TYRE SAFETY
Kwik-Fit Fleet has reported a marked increase in tyre safety checks being requested by company operators, with the number undertaken increasing by 25 per cent during the past year. In 2006 the company carried out 200,000 tyre safety checks on company cars and vans, compared with 150,000 the year before. This year Kwik-Fit Fleet technicians expect to carry out a quarter of a million of these inspections.
Key retailers attending a regional meeting of the NTDA earlier this month agreed to set up a new tyre safety group for the province under the guidance of retiring NTDA regional chairman Roy Nutt who will be driving forward proposals for a major tyre safety initiative in the province later this year. Entitled the Northern Ireland Tyre Safety Association (NITSA) the group will be formally created at a special open meeting to be held next month in Templepatrick where proposals a for a tyre safety week will be discussed.
From January 2007 the Tyre Industry Council (TIC) will be known as TyreSafe. It also aims to raise its profile and will become a more proactively consumer-facing organisation. The news follows decisions from TIC director Peter Taylor and chairman, Brian Smith, to step down at the end of 2006. According to a statement released by the organisation, TyreSafe will “address the challenges facing the tyre industry and in particular the issues of corporate responsibility and duty of care legislation as they relate to tyres and their use.”
From January 2007 the Tyre Industry Council (TIC) will be known as TyreSafe, will raise its profile and will become a more proactively consumer-facing organisation. The news follows decisions from TIC director Peter Taylor and chairman, Brian Smith, to step down at the end of 2006.
TyreSafe has already received support and funding from influential companies including: ATS Euromaster, Continental Tyres, Cooper Tyres, Goodyear Dunlop, Hi-Q, Just Tyres, Kumho Tyres, Michelin, National Tyres & Autocare, Pirelli, Stapletons and Viking International. The organisation is also in talks with other well-known manufacturers, not to mention logistics and leasing companies.
Tyre manufacturers including Dunlop, Kumho, Vredestein, Pirelli, Yokohama, Toyo, Hankook, Maxsport and Hoosier will all exhibit at January’s Autosport/Aftermarket show. Others are expected to follow later. With the help of its exhibitor base, The Aftermarket Show will again focus on a number of tyre related issues, which include wheel balancing alignment and calibration, tyre disposal, tyre fitting and tyre safety.
Kwik-Fit will now perform tyre safety checks on around 10,000 British Gas light commercial vehicles as a part of the new three-year solus fast-fit contract won by Kwik-Fit Fleet. The contract, one of the largest won by Kwik-Fit Fleet, will see mobile technicians at the UK’s largest independent fast-fit company undertake quarterly tyre wear and tear checks on all vehicles, to assist British Gas comply with its at-work driving duty of care responsibilities.
Female drivers in Rugby are receiving hands-on advice to improve their safety as potentially vulnerable motorists. Technicians at First Stop dealership TW Tyres are sharing their expertise at Driver Awareness Evenings run in association with Bridgestone. The course covers basic car mechanics and maintenance, and aims to educate women on what to do should they get into trouble whilst driving alone.
“We’re covering everyday scenarios like how to change a tyre, how to check the tyre tread depth and pressure, and how to check oil levels and water levels – things we all really ought to know, but often don’t,” said Nathalie Furner, general manager of TW Tyres.
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Fast-fit network Hi-Q saddled up with Goodyear recently to ensure visitors to this year’s Blenheim International Horse Trials were as safe on four wheels as they were on four legs. Goodyear is the official British Eventing Safety and Innovation Partner and fast-fit expert, Hi-Q supported the partnership by offering vouchers to visitors and participants at the leading equestrian event which took place at the beginning of September 2006.
A delegation from the Tyre Industry Federation (TIF) had a successful meeting yesterday with the Minister at the DTI responsible for sustainable development, Malcolm Wicks, to discuss the issue of used tyre recovery. The delegation, on which all member associations were represented and which was led by TIF chairman, Jim Rickard, made the Minister aware of the steps the industry had taken towards ensuring full recovery of used tyres by 16 July 2006 – the date the complete ban on landfilling of tyres came into force.
According to a statement released by the TIF, it also impressed on him the need for Government, in partnership with the industry, to continue to keep a close watch on the arrangements set up to implement the ban and to take rigorous enforcement action wherever necessary. The Minister in turn acknowledged the success of the industry’s efforts in rising to the challenge of the ban.
(Akron/Tyre Review) Calling the proposed legislation “unnecessary” and potentially “detrimental to the safety of motorists and passengers,” SEMA has voiced its opposition to HR 5632, the RMA-created bill that calls for the creation of tyre fuel efficiency testing and rating system and accompanying consumer education program. HR 5632 was developed by the RMA last fall, and was passed by the House Energy and Commerce Committee on June 20. Thus far, SEMA has been the only automotive and tyre industry group to make comment on the proposed legislation. At press time, TIA has offered no comment on the bill.
(Akron/Tire Review) A study undertaken in the USA by the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) claims there is no correlation between the end of a tyre’s “safety performance” and its chronological age. RMA released its study data earlier this week after examining some 14,000 scrapped P-metric and LT-metric tyres late last year, comparing each tyre’s date of manufacture to the date it was examined.
Held alongside the popular commercial vehicle and automotive trade shows, the tyre and fast fit industry’s biggest night of the year was no let down. There were some (pleasant) surprises when the award winners were announced; NTDA chairman, John Tarbox, pulled no punches when it came to delivering his speech; and celebrity former-MP (and world record holding after dinner speaker), Gyles Brandeth entertained the 500 invited guests with his razor sharp wit. But without any further ado here are the 2006 Tyre and Fast Fit Award Winners:
Goodyear Dunlop UK had a particularly good night in the eyes of the 5000 NTDA members that voted, winning both the Product Innovation Award and the Industry Advertising Award (presented in association with Tyres & Accessories). Both awards related to the company’s RunOnFlat technology and followed the company’s large-scale investment in raising awareness of the product. Last month, Goodyear announced that the group had produced its 4 millionth RunOnFlat tyre, claiming market leadership in this growing sector. In gaining the advertising award Goodyear beat off particularly strong opposition from Kumho Tyre (UK), Sapphire Energy Recovery, Viking International, BITS and Vipal.
“We are proud to receive this award from the NTDA, as they represent our trade customers, dealers and distributors. Our research tells us that this campaign has been very successful in communicating the advantages of RunOnFlat to drivers, and we are delighted that it has been received so well by the tyre industry,” commented marketing director, Neil Burrows.
C-Tyres Ltd won the 2006 Environmental Award, giving the environmentally-friendly credentials of retreaders a major boost. It was the first time that C-Tyres have won the award since the company started trading in 2002, manufacturing the Colway and Greenway brands of retreaded tyres. Managing director, Gary Oliver commented: “We are absolutely delighted to have won this award and would like to thanks all members of the NTDA who voted for us. We are particularly pleased, not only for us, but for retreaders across the UK, because we believe this award reflects the tyre industry’s recognition of the fact that retreading is at the forefront of tyre recycling.”
Continued Oliver: “The award emphasises our growing status as a comprehensive manufacturer of retreaded tyres. Although C-Tyres has perhaps traditionally been recognised as a car tyre retreader, we have invested heavily in other sectors to develop customer recognition in those areas.” Recent product range developments by C-Tyres include the Major Hi-Miler range of high mileage truck retreads, several new 4×4 and medium truck tyre sizes and the very recent development of a new range of Colway-branded run-flat tyres.
For the seventh time, BITS was named National Wholesaler of the Year. Speaking on behalf of the business Brian Duguid said he was simply “surprised” that the company had won once again, and added: “We have a wonderful team and will continue to put customer relationships at the forefront.”
Regional Wholesaler of the Year went to North Eastern Tyre & Exhausts Ltd. It is the third time NETE has received the regional wholesaler award. In response to winning the award managing director Ian Darcy commented: “To receive this award two years out of the three since it began is some achievement for a company that started life in an old railway yard in Yorkshire by my late father Fred Darcy and my mother Netta. Although I must stress this award is testimony of the hard work, dedication and passion that the people at North Eastern have for both their company, their customers and the industry.”
Rema Tip Top UK Ltd won Tyre & Aftermarket Equipment Supplier of the Year. This was the fourth time in six years, Rema Tip Top had achieved the title. Cliff Jones and Martin Blakey of Rema Tip Top received the prestigious award from Mark Lovett of Renault UK Vans, the awards sponsors. Afterwards, Cliff Jones acknowledged the award, paying tribute to the efforts of the team at Rema Tip Top for their continued success and role in regaining a title which they always take immense pleasure in winning.
The were cheers as Michelin Tyre plc was named Tyre Manufacturer of the Year 2006. The award was collected by Michelin Tyre plc managing director and new Tyre Industry federation chairman, Jim Rickard.
Continental Tyre Group managing director received the NTDA Chairman’s Award, recognising his “meritorious service” to tyre industry. The award is given at the discretion of the chairman. This year was the first time a tyre manufacturer has ever received the honour. John Tarbox, chairman of the NTDA commented: “Presenting the chairman’s award is always an enjoyable task, particularly this year as Brian Smith is such a worthy recipient. Every industry needs leadership and people prepared to work for the wider good. Brian’s support on initiatives such as 3mm and cold weather tyres has been much appreciated by the NTDA and the industry as a whole.”
Brian Smith has worked in the automotive industry for 35 years. As managing director of Continental Tyre Group for over 12 of those, Smith has been an enthusiastic proponent of many industry initiatives including campaigning for better training across the board, educating on cold weather tyres, and campaigning on the safety benefits of changing tyres at 3mm. For 10 years he has led the Tyre Industry Council, helping to develop the roadside tyre check programme, acknowledged as one of the major road safety events in the UK and Northern Ireland. He was also President of the BRMA in 1997/1998.
Incidentally the TIC is soon to change its name to the Tyre Safety Council. “We wish it well,” John Tarbox added referring to the association’s name change.
The chairman’s speech
NTDA chairman John Tarbox opened his speech by recounting the highlights of the association’s year. In the past 12 months the NTDA has expanded its membership to “embrace most of the equities and we are pleased to be able to truly represent tyre retailers, both large and small, in all the areas which impact on your business,” John Tarbox said. He was, of course referring to Central Tyres and ATS Euromasters’ decision to rejoin the association after seven years. The addition of Central Tyres’ roughly 70 centres, ATSE’s more than 500 outlets and 18 new independent members mean NTDA membership now stands at a record 2141 tyre distributors throughout the UK.
The chairman then remarked on the negative effects of the VOSA MOT system failure situation (see page three of May’s T&A for more on this), suggesting that affected retailers should make thorough claims for compensation.
When the spotlight was switched on to run-flat tyres, the gloves were off as far as NTDA chairman, John Tarbox was concerned. “We work in a business which is at the leading edge of technology, I don’t need to tell anyone here just how versatile and important to our safety tyres are and with the latest developments in the world of run flats that technology is moving to new heights. However the launch of these new products onto the market has posed special problems for tyre retailers.”
No manufacturer was left out when it came to criticising the corporate approach to run-flats: “Our problem is with the inconsistency of advice. One manufacturer allows repairing in their run flats in the US, but not in the UK. Another says that repairing, as long as there is no evidence of damage, is perfectly OK. Others ban repairing worldwide. Indeed BMW say in their handbooks that you must not repair run flats. [Furthermore] the statement by the BTMA and TIC falls well short of giving definitive advice. ‘We do not recommend it however you must contact each manufacturers for advice.’ This is a totally unacceptable situation. Our members look to us for help in such situations, and until the industry gets it act together, we will be exposing our industry to accusations of profiteering and worse.”
“We are very frustrated by the lack of information provided by our suppliers and despite our constant protestations things do not seem to be improving. Indeed we approached all UK manufacturers through the BTMA and asked for speakers for a series of seminars we are hoping to run throughout the country on run flats. So far we have had no offers of speakers. I find it hard to understand why manufacturers would not welcome the opportunity of talking about their products to their customers, it won’t cost you anything and we do all the organisation of the event – am I missing something here?”
The case of one manufacturer was seen as particularly disappointing. “Here’s another example of poor communication,” John Tarbox explained: “At the last meeting of my region we discussed the new RAV 4, which has tyres that at present can only be changed by Toyota dealerships. How does it look for a motorist to be told that a tyre specialist cannot change a tyre because it needs special equipment? Another strong argument for closer working relationships between the tyre and car manufacturers and the tyre specialist – that is of course if the car manufacturers want to maintain vibrant tyre specialist network.”
Then there was news of developments within the various industry associations: “During the year the NTDA has joined together with all the other associations operating within the UK tyre industry to form a truly representative Tyre Industry Federation,” Tarbox commented: “I am pleased to say that the federation, with our direct help, will be developing a road map for training for our sector through a working group administered by the NTDA.”
Tarbox welcomed the formation of the TIF, but warned that the “we cannot be complacent” and “we must not allow it to become a talking shop.” “We all appreciate the need for both manufacturers and distributors to work together and the early signs are that there is a willingness, on both sides, to do just that. We will be watching closely the way the Federation develops and we will not be taking anything for granted. Congratulations to Jim Rickard on being appointed the first chairman of the TIF. Jim, you can rest assured that the NTDA will play an active role in making it a success, however, that success must be measurable,” he added.
Another project that will no doubt be of great interest to anyone whose working life is spent studying the development of the tyre market, is the work of the expanded Tyre Market Study group. According to the NTDA chairman, “for an industry of our size the lack of meaningful market information is nonsensical.” As a result we can look forward to seeing “proper market information on both the sell in and sell out markets” at some point in the future.
Next year’s dinner will be held in the Palace Hotel, Manchester, alongside the Brityrex Exhibition. Once again the NTDA AGM and the presentation of the 2007 TAFF Awards will be held in parallel with this event.
After 14 years as secretary to the Tyre Industry Council, Peter Taylor has decided to step down at the end of 2006. In addition to his role at TIC secretary, Peter is director general of the Tyre Recovery Association, director of the Imported Tyre Manufacturers Association and a director of the new Tyre Industry Federation. TIC chairman, Brian Smith, thanked Peter Taylor for his “outstanding contribution to the Council and to tyre safety over the years and for giving a long period of notice to allow the planning of the continuation of the industry’s work on road safety and its management.”
Stapletons recently embarked on a series of seminars outlining the important role of tyres in road safety. Representatives of the Letchworth-based wholesale business recently delivered a presentation at a regional meeting of the Institute of Advanced Motorists in Worcester, pointing out key facts on construction, tyre design, pressures, treads and legislation.
The Tyre Industry Federation (TIF) has strengthened its position as the leading authority for the tyre industry by voting to accept the Industrial Tyre Association, National Tyre Distributors Association, Retread Manufacturers Association and Tyre Recovery Association. The federation now includes all the significant associations within the tyre industry and is representative of the whole tyre supply and disposal chain in the UK.
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