FOI request reveals the alarming reasons for MOT refusals
More than 7,000 vehicles were given an “MOT refusal” because they were too dangerous, or too excessively dirty, to test. Select Car Leasing presented its findings after making a Freedom of Information request for the top reasons for MOT refusals in 2023 between January and May 2023. Of the 7,000 vehicles given a refusal, 526 were simply “too dirty to examine.” A further 785 MOT tests were refused on the grounds that the state of the vehicle was ‘too dangerous’ for a proper inspection to be carried out, with a threat posed to the tester, surrounding property, and the car itself.
Continue Reading
Putting tyre service at the centre: Bridgestone North region commercial director on truck tyres, webfleet and Hotread
18 months ago, David Almazan joined the Bridgestone North Region as commercial business unit director. During that time the commercial vehicle sector in general as well as the UK fleet business proved their resilience and creativity and the market has experienced a number of shifts. Tyres & Accessories caught up with Almazan at the company’s relatively recently refurbished Warwickshire headquarters in order to find out more about how the leading tyremaker’s commercial vehicle strategy is evolving.
Continue Reading
30 million retreads and counting: Michelin celebrates 100 years of tyre re-manufacturing
Michelin started retreading tyres back in 1923. In the years that followed, the process was refined and demand grew, with the Michelin Remix process (REmould, MIchelin, and X the designation for the French tyremaker’s radials) born in the 1960s. Demand for retreads continued to increase, leading to the expansion of production at the Stoke-on-Trent plant in 1968. Since then, around 30 million worn tyres have been remanufactured at the Michelin plants in Stoke-on-Trent, UK and Homburg, Germany. With around 10 million of those retreads manufactured at the Campbell Road, Stoke-on-Trent operation, Tyres & Accessories went to see the latest developments at the largest retreading facility in the UK and arguably one the most modern retreading facilities in Europe.
Continue Reading
GS Yuasa opens Swindon battery facility
This week, battery manufacturer GS Yuasa officially opened its new state-of-the-art facility at Ignition Park, Swindon. Osamu Murao, president of GS Yuasa Corporation, cut the ribbon at the site during a ceremony held on Monday 18 September in the presence of 100 guests, including a selection of customers, suppliers, local dignitaries, and GS Yuasa colleagues.
Continue Reading
First Line celebrates 40 years of growth and innovation
First Line Ltd is marking its 40th anniversary in 2023, as the company celebrates its continued commitment to providing customers with a comprehensive range of high-quality, automotive aftermarket components. Founded in 1983 as Filter International by Peter Joyner and John Madden, the forward-thinking duo are still very much involved in the business today, as they remain owners and key chairholders of the company. Since the company was launched, it has continued to experience a trajectory of growth, with the First Line brand introduced in 1987 to advance its multiple product range portfolio.
Continue Reading
Glen Callum Associates kickstarts Benathlon charity effort
Glen Callum Associates (GCA) has launched a team effort to complete Benathlon, a 30-day challenge encouraging participants to exercise for 30 minutes every day for the 30 days of September. Benathlon is an event organised by mental health charity Ben, which is dedicated to supporting employees within the automotive industry and their families. Ben works with automotive professionals to improve their lives by enhancing their health and wellbeing through its free and confidential helpline and support services.
Continue Reading
Enso named finalists in Earthshot prize for EV tyres
London-based specialist Electric Vehicle (EV) tyre technology company Enso has been named as one of the 15 global finalists for The Earthshot Prize, which was launched by Prince William in 2020.
Continue Reading
Halfords wins Yodel tyre supply deal
Yodel, one of the UK’s leading parcel carriers, has awarded a five-year tyre management contract to Halfords Commercial Fleet Services. Halfords Commercial Fleet Services’ position as the UK’s largest commercial service network with 104 depots and over 500 dedicated mobile vans was cited as a major factor behind decision.
Continue Reading
Halfords the largest commercial fleet tyre servicing operation in the UK
Earlier this year we found that Halfords Autocentres is neck-and-neck with Kwik-Fit for the title of largest car tyre retailer in the UK, with 650 centres a piece. However, what that figure doesn’t tell you is just how influential the company’s commercial vehicle tyre business has become. Tyres & Accessories recently met up with Halfords Commercial Fleet Services director, Greg Ward in order to find out.
Continue Reading
New TRA president
At its Annual General Meeting held on 13 September 2023, the Tyre Recovery Association (TRA) unanimously elected Bill Clarke of DME Tyres to be its new president for the next two years. Clarke succeeds Tim Stott of Murfitts Industries who is stepping down. DME Tyres were early supporters of the TRA having joined soon after its formation two decades ago.
Continue Reading
ALCO Filters joins IAAF
The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) has added leading filter manufacturer ALCO Filters to its membership. Established in 1973 and a trusted advisor in the filters industry, ALCO Filters is a European manufacturer that is celebrating 50 years of service to the aftermarket in 2023.
Continue Reading
Alliance Automotive Group to sponsor flagship IAAF
The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) will welcome back leading parts distributor Alliance Automotive Group (AAG), as headline sponsor for the 2023 edition of its Annual Conference and Awards Dinner. Taking place at DoubleTree by Hilton Milton Keynes, on Thursday 7 December, IAAF’s conference returns with the theme of ‘The Brilliance of Resilience’, and features a star-studded line up of leading industry voices, including ‘rogue trader’ Nick Leeson as keynote speaker, who is known for bankrupting Barings Bank, the UKs oldest merchant bank, in 1995.
Continue Reading
Study across Scottish Borders shows 20mph speed limit a success
A study by Edinburgh Napier University has shown that the rollout of 20mph speed limits across the Scottish Borders has reduced average speeds by 3mph. With previous research showing that there is an average 4 per cent reduction in collisions with each 1mph reduction in average speed on rural roads, the study demonstrates the significant knock-on effect the new speed limit is likely to have, particularly when seen within the context of the national Road Safety Framework to reduce deaths and serious injuries to zero by 2050.
Continue Reading
Government Support for Phase-Out Dates: NFDA Members’ Survey Highlights Urgent Need
On Friday 15 September, the NFDA responded to the House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee’s Electric Vehicle Call for Evidence which aims to better understand how the Government will achieve its upcoming 2030 and 2035 deadlines for the phase-out of non-zero emission vehicles and to understand the costs/benefits associated with the 2030 phase-out date.
Continue Reading
Pirelli becomes Goodwood Motor Circuit official tyre partner
Pirelli has signed a new partnership with Goodwood Motor Circuit to become the venerable circuit’s official tyre partner, extending its existing arrangement with the circuits banner Festival of Speed event. Pirelli will supply innovative tyres and comprehensive support for a wide range of motorsport events and activities at the circuit on the historic Goodwood Estate in West Sussex. As a result of the collaboration, Goodwood’s complete collection of vehicles will fit the latest Pirelli rubber.
Continue Reading
