Straightset equips Kia training centre
Kia UK chose Straightset to design, equip and install a state-of-the-art workshop working in conjunction with Parogon Contracts Ltd to offer a new training facility for Kia apprenticeship and dealer training programmes. As a result, Straightset has designed and fitted a 40,000 sq. ft. bespoke training workshop including the latest training technology, customised for Kia UK. The centre is designed to accommodate 1,500 delegates every year, with scope to expand and grow.
Continue ReadingTranslogik provides TyreSafe with access to tyre inspection technology
Translogik reports that it has helped TyreSafe improve its tyre maintenance information campaigns across the UK by providing them with the latest Translogik tyre inspection tools, which TyreSafe will use to rapidly inspect and capture tyre condition information during 2024.
Continue ReadingUK van sales continue to grow in February
UK demand for new light commercial vehicles (LCVs) grew by 2.2 per cent in February to 17,934 units, marking 14 months of consecutive growth, according to the latest figures from the SMMT While February is traditionally a lower volume month, as many operators delay procurement until March for the new numberplate, the increase represents the best February performance since 1998.
Continue ReadingNew car sales – best February for 20 years
The UK new car market has recorded its best February performance for two decades as registrations rose 14.0 per cent to 84,886 units, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. It was the 19th month of consecutive growth, which has primarily been driven by fleets investing in the latest vehicles. Indeed, fleets and businesses were responsible for the entirety of February’s increase, with registrations up 25.2 per cent and 15.5 per cent respectively. Private uptake continued to struggle, with a -2.6 per cent decline to record a 33.7 per cent market share. February is traditionally volatile as the lowest volume month of the year, with buyers often electing to wait until March and the new number plate.
Continue ReadingReturn of Schaeffler Repxpert Millionaire promotion
Schaeffler’s popular Repxpert Millionaire promotion is back for 2024, giving garage owners and technicians more chances to win one million Repxpert points. The points can then be spent on repair data and training or in the Repxpert Bonus Shop on tools, workshop clothing and electronic gadgets.
Continue ReadingDelphi to support veterans with EV qualification giveaway
Delphi is set to give away six IMI electric and hybrid vehicle technician qualifications to deserving ex-military and serving personnel. It comes as figures show homelessness among military veterans in England has risen by 14 per cent in the last year. Recognising the dedication and sacrifices made by those whove served, the new initiative from Delphi Academy aims to equip the most-deserving veterans with in-demand skills. “As a proud veteran who served 10 years in the Royal Air Force, Ive experienced first-hand the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life,” said Luke Garratt, UK technical services manager at Delphi. “Through this campaign, we’re offering a lifeline to a promising future in the automotive industry. With the worlds focus shifting towards electric, these skills will open the doors to an exciting new career.”
Continue ReadingBond International completes purchase of Central Scotland warehouse
Bond International has completed the purchase of a 200,000 sqft warehouse in Bathgate, Scotland, continuing the Pocklington, Yorkshire-based tyre wholesaler’s expansion of operations north of the border. Elsewhere in Scotland, Bond has also acquired Birkenshaw Distributors Ltd and formed a joint venture with Goodtread Tyre Co, enabling the company to make same-day deliveries to “a large proportion of Scotland.” The new warehouse is located on the M8 belt between major Scottish cities Glasgow and Edinburgh, allowing it to deliver to both population centres several times a day.
Continue ReadingSMMT calls for ‘Fair taxes for a fairer transition’
The automotive industry is calling for the UK’s chancellor to use the upcoming Budget to put the UK’s shift to electric vehicles back in the fast lane, with fair taxes for a fairer transition. New research commissioned by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) from Savanta has revealed that rising numbers of would-be EV drivers are now likely to delay their switch to a battery electric car – but a three-point plan of tax reform would recharge the market and accelerate the UK’s progress towards net zero.
Continue ReadingFormer Cooper Avon managers James Weekley, Matthew Vincent join Nova Motorsport team
Nova Motorsport has continued its recruitment of former Cooper Avon managers previously based at the companys erstwhile European headquarters in Melksham. James Weekley, former general manager at Avon Tyres Motorsport, leads Nova Motorsport as commercial director. Ex-Cooper Tire/Avon Motorsport product technology manager Matthew Vincent has also become Novas senior product category manager. The two appointees join Paul Coates, Cooper Tire/Avon Motorsport general manager, whose appointment was previously announced, and who has become Novas contracts manager. The experienced team has been assembled by founder and managing director of the brand’s parent company, SPC Group, Paul Hallas.
Continue ReadingAutotech Group announces new leadership structure
Last September Autotech Group founder Gavin White revealed his brain tumour diagnosis. Now commenting that he is continuing treatment and “doctors remain pleased with my progress”, at that time, White also announced that succession plans for Autotech Group, due for implementation in 2024, would be accelerated. Now, the Autotech Group has announced that Simon King has been formally appointed to the position of company CEO and an executive team has been implemented.
Continue ReadingPeter Duckworth dies
NTDA Honorary Life Member Peter Duckworth died on Friday 23 February 2024 whilst on holiday in Gran Canaria. Tyres & Accessories learnt of Peter Duckworth’s passing via NTDA chief executive Stefan Hay, who gave this tribute:
Continue ReadingETB, Britannia hit platinum customer service levels for second successive year
ETB Autocentres and Britannia Tyres have been awarded the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award for 2024, in honour of the retail experience created for their customers over the past 12 months. The tyre retail and autocentre chains qualified for the independent award after recording more than 50 ratings of between 4.5 and 4.9 between 1 January and 31 December 2023. The networks received the same award in 2022, upgrading their gold standard performance in 2021. ETB and Britannia said the awards validate a their work to create a memorable experience for motorists over the past 12 months.
Continue ReadingMany MOT testers still need to take Annual Assessment
The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has reminded MOT testers that they must take their Annual Assessment before the 31 March deadline. Testers will face new checks if they miss this deadline. As of 8 January 2024, MOT testers are required to submit a recent basic DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check if they are returning after being lapsed or suspended from testing – this includes being suspended for not completing your annual assessment. The IMI said an estimated 73 per cent had yet to complete their assessment with just two months to go before the deadline.
Continue ReadingAutomotive apprenticeship starts in England rise for first time since pandemic
According to new analysis from the automotive industry’s professional body, the IMI, the first quarter of the current academic year saw a significant milestone in automotive apprenticeships. With the highest number of new enrolments since before the Covid-19 pandemic, starts have seen a 9 per cent rise compared to the 2022-23 academic year. “This uplift indicates a renewed interest in both the automotive sector generally and apprenticeships as an entry route, both of which are critical to build the talent pipeline for the future”, explained Emma Carrigy, Research Manager at the IMI.
Continue Reading60,000th electric van joins UK roads as LCV demand continues to grow
UK demand for new light commercial vehicles (LCVs) grew by 8.4 per cent with 23,962 vehicles joining businesses and company fleets across Britain during January, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The increase marks 13 consecutive months of growth and the highest January total since 2021, reflecting the growing role of vans in Britain’s economy, from local trades and deliveries to national retailers.
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