White cars cost more
Whilst white used to be a free colour choice from manufacturers, figures from cap hpi reveal that eight out of the top 10 new car models ordered in 2015 added an extra premium of at least £250 to go a whiter shade of pale. However, according to the SMMT, one in five new cars sold in 2015 was white, making it the most popular colour for car buyers for the third year running. For those who want a car that looks pure as the driven snow, but for a lesser price, cap hpi puts the spotlight on those models which still come with an option to have white for free.
Continue ReadingYounger buyers are changing the car market, says Glass’s
Many younger buyers are viewing cars in a fundamentally different manner to their forebears in a way that could eventually lead to significant changes in the design and sale of cars, says Glasss. Generation Y and those younger are learning to drive later, driving less when they do learn and might not see a car as a key to personal freedom in the traditional sense.
Continue ReadingTracker reveals top ten regions for vehicle thefts
The latest stolen vehicle recovery (SVR) figures for 2015 from Tracker (part of the Tantalum Corporation), reveal that London continues to top the list of regions where cars were most stolen and recovered. Year-on-year Tracker saw a 12 per cent increase in the number of stolen vehicles recovered across the UK in 2015, equating to nearly £12.5 million worth of vehicles being returned to their owners.
Continue ReadingKirkby Tyres appointed Maxam distributor in UK and Ireland
Maxam Tire International has appointed Liverpool-based Kirkby Tyres as UK & Ireland OTR distributor with immediate effect. According to the company, the appointment is an indirect consequence of a wide-ranging Maxam strategic review – which also resulted in the relocation of its global headquarters to Birmingham and the appointment of Martin West as managing director.
Continue ReadingBryan Barksby named Autosupplies’ Employee of the Year
Chesterfield-based motor factor, Autosupplies, has revealed its Employee of the Year, telesales team member, Bryan Barksby, with new clutch supplier, National Auto Parts, sponsoring the award. The motor factor is keen to reward its staff members for their hard work and efforts throughout the year, and it is very much aware of the significant impact they have upon the business.
Continue ReadingToyo launches Open Country UT SUV tyre
Toyos latest all-purpose Open Country UT tyre is aimed squarely at pickup and SUV owners. The explosion in the popularity of off-road, all terrain vehicles has meant a corresponding increase in the call for specialist, 4x4 focused tyres. Enter Open Country UT, a tyre designed to “brush off the challenges associated with urban environments, and perfect for fitment to mainstream pickups, 4x4s and light trucks”.
Continue ReadingRoadlink’s six-figure factory investment
Roadlink International has invested the best part of £700k in its commercial vehicle caliper remanufacturing operation with the opening of a brand new facility at its head office in Willenhall, West Midlands.
Continue ReadingTyreSafe launches caravan tyre pressure calculator, safety animation
Caravan owners can benefit from an online pressure calculator released by UK safety organisation TyreSafe. The web form tool has been developed to ensure correct tyre inflation levels on the country’s half-million strong caravan fleet when they trundle out on their summer journeys.
Continue ReadingDriveRight offers caliper profile data
DriveRight is promoting its database of CAD drawings and other brake caliper data for all the latest models and post-production vehicles. According to the company, the system, which is pitched at wheel manufacturers amongst others, covers “almost all vehicles”.
Continue ReadingWheelRight returns to CV Show
WheelRight is to showcase its tyre pressure monitoring solution at the CV Show (26-28 April, NEC Birmingham – stand 5H130) for the first time following its live trial at motorway services on the M6 Developed in conjunction with Highways England, the technology recently concluded a successful year-long trial at WelcomeBreak Keele services on the southbound M6. As part of this landmark study, WheelRight’s solution measured more than 150,000 tyres – 50,000 of which were from HGVs.
Continue ReadingATS Euromaster to present ‘The ultimate van reference guide’ at CV Show
ATS Euromaster will offer a van reference guide designed to help maximise van uptime and MOT first-time pass rate from its stand at the Commercial Vehicle Show on 26-28 April. The “ultimate van reference guide” has helpful hints on time and cost saving, the network says.
Continue ReadingSmall businesses win in 2016 budget
British Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rt. Hon George Osborne MP’s 2016 budget lowers tax rates for small businesses, however large businesses face stamp duty and other increases. The surprise announcement of government-backed “Lifetime ISAs” is designed to help everyone save more for the future. But, at the same time as this, larger personal tax allowances were announced – suggesting people will have great levels of disposable income now as well.
Continue ReadingBrexit would mean ‘significant uncertainty’ over used car values, says Glass’s
One of the less-frequently discussed consequences of the UK leaving the EU after June’s referendum is the effect on used car values, but leading vehicle data provider Glass’s says that there would be significant uncertainty, should this be the outcome, but points out that there are virtually no precedents on which to base the likely impact of a Brexit.
Continue ReadingNew DVSA chief executive seeks customers’ views
Before taking up his role as DVSA chief executive on 1 April, Gareth Llewellyn is spending the next two weeks out and about meeting DVSA customers. Llewellyn wants to hear customers’ views on DVSA services and how the agency can continue to offer them convenient, reliable and quality services that meet their needs.
Continue ReadingLeasePlan wins award for fourth year in a row
LeasePlan has been named Best LCV Lease Provider of 2016 by the Vans A2Z editorial jury, for the fourth year running.The awards category (sponsored by Manheim Remarketing) recognises leasing suppliers who not only demonstrate excellent customer initiatives, provision of cost efficiencies and service excellence, but also those who demonstrate a dedication to customer care and the customer experience.
Continue Reading