Packed AGM sees new-look IAAF council formed
The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) has held one of its largest ever Annual General Meetings (AGMs) this week, which saw the formulation of a new look IAAF council for 2020-21.
The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) has held one of its largest ever Annual General Meetings (AGMs) this week, which saw the formulation of a new look IAAF council for 2020-21.
At the end of November, Traxx Tyres hosted its 2019 Independent Tyre Dealer Conference at the Cardiff City Stadium, close to the company’s new depot in Bridgend). Customers and contacts, predominantly independent tyre dealers and garages, were introduced to some of the wholesaler’s select brands, including Vredestein, Lassa, Vitora, Atturo and Rema Tip Top. Traxx Tyres also arranged workshops that provided a focus on new tyre technology as well as current products, information on product development and marketing tools available to the sector.
Apollo Vredestein recently announced that it is working with Traxx Tyres to distribute the Vredestein brand in the UK, and Vredestein has supported its new partnership with its participation in this year’s Independent Tyre Dealer Conference, which was hosted by Traxx Tyres late last month.
UK tyre wholesaler Traxx Tyres has announced a new partnership with Apollo Vredestein. Traxx will initially stock and distribute Vredestein brand tyres, with the possibility of adding the Apollo tyre range in the future.
At the end of November Traxx Tyres held its inaugural Independent Dealer Conference will the aim of creating a “dynamic forum for presentations by suppliers and experts on new tyre products, technology and digital marketing innovations in the tyre industry, as well as creating a valuable networking opportunity for attendees”.
Bracknell-based tyre wholesaler Traxx Tyres UK recently appointed Ian Ochtman as general manager. He joins the company after spending 17 years with Bridgestone in South Africa in senior management positions as well as positions within the workshop supplies sector.
Within four weeks of the company’s launch, Traxx Tyres secured new premises 15 minutes from London for the business’ head office. Walk in through the shining polished glass doors and you are greeted by the smell of new carpets and freshly unwrapped furniture. However, the first thing you notice is that this is not simply the administration department of a regional wholesaler, but rather the suite of ground floor offices and board rooms tell you that this operation is set up to be the nerve centre of a business with national aspirations. With the company having such impressive aspirations, Tyres & Accessories visited the Bracknell headquarters (Maxx House) to find out more about Traxx’s short history, recent achievements and plan for the future.
During November one member of Grouptyre entered administration and four more formed a joint venture to maintain supply to national customers. Now that the joint venture is poised to make another acquisition, this time of WJ Wood & Sons, Tyres & Accessories exclusively interviewed Grouptyre managing director Karl Naylor in order find out more about the reasons behind the recent events. Needless to say a lot has been happening within Grouptyre over the last few weeks, with what Naylor diplomatically described as “unforeseen problems at one of its larger member companies…resulting in rapid changes having to be put in place to maintain its national coverage and service to customers.”
However, while the market officially got wind of the story in November, it appears Grouptyre’s members had been making every effort to secure Broadway’s future as far back as the summer. At this point plans were being discussed to address concerns that Broadway’s financial performance was weaker than Grouptyre was comfortable with.
Less than two weeks after former Grouptyre member Broadway Tyres went into administration, new owner Traxx Tyres has announced its purchase of the company’s assets. Tyres & Accessories understands that Traxx Tyres, which is new to the UK market, is connected to successful tyre wholesaling in Australia. It is fair to say that Traxx has taken the British market by surprise with its first UK acquisition, reportedly outbidding competing offers for Broadway Tyres. Sources close to the negotiations told T&A that Broadway will not be a member of Grouptyre under its new ownership and that instead the national wholesale operation will be running its own logistics operation from High Wycombe in order to maintain continuity of supply to its customers and in competition with Traxx Tyres.
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