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Four Decades of Innovation

Fasep has been manufacturing tyre servicing equipment since 1969 when it introduced the Apsera, the company’s very first on the car wheel balancer. Since that time the Italian firm has been an innovator in the field, introducing the world’s first monitor equipped wheel balancer in 1983 – the Videotronic 2000 – and the first computer controlled balancer in 1989.

The company’s latest wheel balancers, including the Videotronic Omega 585, benefit from this pedigree. The V585 can balance wheels with rims between 8 and 26-inches in diameter (or 8 and 23-inches if using the Alu-S function on alloy wheels), measuring a wheel’s balance within 4 to 15 seconds. The balancer utilises the same 16-bit technology Fasep is introducing on all new wheel balancing equipment, the advantage being that more accurate readings can be obtained from balancing performed at speeds under 100rpm. In fact, Fasep claim that low speed balancing – the V585 operates at 98rpm – is 16 times more accurate than high speed balancing using the previous 10-bit microprocessors.

25th July 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Hennessy Adds Onboard Training To Changers

(Akron/Tire Review) Hennessy Industries has launched the new Coats OnBoard Operator Training (COBOT), which it calls “a revolutionary new device that brings wheel service training directly to the service technician.” Hennessy’s COBOT can be mounted on Coats APX90, 50X and 70X series rim clamp tyre changers, providing a video tutorial of the operation at the point of service.

Hennessy said it is the first to offer such an onboard training option. “We recognise the problems our customers face when it comes to training,” said Kevin Keefe, Hennessy’s director of marketing. “Training requires time and money. The COBOT enables the technician to perform the work while being trained at the same time, which will keep our customers one step ahead of the competition.”

18th July 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Dunlop to Supply V8 Series Down-Under

Dunlop has won its third consecutive contract to supply its control tyre to teams participating in the Australian V8 Supercar Championship Series from 2008 to 2012. Since 2002, Dunlop has been the sole tyre supplier to the V8 Supercar Championship Series and Fujitsu Series, providing and servicing more than 9,000 tyres per year.

Judith Swales, managing director & CEO of South Pacific Tyres, which owns and operates Dunlop in Australia, is very excited about TEGA’s appointment of Dunlop as the Series’ official control tyre supplier. “Dunlop has a long and proud association with motorsport in Australia and around the world, and TEGA’s decision to award us the tyre contract highlights their confidence in our ability to supply a high-quality tyre — and an experienced and efficient operations group — to service the race teams,” Swales said.

10th July 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

News Sprinters For ATSE

ATS Euromaster is in the process of taking delivery of 25 new Mercedes-Benz Sprinters for its mobile car and van tyre fitting fleet – one of the largest of the nationwide fast-fit networks in the UK. According to the company, the move marks the arrival of a new breed of mobile service van, incorporating an array of features designed to help staff maximise both productivity and safety.

Tim Richards, Group Vehicle and Equipment Manager at ATS Euromaster, explains: “We asked everyone who uses the vehicles for their recommendations, with the end result being a specification which marks a major step forward in mobile working. One of the major benefits is a more spacious interior layout with the addition of better storage facilitie…these vehicles also feature the most modern fitting and balancing machines available on the market.”

10th July 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Familiar Design and Advanced Capabilities

Hunter’s TCX550 automatic swing-arm changer includes operational features familiar to most technicians and a Bead Press System to help easily service difficult run-flats or low-profile tyres mounted on large or oversize alloy wheels. The automatic swing-arm design saves time by eliminating repositioning. With the push of a single button, the swing arm locks to a preset wheel diameter and width to speed service of same-size wheels.
The tabletop clamping system is designed to easily handle 13 to 28-inch wheels safely. The XT-out table design allows easy access to the bottom bead while ensuring rigidity for large diameter wheels.

The powerful motor and unique two-speed drive system operates at a low speed with increased torque to prevent damage to wheels and tyre beads when servicing tough combinations. Technicians can apply the faster speed when servicing less difficult combinations.

The wheel-centred Bead Press System aids in blocking and pressing stiff low-profile tyre beads into deep drop-centre wheels. BPS provides effortless assistance with the most difficult tyres and custom wheels up to 28” in diameter.

28th June 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Kwik-Fit Fleet Collects Three Van Fleet World Honours

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Kwik-Fit Fleet was also jubilant about its success in winning Best Service Provider and two other awards at this year’s Van Fleet World Honours. The organisation has already won 2007 awards from BusinessCar and Fleet News. Averaging more than three awards per year since Kwik-Fit Fleet was founded as a division of Kwik-Fit in 1987, the latest win means the company has secured a total of 63 fleet industry awards since launch.

The annual Van Fleet World Honours were presented yesterday (Thursday, May 17) at a ceremony at London’s Royal Automobile Club. They are presented to those van manufacturers and service companies who have, in the opinion of the judging panel composed of industry experts, achieved the highest possible level of excellence in their sector.

18th May 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Right To Repair Under Threat

Did you know that something as straightforward as replacing a battery or a bulb could soon mean a car will refuse to do as its told? Did you know that as little as changing a tyre on a some vehicles with tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) can set off a dashboard warning light? As David White said in his introduction to the NTDA organised event the “Right to Repair” issue is a “topic that has serious implications for you and your business.”

Certainly, an impressive line-up of speakers had been assembled, namely Dave Garratt, Director Garage Equipment Association; Mike Owen, of the Retail Motor Industry Federation and Bob Davis, Head of Aftermarket Section of the SMMT. Davis laid special emphasis on the fact that he was involved with the aftermarket section of the SMMT and not the manufacturers’, for reasons that will become plain.

11th May 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Pro-Align to Cooperate with Harvie Prema

Pro-Align is to feature in the next Harvie Prema product catalogue, as a new ‘supplier partner’. A selection of equipment, including the ‘World Leading’ Hunter wheel aligners, balancers, tyre changers, plus the Pro-Aligns range of alignment lifts, will be presented within the ‘Equipment Section’. Both Harvie Prema and Pro-Align see the involvement as a complimentary one, supporting both companies’ business activities and will go to enhance the service to their customers.

The ‘handshake’ took place during the recent Harvie Prema Sales meeting, held at Pro-Align’s purpose built premises in Towcester. During the meeting, Harvie Prema staff were given demonstrations of the Pro-Align equipment, seeing for themselves many of the cost saving and revenue generating features.

17th April 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Andreoli & Associates Introduces Online TPMS Resource

(Akron/Tire Review) Andreoli & Associates Inc., a software and services provider for the tyre and auto service industry, debuted a new online resource for TPMS data at the North Carolina Tire Dealers & Retreaders Annual Convention and Trade Show.

The subscription-based service, at www.TPMSguide.com, is operated by Andreoli & Associates, with data provided by Motor Information Systems, a provider of OEM vehicle data.

“Independent tyre and auto service professionals are being faced with servicing an increasing percentage of vehicles equipped with a wide variety of TPMS systems, many which require unusual reset and retain procedures,” said Mike Andreoli, president of Andreoli & Associates. “TPMSguide.com brings all the latest information together in one place, easily located by vehicle type. It is the most complete, up-to-date resource for TPMS data, including sensor and control module locations, as well as procedures for resetting, retraining, diagnostics, wiring, and replacement of components.”

4th April 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Kwik-Fit Signs First Major Fleet Deal With Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Kwik-Fit Fleet has won its first major vehicle servicing fleet deal with one of the UK’s largest suppliers of rental cars. The fast-fit giant will become the preferred servicing supplier of the 30,000 cars and light commercial vehicles on the Enterprise Rent-A-Car fleet.

In the UK, Enterprise Rent-A-Car is a major provider of vehicles to corporate and public sector fleets as well as offering replacement vehicles and courtesy cars. The company started in the UK in 1994 and operates from more than 300 locations. The majority of Enterprise Rent-A-Car branches are within five miles of a Kwik-Fit centre so making it easy for vehicles to undergo an oil and filter change, an interim service or full service depending on mileage.

15th March 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Sixth Consecutive Record Year For B-Quik

International News

2006 was the 6th consecutive record year for B-Quik, the Thailand-based tyre and car services retailer. The company serviced 250,000 customers through its total of 45 centres, of which three were new stores opened during 2006.

22nd February 2007/by Peter Gardner

NTDA Backs ‘Right to Repair’ Campaign with Brityrex Seminar

According to a press release distributed by Brityrex and the NTDA, the retail tyre industry is putting its weight behind an aftermarket campaign to highlight restrictive and anti-competitive practices by vehicle manufacturers, which, according to the NTDA, the tyre industry believes is preventing members from servicing and repairing some newer car models.

22nd February 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Bosch to Acquire Beissbarth and Sicam

The Bosch Group has unveiled plans to further consolidate its foothold in the workshop equipment market through the acquisition of Munich-based Beissbarth GmbH, and Italy’s Sicam s.r.l., companies that both belong to parent company Beissbarth Automotive Group GmbH. An agreement between Bosch and Beissbarth Automotive was signed on February 14.

19th February 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Kwik-Fit Wins Businesscar Award for 14th Year

Kwik-Fit Fleet, Britain’s number one fast-fit supplier extended its run of victories in the annual BusinessCar Awards to an unprecedented 14 years – making it the only organisation to have walked off with first prize each year since the event was launched in 1994.

26th January 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Continental Transfers Additional 330 million Euros to Pension Fund

At the end of 2006, Continental AG added 330 million euros to the trust fund it set up in the middle of last year to partially finance its pension obligations to current and retired employees in Germany. This brings the total assets transferred to the Continental Pension Trust e.V., which is legally independent from Continental, to 630 million euros. “We are again acting in line with our policy of optimizing financial structures and reducing future refinancing risks,” declared Continental’s CFO, Dr. Alan Hippe, in Hanover.

17th January 2007/by Tyrepress Editors