Company News
2018 IAAF conference warns aftermarket of ‘profound transformation’
The IAAF Annual Conference, sponsored by Impression Communications, addressed some of the ongoing issues that loom large and threaten to impact the aftermarket in 2019 and beyond, including the future UK-EU relationship, the danger of counterfeit goods, fast evolving technology and vital legislation to access in-vehicle data, as it hosted one of the largest conferences to date.
UK News
Cawleys signs Vacu-Lug Tyre Management deal
Cawleys, one of the UK’s leading, independently-owned recycling companies, has signed a tyre supply and maintenance agreement with Vacu-Lug Tyre Management.
- Sofie Bronserud joins Bridgestone North Region marketing team, Stuart Attfield promoted
- Scottish Borders Council gritters choose Michelin XDW Ice Grip policy
- Euro Car Parts distributing Texa diagnostic software
- More vehicles covered in SMPE’s Brake Light Switch range
- Vredestein Traxion Optimall wins LAMMA 2019 Innovation Awards gold medal
Product News
Ronal celebrates successful Essen Motor Show
Ronal Group is celebrating this year’s Essen Motor Show. The company exhibited from 1 to 9 December 2018 and presented new items in the Ronal, Speedline Corse and Speedline Truck Brands. Taxi rides in the motor sport hall in the RONAL “Zetti” BMW Z4 GT3, which took part in the 24 hour race at the Nürburgring, were another highlight.
- Exol Taurus Euro FE Plus 5W-30 meets Scania lubricants spec
- Autoelectro ‘getting remanufacturing message through, but still work to do’
- Continental re-emphasises partnership with ContiTread cold retreaders
- New electric motor for milk tankers reduces emissions
- Taurus tyres help Riviera Produce keep up with festive season consumer demand
International News
Magna Tyres opens South Africa office
Magna Tyres Group has opened a new regional office in South Africa. In recent years, Magna Tyres has been extremely successful in South Africa and the neighbouring countries. According to the company, the objective is to increase market share, focus on improving customer relationships and satisfaction in this high potential region.
Career Tracks
CAM appoints Frankie Sharp head of product management
CAM has expanded its management team with the promotion of Frankie Sharp to head of product management. The company states that the new addition to the management team is part of its ongoing commitment to drive innovation in the business to ensure its software solutions continue to meet the industry’s needs.
Motorsport News
5 years on, Evergreen-Zelos partnership ‘thriving’
Renault Clio Cup racer Dan Zelos has been supported by Evergreen Tyres for half a decade. The partnership started in karting, and has continued to Zelos’ current drive in the Renault Clio Cup. The tyre brand states that its support for Zelos is motivated both by the marketing opportunity it offers and by helping a young driver achieve his ambitions.
Retreading News
Marangoni and Vipal announce partnership
Marangoni Spa and Borrachas Vipal SA have announced that the two retreading material suppliers have entered into a partnership agreement aimed at “increasing the synergies and productivity, strengthening the industrial and commercial organisation of both groups”. Details of precisely what this means are still scarce but, according to a statement issued by Marangoni, this will lead to the creation of “the largest global independent player in the tyre retreading sector”.
Comment
2018 has been ‘Up in the air’
When it comes to reviewing 2018, two words sum up the kinds of talking points virtually everyone has touched on this year: tariffs and Brexit. Indeed it has to be said that 2018’s two meta-themes are not entirely separate from one another. Nevertheless, both have this in common. For most of the last twelve months details of both subjects have been “up in the air”, leaving the rest of us to forecast (which often means speculate) exactly what is going on. See page 32 for further analysis of what has been going on this year as well as coverage of a couple of stories that are emblematic of these themes.