Translogik signs probe deal with ContiTrade
Translogik has signed an agreement with Continental Reifen Deutschland GmbH to supply the German tyre manufacturer’s ContiTrade unit with the new iOS compatible version of its TL-G1 Tyre Inspection Probe. 85 kits have been ordered to date as the deployment commences, with significant further orders anticipated.
Continue ReadingETRMA data: Imports growing as retreading decline continues
The European tyre market is up, but imports are growing too, meaning ETRMA members are not benefiting from the increase as much as others. At the same time, the retread market decreased for the fourth consecutive year, and in 2015 it expected to plunge a further 10 per cent to 4.2 million tyres.
Continue ReadingMinouche Shafik: UK tyre sales showing recessionary behaviour
Bank of England deputy governor Minouche Shafik suggested the UK tyre industry is in the grip of recession-based consumer behaviour during a speech given to the Institute of Directors where she also suggested interest rates could rise faster than initially indicated. In addition, Dame Minouche Shafik highlighted how consumers are delaying changing their worn car tyres as a prime example of the way the economic downturn has shifted purchasing decisions.
Continue ReadingRHA renews French military deployment call for HGV driver protection at Calais
The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has renewed its call for deployment of the French military to protect HGV drivers. RHA chief executive Richard Burnett visited Calais last week, and expressed his concern that current security measures are insufficient to guarantee the safety of drivers making their way into the UK.
Continue ReadingWheelRight in top five ranking of UK’s first IP league table
Leading tyre pressure monitoring solutions provider WheelRight has achieved a top five placing at the UK’s first intellectual property (IP) league table. The company, which has developed a ground-breaking ‘drive over’ tyre pressure monitoring technology used by both motorists and HGV drivers, was ranked fifth in the ‘best trade secret’ intellectual property asset class.
Continue ReadingNorbar gives winter tyre torque reminder
Norbar has warned British drivers to check their wheel nut torque if they are changing their vehicles over to winter tyres in the coming weeks. The advantages of winter tyres have been understood in Europe for many years, with tens of millions of motorists changing their wheels to those fitted with winter tyres in October or November and back again in the spring. In fact, so great is the change in Europe that it creates a significant spike in torque wrench demand from tyre fitters and drivers, eager to ensure that wheel nuts are tightened correctly.
Continue ReadingGlass’s names fastest-selling used cars
The fastest selling used cars in different parts of the country have been named by Glasss, publishers of the motor trade bible, Glasss Guide. The results, covering the last month of sales, give a fascinating insight into the priorities of different buyers in different parts of the country, said Rupert Pontin, Glasss Head of Valuations.
Continue ReadingTyreSafe appoints Michael Bourne as vice chairman
TyreSafe has appointed Michael Bourne as vice chairman. According to TyreSafe, the recent intensification of activities has brought with it the need for further senior representation of the not-for-profit organisation. As it approaches its 10th anniversary year, TyreSafe now has nearly 100 members and supporters, and increasingly works in partnership with a growing number of road safety stakeholders.
Continue ReadingEdinburgh Award for Kwik Fit founder
Sir Tom Farmer, founder of the Kwik Fit automotive services network, has been named as the ninth person to receive the prestigious Edinburgh Award. The entrepreneur and philanthropist was selected to receive the accolade from a shortlist of nominations cast by the Edinburgh public. He will receive an engraved Loving Cup from the city’s Lord Provost at a ceremony within the City Chambers early next year.
Continue ReadingTop students get Michelin French experience
Representatives from Michelin Certified Centres across the UK have further refined their customer service and management skills on a Michelin Auto Professional ‘Advanced Tyre Academy’ training course in France. The four-strong group was selected for the second stage of the Tyre Academy programme to represent dealerships that completed the previous course curriculum, which featured classroom and workshop-based training at Michelin’s dedicated training centre in Stoke-on-Trent. This year’s four delegates, who all graduated from the first Tyre Academy, were identified as ideal students for the second course by their respective dealerships.
Continue ReadingSolid Auto appointment to grow sales
Solid Auto UK has appointed Kay Reece as its new telephone representative for UK Buying Groups, bringing a wealth of experience in the automotive aftermarket sector to the company. Working at Solid Auto’s head office in Halesowen, West Midlands, Kay has joined from Universal Automotive and in her new role will be tasked with working alongside the major buying groups and their members to grow their sales of Solid’s expanding product range.
Continue ReadingInnovation award for the Parts Alliance
The Parts Alliance has been named the UK’s Most Innovative Automotive Distributor 2015 in new awards that recognise business excellence. The Corporate LiveWire Innovation & Excellence Awards look for leaders in a range of industry sectors with the objective of identifying the ‘the most innovative, ground-breaking and client-focused firms, teams and individuals who have transformed the way in which they do business’.
Continue ReadingDedicated brand managers join Bridgestone, Firestone teams
The sales and marketing teams at Bridgestone and Firestone have been strengthened by the arrival of two dedicated brand managers. Peter Coleman and Stuart Attfield join the two respective teams and in doing so supplement a strengthened salesforce and pricing department. Both report to consumer marketing manager Wim Belckx and sales and marketing director Farrell Dolan.
Continue ReadingKlarius welcomes catalytic converter type–approval report
Klarius has released a statement in response to the final report on catalytic convertor type approval from The Department for Transport; the company says it welcomes the report as it “fully vindicates the Klarius assertion that the issues it experienced over type-approval on some CATs late last year was an administrative error – one that was quickly and efficiently resolved working with the VCA.” Furthermore, Klarius has issued an official ‘thank you’ for the trust and loyalty maintained by its customers and partners.
Continue ReadingDepartment for Transport rules on allegations of malpractice by Klarius Products Ltd.
The Department for Transport has ruled on its investigation into allegations of malpractice by Klarius Products Ltd. The principal allegation made against Klarius was that unapproved replacement catalytic converters were being placed on the market in breach of regulation 8(1) of the Motor Vehicle (Replacement of Catalytic Converters and Pollution Control Devices) Regulations 2009.
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