(Akron/Tire Review) The Tire Industry Association (TIA) announced that John Buettner, executive director for the Indiana/Illinois Tire Dealers Association, was elected chairman of the TIA state executive directors for 2006.
The Harvie name has been associated with tyre repair materials and wheels service accessories for the past four decades, during which time the company has demonstrated rapid response to continuous tyre and rim change processes and the ensuing demands for high quality, technically efficient products plus customer service support within the UK market.
Managing director, Terry Brooks, points out that the company has experienced a 35 per cent sales revenue growth during 2005 along with a high degree of customer satisfaction. The company now presents a product portfolio backed by impressive service levels to both existing loyal customers and prospective customers alike.
Focusing attention on maximum possible productivity becomes vital in difficult economic times in order to boost competitiveness. Besides high-quality retreading materials, Kraiburg Austria also provides its customers with expertise and business services, aimed at boosting their productivity.
A company’s success is determined by how good its people are and the more senior the people the greater the effect – good or bad –they can have on a company’s success. So how do you ensure that your next high flyer will be exactly that?
The Aftermarket Show, which runs from 12 – 15 January at Birmingham NEC, has announced a seminar programme that will focus on important aftermarket and tyre industry issues. The show organisers, Haymarket Exhibitions, are teaming up with one of the show sponsors the Tyre Industry Council (TIC) to stage a seminar programme that will take place within the exhibition hall itself, which, it is hoped, will encourage increased visitor attendance and support from exhibitors.
Goodyear Dunlop is planning a “significant investment programme” for its Hi-Q chain, managing director Dick Johnson has revealed. “The Hi-Q network is an asset and the majority of stores will remain under Goodyear Dunlop ownership. We are going to invest in people, training, marketing and systems and develop a new franchise programme that will complement our company owned stores to create a strong nationwide network,” he explained.
Following a detailed audit of its training resources and assessment procedures, Omitec Limited has been appointed an approved assessment centre of the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI).
VOSA says the MOT Computerisation roll out is proceeding successfully. It may be for them, but is it a success for the industry that provide employment for 35,000 testers and all the other people involved?
I have been involved in MOT testing for 30 years and have, for the last 20 years been operating a “high volume” testing station. Consequently I have followed the MOT computerisation programme closely since the project was first announced. At every VOSA seminar attended we, the delegates, have always been told the system would be totally tried and tested before going “live” and would never shut down because two separate computer systems would operate to ensure the system runs 24/7.
More than 200 dealerships across the country are now certified to replace run-flat tyres, as part of Bridgestone’s comprehensive Run-Flat Certificate Programme.
The scheme comprises of free training for tyre dealers and fitters. To date 203 dealerships and in excess of 600 UK fitters and store managers have attained certification, and more than 400 machines have already been inspected and accredited by Bridgestone.
Unipart Automotive has teamed up with Omitec to offer garages a 5 year “all inclusive” modular integrated diagnostics solution. According to the company, the deal has no hidden costs and allows garages to invest cost-effectively in a lucrative area of vehicle repair work.
(Akron/Tire Review) Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire’s Canadian operation and the Quebec government will invest $53.3 million (Canadian) on improvements to the company’s 40-year-old Joliette, Quebec, tyre plant.
The deal was announced last Friday, and is intended to preserve some 1,250 jobs at the plant. Bridgestone/Firestone Canada Inc will contribute $49.8 million and the provincial government will add $3.5 million. Most of the funds will go toward new equipment and facility reorganization.
Cam Systems has appointed a new Senior Developer to join its management team to strengthen both its product development capability and assist with the career progression of its in house team of software developers.
Karyn Boots joins the company’s Gloucestershire head office from Atkins Management Consultants, a leading provider of technology-based consultancy and support services to major clients in the public and private sectors. As an IT Consultant with the £1 billion turnover company, Karyn worked with organisations including the Welsh Assembly, Swindon Borough Council and the Welsh Development Agency.
Delphi’s service and aftermarket training centre has been selected by one of the UK’s leading vehicle repair networks, Nationwide Autocentres (NWAC), to train young apprentices aged between 16 and 24 attending its new technician accreditation programmes.
Each course lasts three years and, over this period, the first pilot group of 53 students from 120 NWAC in the Midlands will receive a total of 18 weeks hands-on training. In addition to becoming familiar with diagnostic techniques, Delphi has designed a bespoke outward bounds programme to encourage team building, trust and leadership skills which are seen as equally important to overall personal development.
The 2006 UK Fulda Challenge team has been chosen following the European Selection Event that took place in Sulden, South Tyrol/Italy.
The two-person team – Martin Yardley, a Royal Marine physical training instructor from Portsmouth and Kate Balchin, a Metropolitan police officer from Bagshot in Surrey – will represent the UK in the sixth Fulda Challenge.
Entrants who achieve the highest marks in this year’s Top Technician theory test, will be invited to a free training seminar on modern vehicle technology. The seminar will be hosted by newly appointed technical partner, MototeK, helpline provider to many vehicle manufacturers.
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