Nokian’s Vianor fast-fit network entered southern Europe on July 27 with the opening of an outlet in Montebelluna, Italy. This first Vianor outlet in the region is also the 800th centre the Finnish manufacturer has launched since the first opened for business more than a decade ago.
The effects of the recession mean that more people are keeping their cars for longer and putting off the major expense of buying a new vehicle, according to new research from Halfords Autocentres. However, the mature motors of today are a long way from the old bangers of the past thanks to better engineering and maintenance techniques.
According to experts in the field, drivers are recognising that maintaining and running an older vehicle is more cost effective than buying a newer model.
HiQ has released a statement arguing for increased attention to be paid to air conditioning systems, following a 15 per cent increase in air-con related problems seen at HiQ branches. The seven out of 10 motorists that HiQ says fail to service their air-con systems regularly – some not at all – could experience decreased levels of fuel efficiency and even asthma-related health problems. The network’s fast fit manager Stuart Carr said that over time, air-con gas gradually depletes which then impacts upon fuel efficiency levels because the engine has to work harder.
On 1 November 2012 a two year phase-in schedule for the introduction of TPMS (tyre pressure monitoring systems) begins and all vehicles type approved after this date must install TPMS systems, as well as all vehicles manufactured after 1 November 2014. In preparation, the NTDA is running a series of regional workshops, offering practical advice to its members on the servicing of TPMS. Ahead of the workshops, the NTDA polled members to gauge how aware the tyre trade is of TPMS and whether members are geared up for its introduction.
The NTDA (National Tyre Distributors Association) has opted to make its “Licence to Fit” roadside technician accreditation scheme a requirement of membership.
The decision forms of the culmination of a process that began with the deaths of six vehicle recovery operators who were killed on Britain's motorways and hard shoulders in 1998. This prompted the AA and the RAC to fund the establishment of SURVIVE in March 1999. SURVIVE stands for Safe Use of Roadside Verges In Vehicular Emergencies and the purpose of the group was to promote the safety of people working or stopping on motorway hard shoulders and high-speed dual carriageways. The SURVIVE Group is a partnership between the Highways Agency, ACPO (the Association of Chief Police Officers), the breakdown/recovery industry and other service providers.
Relative newcomer to international tyre and automotive servicing machinery Sivik has a comprehensive range of quality products that has seen exports increase, first from its Siberian home and now from its Slovakian sales office, as export manager Nikolay Valov told Tyres & Accessories in Bologna: “It was around six years ago that our marketing strategy was broadened, initially to develop sales in traditional Eastern bloc countries, but gradually this evolved to include several countries in Western Europe and beyond.
Derbyshire based Eden Tyre Sales (ETS) reports that it has maintained “progressive momentum” during the past 12 months. Commenting on the company's encouraging tyre sales performance, managing director, Matt Eden stated: “Perhaps one of the reasons we have managed to keep on track in terms of sales and growth is our ongoing and successful business liaison with Team Systems, our IT partners who have provided us with a bespoke and completely customised system for many years now.”
Two local businessmen have opened the latest HiQ franchise to be added to the network, which now numbers over 150 UK branches. Former car dealership bosses Keith Hancock and Matthew Stone opened the new centre on Stag Road as part of a new business venture to increase HiQ’s prominence in Kent, eastern Sussex and Surrey. The Tunbridge Wells centre offers full servicing in addition to the normal fast fit activities.
Merityre Specialists Ltd is celebrating the company’s golden jubilee having supplied tyres, batteries and exhausts to motorists for 50 years. The company was formed in Sunbury on Thames in 1961 and now operates 21 branches throughout Southern England.
A Chiswick-based tyre dealership has diversified to capitalise on its recent success in the high performance segment. Iverson Tyres realised a trend of more customers wanting HP tyres, while fewer were visiting for MOTs and servicing. The company says it underwent an extensive retail development programme, supported by Bridgetone’s First Stop network, to re-focus the company. Iverson Tyres is now a “High Performance Fast Fit Tyre Centre”, combining premium brand tyres with improved in-store customer service, the company says. Bridgestone is also helping the dealership develop its website with a view to generating increased e-Commerce.
Over a two-year period, ATS Euromaster has undertaken what it calls a “record period of investment by the company.” This includes £4 million spent on service and network enhancements last year along with its recently-announced investment plans for 2011: ATS Euromaster intends to inject a further £6 million into its UK fast-fit network in order to introduce a number of new services, including nitrogen tyre inflation, air-conditioning recharging and re-gassing plus computerised wheel alignment.
Insurance company Admiral has found motorists using their cars less and ignoring problems with their cars – including replacing tyres – due to rising motoring costs. Half of UK motorists say they have reduced the amount of driving they do due to the rising cost of fuel, while more than nine out of ten feel ripped off by the current price of petrol and diesel. These are some of the findings of new research by car insurance expert Admiral that illustrate how motoring costs are affecting many drivers.
Bosch is inviting visitors to this week's Automechanika Middle to enjoy “an interactive experience illustrating how the right hardware and software can make troubleshooting, servicing and repair efficient processes – all backed up by Bosch's cross-brand expertise.” The well-known garage supplier is showcasing its extensive range of workshop equipment and will also be demonstrating its products at the event, including tools for vehicle alignment and the full spectrum of wheel servicing.
Pan-European operator and Pall-Ex member John Bywater Transport has announced its return to ATS Euromaster and Michelin, saying the two companies offer the most competitive truck tyre package on the market. The Kent-based haulier ended a 20-year tyre supply and servicing agreement with ATS Euromaster in late 2009 in favour of a local dealer fitting an alternative brand, but after 16 months managing director John Bywater has chosen to return.
Automotive logistics firm Blue Dragon Transport has appointed ATS Euromaster to supply and service tyres across its fleet of 20 trucks and 28 trailers. The Nottinghamshire company ended its previous agreement with a local supplier after ATS Euromaster offered to carry out a free fleet inspection and highlight issues it thought might be affecting its tyre budget. ATS-E considered the company’s “lack of brand consistency was contributing to unpredictable fluctuations in tyre expenditure”.
If you would like the latest news from the Chinese tyre industry in Chinese, visit our partner site TyrepressChina.com. Or click below to continue on Tyrepress.
