UK News
Sonic Rail Services fits new Michelin X Multi HD D
Sonic Rail Services (SRS) is one of the first operators in the country to enjoy the benefits of Michelin’s latest X Multi HD D tyres. The rail infrastructure business is trialling the 315/80 R22.5 fitments on its flagship Volvo FH16 750 tractor unit and plans to roll out the tyres across the remainder of its heavy fleet.
Autotech Recruit and the NTDA partner in tyre apprenticeship drive
A new initiative driven by the NTDA will see 75 apprentices work towards the new Specialist Tyre Operative standard this year.
Volkswagen and Tesco roll out free EV charging network
Electric car owners could get more than 1,000 miles of free driving per year following the rollout of a ground-breaking complimentary car charging network. Volkswagen announced last year it had partnered with Tesco and Pod Point to install around 2,400 charging points for electric cars.
IGA’s BIG Awards drives the profile of independent garages
Entries are open for the Independent Garage Association (IGA)’s inaugural British Independent Garage of the Year Awards (BIG Awards), a night to shine a light on Britain’s best independent garages.
Two-thirds of cars bought in cash
Nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) of car owners bought their last car outright using cash or a debit card, with over 55s the most likely to do this. The East of England is the region most likely to buy their car outright (70 per cent), and the North East the least likely to (51 per cent).
‘Best event for years’ – IAAF Annual Awards & Dinner 2019 a roaring success
Praise has been heaped on IAAF’s Annual Awards & Dinner 2019, with many calling it the Federation’s "best event for years." The sell-out event, held for the third year running at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Milton Keynes and sponsored by Alliance Automotive UK (AAUK), saw around 600 guests in attendance, uniting the aftermarket as it gathered under one roof for a special evening of plaudits and entertainment.
Have emission standards hit the new car market?
With 2020 just around the corner, the future of the UK new car market looks bleak amidst economic and political uncertainty. The latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT) shows the new car market continued to decline with new registrations down 1.3 per cent year-on-year.
Senna F1 tyre turned into bracelets
The Monegasque and Senna brands have launched a limited edition range of bracelets made from a tyre used by Ayrton Senna during legendary F1 Grand Prix at Donington Park.
£94m lost following discontinuation of car tax discs
The abolition of tax discs has led to soaring numbers of unlicensed vehicles and an unpaid tax bill of £94 million, as reported in the DfT’s 2019 survey on Vehicle Excise Duty evasion.
Key appointment to lead Ricardo focus on innovation
Mike Bell has joined Ricardo plc as chief innovation officer (CINO) to spearhead the company’s forward plans on future product, technology and service innovation
Warwick University: Want safer car battery transportation? Freeze them
Currently transporting damaged and defective car batteries is an expensive process as they need to be placed in an explosion proof box which costs thousands of pounds, however researchers from WMG at the University of Warwick in collaboration with Jaguar Land Rover engineers have been able to freeze batteries with Liquid Nitrogen.
UK new car market falls -1.3% in November
The UK new car market fell -1.3% in November, with 156,621 models registered, according to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). In November, the decline was driven primarily by weak private demand, registrations down -6.1%, while the business market also fell, down -3.2%, but fleet registrations fared better, up 2.8%. For the second consecutive month, total alternatively fuelled vehicle (AFV) registrations reached a record market share, with more than one in 10 cars joining UK roads either hybrid, plug-in hybrid or pure electric – equivalent to 16,052 cars.
Terratoura leading new generation of Davanti tyres
Davanti reports that its strong recent growth “showed no signs of slowing in 2019” as the company launched its Terratoura all-terrain tyre. But, according to the company, Terratoura is just the first of a wave of next-generation projects the brand is working on.
PCL helps distributors restock
Busy distributors with frequent orders of tyre inflation and compressed air products have given PCL’s new online portal the seal of approval. The easy to navigate system at www.pcl-online.com allows distributors to log in to their account and place bulk and one-off orders for next day delivery, removing the need for lengthy, time-consuming emails listing each item by part number.
Vredestein exhibiting at LAMMA 2020
Vredestein has chosen the largest British farm machinery, equipment and service show, LAMMA 2020 (NEC Birmingham, 7/8 January) to introduce the newest addition to its agricultural range, the Traxion 65 tyre, to the UK market. Vredestein will also show the Traxion XXL tested by independent German test institute DGL (and the test results) together with LAMMA 2019 Innovation Awards ‘Driven Innovation’ winner, the Traxion Optimall.