YTD new car registrations exceed 1 million in May – SMMT
Figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show a steady 2.4 per cent growth in the UK new car market, accompanied by a strong surge in demand for ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEVs). A total of 11,842 ULEVs were registered between January and May – a four-fold rise on the 2,838 registrations during the same period last year. The SMMT views this growth as further evidence of UK car buyers’ increasing awareness of the “significant benefits of driving a ULEV, as they look to reduce their running costs and environmental impact.” Motorists can now choose from a range of around 20 ULEVs, compared to just six in 2011.
Continue ReadingAutomechanika coming to Birmingham
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is jointly launching Automechanika Birmingham in partnership with the people behind the well known portfolio of vehicle parts shows - Messe Frankfurt. The first Automechanika Birmingham is set to take place at the NEC from 7 to 9 June 2016.
Continue ReadingKumho treats retailers to Silverstone race day
With Kumho the sole tyre supplier to the F1 feeder series Auto GP, the manufacturer invited retailers to Silverstone to witness the UK round of the international championship on Sunday 24 May.
Continue ReadingKumho UHP products’ motorsport influence
Kumho’s latest high-performance offering, the ECSTA HS51, was awarded a ‘Recommended’ rating in the recent test by the highly regarded German consumer magazine, ACE Lenkrad. And, according to company representatives, it was the racetrack as much as the test track that led to this result.
Continue ReadingStapleton’s broadens choice across its high performance range
High performance cars call for high performance tyres – and understandably motorists who have invested in an expensive vehicle are among the most discerning of customers. Reluctant to compromise performance or safety, they have tended to favour major global brands such as Bridgestone, Continental, Dunlop, Goodyear, Pirelli and Michelin – but over the years Stapleton’s have been developing and introducing a range of alternatives from their own stable of exclusive brands.
Continue ReadingDayco restructures UK distribution operation
Dayco has opened its own centrally-based distribution centre in Redditch, West Midlands. Having previously worked through a national distributor, the power transmission parts supplier says the new opening is the final part of a restructuring process that it says will bring significant benefits to motor factors and their workshop customers.
Continue ReadingMahle Aftermarket expands UK warehouse on back of ‘rising demand’
Mahle Aftermarket has added a 350sqm extension to its existing 70,000sqm warehouse in Bilston, West Midlands. The UK subsidiary of the German Mahle Group says the extension has helped to create no less than 1,300 new locations to provide more space for its core automotive filtration range as well as new product offerings such as replacement turbochargers, electronic thermostats and HVAC service equipment.
Continue ReadingDavanti hails ‘winning’ Autopromotec launch
The new Davanti brand, which distributor Oak Tyres launched at Autopromotec in Bologna at the end of May reportedly received “rave reviews” from contacts and customers. With impressive EU labels boasting strong wet-grip performance and consistently low noise ratings across the range, visitors and exhibitors alike were eager to see the tyres for first time.
Continue ReadingOne in five UK workers drive to work ‘under the influence’
With the Police Federation calling for the national drink drive limit in England and Wales to be lowered in line with Scotland, a new survey has revealed that more than one in five UK workers drive to work still under the influence from the night before.
Continue ReadingChevron and ATS Euromaster team up to offer Techron fuel system cleaning
Chevron Lubricants and ATS Euromaster have announced a partnership to offer Techron fuel system cleaning products to support fleet and private drivers across the UK.
Continue ReadingHereford haulier wins truck in Michelin competition
Directors at Hereford-based bulk haulier, Clive Price Transport, contest the idea there is “no such thing as a free ride” after winning a new Euro VI Scania R-Series truck in a Michelin competition.
Continue ReadingDriving Test celebrates 80 years
This week marks 80 years since the introduction of the driving test in Great Britain. The test became compulsory on 1 June 1935. In 1934 there were just 1.5 million cars in use, but over 7,000 people were killed on the country’s roads. Within a year of the introduction of the test, the number of deaths had fallen by 1,000, and has continued to improve.
Continue ReadingCECRA wants more progress
Recently, the European Council for Motor Trades and Repairs (CECRA) met with the Head of the Commission’s Sustainable Mobility and Automotive Industry unit. Philippe Jean will be replaced next week in its function by Joanna Szychowska who is already working in the DG. Both EC representatives repeated that the Commission wants a solution for outstanding issues in vertical agreements between manufacturers and dealers, and this before the end of the year.
Continue ReadingHonda targets fuel economy world record
Honda will put the real-world fuel economy of its super-efficient 1.6 i-DTEC engine to the ultimate test in an 8,500 mile drive across all 24 contiguous EU countries, with the aim of setting a new Guinness World Records title for fuel efficiency. On Monday 1st June 2015, two members of Hondas European Research & Development (R&D) team will climb into a Honda Civic Tourer and set out on an epic journey from Aalst, Belgium. Heading towards the Netherlands and Germany, their trip will see them navigate the Continent in a clockwise direction, with the aim of returning to their starting point some 25 days later, on June 25th, having covered a planned total of 13,614km.
Continue ReadingUK car production passes half million mark
New figures released by the SMMT show the UK surpassed the 500,000 milestone for car production this April, with 530,505 new cars built so far this year. Production for the domestic market is up 19.4 per cent in the first four months of the year, reflecting strong performance in the UK new car market.
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