UK News
Pirelli launches Track Adrenaline a Salon Privé
Pirelli has launched its Track Adrenaline UHP tyre sensorisation and virtual tyre technician technology. The launch took place on 6 September at the exclusive Salon Privé supercar garden party at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire. 2019 marks the fifth year running that Pirelli has sponsored Salon Privé. With Pirelli equipping more than 50 per cent of prestige cars all over the world, many of the vehicles seen at Salon Privé ran on the Italian rubber.
Avon Tyres hosts Aston Martin club in Melksham
Avon Tyres welcomed members of the Aston Martin Owners Club (AMOC) to its Melksham headquarters last Saturday for a celebration of the two British brands, 60 years after pairing up for victory at Le Mans.
Firestone putting musicians on a Road to the Main Stage
Firestone has launched the 2019 edition of its Road to the Main Stage competition. The Bridgestone brand’s promotional strategy, targeting younger drivers with a recognisable and highly historical brand, has seen it build associations with many European music festivals, and since 2015, the Road to the Main Stage competition for aspiring music acts has attracted more than 2,500 entrants. It has generated more than 10,000 votes over the last two years.
PRA welcomes the prospect of Budget fuel duty cuts
Senior sources have confirmed that the Government would announce the 2ppl fuel duty cut later this year - the first reduction of the motoring tax in eight years. “The PRA has welcomed hints carried by national media that the Treasury may be considering fuel duty cuts in the upcoming Autumn Budget”, said Brian Madderson, chairman of the Petrol Retailers Association (PRA).
How 10 popular electric cars depreciated over a three-year period
A new study shows striking differences in the depreciation of ten popular electric cars from their purchase price three years ago to their current value. Research by InsuretheGap.com, a leading supplier of GAP (Guaranteed Asset Protection) insurance for new and second-hand cars, found that the Renault Zoe (Electric) lost the most value, depreciating by 61 per cent in three years from its purchase price of £19,988 to only £7,830 value in 2019.
IOM3 hosts rubber conference in London
For three days in London (3 – 5 September), IRC2019 will focus on technical advances in the global rubber market through over 160 talks scheduled across 4 sessions each day. With more than 500 attendees already registered for the event next week, this world-leading event hosted by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) at the Kia Oval Cricket Ground is a fantastic opportunity for global experts to exchange knowledge and ideas in the field as well as network in the heart of the UK.
End of life vehicle inspections core subject at VRA’s September meeting
The latest developments in end of life vehicle inspections is the core theme of the Vehicle Remarketing Association’s next meeting, taking place on September 18 at the Derby offices of motor retail legal experts Geldards.
Record response rate for NFDA Dealer Attitude Survey
This NFDA Dealer Attitude Survey summer 2019 was conducted in July 2019 and asked franchised dealers 53 questions about their on-going relationship with their respective manufacturers. The questions covered a range of business issues and the impact on dealers’ satisfaction levels with their manufacturers’ relationship. Responses are scored from 1 (extremely dissatisfied) to 10 (extremely satisfied). NFDA surveyed 30 franchise networks and received 2,077 responses from dealers, equating to a record 50 per cent response rate.
21% decrease in MOT fails due to exhaust issues despite stricter diesel tests
New data from Protyre reveals a 21 per cent year-on-year decrease in the proportion of MOT test fails that resulted from failed exhausts in the year since the DVSA introduced one of the largest-ever changes to the test on 20th May 2018 with stricter regulations on emissions from diesel cars. Protyre is the UK’s fastest growing supplier and fitter of tyres and automotive services with 150 nationwide garages.
TecAlliance running September Warranty & Returns webinar programme
TecAlliance is running two free webinars in early September. Warranty claims and parts returns represent a significant cost for the entire automotive aftermarket, which is why suppliers are always looking for ways to improve the process and streamline the procedure.
JK Tyre gains five-star safety audit
JK Tyre & Industries has successfully completed a best practice five star occupational health and safety audit conducted by the British Safety Council. JK Tyre’s four manufacturing facilities in Chennai, Mysore, Banmore and Laksar all received the certification.
Quick Lane adds Bracknell location
Only a few weeks after opening its Prestwich branch, Quick Lane Tyre & Autocentre has announced it will open a further location in Bracknell. The 7,257 square foot facility opens on 9 September 2019 and becomes the third franchised Quick Lane site in the UK. It will be followed by a fourth location in Colchester later this year.
Declining exports push UK car production down
British car manufacturing output declined 10.6 per cent in July, with 108,239 units produced. This was the 14th successive month of decline. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), production was affected in July as ongoing weakness in major EU and Asian markets coupled with some key model changes affected performance.
British CV production almost a third lower in July
Figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show a fourth successive month of negative growth in Britain’s commercial vehicle (CV) industry, with British CV production declining 31.2 per cent in July. Production for both home and overseas markets fell, by 16.8 per cent and 39.8 per cent respectively, as model changeovers continued to affect factory output.
Range anxiety, ADAS and unexpected electric vehicle consequences
The future is electric and the automotive market is rapidly moving in such a voltaic direction. But the transition is far from complete and the switch to autonomous vehicles is even further off. In the interim we all have to be aware of some of the unexpected consequences that the introduction of new technologies brings. The two clearest examples are range anxiety and ADAS concerns.
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