Independent Garage of the Year finalists announced
The finalists for this year's Independent Garage of the Year award have been announced as:
Posts
Tougher drink-drive laws target 'dangerous' offenders
The most dangerous drink drivers will now have to pass a medical before they are allowed back on the roads under a change in the law announced by Road Safety Minister Stephen Hammond. The changes, which come into force from 1 June 2013, mean that High Risk Offenders will need to pass a medical confirming they are no longer alcohol dependent at the end of their disqualification and before they start driving.
Pirelli anticipating low tyre wear for BSB at Oulton Park
Tyre supplier to the MCE British Superbike Championship, Pirelli has forecast an easy weekend on its tyres as the championship visits the picturesque Oulton Park circuit. Back to back weekends at Brands Hatch and Thruxton have seen Pirelli’s slick and Diablo Rain tyres used with the changing weather. Pirelli has introduced the all new World Superbike derived Diablo Superbike SC1 compound this season, and the tyre has been the chosen option for the victor in all four races so far. Superbike riders are expected to use this option in dry conditions at Oulton Park, a challenging circuit with a good mix of elevation changes through fast sweeping corners.
T&A meets Goodyear Dunlop UK managing director Erich Fric
The latest in a succession of leaders at Tyre Fort in Birmingham, Erich Fric brings with him an easy-going, but teutonic clarity into his (relatively) new role of Goodyear Dunlop UK managing director. Almost a year after news of the appointment was released, Tyres & Accessories visited the company headquarters in mid-April for the MD’s first published interview in his current role where he shared his views on the British tyre market and recent corporate criticism of the companies EMEA region.
Prime minister visits Pirelli
British prime minister David Cameron visited Pirelli’s factory in Carlisle on Friday 26 April where he met with the chairman and CEO of Pirelli, Marco Tronchetti Provera, as well as Italian Ambassador, Pasquale Terraciano, and chairman of Pirelli Tyres Ltd, Mr Dominic Sandivasci. The prime minister was on a tour to the area as part of his campaigning activities ahead of local elections and incorporated the visit to the Pirelli factory, which in 2011 was awarded a £2 million grant from the Regional Growth Fund.
Bridgestone sponsors Air Ambulance summer fundraiser
Bridgestone’s motorcycle division has donated £10,000 to become the sponsors of the 18 August Rescue Ride Out, a nationwide bike convoy from all corners of the UK supporting the Air Ambulance service. The two-wheel spectacle culminates at the Brackley Festival of Motorcycling. The event has the support of British motorsport too; Steve Parrish, current BBC motorcycle commentator, is supporting the event.
Ian Veitch is new FTA president
Stewart Oades has handed over the presidency of the Freight Transport Association to Ian Veitch, managing director of Yusen Logistics UK, following FTA's National Council meeting in London on 23 April. Stewart Oades steps down after completing a four year term as FTA President.
Guarded welcome from RHA for PM's fuel duty pledge
While applauding the Prime Minister's pledge to "keep going" to block future fuel duty rises, the Road Haulage Association is still, as one of the original backers of the hugely successful campaign group FairFuelUK, committed to finding a permanent solution to the thorny issue of high fuel prices.
Freedom of the M6 for RHA members
Negotiations between the Road Haulage Association and M6 Toll road operator Midland Expressway have resulted in an exclusive deal for RHA members to use the road free-of-charge during the month of July. This month-long trial will allow members to have the benefit of the toll road without cost to see if it suits their business. The M6 is well-known as a route for traffic travelling through the Midlands and the number of junctions mean it is well suited to trucks making collections or deliveries to adjacent sites. In addition, the service area on the route is also useful as stopping point; the truck parking area normally has plenty of space and is quiet at night.
Bridgestone offers Biker’s Club discount
Bridgestone has announced a promotional £30 per pair (35 euros in the Republic of Ireland) discount for bikers purchasing the manufacturer’s latest premium products in May and June through Biker’s Club retailers. Bridgestone’s UK & Ireland motorcycle tyre sales manager Andy Whitehead says that the offer is a response to the challenging start to the 2013 season, with unseasonably cold weather delaying many bikers’ first ride of the year. “We have never done anything quite on this scale before and we are hoping that it will capture our customers’ imaginations,” Whitehead said, adding that the promotion is designed to reward loyal customers, who will qualify for the discount merely by mentioning the promotion at Bridgestone Biker’s Club retailers.
SSW launches Euro Technik
Thailand based manufacturer Stamford Sport Wheels (SSW) has launched a new alloy wheel design collection into the UK and European wheel markets, the Euro Technik. The company says the new range marks a first venture into Europe having become established in South East Asia. The design has been exclusively produced in a European style targeting prestige and luxury high performance marques.
Pirelli remains an ‘Investor In People’
Pirelli Tyres Limited has retained its accreditation as an Investor in People (IIP) for another three years after the Italian firm passed an audit that took place in Burton upon Trent and Carlisle. Run by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills, Investors in People provides independent assessments to track a company’s progress.
Sun editor challenges PM over potholes
Ken Gibson is the Motoring Editor for The Sun newspaper and he, like many of us, is fed up with the state of the UK's pothole-ridden roads. Unlike the rest of us, he has decided to do something about it and has launched a campaign to sort the problem out. He's even written to the Prime Minister.
'Trust My Garage' selects PR firm
The Independent Garage Association (IGA) has appointed Bridge PR & Media Services to position Trust My Garage as a household name and brand for all UK motorists seeking a trustworthy independent garage. The partnership will see an increase in awareness of Trust My Garage to all consumers through a campaign that will use traditional and digital PR.
Trust My Garage has been set up to be a truly independent scheme for independent garages. Members of Trust My Garage are true professionals, complying with a strict code of practice.
March motorcycle sales under the weather
The latest new motorcycle and scooter figures for March show sales overall were down 10.8 per cent against March 2012. Under 50cc scooter sales were down 27.3 per cent in March, while all larger over 50cc motorcycle sales have decreased by 8.9 per cent.
