ETRMA reports “positive stability” in members’ 2014 sales
The European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association reports that its members’ car, truck and two-wheel tyre sales increased year-on-year in 2014, while agricultural tyre sales were down. Results for the fourth quarter alone were less positive, and the ETRMA comments they “further confirmed the downturn in sales registered in the third quarter of the year.” The exception to this was sales of motorcycle tyres, which remained positive all the way through 2014. The association opines that the lower results towards the end of the year may be linked to lacklustre winter tyre sales due to the mild winters experienced on the continent for the last couple of years.
Continue ReadingECP commits to ‘super hubs’ roll out, creation of ‘1,000 new jobs’ in 2015
Euro Car Parts has announced its commitment of capital into developing a network of UK “super hubs” in 2015. ECP claims the new super hubs will create “over 1,000 new jobs, build in excess of one million square feet of new warehousing and achieve 100 per cent availability of an expanded choice of stock to customers.” The latter would be achieved by “increasing the frequency of, and speeding up delivery schedules to workshops by local hubs and branches,” ECP adds.
Continue ReadingTop Technician 2015 launched
The annual Top Technician competition, which promotes and rewards the best repairers and workshops in the UK, invites fault-finders with at least three years’ practical experience to try out the initial online quiz. The multiple choice quiz is open until March 2nd and covers theory as well as repair scenarios. It has been devised by Chief Judge Ian Gillgrass of the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) alongside his expert team of judges which this year includes previous winner Steve Smith and James Dillon.
Continue Reading“Make traffic education part of National Curriculum” – IAM
Leading road safety charity the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has called for traffic education to become an integral part of the National Curriculum, in an effort to cut the numbers of young people killed and injured on UK roads. The call ties in with a survey by the FIA (Fédération Internationale de lAutomobile) which found only eight of 15 European countries had mandatory traffic education in schools.
Continue Reading2014 “best year this decade” for motorcycle sales
“It is extremely positive to see that motorcycle registrations in 2014 were at their highest since 2009, suggesting that the improving economic recovery is finally having a positive effect on bike sales”, said Stephen Latham, Head of the National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA) which represents motorcycle retailers across the UK.
Continue ReadingCall for duty cut as petrol prices fall
“This week the Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne, once again exhorted oil companies and retailers to pass on the full benefit of reducing crude oil prices to motorists and businesses”, said Brian Madderson, chairman of the Petrol Retailers Association.
Continue ReadingAllstar fuel card partners with ATS Euromaster
The UK’s largest fuel card supplier, Allstar, has partnered with ATS Euromaster in a move that will see Allstar fuel card users get 5 per cent cashback when they use their fuel card to pay for any ATS Euromaster product or services on and before 14 March. The new ATS Euromaster payment service will be automatically activated on Allstar customer accounts from 14 January 2015.
Continue ReadingFalling fuel prices make return of “gas guzzlers” a real possibility
Bigger, less efficient engine cars could make a return in both the new and used markets thanks to falling fuel prices, predicts Glasss. With pump prices at their lowest since 2009 and a general increase in consumer confidence apparent, buyers are much more likely to consider buying a gas guzzler.
Continue ReadingTyre Safety Companion an Auto Express top motoring app
The Tyre Safety Companion, a recently-launched app for Android and Apple devices, has been named one of the best motoring apps for 2015 by Auto Express magazine. Stuart Jackson, chairman of Tyre Safe, the organisation behind the Tyre Safety Companion, calls the app’s naming as one of Auto Express’ Best Apps for 2015 a “fantastic accolade,” adding: “It’s important that drivers have easy access to accurate tyre safety advice while they’re out and about, so we’re delighted that this latest innovation has already been identified as a potential life saver.”
Continue ReadingAutomotive Challenge Cup launched in aid of BEN
Sunsail Events, experts in organising corporate team building sailing events, have announced ‘The Automotive Challenge Cup’, an inaugural team racing event in aid of BEN, the automotive charity. Setting sail on Thursday 18 June 2015, teams spend the day learning the ropes and racing against each other, on board the only matched fleet on the Solent, meaning any team can win.
Continue ReadingWinter tyre growth increase importance of tyre changer efficiency – Pro-Align
UK Hunter equipment distributor, Pro-Align has identified the increased relevance of winter tyres as a key reason to ensure the efficiency of their tyre changing equipment. “Historically, there has been little appetite for winter tyres in the UK which meant that when workshops were removing tyres, they were normally being scrapped so it didn’t matter if the tyres were damaged in the process,” explains Paul Beaurain, managing director, Pro-Align. “However, now that there’s been quite a sizeable growth in the winter tyre market, workshops need to ensure that they do not cause any damage when removing and refitting tyres.”
Continue ReadingStephen Marsh appointed Hankook’s retail development manager
Starting 5 January, Stephen Marsh has taken on the role of retail development manager at Hankook Tyre UK. Marsh brings with him 30 years of industry experience at numerous companies, including Kwik Fit, Pirelli, CPK Auto Products and Stapleton’s Tyre Services, and he is tasked with the goal of contributing to the further development and expansion of the Hankook Masters Program in the UK. The tyre maker views his extensive experience as a trainer as an important skill that will allow him to provide added value to the network. Marsh will also work with other regional retailers and assist in developing the reach of Hankook’s portfolio.
Continue ReadingSnap your ‘favourite’ pothole on 15 January
A new national day to rival St George’s Day will be observed for the first time this year – 15 January is National Pothole Day, a campaign day organised by Street Repairs in order to prompt motorists to speak out against the state of our roads. A number of companies within the tyre industry – including manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers – have voiced their support for the day.
Continue ReadingJaguar to make crossover vehicle in Solihull, creating 1,300 jobs
Jaguar Land Rover is to manufacture a new “performance crossover” vehicle at its Solihull production plant. According to the announcement made at the Detroit Motor Show, together with a bid to extend its expertise in aluminium and lightweight technologies, the company will create 1,300 new jobs. These are in addition to the 1700 created in 2013 for the introduction of the Jaguar XE. The companys headcount has doubled over the past few years to more than 32,000 globally, of which 30,500 are in the UK.
Continue Reading“Maxxis Experience” central to Autosport International stand
This year Maxxis’ Autosport International stand feature the “Maxxis Experience”, the tyre manufacturer’s very own on-stand cinema. The “Maxxis Experience” will give fans the opportunity to enjoy a high quality film showcasing the very best of the tyre manufacturer and its sponsored motorsport teams and series. The movie produced by filmmaker and motorsport enthusiast, Stephen Brooks, features scenes from different Maxxis sponsored motorsport competitions and championships including drifting, 4x4, cycle, superbike and motocross.
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