Valeo wins IAAF CV Supplier of the Year award
Valeo Service UK has won the IAAF Commercial Vehicle Supplier of the Year award at the IAAF (Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation) Annual Awards Ceremony, held recently at the ICC (International Convention Centre) Birmingham. For the IAAF Excellence Awards, nominees have to provide entries to IAAF, which are then assessed by a panel of expert judges, selected by the IAAF for their experience in the independent aftermarket. Valeo collected the award from IAAF chief executive Wendy Williamson and sports broadcaster, Garry Richardson.
Continue ReadingDon’t let Christmas drive you crazy
As 13 million of the UK’s drivers take to the roads this Christmas, leading used car website Trusted Dealers, in partnership with the NFDA (National Franchised Dealers Association) has revealed the annual Christmas getaway is one of the biggest cause of stress for families over the festive period. Forget ‘turkey tension’ and ‘panic presents’, the […]
Continue ReadingNow RAC calls for fuel price cut
The RAC is urgently calling on fuel retailers to pass on further savings in the wholesale price brought about by the continued fall in world oil prices. This overdue cut would reduce the biggest cost of motoring just in time for Christmas, says the organisation. The RAC’s monitoring of fuel prices shows there is scope […]
Continue ReadingNew look IMI Professional Register
The IMI Professional Register (www.imiregister.org.uk) has received a fresh new look to accompany the launch of a new consumer and trade campaign. The refreshed Register includes improvements based on feedback received since its public facing launch last year. This includes improved search functionality, page design and interactive advice for vehicle owners. Over 40,000 automotive professionals, including IMI Accreditation (ATA) holders and IMI Members, are set to benefit.
Continue ReadingFirst graduates from Michelin’s Tyre Academy
Nine tyre fitters from dealers across the UK and Ireland have become the first to graduate from Michelin’s Tyre Academy after a year of theoretical and practical learning. The fitters, who each work in a different Michelin Certified Centre (MCC), were chosen for the course as they have the potential to become an expert technician or take on management positions in the future.
Continue ReadingPaul Malin confirmed for Bridgestone Apex Motocross event
Bridgestone says it is “ramping up its plans to make 2015 a year to remember in the world of motocross” after securing the services of a multiple British champion to promote its tyre range. Paul Malin will add his presence to Bridgestone’s day of riding at Apex Motocross in Worcester on 19 February, which will showcase the brand’s X30 and X40 motocross tyres. Seven-time Dakar Rally competitor Mick Extance will also get to grips with the tyres during a day that promises to be one of the biggest and most comprehensive motocross events ever organised by Bridgestone.
Continue ReadingRobin Shaw joins Bridgestone
At the end of October 2014, Robin Shaw took over as the managing director of Bridgestone’s North Europe region, which includes the UK as well as the Nordic markets. Shaw replaced John McNaught who had been with the company for 12 years. He joined at a time when reorganisation is taking place within the wider European business and when a number of key UK and North region managers have either retired or gone off to pastures new. Tyres & Accessories caught up with Robin Shaw as he was en route to Brussels for one of many meetings he has had with European executives during the beginning of his tenure.
Continue ReadingFestive tyre tips from TyreSafe
This Christmas, treat your tyres to some extra air, and in return they may give you the gift of not being stranded on the roadside – follow the simple tips from the UK’s dedicated tyre safety organisation, and in addition to reducing fuel bills and tyre wear, you may well prevent a blowout that will ruin your journey, and perhaps a lot more.
Continue ReadingIAM adds to calls for winter safety
Kiran Devgun from the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) shared her advice with motorists travelling in “frosty, icy weather”. While avoiding snow references, the IAM focused on “near freezing” temperatures and how drivers can ensure they drive safely on icy roads.
Continue ReadingRHA reports 2% rise in HGV operating cost in 2014
The overall cost of operating a truck, net of fuel costs, has risen by 2 per cent in 12 months, according to the Road Haulage Association (RHA) in its 2014 Cost Movement Survey. The reason for the increase is twofold: The introduction of the Euro 6 tailpipe emissions standard driving up the cost of new trucks by 10 per cent and the increase in driver wages responding to dwindling driver numbers. The survey revealed that the Euro 6 emissions standard, introduced in 2013, has meant operators have had to invest in expensive new technology the cost of which they have had to pass on to the customer.
Continue ReadingWinter tyres the safest option, even without snow and ice – TyreSafe
The winter has been fairly mild so far, but this is no reason for complacency when it comes to driving and your car’s tyres. TyreSafe reminds motorists that winter tyres can help them stay safe and mobile on the road, even if we don’t receive a white Christmas this year. The safety organisation recommends a separate set of winter tyres as the safest choice for British motorists, but says all-season tyres also provide an acceptable balance between summer and winter tyre performance.
Continue ReadingGreen light for driverless car testing
Four UK cities have been chosen to find out how driverless cars might fit into everyday life. £10 million of funding from Innovate UK has given the green light for testing innovative driverless cars in the real world as announced by George Osborne in last weeks Autumn Financial Statement. Greenwich (south east London), Milton Keynes and Coventry (working together as one project) and Bristol will run formal trials lasting between 18 and 36 months from January 2015.
Continue ReadingMotorists “still being fleeced” – FairFuelUK
UK Motorists are being fleeced on average by approximately £5 each and every time they fill up their vehicles. FairFuelUK estimates thats the amount not being passed on at the pumps to consumers following the biggest and most sustained period of falls in oil prices in recent memory.
Continue ReadingHigh single-digit growth for UK car market
The UK car market continued to grow at a rate far higher than the European average in November. The European Automobile Manufacturers Association, or ACEA, reports that the UK market grew 8.0 per cent year-on-year during the month, contrasting with other major markets such as France, which contracted 2.7 per cent, and Germany, which shrank 1.8 per cent year-on-year. UK growth even outstripped that posted by the EU members that joined the union after 2004; their average year-on-year growth was 5.5 per cent in November. Average growth across the European Union during the month was 1.4 per cent.
Continue ReadingMotorway signs to show fuel prices
The government has announced that it will press ahead with plans to introduce signs on motorways that display the price of fuel at services stations to help promote competition and lower fuel prices.
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