Pirelli pitching its tyres as ‘the perfect fit for fleets’
Bearing in mind that Pirelli’s high-performance leading product portfolio is based on an OE-homologation heavy “perfect fit” strategy, it is no surprise to learn that the Italian-based manufacturer is pitching it tyres as “the perfect fit for fleets” as well.
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Falken: stock availability, proven performance means UHP opportunity
The coronavirus outbreak and subsequent lockdowns mean that sales of car tyres especially have sustained a harsh blow around the world. But as measures introduced to halt the spread of COVID-19 begin to be eased, motorists will steadily begin to use their cars again, increasing demand. In the car tyre sector, high value, ultra-high performance segments could prove vital, as better potential margins offer attractive opportunities for increasing cashflow quicker. The other side of that coin is that motorists’ finances are also under pressure, putting the price they pay for their car tyres under even greater scrutiny. Could this, therefore, present an opportunity for mid-range brands to make a case for their products, offering more palatable performance compromises compared with premium rivals than the lowest-priced brands?
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Schaeffler distributes 2,000 free workshop essentials packs
It looks like a light has appeared at the end of the tunnel, as some of the lockdown restrictions begin to be eased. The latest government advice is that those who are able to work, but not from home, should now return to work. They are also advising commuters that it is their civic duty NOT to use public transport, and cycle, walk or use the car instead. As the average UK commute is almost an hour, lots of people will start to use their cars again.
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Survey shows retailers optimistic about future EV product range
The latest edition of the NFDA EV Dealer Attitude Survey revealed key insights into retailers’ views about electric vehicles. The survey was launched in May 2018 to monitor retailers’ satisfaction levels with manufacturers’ approach to the EV sector.
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Yokohama Q1: Tires division enters loss, ATG remains profitable
The Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd. posted a 258 million yen loss during the first quarter of 2020 compared with 9.1 billion yen in profit in the same period of the previous year. Meanwhile operating profit fell 90.4 per cent, to 1.2 billion yen. Sales revenue declined 13.6 per cent to 129.1 billion yen.
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PRA welcomes landmark Supreme Court ATM decision
The Supreme Court unanimously decided in favour that ATMs at existing shops should not be subject to separate business rates assessment on 20 May. “We are delighted that the Supreme Court has ruled in favour of retailers, meaning that they will now be rightly owed around £500 million in business rates refunds,” said Brian Madderson, chairman of the Petrol Retailers Association (PRA).
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AMTE Power and Britishvolt move towards UK’s first Gigafactory battery manufacturing factory
Roughly a year after reports suggested the UK could become home to a gigafactory, AMTE Power and Britishvolt announced plans to investigate collaborating to build the UK’s first full cycle battery cell GigaPlant, servicing the automotive and energy storage markets. Both parties have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) focussed on each other`s complementary ambitions to create and expand an onshore manufacturing supply chain. The successful outcome of the collaboration would enable scalable production of a diverse product portfolio of lithium ion batteries to support the country’s Road to Zero targets and unprecedented transition to electrification.
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Denso product update ‘strengthens’ vehicle parc coverage
Denso Aftermarket has released a comprehensive new-to-range update, covering thermal system, spark plug, wiper blade and fuel pump component categories. More than 70 new references are spread among the product groups, which increases the choice available to distributors and technicians, and expands Denso’s UK and Ireland vehicle parc coverage.
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Melett strengthens team with marketing appointment
Aftermarket parts supplier Melett has welcomed Gareth Flower to its marketing team who will provide maternity cover for Victoria MacMillan. Flower has more than 25 years’ experience, having begun his career in the garage equipment sector at Hofmann Balancing Techniques in the early 1990s. He moved to MAM software in 2000 for 20 years, progressing to marketing manager. Flower will take the position as interim channel marketing manager and will continue to implement Melett’s strategy to strengthen its reputation as a leading supplier of precision-engineered turbochargers and parts.
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China International Tire Expo postponed until August 2021
Shanghai tyre and wheel trade show, China International Tire Expo (CITEXPO), has been “postponed until 16-18 August 2021” due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The show – the largest event of its kind in China – will take place at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center, its venue since 2016. The annual show has a strong emphasis on international business visitors, with representatives of 120 countries attending each year. The announcement confirms our report that there would be no CITExpo in 2020 earlier this month.
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Pro-Align expands product range
Pro-Align is offering two new systems that have been added to an expanded range of equipment to workshops, bodyshops and tyre retailers looking to cut their operating costs and reduce vehicle repair times.
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Apollo Tyres’ full-year earnings fall to 4.76 billion rupees
Apollo Tyres, the India-based tyre manufacturer that owns the Vredestein brand, has reported fourth-quarter 2019 financial results that show sales and earnings fell significantly.
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New KPMG Mobility senior appointments
KPMG has appointed Dr Sarah Owen-Vandersluis as its UK head of future mobility, and Edwin Kemp as UK head of automotive strategy. Commenting on future mobility, Owen-Vandersluis said changes would continue to accelerate, even with the effects of COVID-19. She believes that the pandemic “will accelerate previous trends towards digitisation, customer-centricity and zero-carbon.”
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ATG launches new Galaxy Mighty Trac ND
The new Galaxy Mighty Trac ND is a freshly-developed L-4 tyre for skid steer loaders, which is designed to equally excel “on hard surfaces like roads or paved farm yards as well as sticky mud, loose sand, or snow”. The Galaxy Mighty Trac ND is available in sizes 10-16.5NHS and 12-16.5NHS. A 14-17.5NHS variant is currently under development.
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