The latest new motorcycle and scooter figures show year-on-year sales were down 3.8 per cent compared with 2010 and down 2.1 per cent year-to-date. However scooter sales were up 16.5 per cent in June, whilst larger bike registrations fell by almost 11 per cent. The year-to-date figures show that Scooter sales have increased by 15.9 per cent but larger bike sales have decreased 8.4 per cent.
Titan International has named a successor to former vice-president of sales and marketing Jeff Vasichek, who left the company on May 31. Jim Allen has joined the Titan in the role of vice-president of sales and in this capacity will head up the company’s entire tyre and wheel sales group. Commenting on Allen’s appointment, Titan International CEO and chairman Maurice Taylor said “Jim has a background in the automotive industry. We believe his experience and quick learning skills will fit into our culture at Titan.”
Following the recovery of Maxxis-sponsored Team Japspeed’s Subaru Impreza, stolen from Santa Pod on 11 June, tyre manufacturer and drift team alike are racing to ready the car for action in round three of the Maxxis British Drift Championship (BDC). The series makes a welcome return to the Teesside Autodrome in Middlesbrough over the weekend of 2-3 July, when Team Japspeed driver Steve Biagioni is aiming to be back behind the wheel of the 600bhp Impreza and challenging for a podium in the Super-Pro class.
Alcoa Wheel Products, which manufactures forged aluminium wheels for trucks, trailers and buses, will be in attendance when Truckfest South West 2011 kicks off on 2 July. To strengthen its position in the UK, Alcoa hired a new UK sales manager in February this year. Crampton brought with him 15 years of experience in the commercial vehicle industry and the company explained that Truckfest South West is a great way for people interested in the company’s products to meet the team.
Ten tyre retailers have been given the opportunity to be VIPs at Take That’s sold-out Progress Live tour at Villa Park, Birmingham on 27 June, as Maxxis announces the prize for its latest round of Maxxis Rewards. Northwich Tyre and Autocare; Havers Tyres, in Norwich; P Harrison & Co of Clitheroe; Sandbach Tyre Service; Motorlec Spares of Bury; County Tyres in Stafford; Wrexham’s Minera Tyres & Exhausts; Wheel’n’Tyres of Cheadle and Trade Tyres in Shenstone were the recipients of the tickets.
At the start of June, Heuver Tyrewholesale began acting as exclusive European distributor for a new private label, the Athlete Wheels truck range. The Chinese-produced brand is initially available in a number of high-demand sizes, such as from 6.75×17.5 to 14.00×22.5-inch, with truck and trailer wheels available for delivery from stock. Company director Bertus Heuver states that further sizes will be introduced during the course of the year. In all, 500 different designs are produced at the factory where Athlete Wheels are produced, a total of ten million units per annum. All Athlete steel wheels are TÜV approved and are ISO9001 certified.
Bosch is inviting visitors to this week's Automechanika Middle to enjoy “an interactive experience illustrating how the right hardware and software can make troubleshooting, servicing and repair efficient processes – all backed up by Bosch's cross-brand expertise.” The well-known garage supplier is showcasing its extensive range of workshop equipment and will also be demonstrating its products at the event, including tools for vehicle alignment and the full spectrum of wheel servicing.
Motorists who dawdle at traffic lights annoy more people than bullying bus drivers, middle-lane motorway hoggers and caravans, a HiQ survey of 500 motorists has suggested. The fast fit network asked drivers what most frustrates them about life on Britain’s roads. Somewhat surprisingly, twee car stickers – including the slogans “sprinkled by fairy dust” and “cheeky monkey on board” – came third in HiQ’s Driver Frustration survey.
Pan-European operator and Pall-Ex member John Bywater Transport has announced its return to ATS Euromaster and Michelin, saying the two companies offer the most competitive truck tyre package on the market. The Kent-based haulier ended a 20-year tyre supply and servicing agreement with ATS Euromaster in late 2009 in favour of a local dealer fitting an alternative brand, but after 16 months managing director John Bywater has chosen to return.
Visitors to Truckfest South West have the opportunity to win a full set of xlite forged aluminium commercial vehicle wheels, courtesy of Motor Wheel Service. Individuals who visit the stand will be asked a simple question and after the show the first 10 cards drawn with the correct answer will receive 20 percent off their first order, and another five will win a cleaning kit.
North American customers were recently introduced to Continental’s HSC1 and HDC1 steer and drive construction tyres; billed by Continental Tires the Americas (CTA) as its ‘next generation’ of construction tyres, the new products replace the original HSC and HDC in this region. In mid-May the range was presented to fleet customers, dealers and media at CTA’s 2,000 hectare proving grounds in Uvalde, Texas.
Wheel brand Calibre has announced the release of its new nine-spoke alloy wheel, the Vertigo, in 15”-18” diameters. The brand says the wheel is inspired by classic designs from the tuning scene, with “a deep bolt bowl and finely sculpted spokes.” The Vertigo “offers superb caliper clearance and light weight in a stunning heat treated package”, with a lacquered sparkle silver finish.
The Vintage wheel range produced by Alcar Wheelwright brand Calibre is described as a best-selling product. Introduced just over a year ago, the Vintage range’s retro styling has endeared it with owners of a broad spectrum of vehicles, from Mini Coopers through to Sierra Cosworths and a plethora of kit cars. The original 17-inch fitments have now been complemented by new staggered 18-inch sizes. Both the 17 and 18-inch versions are available in 8 and 9-inch widths and with a wide range of four and five stud PCDs available ex-stock. Blank rims for drilling can also be supplied.
Alcoa Wheel Products will be showing its forged aluminium wheels at Tip-Ex show (stand C7-8) between 10 and 12 June. The wheel maker recently added some 17.5” wheels to its portfolio including: a 17.5 x 6.75 10 hole low deck trailer wheel, available in mirror polished version; a 17.5 x 6.75 6 hole truck wheel for medium duty trucks. Alcoa reports that the latest sizes will be available in brushed and Dura-Bright finishes from April 2011 onwards.
Alcar Wheelwright’s Calibre range has announced a new alloy model: the retro-design Bomb. The 7×15” rim “points the way forward for [the Calibre range’s] new season collection”, according to the company. It has an eight-spoke face with pseudo-split rim bolts, giving it a “race-ready demeanour”. The Bomb enters the market priced £93 (excluding VAT), and Calibre says its “4×100 PCD makes it perfect for many core tuner, Honda, BMW and VAG rides”.
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