Conti acquires remaining share in British engineering firm
On 3 February, Germany’s Continental AG took over full ownership of its joint venture, Zytek Automotive. It previously had a 50 per cent shareholding in the Fradley Park (near Lichfield) company, and following the buy-out is operating it as a part of the Continental Engineering Services (CES) organisation in the United Kingdom. Neither Continental nor former joint venture partner Zytek have disclosed the price paid for the 50 per cent share in Zytek Automotive.
Continue ReadingHiQ warns of state of British roads, as car repairs rise
The extremely wet British winter has had a devastating impact on the state of roads across the UK, a report by the Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance (ALARM) has revealed. As a knock-on effect of the potholes, fast fit and garage network HiQ says that more motorists have been forced to repair their cars, increasing the number of such jobs by 14 per cent in November 2013 – February 2014 compared to the same period in 2012-2013.
Continue ReadingIAAF network meeting launch success
The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) has held the first in a new series of members’ network meetings for parts suppliers, distributors, installers and members of the press. All 30 places were taken at the exclusive event, held at First Line’s headquarters in Banbury. Feedback was extremely positive with the information provided described as excellent” by attendees, with additional comments rating the event as “very informative” and “thought provoking”.
Continue ReadingWorld’s fastest lawnmower
Honda (UK)’s Mean Mower (#meanmower) has officially broken the Guinness World Records title for the fastest lawnmower, averaging 116.57 mph, to break the previous record by almost 30mph. The successful Guinness World Records attempt took place under the watchful eye of a Guinness World Records Adjudicator at the IDIADA Proving Ground, in Tarragona, Spain, on […]
Continue ReadingSuccess for Maxxis Trepador in South Wales
Maxxis is celebrating after the M8060 Trepador competition tyre came out on top at this year’s Welsh Xtrem 4×4 event in South Wales. Five out of the top seven competitors were all using the M8060 Trepador competition tyre, making it the best performing tyre at the event. The event, which is organised by Jason Morgan, […]
Continue ReadingNew in-car first aid kit standard published
BSI has published guidance for use at the scene of motor accidents.According to the business standards company, this new standard (BS 8599-2 Motor vehicle first aid kits – Part 2: Specification for the contents of motor vehicle first aid kits) will bring existing UK regulations on first aid kits up to date.
Continue ReadingCrowdfunding sought for mobile tyre fitting service
A brand new UK mobile tyre fitting service launched a crowdfunding campaign this week. Motion Tyres says a series of attractive awards await investors, along with a strong return on investment. The concept aims to combine cutting-edge technology with a back to basics approach to customer care and service delivery.
Continue ReadingValentino Rossi partners with Bridgestone in ‘Club46’ competition
A total of six pan-European competitions will be held and 46 winners will receive a range of prizes, including Bridgestone and VR46 co-branded merchandise. As well as meeting Rossi, the top prize offers two fans the chance to go behind the scenes in the MotoGP paddock.
Continue ReadingBlackcircles ‘growing’ revenue through 1,200 fitting centres
Blackcircles.com has announced a growth in revenue of 20 per cent to £27.8 million (versus £23.2 million in 2012). The online tyre retailer said that the latest full year results mean its revenues have a compound annual growth rate of 22 per cent since 2008. EBITDA increased to £1 million. The results follow the announcement of former Tesco chief executive Sir Terry Leahy’s appointment to the Blackcircles.com board.
Continue ReadingHGV charges ‘level playing field’, says DfT
As of today, HGVs of 12 tonnes and more will pay a charge to use UK roads. The introduction of the new HGV levy has been introduced a year ahead of schedule and is paired with a reduction in Vehicle Excise Duty. The Department for Transport says the VED reduction means that nine out of ten UK registered HGVs will pay no more under the new system than they did before 1 April 2014. Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin describes the implementation of a user-pays system that also covers foreign hauliers, who previously were not charged for road use in Britain, as a step that will “provide a massive boost for the UK haulage industry.”
Continue ReadingTread patterns influence driving behaviour – report
While much attention has been placed on road rage and its causes, one factor has been overlooked – until now. A newly-released report has found a remarkable correlation between road rage incidents and choice of tyre. Aggressive tread patterns do, it seems, make for aggressive drivers.
Continue ReadingMAM Software releases SalesRep app
MAM Software has announced the launch of its SalesRep tablet software. MAM’s second tablet app, SalesRep is designed to empower field-based sales representatives to strengthen customer relationships and improve productivity.
Continue Reading1link adds tyre e-procurement
Automotive sector technology solutions provider epyx has added tyres to its 1link Vehicle Network trading platform. It says “leading tyre distributors and manufacturers” have signed up and will provide products at “competitive prices”. According to epyx, the inclusion of tyres in 1link will enable dealers to provide fleets with a nationwide, fixed price tyre offering.
Continue ReadingFormer Tesco boss Leahy joins Blackcircles board
Former Tesco chief executive Sir Terry Leahy has been appointed to the board of Blackcircles.com. Leahy has been a shareholder in the online tyre business for around six years and his stake in Blackcircles is now said to be 25 per cent. In his new role, Leahy will work with company founder and chief executive Mike Welch and chairman Graeme Bisset to identify and implement new means of financing ongoing growth within the business. One option that Leahy may be closely involved in is an IPO.
Continue ReadingRiken brand truck tyres make UK debut
UK truck tyre wholesaler International Tyres has secured an exclusive agreement to introduce the Riken brand of truck, bus and coach tyre into the UK. According to the company, the UK introduction of the brand (which is part of the Michelin-produced stable of products) has been fuelled by “strong demand for mid-range products”.
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