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UK Online Car Parts Supplier Reports European Buying ‘Frenzy’

One UK based online car parts retailer reports a ‘frenzy’ of ordering from our motoring friends in France, Germany and Spain. Quoting a new report, car parts direct says that these continental customers are saving as much as 70 per cent compared with buying in their own country.

Export sales of car parts to do-it-yourself mechanics and the garage trade have increased by 285 per cent in the last year as the value of the euro has risen by around one-fifth. The UK’s weak currency, a good availability of spare parts and fast and low cost delivery into Europe are fuelling record export sales for the online mail order specialist, carparts-direct.co.uk.

27th August 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Amtel-Vredestein Suspends Production at Kirov Factory

Amtel-Vredestein is halting production at its Amtel-Povolzhye factory in Kirov, Russia. Upon making the announcement on August 19 the company said the stoppage is the result of a working capital shortage it has experienced in recent months.

A second tranche of the stabilisation loan provided by Sibur Russian Tyres is anticipated by Amtel-Vredestein in accordance with previously made agreements. The provision of such funding is subject to the passing of resolutions at the company’s Extraordinary General Meeting of shareholders, scheduled for 29 August.

19th August 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Beissbarth UK Release Online Alignment Tutorial

Automotive servicing equipment manufacturer and distributer Beissbarth UK have released an online tutorial, bringing together the basics of wheel alignment in a Flash animated presentation. The guide provides an interactive education in the subjects of suspension geometry and tyre technology, taking visitors through the terminology particular to each subject with detailed explanations of concepts such as rear wheel thrust, toe adjustment and the “basic rules” of alignment. Each section of the guide provides much of interest for those needing to know more about wheel alignment.

Meanwhile, Beissbarth UK’s concern with educational matters is reflected in managing director Philip Hodges’ website statement on the shortfall in skills within the UK servicing industry. He says that the advances made by the industry in new technology are “not being matched by the availability of suitable technicians and apprentices.”

25th June 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Roadrunner Tyres Invest £5000 in Refurbishing its Reception Area

Roadrunner Tyres, part of Bridgestone’s First Stop network of tyre dealerships, has invested over £5000 on the refurbishment of its reception area. The refurbishment of the site, which is based in Cabus near Preston, follows a recent expansion into servicing for cars, vans and 4x4s. These add to the facilities already on offer which include brake, suspension and exhaust repairs.

The depot has also taken advantage of the Toyota Aygo courtesy car scheme, which is available to high performing First Stop dealerships. The vehicle can be used by Roadrunner employees to go to and from work, as a courtesy car or as a general run-around for collecting parts.

Andrew Hodgkinson, managing director at Roadrunner Tyres commented: “Although our customers have always been our number one priority, these recent developments allow us to provide new and existing customers with an even better experience when visiting Roadrunner Tyres.

16th June 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Micheldever Introduces Discount for Senior Customers

As the cost of running a car continues to spiral upwards, Micheldever Tyre & Auto Services in Hampshire is offering a helping hand for the over 60’s through a special 5 per cent discount on tyres and a variety of other crucial replacement car components. The money saving offer is available to anyone over 60 years of age each Thursday, and includes tyres, exhausts, wheel alignment, brakes and suspension components.

Research by Micheldever has indicated that car owners are delaying replacement of safety components such as tyres and brakes because of the increasing cost of motoring. “This clearly is a false and dangerous economy” said Ashley Balch, Manager at Micheldever. “Tyres in particular are all that connect a car with the road, and so delaying replacement could prove to be a bad move. Pensioners are particularly vulnerable as they often rely on their cars for essential journeys. Our special offer, we hope, will help make a contribution to reducing the burden associated with the cost of motoring for pensioners.”

13th June 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

FAI Automotive Extends New Coil Springs Range

UK component distributer FAI Automotive has extended its new range of coil springs following research suggesting a growing market demand for the part.

Sean Walker, the company’s MD, suggests that perpetually evolving suspension design, coupled with the deterioration of road surfaces, has led to the greater vulnerability of such components.

3rd June 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

UK Exclusive for Pirelli-Alfa Collaboration

Alfa Romeo’s new special edition Brera S – the latest model of the Italian coupe – will be fitted exclusively with Pirelli P Zero Nero 235/40 R 19 96 Y tyres. Pirelli join Prodrive, a leading motorsport specialist who provide the car’s suspension system, in collaborating with Alfa.

The Brera S was placed on sale on 2nd June after its initial presentation on 19th May, and is limited to 500 numbered vehicles.

3rd June 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Cambridge Researcher Develops E-Spring Suspension

Cambridge University PhD researcher Salah Elmonselhy, from the University’s Department of Engineering, has proposed a kind of E-shaped suspension design. The new form of suspension promises to “revolutionise the experience of people who drive heavy goods vehicles” enhancing driver control, improve comfort and increase safety. It is also said to reduce fuel consumption and cut the cost of fitting specialist equipment to vehicles so that they can cope with different loads.

At the moment, commercial and heavy good vehicles need to have their suspension fine-tuned in accordance with the load they are carrying, so that drivers can control them. For example, a vehicle with soft suspension is suitable for light loads, but becomes difficult to control if it has to carry extra weight. On the other hand, giving a vehicle hard suspension can make it easy to handle with a heavy load, but the driver and passengers will be in for a bumpy ride once the load is removed.

28th April 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

As Worn by all the Big Names…

When UK deliveries of the long-awaited replacement for Jaguar’s S-type began in March, much interest was directed towards what many see as a make or break car for the classic British marque. The new Jaguar XF represents a departure from the company’s strategy in recent years, which has seen its efforts directed towards presenting itself as a volume production rival for the established German luxury car manufacturers. The XF, in contrast, has been planned from the outset to be something different – a more exclusive premium sports car for a discerning clientele. As Jaguar design director Ian Callum said: “Jaguars should be perceived as cool cars, and cool cars attract interesting, edgy people.”

Included in this deliberately cool package is Pirelli. The Italian manufacturer’s partnership with Jaguar continues, with homologation for the XF covering sizes for all road and weather conditions. Pirelli tyres approved for the Jaguar XF include the P Zero, P7, Nero M + S and Winter Sottozero in four rim sizes – 17, 18, 19 and 20-inch. At the top of the new Jaguar range is the supercharged XF 4.2 V8, and Pirelli’s 20-inch P Zero is the exclusively supplied tyre for this model.

24th April 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Michelin Phasing Out OEM Supply of PAX

Last year’s speculation that Michelin’s feelings towards its PAX run-flat system had somewhat cooled appears after all to contain substance. The New York Times reports that the tyre major is no longer attempting to sell the system to vehicle manufacturers. Michelin spokeswoman Lynn Mann told the newspaper that this decision had been reached as automotive manufacturers have several other run-flat technology choices available to them and due to the “slow growth of the extended-mobility tyre segment in general.”

Only three years ago Michelin predicted that its tyre-wheel combination “could become as commonplace as fold-flat seats,” however the company’s experiences with PAX in the US have been a saga of customer complaints about high replacement tyre costs and difficulties finding appropriate repair facilities. Michelin still faces a number of lawsuits filed by disgruntled consumers. In spite of this, Ms Mann claims these issues played no role in Michelin’s latest decision, and she added that replacement tyres and service would continue to be made available for vehicles already fitted with the tyres.

21st April 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

World’s Fastest Production Car Takes Record on Michelin Tyres

Shelby SuperCars’ Ultimate Aero, fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tyres, has set a new record of 256.18mph. This, according to Michelin, meant the “Ultimate Aero” is set to be officially recognised as the world’s fastest production car. The SSC Ultimate Aero was clocked at 15mph quicker than the previous titleholder, the Koenigsegg CCR and quicker than the Bugatti Veyron’s unofficial speed claim of 252.55mph. This is the first time that an American manufacturer has held this world title since the iconic Ford GT40 way back in 1967.

Michelin has been the tyre technical partner of Shelby SuperCars since the project was founded by Jerod Shelby seven years ago and has contributed technical advice on suspension design and set up for the Ultimate Aero. The Pilot Sport PS2 tyres fitted for the trial had to withstand speeds up to 257mph on the closed undulating country roads used for the test in Washington State – apparently with little to no wear.

11th April 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

ATA Calls for Speed Limit, Limiters

With diesel and gasoline prices at historic highs, the American Trucking Associations is calling for speed limiters on new trucks and a national 65 mph speed limit. The association made the recommendation as part of its call for the Bush Administration to act quickly to ensure an affordable supply of oil for the nation’s 3.5 million truck drivers and American consumers.

As ATA pointed out, fuel costs are beginning to surpass labor as a trucking company’s largest expense, with high fuel costs affecting the cost of everything delivered by truck. The ATA offered a multi-point plan it says will help drive down diesel fuel prices, which included a nationwide maximum speed limit of 65 mph and requiring speed limiters – set at 68 mph – on new trucks. In addition, the ATA called for the release of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, a national diesel standard, strict action on cases of price gouging, a reduction of regulatory barriers to adding new oil refineries, and a suspension of the 12 per cent FET on the purchase of auxiliary power units which cut off-hour engine idling.

10th April 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Amtel-Vredestein Reports Production Resumed at Kirov Facility

Amtel-Vredestein has responded to recent media speculation over a halt in production at its Amtel-Povolzhye facility, claiming that production resumed at the plant on February 15. The company reports that operations “continue as usual” at the facility, located in the Russian city of Kirov, following a “temporary suspension in the supply of raw materials that led to a disruption in production on 11 February.” This downtime, claims Amtel-Vredestein, was utilised to complete scheduled equipment maintenance and repairs.

21st February 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

TRW Appoints O’Gara to CV Sales and Marketing Director

TRW Automotive Aftermarket has appointed industry expert James O’Gara to the newly created role of HCV sales and marketing director for the UK and Ireland. O’Gara will report to Tim Ward, operations director, TRW Automotive Aftermarket UK. According to the company, the news forms part of TRW’s product and marketing plans for 2008; and is a bid to further develop the heavy commercial vehicle (HCV) sector.

James O’Gara (42) joins TRW from his most recent position as sales and marketing director, Brake Engineering. Prior to that he worked at Delphi with the Lockheed brand. With experience totalling some 23 years in the UK IAM, James has particular knowledge of the commercial vehicle market and gained significant industry experience when he was responsible for developing and selling CV products for Borg & Beck into the aftermarket.

11th February 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

G-Power Claims World Record on Dunlop Tyres

G-Power has claimed that its souped-up BMW M5, the 360-km/h G-Power Hurricane is the fastest in the world. At the heart of the high-performance saloon is a five-litre V10 engine with a G-Power Evo II supercharging system that delivers 730 hp. Needless to say, the enormous performance places extreme demands on aerodynamics, tyres, suspension and brakes.

At this point the G-Power reports that it hit a roadblock because the OE tyres that came with the care are limited to 340km/h. First they switched to an unnamed Continental product that allowed a speed of more than 350 km/h. Not content with this G-Power reports that the team selected 295/25 ZR 21 Dunlop tyres mounted on Brilliant Graphite Silverstone 21-inch (9.5 J x 21) light-alloy wheels.

6th February 2008/by Tyrepress Editors