre, North Eastern Tyre & Exhausts and Demon Tweeks amongst its customers.

24th 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

GfK to Analyse Key Asian Tyre Markets

International News

GfK Asia is planning to expand its market research coverage to include tyre reports in China, Korea and Malaysia, followed by Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand at a later stage. The Korean market information is scheduled to be processed first with Malaysia following after that. In the first instance the reports will specifically focus on the tyre market with a view to exploring engine oil and other spare parts markets in the future.

GfK Korea, a subsidiary of GfK Asia, is to record data from 4400 shops across five regions (Seoul, Inchon, Kyunggi, Kyungbuk, Kyungnam). Meanwhile GfK Malaysia’s survey analyses the sales of the 17,800 spare parts shops, garages and tyre specialists that serve the pool of more than 12 million motorcycles, passenger and commercial vehicles. GfK Malaysia will launch its first passenger car tyre retail tracking report in June 2009 and the company hopes to expand both studies as the reports gain momentum.

16th April 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Grouptyre Launches 2009 Pirelli Promotion

Following the success of its exclusive Pirelli promotion last summer Grouptyre, is launching another national incentive in conjunction with the premium brand to build retail sales through the independent sector. The new Pirelli promotion runs from 1 May to 30 June inclusive and the top prize is once again an all-expenses paid VIP trip for two people to the WRC Rally of Spain (October 2-4), the penultimate round of the 2009 World Rally Championship whose sweeping asphalt roads provide the fastest sealed-surface stages the teams will encounter all season.

The winners will be able to compare notes with Aaron Bothamley, manager of Rickmansworth-based Fairway Tyre and Auto Services, and his brother-in-law Paul who were VIP guests of Pirelli and Ford at the Spanish round of the 2008 World Rally Championship. “The flights, hotel, food and overall organisation were superb, in fact the whole weekend was absolutely fantastic and I can’t stress enough how well we were looked after by Pirelli and Ford,” said Aaron, who is supplied by Grouptyre member Broadway Tyres.

15th April 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Kei Racing Aiming New Tachi Wheel at Modified Market

Kei Racing has released a new wheel design aimed at the “modified market.” The Tachi (pronounced Tar-Chee), is said to be named after a deadly instrument favoured as the weapon of choice for many Samurai warriors in feudal Japan so, say company representatives, “it’s highly appropriate for Kei’s cutting-edge wheel technology and design.”

The new Japanese design features a matt-gunmetal finish and uses a strong and a simple 10 spoke design to offer good looks with wide calliper clearance for brake cooling. Size wise, there’s something for everyone, with 15 x 6.5, 17 x 7 and 18 x 7.5 all available in a huge array of 4 and 5 stud patterns, covering nearly all core Jap, Tuner and Euro cars. The 15-inch variant is set to retail at just £86.69 each. While the 17 and 18-inch wheels come with £122.50 and £150.34 price tags respectively.

14th April 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

HiQ Offers Green Automotive Accessories

HiQ is set to offer two new innovative automotive accessories for customers. The HiQ network will soon offer high performance eco-friendly lamp bulbs and tyre pressure monitoring systems to motorists across Britain. HiQ retail support manager Paul Michell decided to bring the items into stock after identifying the demand for such items following meetings with centre managers and their customers.

The Phillips energy saving bulbs are guaranteed to last for 12 months, offer up to 20 per cent energy savings and will be available to purchase online shortly. The tyre pressure monitoring systems, produced by tyresure, not only advise motorists if their tyres are losing pressure, but also monitor tyre pressure without the need of a gauge.

14th April 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Hankook Becomes Elite Northampton Saints Sponsor

Hankook has strengthened its links Northampton Saints Rugby Club by joining its group of elite sponsors. Hankook has had a visible presence at the team’s Franklin’s Gardens ground since January, when it became one of the stadium’s biggest advertisers. However, the tyre manufacturer has since decided to increase its commitment to the club and this new deal will see Hankook’s logo appear on all the Saints’ playing shirts for the next three years.

Hankook’s UK headquarters are in Daventry, Northamptonshire where the company now employs more than 50 people on these premises. It also has more than 1,000 retail locations throughout the UK.

9th April 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Bridgestone & TIA Educating Consumers With New Video

Bridgestone Americas is helping consumers make informed choices through the production of a short video that will be launched in time for ‘National Car Care Month’ in April. The company has teamed up with the Tire Industry Association (TIA) to work on the seven-minute video, which is available for viewing online.

The video, titled ‘Passenger Tire Replacement’, is comprised of three modules: Module 1 discusses tyre sizing and how the information contained on the vehicle tyre placard helps consumers select the best tyre and inflation pressure for their vehicle. Module 2 helps consumers understand tyre replacement guidelines, most importantly the proper installation when replacing only two tyres and the consequences of improper installation. Module 3 educates consumers on the critical issue of tyre rotation, and how proper tyre rotation can save consumers money, fuel and ensure maximum tyre life and performance.

8th April 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Bridgestone’s Biker’s Club gets on the Road

Bridgestone Biker’s Club is celebrating a new arrival this week – a 2009 Tiger 1050. The newest member of the Club will enable the Biker’s Club team riders to get out and about across the UK, visiting dealers, members and attending biker meets and ride-outs.

Andy Whitehead and Gary Hartshorne are looking forward to introducing both the Club, and its latest addition, to the UK biking fraternity. Said Whitehead: “Gary and I really appreciate the kind offer from Cambrian Tyres which allows us to use the new Tiger to showcase the Bridgestone’s Biker’s Club. We will be travelling around the UK on the bike, supporting our trade and consumer customers, and giving them the bikers’ nod of camaraderie when we’re out and about. Our growing Biker’s Club Dealer network and new website, www.bridgestonebikersclub.co.uk, put our UK customers in touch with us here at Bridgestone and we are looking forward to developing our relationship with them and showing our commitment to and appreciation of their business.”

8th April 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

ATD to Sell 37 Retail Outlets

US based tyre wholesaler and distributor American Tire Distributors Holdings (ATD) intends to sell the 37 retail outlets it acquired in 2008 as part of its purchase of Am-Pac Tire Distributors. In a financial filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, the company states: “The acquisition of Am-Pac Tire also added 37 retail stores, predominately in the St. Louis, Missouri and Southern California areas. As these stores are not core to the Company’s business, management’s intention is to divest of these stores during 2009.”

7th April 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

US Retailer ‘Big 10 Tires’ Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

Southeast US based independent tyre retailer Big 10 Tire Stores has filed for ‘Chapter 11’ bankruptcy protection. In a statement released on April 2, the company said that it has “filed voluntary petitions for reorganisation under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the district of Delaware.”

The company reports it has “adequate cash” to continue paying for the day-to-day goods and services it needs to operate and to serve its customers following the securing of financing from an affiliate of Sun Capital Partners. The petition was filed, Big 10 adds, to improve its capital structure and reduce debt, strengthen its financial and competitive position, and ultimately to get the business back on a growth track. The company says it will operate as usual at its retail locations during the reorganisation period, and will continue to honour all product and service warranties.

3rd April 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

ContiBusinessCouncil Boosts Tyre Maker’s Plans

Continental Tire North America’s ContiBusinessCouncil, formed in 2004 to serve as a liaison between the company and its dealers, recently met in Huntington Beach, California, in conjunction with Continental’s launch of the new ExtremeContact tyre lines. “The feedback we receive from the Council has been an integral part of our strategy-building as well as our decision-making processes,” said Andreas Gerstenberger, executive vice president of sales and marketing for CTNA. “The council meets once a year, and also actively contributes throughout the year, and its suggestions have driven many of the key initiatives that Continental has executed and will implement in the future.” (Tire Review/Akron)

1st April 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

R H Claydon Promotes Lassa Dealer Performance Centres

RH Claydon is promoting a new marketing programme to participating Lassa passenger, 4×4 and van tyre retail dealers and service providers. Lassa tyres are produced by Brisa, a joint venture between Bridgestone and the Turkish Sabanci Corporation. According to a press release issued by RH Claydon, the company’s “collection for all seasons” includes Lassa Impetus Revo, Impetus Sport, Impetus 2, Atracta and Miratta tyres in passenger car, not to mention van units, transway and LC/R and more. In addition the programme purports too offer “extremely meaningful…incentive rewards within” to the participating dealers.

31st March 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Point S – From Private Brand to Leading Brand

International News, News, Product News

In 2005 Point S operated in nine different European countries. Four years later it is almost double that. Currently the group consists of 1700 tyre outlets, run by 1000 different owners, commanding a 6 per cent retail market share in both the passenger car and truck tyre segments across Europe. Since the first Point S was opened in 1971, the network has used the same business model in every country its has grown into – allowing independent tyre entrepreneurs to control their business while allowing everyone to benefit from the strong brand and economies of scale that come with a large group.

However, the group’s private brand strategy is also a key part of the company’s business and by the time Point S development announced that the France-based international tyre retail group had expanded into Bulgaria (its 17th country) in January 2009, this part of the business had become an exemplary model in the tyre market. Tyres & Accessories recently interviewed Point S Development’s international operations director, Fabien Bouquet, and found out why private brands are so important.

25th March 2009/by Chris

Kumho Opens First Vietnam ‘Tire Pro’ Centre

On March 12, Kumho Tires announced the planned launch of its specialist ‘Tire Pro’ retail store in Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City, a country the South Korean manufacturer identifies as one that is “emerging as a promising market.” The Vietnam launch of Tire Pro follows the opening of branches in Korea and China.

Kumho has already opened tyre manufacturing and rubber processing plants in Vietnam, and the company says it now plans to launch Tire Pro branches in Vietnam and accelerate its efforts to penetrate the Southeast Asian market, in order to strengthen and expand its distribution channels in local markets.

24th March 2009/by Tyrepress Editors