News
Michelin managing partners take 25% pay cut
Michelin’s managing partners, the executive committee as well as the chairman and independent members of the supervisory board have agreed to reduce their remuneration. The announcement comes in the context of the coronavirus crisis that has caused a noticeable slowdown in the activities of the Michelin Group and which has led to some employees having to undergo partial unemploym
Omni United sending 20,000 masks to UK, Italy and Germany
Singapore-based tyre designer and distributor Omni United has enacted a Covid-19 Assistance initiative, which includes sending over 20,000 protective masks to its business partners in Europe for them to use and/or distribute in their local communities. The team at Omni United is also researching and compiling a database of all governmental financial and fiscal help that is available and some guidance on how to access it as many small business owners may find it difficult to find the information and the practical ways to avail these benefits.
Independent garages more valued since start of coronavirus crisis
Fixter, an online car maintenance service provider, has published survey results which show that essential businesses, such as independent garages, are valued more than before the crisis. Specifically, 89 per cent of customers who rely on their cars now think that it is more important than ever to keep it in a good condition.
‘Record sales’ for Absolute’s Bluetooth 3D wheel aligner
Absolute Alignment says it has taken a record number of orders for its Bluetooth 3D aligner since the start of 2020. The three main benefits of this particular wheel aligner include the speed of operation, less ramp space being required for when a wheel alignment is in progress, and that the technology used is particularly suited to working on high performance and lowered vehicles. The Bluetooth 3D wheel aligner can now also be provided as official BMW or Mercedes approved workshop equipment.
Pro-Align launches ‘Ultimate Starter Bundle’
Pro-Align is targeting workshops looking to grow their business in 2020 with a new offer designed to reduce equipment investment costs and lower the bar to improving service capabilities. The £9,999 Ultimate Starter Bundle includes three key workshop systems, offering a saving of almost £2,000 when compared with buying the pieces of equipment individually (which would cost £11,985). Included within the bundle are the Hunter TCX 52 tyre changer, the Hunter SmartWeight Pro wheel balancer and a Teknel Butterfly induction heater, making it an ideal package for those looking to enter tyre servicing, upgrade or replace existing equipment.
Coronavirus stunts Nokian Tyres’ dividend – for now
Nokian Tyres has announced a dividend of 0.79 euros per share for the 2019 financial year, paypayble 17 April 2020. In addition, the company’s Board of Directors is authorised to approve an additional dividend payment of up to 0.79 euros per share “at a later stage when Nokian Tyres is able to make a more reliable estimate on the impacts of the COVID-19 to the company’s business.” This authorisation is valid until the company’s next Annual General Meeting.
Toyo Tire signs strategic partnership with JAOS
A new strategic partnership between Toyo Tire Corporation and automotive component manufacturer JAOS Corporation aims to increase the value of both brands within the SUV and 4x4 sector around the world. The two Japanese companies will collaborate in marketing activities and leverage their aggregate knowledge gained through joint participation in motorsports events and original product testing.
PCL warns: Unroadworthy tyres are still illegal and dangerous
Tyre inflation firm PCL is warning drivers they could still face a hefty fine and penalties if they don’t look after their tyres following the government announcement regarding MOT extensions.
Automechanika Dubai postponed to October
The 18th edition of Automechanika Dubai, which was scheduled to run from 7-9 June 2020, will now take place from 19-21 October 2020 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The postponement comes in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, as containment measures restrict movement across international borders, and impact the global economy.
Jukka Hienonen becomes chairman of Nokian Tyres’ BoD
Nokian Tyres has appointed Jukka Hienonen chairman of its Board of Directors. Kari Jordan is deputy chairman.
Michelin reducing 2019 dividend to €2
Michelin intends to reduce the dividend it pays shareholders for 2019. The tyre maker has outlined its decision, taken “in a commitment to optimally balance the interests of all its stakeholders”, to reduce the amount of the proposed dividend from the initially-announced 3.85 euros to 2 euros. Payment is scheduled for 3 July 2020.
NTDA concerned about long-term impact of MOT exemption
The UK Government exemption on MOTs for six months from 30 March 2020, may have come as welcome news to many motorists, but the NTDA has also raised serious concerns about its impact on future vehicle roadworthiness. The fact that the emphasis has been placed on motorists to ensure their vehicles are kept in a roadworthy condition, further raises concerns. In short, the NTDA believes this general exemption will create long-term problems.
Prometeon ‘maintaining the supply of commercial vehicle tyres’
Prometeon Tyre Group UK reports that it has enacted its contingency plan to maintain its role in the transport supply chain.
Motor Ombudsman upgrades knowledge base to include Covid-19
The Motor Ombudsman has upgraded its online Knowledge Base with the introduction of a new category on the Coronavirus (COVID-19). It has been designed to help consumers answer frequently asked queries on car ownership, vehicle maintenance and dispute resolution, following the latest government measures which have recently been implemented in the UK.
ETEL appoints Kwik Fit MD Mark Slade as deputy group CEO
European Tyre Enterprise Limited (ETEL) has promoted Mark Slade, managing director of Kwik Fit GB, to the new position of ETEL Group Deputy CEO. Slade will continue in his role leading Kwik Fit, but will also take on additional group responsibilities as part of a broader remit.