NFDA ‘disappointed’ at Government ULEZ decision
Government has announced their decision to expand London’s Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) to cover the whole of London and from 29 August 2023, drivers will be expected to pay £12.50 a day to enter this boundary.
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Autumn Statement – NFDA “concerned” at possible electrification setback
The Autumn Budget offers a balance of positive infrastructure measures and concerns over the support of car parc electrification, according to Sue Robinson, chief executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA). A variety of measures affecting the British automotive industry were set out in the Thursday 17 November Autumn Statement by the Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt. As a whole, the Autumn budget announced today promises growth and investment that the UK so desperately needs, Robinson said. Whilst there are positive notions in areas such as business rates and infrastructure investment, NFDA is concerned that the removal of tax exemption for EV owners could set back the objective of electrification and increasing the number of electric vehicles sold in the UK, in a bid to reach the ever-challenging 2030 targets.
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ETRMA supports “holistic approach” to tyre-inclusive Euro 7 proposals
The ETRMA has spoken in support of the European Union’s (EU) goal of delivering cleaner mobility via its recently proposed Euro 7 emissions rules. However, the association which represents tyre manufacturers across Europe, also suggested that future rules on tyres should be based on “robust scientific evidence of their real-world impact on emissions”. Specifically, ETRMA supports the use of a UN-validated test method, which is currently being developed, to establish future EU tyre abrasion limits.
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Proposed Euro 7 standards include tyre and brake particle emissions
The European Commission published details of the new Euro 7 standards on 10 November 2022. According to the commission, Euro 7 will “ensure cleaner vehicles on our roads and improved air quality, protecting the health of our citizens and the environment.” The transport industry has become familiar with the increasingly demanding Euro series of standards over the years. Up till now, they have focused on vehicle exhaust emissions, something that tyres can only indirectly affect through reduced rolling resistance and its impact on fuel consumption and therefore emissions. This time round however, Euro 7 brings with it standards relating to particle emissions from tyres and brakes.
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PRA urges Chancellor to maintain fuel duty cut
On 8 November, the Petrol Retailers Association wrote to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, regarding the 5p per litre fuel duty cut introduced in March. Gordon Balmer, executive director of the PRA, said: “Skyrocketing energy prices have had a devastating impact on household finances. When every penny counts, it is crucial that the 5ppl fuel duty cut introduced in March of is maintained.
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Estonia mandates 3PMSF on winter tyres from December
Effective 1 December 2022, vehicles in Estonia will be required to use winter tyres marked with Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, indicating that they are accredited for winter grip performance.
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IAAF urges the UK government “not to mess” with current MOT
The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) is urging Mark Harper, the new Secretary of State for Transport not to mess with the current MOT test frequency and instead look to strengthen the current 3-1-1 testing regime through the addition of testing the vehicle’s electronically-controlled safety systems (ADAS). The IAAF, along with UK AFCAR, is actively highlighting to ministers and their departments the dangers involved if the first MOT is conducted when the vehicle becomes 4 years old and the risks this creates that then threaten road safety.
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Survey suggests three-quarters of Brits would welcome ‘noise cameras’
The subject of noise cameras is back in the news again, with further rollouts expected across the country after a successful trial in the London borough of Kensington and Chelsea. And according to research conducted by used car buying service, ChooseMyCar.com it’s a move that would be welcomed by most UK drivers. In a study published earlier this year, seven in ten Brits (71 per cent) said they support speed cameras having noise detectors to catch and fine illegally noisy vehicles in cities, whilst more than two thirds (67 per cent) support this in rural areas.
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No shortage of advice for new PM
Following Prime Minster Rishi Sunak’s Cabinet reshuffle, on Wednesday 26 October, NFDA has written to the new Secretary of States for key Cabinet positions, highlighting the principal challenges the automotive industry is currently facing. Sue Robinson, chief executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) which represents car and commercial retailers in the UK commented: “NFDA is the leading figure for automotive retailers in the UK and it is important we maintain our close relationship with Government in order to effectively voice the issues affecting our members. Reaching out to Government’s new ministers, highlighting the key issues currently impacting our sector, will give us a head start in addressing these issues and levelling up our industry.”
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UK AFCAR calls for effective implementation of ‘positive’ block exemption proposals
The UK Alliance for the Freedom of Car Repair (UK AFCAR) has welcomed the new Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Order (MV-BEO) proposals but has called for effective implementation of the proposals. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is recommending to the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), Jacob Rees-Mogg, that the retained Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulations (MV-BER) should be replaced by a MV-BEO, which should remain in place until 31 May 2029.
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‘Stronger together’ – tyre and aftermarket sector gathers for 2022 Tyre Industry Conference
The Tyre Industry Conference 2022 has opened at The Vox Conference Centre, Birmingham. The National Tyre Distributors Association’s annual event, sponsored this year by wholesaler GB Tyres and Indian tyre brand JK Tyre, is presenting tyre business delegates with a stimulating programme of presentations tackling the biggest questions facing different sectors of the distribution chain; from the newest innovations in tyres for electric vehicles to the key issues affecting tyre recovery and recycling. Stefan Hay, NTDA chief executive, set the tone of the event with his opening address, calling for a collaborative effort from the industry to tackle pressing issues, such as the skills shortage and efforts to decarbonise and promote the circular economy. Meanwhile, Simon Wright used his first conference address as NTDA national chairman to pay tribute to his predecessor Martin O’Brien as “a master of the round and black,” and to celebrate the association’s success in promoting tyre technician training and accreditation, with “around 2000 commercial tyre technicians” going through its newest scheme.
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MOT tester gets eight-month suspended sentence for 31 fraudulent MOT tests
An MOT tester has received an eight-month suspended custodial sentence for issuing 31 MOT certificates without carrying out the tests, at Taunton Crown Court on 26 August 2022. He was also banned from MOT testing for five years by DVSA.
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DVSA clarifies categorisation of motorcycle tyre defects
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has updated the wording relating to its categorisation of motorcycle tyre defects. The associated document, published on 22 August 2022, governs how vehicle defects found during roadside inspections or vehicle tests are categorised and what action will be taken when theyre found. In short, treads near the limit are now subject to inspection notices. The updated wording takes effect on 1 September 2022.
Continue Reading NFDA ‘concern’ over London Mayor’s Emissions Zone plans
The National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) has responded to the Mayor of London’s consultation, expressing concern around his proposed plans to extend the Ultra-Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) in August 2023.
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H2Accelerate collaboration backs hydrogen trucks as zero emissions solution
The H2Accelerate collaboration has published a new white paper in support of the use of hydrogen in long-haul trucking, based on focus group discussions with truck end-users and logistics providers. The paper sets out the conclusions of a series of focus groups with companies such as Amazon, Nestle Waters, DB Schenker, and Kuehne-Nagel, who have the potential to drive significant market demand for hydrogen trucks and the growth of the sector.
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