UK News
Winter is coming: Brits clueless on how to drive in snow-covered UK
The UK is preparing for one of the coldest winters in almost a decade, but new data shows many drivers are dangerously unprepared to drive in icy conditions and could be putting themselves and others at risk as a result. A survey of 2,006 UK car drivers carried out by Auto Trader published in the Winter Driving Study, has revealed that more than 1 in 4 (28 per cent) admit they are too scared to drive in the snow.
30+ vans stolen every day
Four-in-10 of all new vans on sale do not come with an alarm as standard, according to an exclusive investigation by What Car? Vans. The findings follow research highlighting how more than 43,000 vans have been stolen since 2016, with a further 117,000 broken into, costing drivers and businesses more than £61.9 million in lost tools and other items.
Europe’s auto industry faces a tough 2020, says GlobalData
Following the new and tighter EU CO2 emissions rules for cars sold in Europe coming into effect in 2020, David Leggett, automotive editor at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, said that the European industry will find 2020 "another hugely competitive year", with increased complexity, due to car-makers factoring in "push and pull for models according to new EU CO2 fleet average rules." Leggett continues, "They will be attempting to keep exposure to potentially very hefty fines as low as possible."
52% of Ben helpline users concerned about mental health
The automotive industry charity Ben is extending its digital, telephone and face-to-face mental health services. Ben says the extension will offer “more choice for individuals seeking support with mental health and wellbeing issues including stress, anxiety and depression.” The expansion responds to its latest insights about the needs of automotive industry people. Mental health is the most common reason why people reach out to Ben for support, with 52 per cent contacting its helpline last year due to concerns with their mental health. Ben adds that its new services will help it to reach and support more people in the automotive industry.
Cooper showcases 4×4 HP tyres with Liberty Walk Europe at Autosport
A selection of Cooper 4x4 and high performance tyres equipped tuning company Liberty Walk’s vehicles at the 2020 Autosport International show. Exhibiting in the ‘Performance & Tuning Car Show’, Liberty Walk Europe’s eye-catching stand contained Cooper’s Zeon 4XS Sport and the Cooper Discoverer STT Pro POR.
Remit investing in second Derby training academy
On 16 January 2019 Remit Group invited representatives from OEMs, tyre manufacturers, equipment suppliers and the media to its existing Derby training academy in order to learn more about the organisation’s forthcoming “Derby 2” training academy. Tyres & Accessories joined representatives from the likes of MAN, Scania, Michelin, Autogem to name just a few in order to find out more.
Richard Lyons appointed Trelleborg Wheel Systems UK MD
Trelleborg Wheel Systems has announced that Richard Lyons has been appointed as managing director UK and Ireland for Trelleborg Wheel Systems effective 1 January 2020.
Grey is Britain’s favourite car colour – again
After securing the top spot in 2018, Grey cemented its position as the UK’s favourite new car colour again last year. According to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the number of grey cars registered in 2019 rose 5.3 per cent to 521,273. This means that 22.6 per cent of all new cars sold were painted grey, 1.6 per cent more than in the previous year.
Poll highlights dissatisfaction at state of UK road network
As we have just passed the 5th Annual ‘National Pothole Day’ on 15th January in the UK, a poll shows almost half of UK residents think the state of repair in UK roads has reached ‘crisis’ point.
Minimum Wage to increase from April 2020
Almost 3 million workers in Britain are eligible for increased pay from April, after the UK government said it would increase the official Minimum Wage. The government said the “national living wage” for over 25s would increase from £8.21 an hour to £8.72 from the start of April 2020.
Kwik Fit taking Alphabet partnership into third decade
The long-standing relationship between Kwik Fit and Alphabet (GB) Limited has been extended by a new sole-supply contract. This latest agreement with the fleet leasing and business mobility specialist will see Kwik Fit continue its supply of tyres and a range of ancillary services across Alphabet’s fleet of almost 140,000 company cars and vans for at least three more years.
Remarketing fundamentals for 2020 at VRA meeting
Remarketing fundamentals for 2020 is the core theme of the Vehicle Remarketing Association’s first meeting of the year, taking place on January 29 at Bruntingthorpe in Leicestershire, hosted by C.Walton.
Top Technician 2020 round 1 opens
Top Technician has returned for 2020, and round one is now open online. The garage sector competition has been running since 2002, with thousands of people testing their skills in a fun, competitive environment. For the winners, the competition has life-changing potential, according to the organiser, as it puts them on a national stage. Opportunities often follow.
IGA: fair use of apprenticeship levy to combat skilled technician shortage
The Independent Garage Association (IGA) is calling for greater control of the apprenticeship levy to help reduce the shortage of skilled technicians, following statistics that suggest half of levy-funded apprenticeships are ‘fake’.
TJ Transport Ltd agrees five-year Goodyear deal
Goodyear Tyres will support TJ Transport Ltd with a five-year partnership, the company announced on 8 January 2020. Goodyear Proactive Solutions and Goodyear OMNITRAC S D MSTII will be used on the full TJ Transport Ltd fleet.