IGA applauds UK Prime Minister’s initiative to boost apprenticeships and support small businesses
The Independent Garage Association (IGA) “enthusiastically welcomes” the recent announcement from the Prime Ministers Office unveiling a comprehensive reform package aimed at strengthening small businesses across the UK. The IGA notes with satisfaction that concerns previously expressed to MP Robert Halfron, minister for Skills, Apprenticeships, and Higher Education, have been addressed in the recent announcement and commends the governments commitment to fostering apprenticeships and reducing regulatory burdens, recognising the significant positive impact these measures will have on the automotive sector.
Continue ReadingSMMT calls for ‘Fair taxes for a fairer transition’
The automotive industry is calling for the UK’s chancellor to use the upcoming Budget to put the UK’s shift to electric vehicles back in the fast lane, with fair taxes for a fairer transition. New research commissioned by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) from Savanta has revealed that rising numbers of would-be EV drivers are now likely to delay their switch to a battery electric car – but a three-point plan of tax reform would recharge the market and accelerate the UK’s progress towards net zero.
Continue ReadingMany MOT testers still need to take Annual Assessment
The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has reminded MOT testers that they must take their Annual Assessment before the 31 March deadline. Testers will face new checks if they miss this deadline. As of 8 January 2024, MOT testers are required to submit a recent basic DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check if they are returning after being lapsed or suspended from testing – this includes being suspended for not completing your annual assessment. The IMI said an estimated 73 per cent had yet to complete their assessment with just two months to go before the deadline.
Continue ReadingCar Wash Association comments on right to work offences
Data from the Illegal Immigration Unit at the Home Office showed that 78 hand car washes across the UK had been fined a total of nearly £1.5 million for ‘right to work’ offences in the first nine months of 2023.Brian Madderson, Chairman of the Car Wash Association (CWA), said: “It is disappointing that even in the face of blatant violations of the law, the Government is still unwilling to crack down on illegal hand car wash operators.
Continue ReadingNFDA calls for EV price incentives in spring budget after EU car market returns to growth
January saw a return to growth in new passenger car registrations, according to the latest European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) figures. These followed a -3.3 per cent contraction in December. New car registrations in the EU witnessed an increase of 12.1 per cent year-on-year, reaching 851,690 units for January 2024. “It is positive to see a return to growth in the EU car market following the contraction experienced in December 2023, particularly with January traditionally being a slower month” said Sue Robinson, chief executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), commenting on the figures.
Continue ReadingLeading tyremaker stocks down 2.35% as EC antitrust case opens
The share prices of Bridgestone, Continental, Goodyear, Michelin, Nokian and Pirelli were down by an average of 2.35 per cent following the news that the European Commission has started an antitrust investigation within the European Union.
Continue ReadingLeading European tyremakers investigated as part of price-fixing investigation
Unannounced inspections, investigations, visits, raids. Whatever you call them, having the European Commission come knocking uninvited is not how any tyre manufacturer wants to start 2024. Nevertheless, that is exactly what happened at the tail-end of January across “several member states” within the European Union.
Continue ReadingMichelin confirms it has been investigated in EC antitrust case
Following the news that the European Commission has opened a price-fixing investigation across “several member states”, Michelin has officially confirmed that it too has been investigated as part of EC antitrust case. Nokian, Goodyear, Continental, Pirelli and Bridgestone have also been investigated as part of the EC case.
Continue ReadingBTMA and NTDA to push for review of MOT tread depth advisories
The news that the government is maintaining annual MOTs in the present 3-1-1 regime was universally welcomed by the industry. But tyre retailers up and down the country continue to highlight the appalling reality that many tyres are changed past the legal limit and in shocking states of disrepair. For many motorists, the MOT is an annual driving sanity check, reminding them to change their tyres and other safety-critical car parts. That reality and the increasing prevalence of electric vehicle and ADAS technology have prompted calls for an upgraded MOT – not least from the BTMA and the NTDA.
Continue ReadingGoodyear visited in European antitrust investigation
Following the news that the European Commission is investigating tyre manufacturers across Europe for anti-competitive practices, we now know that at least Nokian, Continental and now Goodyear have been visited.
Continue ReadingNokian Tyres receives EC antitrust inspection
The European Commission has initiated an unannounced inspection at Nokian Tyres plc’s headquarters in Nokia, Finland. The investigation forms part of the EC’s wider look at tyre manufacturers across several member states:
Continue ReadingEC launches tyre industry antitrust investigation in “several member states”
The European Commission is carrying out unannounced inspections at the premises of companies active in the tyre industry “in several “member states”. The reason? “The commission has concerns that the inspected companies may have violated EU antitrust rules that prohibit cartels and restrictive business practices”, according to an official statement. So far, Nokian Tyres, Continental, Goodyear, Pirelli, and Bridgestone have confirmed they have received an unannounced inspection.
Continue ReadingCould Red Sea shipping issues be catalyst for UK to increase circular economy capacity utilisation?
The UK’s exportation of end-of-life tyres (ELTs) is coming under further scrutiny considering the current crisis in the Red Sea, which is disrupting shipments to the Indian subcontinent, a typical route for many the country’s ELT arisings. Research reveals that this might total as much as 300,000 tonnes of ELTs. With the economic feasibility of these exports under threat, the Tyre Recovery Association is asking for governmental support in promoting the utilisation of currently dormant capacity to process ELTs within the country. The positive case for this is that useful materials can be extracted from ELTs, supporting the country’s circular economy with the residual value offered by proper processing. Meanwhile, the TRA adds, the country would also be doing the right thing in not allowing ELTs to become a highly pollutive issue for authorities in the Indian subcontinent, where UK waste supports unethical, dangerous, and illegal businesses.
Continue ReadingNTDA welcomes UK government’s decision to retain MOT gap
The UK’s National Tyre Distributors Association has welcomed the publication of the Department for Transport’s (DfT) response to the extensive consultation on modernising MOT testing for cars, motorbikes and vans. The association was vocal in its opposition to any extension to the current gaps in required MOT tests, namely three years after a new car’s registration and an annual test thereafter. The NTDA said its position was based “primarily on safety grounds, but also based on years of independent statistical information demonstrating that the current model works and is, overwhelmingly, supported by both the trade and UK motorists.” The consultation was launched in January 2023, with the aim of seeking views to ensure roadworthiness checks continue to balance the cost to motorists, road safety, advances in vehicle technology and tackling vehicle emissions.
Continue ReadingDVSA conducts MOT digital device survey
The DVSA is conducting research into how technicians use digital devices at MOT test stations. The survey asks questions about devices used during the MOT test, if you use mobile devices such as phones and tablets during the MOT test, as well as how you use technology generally and how confident you feel using it.
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