The Department for Transport (DfT) revealed yesterday that illegal, defective and under-inflated tyres were responsible for more than 1,210 road casualties in Great Britain during 2010. The latest Road Casualties in Great Britain report shows that 18 motorists were killed during the year from defective tyres, bringing the number of tyre related deaths on UK roads in the last five years to 164.
Earlier this year, Tyres & Accessories reported on one tyre maker's installation of a tread depth measurement unit at its premises in the Netherlands. Similar equipment may become a familiar sight to British motorists in the future – and not everybody is pleased about this.
As part of October’s tyre safety month, TyreSafe has announced the debut of the McIntyres, an animated family of crash test dummies offering some key tyre safety tips to drivers on the TyreSafe website. In their first appearance for the organisation, the family highlights three key aspects of tyre safety – Air pressure, Condition and Tread depth – otherwise known to the organisation as the acronym ACT. They show a number of quick and easy ways for drivers to check these important areas, helping to keep them safe on the road. The video can be seen in the story below.
Cam Systems has called for no change to the MOT test, joining industry bodies such as the NTDA and TyreSafe and companies such as HiQ and Klarius in the campaign against the UK governments proposed lengthening of the time between required tests. The software solutions provider to the independent tyre industry is also urging customers to go online and petition on behalf of the “no change” movement.
A large blaze that broke out in a warehouse at Neolay Ltd’s tyre recycling plant in Croydon on September 22 is said to have badly damaged the building, however no injuries have been reported and the company states it remains “business as usual” for most of its product lines. London Fire Brigade remained at the scene for most of the day after dispatching at least six fire engines, 30 firefighters and an aerial appliance.
It’s said to have required “much deliberating, cogitating and digesting,” yet the shortlist for HiQ's national grid girl competition is now ready. The fast fitter says this year’s competition received an overwhelming response from grid girl wannabes all over the UK. According to HiQ marketing manager Geraldine McGovern, the company was “overwhelmed with entries and it was a tough decision shortlisting the final ten.”
Mainstream media tends to pass over Start-Stop technology and instead focuses on plug-in electric or concept cars, yet despite this dearth of attention vehicle manufacturers continue to quietly go about their business and introduce ever more micro hybrids – Start-Stop vehicles – into their model ranges. This technology is admittedly only one of a number of powertrain alternatives under development, yet micro hybrids have gained considerable favour due to the ability of Start-Stop technology to cost effectively achieve EU emission targets while still providing motorists with vehicle range and usability.
Galway based tyre wholesaler Kevin Burke Tyres has become the latest Irish based tyre company to appoint Team Systems as its IT partner.
Starting today, Twitter users can keep up to date on the latest happenings at Yokohama Rubber. The Japanese company announced the opening of its official English language Twitter account on September 20 and said it will use it to “disseminate information on its various business activities globally.”
Tyre manufacturer Maxxis has agreed a new distribution agreement with Stapleton’s Tyre Services. The UK’s largest tyre distributor will begin supplying Maxxis products from October 1 and an exclusive distribution arrangement will commence in January 2012. Stapleton’s representatives confirmed that the latest brand to enter its portfolio is an addition to the range and existing brands will remain as they are.
The news follows Maxxis’ recent decision to end its exclusive distribution deal with Grouptyre. Maxxis reports that it is pursuing “ambitious growth and brand development plans and to achieve these it is committed to improving range accessibility in the UK.”
Imagine the thought of tens of thousands of mobile traffic cameras on our roads. No these are not the kind of traffic cameras that are fitted to high police vehicles or are erected at the side of the road. We are talking about cameras installed in private cars, rusty old vans, delivery lorries and even public buses. No its not a nightmare it is the future according to one ex-police chief.
Limerick based wholesaler Daly Tyres has reported an upturn sales since upgrading its website to incorporate a 'virtual warehouse' facility 18 months ago.
The Tire Retread & Repair Information Bureau has launched two new video sites on the web, with a dedicated channel on YouTube and its own video section on TRIB's website. Each site contains three videos designed to educate the public, fleet managers, and truckers about the economic and environmental benefits of retreaded tyres as well as correct the misconception that retreaded tyres cause rubber on the road.
Yesterday (7 September, 2011) marked the first TyreSafe quarterly industry briefing, during which chairman Stuart Jackson and a range of guest speakers spoke of the organisation’s past and future work in promoting tyre safety in the UK. In preparation for this October’s tyre safety month, TyreSafe has launched its new website, www.tyresafe.org – introduced by Jackson during the briefing – which includes a cleaner layout, easier navigation, and access to a range of media resources, such as new animated videos of the crash test dummy family the McIntyres explaining how motorists can examine tyres at home.
Having optimised its Pattern Programme a few weeks ago, Kraiburg Austria has revamped its website (www.Kraiburg-retreading.com). The content has been stripped back down to the essentials and clearly laid out. "Our aim was to create a contemporary look for the new website and to make it as user-friendly as possible", said Holger Düx, Head of Marketing and Sales Retreading Materials. "We want to help our customers to find what they are looking for at a glance".
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