UK new car registrations at decade high
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reports that new car registrations in the UK reached a 10-year high in 2014. During the 12-month period a total of 2,476,435 new cars were registered, the highest number since 2004 and the fourth highest figure ever – only 2002, 2003 and 2004 saw a greater number of cars registered. This 2014 result was 9.3 per cent above 2013 figures and, according to results for January to November 2014, 5.7 per cent ahead of the EU average.
Continue ReadingThree charged with tyre theft from Pirelli’s Carlisle plant
Cumbria Constabulary reports that three men have been charged in connection to a quantity of high performance tyres stolen from Pirelli Tyres’ Dalston Road factory in Carlisle. Barry White, Mark Claxton and Graham Wait have all been charged with conspiracy to commit theft, and will appear at Carlisle Magistrates Court on 12 January 2015. It is understood that the thefts occurred over a period of months.
Continue ReadingAre British motorists in a state of perpetual rage?
A survey of 1,500 British road users conducted by the website Flexed.co.uk has identified the top causes of the nation’s road rage. As drivers, we all have our pet peeves; according to the survey responses, most drivers can identify something that grinds their gears – and it appears to be everything.
Continue ReadingHankook’s Tony Lee takes on European role, Ahn appointed president of Hankook Tire America
Hee-Se Ahn, who until recently served as vice-president of Marketing & Sales at Hankook Tire Europe, has been appointed president of Hankook Tire America Corp. and chief operating officer for the tyre maker’s business operations throughout the Americas. Mr Ahn’s new role began on 1 January, and he is now based at Hankook Tire’s America headquarters in New Jersey. His successor as vice-president of Marketing & Sales in Europe is Gang Seung (Tony) Lee, who was previously managing director of Hankook Tyre UK Ltd. Hankook will release details about Lee’s successor in the near future.
Continue ReadingUnion flag to appear on driving licences
British motorists will be able to fly the flag with pride from this new year thanks to government plans to display the Union Flag on driving licences, transport minister Claire Perry announced at the end of 2014.
Continue ReadingNTDA to run conference alongside 2015 dinner and Tyre Industry Awards
The NTDA has announced plans to host a one-day conference on the 1 October, alongside its popular Annual Dinner and Tyre Industry Awards. The event, which will be sponsored by Zenises, is moving to the International Convention Centre (ICC), Birmingham. According to the NTDA, the ICC was chosen for its “accommodating layout and fluid walkways connecting 10 halls and 10 executive meeting rooms, together with a dedicated registration area and foyers”. Furthermore, the venue has hosted many high profile events including the G8 Summit in 1998 and is the only UK venue to have hosted all three of the major Political Party Conferences in the last five years.
Continue ReadingNew director at Trax
Trax JH Ltd has appointed Adam as engineering and quality director for the UK based wheel balance weight manufacturing company. Watkin has been with the company for 12 years since leaving university and during this time has been working with the company’s management to develop Trax into a successful and broad-based business, supplying both OE and aftermarket companies on an international basis.
Continue ReadingOh Christmas tyres, oh Christmas tyres
As we reach the end of 2014, we think it’s a great idea for tyre dealers to find a way to celebrate. One dealer’s decoration in the north east caught Micheldever wholesale director, Alan Baldwin’s eye; he sent a picture of Grande Tyres’ Christmas Tree made of various types of tyre to Tyrepress.
Continue ReadingTrelleborg launches new online Tyre Selector
In addition to the Dealer Locator app for smartphones announced today, Trelleborg has launched its Tyre Selector. The online tool is designed to help farming professionals select the right tyres for individual applications, including agriculture, forestry, agro-industrial and light service.
Continue Reading£6 billion to be invested in fixing potholes
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin announced that a record £6 billion will be spent on tackling potholes and improving local roads between 2015 and 2021. The announcement was made today (23 December 2014) and the investment amounts to £976 million a year, apparently enough to fix around 18 million potholes across the country. Patrick McLoughlin said: “Roads play a significant part in everyday life. Poorly maintained local roads, blighted by potholes, are a menace to all road users, particularly during the festive period as people travel to see family and friends. It is vital we have good quality roads. This government has already taken strong action by spending £1 billion more on local roads maintenance than was spent in the previous parliament.
Continue ReadingPirelli staff raise money for charity
Hats off to Pirelli for putting their hats on this December and raising money for charity. According to the company, Burton-based employees pulled on festive headwear to support “Blind Children UK”. Marg Mcfarlane, from the security department at Pirelli, helped to coordinate the activity at the company. She said: “It was great to see colleagues get into the Christmas spirit and wear quirky hats to work – there were some sights! Everyone donated £2, which will help contribute to changing a life for a blind child.”
Continue ReadingTransense deputy chairman David Kleeman to retire
Transense Technologies PLC deputy chairman David Kleeman is to retire from the board of the company on 31 December 2014. Kleeman is the former non-executive chairman and stepped down from that role in October 2013 to become deputy chairman. He was replaced as chairman by David Ford. Transense shares fell 14 per cent in response to the news.
Continue ReadingAutosport prepares for ‘international invasion’
Between 8-11 January Autosport International reports that it is preparing for something on an “international invasion” during the 2015 show. Roughly 15 per cent of the expected 700 exhibitors are based outside of the UK, including market leaders such as Brembo, Bosch, Capricorn Automotive, Öhlins Racing and Sadev. The winner of the 2014 FIA World Rallycross Championship teams’ title, Olsberg MSE from Sweden is amongst the first-time exhibitors.
Continue ReadingTech TPMS offer ‘the most comprehensive in Europe’
Tech Europe says it is “delighted to be able to offer the most comprehensive TPMS solution available in Europe today.” Key components of Tech Europe’s programme, which is run in partnership with Tyresure, include a complete range of OE and aftermarket sensors, ATEQ diagnostic tools, and a comprehensive TPMS website and online ordering system (www.techtpms.com).
Continue ReadingLooking up? Why there’s more room for tyre demand improvements
Our review of the year at the end of last year, pointed out how many sources had expected better times for the tyre retail market in 2014. Now as we move forward into 2015, Tyres & Accessories examines the current case for the demand recovery in the market. Many of the wider economic indicators point to broad economic recovery. At the same time pay is rising and inflation is levelling off at around 1 per cent, meaning household incomes should be rising. Furthermore fuel prices are lower than they have been for years. And of course, all this should lead to greater tyre sales volumes and even improved product mix. It is customary to be positive and even optimistic at this time of year, wishing everyone a happy new year etc, but the question remains with regard to our tyre market predictions - will it?
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