Hofmann, a brand within Snap-on Equipment, says that its geolite 3D wheel alignment machine makes the process “accessible to more workshops”, with a price tag of £7,995 (excluding VAT). The company says the geolite has the facility to take accurate alignment readings to OEM specification in under three-minutes from vehicle set-up, with global passenger car data for vehicles up to 25-years old.
Cam Systems has said that it wants to increase training and personal development in the tyre and fast fit industry. The IT applications provider, whose Cameo suite is used by over 2,000 tyre business employees is responding to a report by Profit From Training, an organisation set up in 1996 to provide training to the tyre and fast fit industry, which has observed a decrease in industry training over the past two years – at approximately 12 per cent in year one and a further 16 per cent in year two. In previous years, training had gone up on average by 6-8 per cent each year.
Following his second placement at Bridgestone’s global awards in the ‘Safety and Disaster Prevention’ category, Phil Thirsk, technical training manager at the manufacturer’s UK division was recognised for his contribution to Bridgestone UK’s training programme, given one of the UK division’s ‘Outstanding Achievement Awards’ at the firm’s recent annual conference. Thirsk entered Bridgestone UK’s ‘Roadside Tyre Technician Training Course’, which he has helped to develop and deliver to more than 400 technicians, for the global awards.
Snap-on Equipment has introduced two new tyre changers under the Hofmann and John Bean brands to meet what the company perceives as a growing need for tyre shops and garages to handle the larger wheel rim diameters fitted to an increasing number of cars on the road: the Hofmann monty 3300-24 and John Bean T4500-24.
At the start of February it was announced that Pirelli Tyre Ltd has joined up as a sponsor for the ‘Young Driver’ training initiative, also sponsored by Seat and Admiral Insurance. At the time, managing director Dominic Sandivasci commented “we’re delighted to be able to demonstrate our commitment to improving road safety through our involvement in the Young Driver initiative. The Pirelli name is synonymous with the high performance and safety characteristics of its products, and as part of our extensive corporate social responsibility programme we are keen to support organisations that share our goal of making the road a safer place.”
Volvo Trucks newest driver training vehicle has been fitted with a Monityre tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) from Safe Europe plc. The Safe Europe Monityre TPMS has been fitted to a Volvo FH-420 6×2 tractor unit, specified with the popular automated I-Shift gearbox, and is pulling a tri-axle Gray & Adams 13.6 metre trailer running at maximum weight 44 tonnes. This vehicle is part of Volvo Trucks’ driver training fleet of trucks that are being used for the company’s CPC Driver Development Programme with major fleet customers and operators.
During these tough times for the commercial vehicle tyre market, Continental Tire the Americas has turned to charity for help – Chris Charity, that is. The former Continental Tire Automotive Aftermarket national sales manager is taking on the role of national sales manager for the Passenger and Light Truck Tire Division’s Dealer Channel, a role in which he will be responsible for directing, managing, training and supervising the dealer field sales force. Charity will also manage and oversee the development of new business and the growth of existing accounts within the US. Charity replaces Tom Colelli who is retiring after 43 years of service with Continental Tire.
Snap-on Equipment is urging tyre shops to consider the commercial opportunity of adding wheel alignment to their existing undercar service business. Field research by the garage equipment manufacturer has shown that by carrying out just four alignment procedures per day can generate additional net income of £32,910 per annum, based on a five and a half day week, direct costs of £15 per hour and a charge of £50 for each alignment procedure. Accurate wheel alignment also diagnoses chassis problems due to kerbing and pothole damage that can often require replacement suspension and steering components, resulting in further revenue generation.
Sixty drivers for North Eastern Tyre and Exhausts (NETE) are celebrating achieving top marks in an accredited qualification. As part of its commitment to staff development, senior management at NETE invited the group to complete an NVQ Level 2 in Delivery and Carrying Goods. And, with a 100 per cent pass rate, every one of the 60 drivers who took part in the course, has good reason to celebrate – but perhaps none more so than Steve Martin, who, at an award ceremony recognising the achievements of Gateshead College students completing NVQs, was awarded Student of the Year in his category.
“Student of the Year”
Some say he is holidaying in Australia this February, and that during his down under jaunt he’ll be performing his world-first driving stunt – all we know is, he’s called the Stig, and Bridgestone is offering its Australian devotees the chance to drive like the Top Gear tame racing driver.
Lawlyn Vulcanising Systems manufactures a complete range of Lawlyn brand truck, tractor, grader and OTR repair systems. These items, manufactured at the South African company’s site in Alberton, south of Johannesburg, are used daily in the repair of tyres at the company’s Hlanganani Tyres subsidiary, an operation that has a number work stations working to the newly gazetted South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) approved OTR Repair and Retreading Standard.
Hofmann, a brand within Snap-on Equipment, has introduced a new design for the geodyna ‘off-the-vehicle’ 980L and 4800L truck, bus and coach wheel balancers. Both machines now feature a reinforced cabinet, which is, Hofmann claims, stronger yet 30 per cent lighter than before. Other enhancements include a redesigned wheel guard support that enables the guard to be handled more smoothly and conveniently.
Snap-on Equipment, whose brands include Hofmann, John Bean, Cartec and Blackhawk, has invested in a new nine-strong fleet of Vauxhall Vivaro customer service vans. Providing mainland UK-wide coverage, Snap-on Equipment’s specialist engineers offer installation, calibration, servicing and training for the company’s entire garage equipment portfolio.
In the US, Dealer Strategic Planning has hired Paul Chizeck to help manage the group’s growing number of Tire Dealer 20 Groups, reports Tire Review. Chizeck recently retired from Bridgestone Americas, where he last served as director of consumer tyre education. Chizeck’s 34-year background in the tyre industry includes store management, retail marketing, promotional support programs and various training and education responsibilities.
(Tire Review) Patty Fleischmann, co-owner of Community Tire & Auto Repair in Phoenix, talked about the dealership’s efforts to address the needs of female customers in a segment on a recent airing of The Chat Room, a local program produced by AZTV. Patty, wife of Howard Fleischmann, talked about the business’ certification as an AskPatty.com certified female friendly tyre and service shop and what female consumers need to know about getting their vehicles properly cared for. She also talked about the value Community Tire has received from participating in the AskPatty.com for Tire Dealers training and certification program, and what it has meant for all of its customers. You can view the video on tyrepress.com below.
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