Despite tough new legislation coming into force to tackle the number of scrap metal thefts in the UK, most organisations now insist on buying workplace products made out of alternative materials according to Slingsby, which supplies more than 35,000 workplace products across all industries.
In 2012 estimates suggested that insurers were paying out more than £1m a week to victims of metal theft according to the Association of British Insurers (ABI) which said there were about 1,000 reported incidents a week, costing the UK economy approximately £770m a year in disruption.
Survey shows half of motorists neglect maintenance
New research commissioned by one of the UKs leading motor industry bodies has revealed 50 per cent of Britains motorists neglect vital vehicle maintenance checks including oil, tyres and lights – all essential to ensuring the safety of their cars. This equates to a staggering 18 million drivers when equated to the 36 million motorists on UK roads.
The survey of 1,000 motorists by Trusted Dealers, the consumer-facing website of the National Franchised Dealer Association, found one in three drivers (32 per cent) are unaware how often their vehicle should be serviced, with almost seven per cent (6.8 per cent) of motorists admitting they never undertake routine vehicle checks.
Huw Lewis, Angus Tyres Ltd, Lindleys Autocentre, Express Tyre Service, Discount Tyres and Tyrecare St Helens Ltd have all joined the Point S retail buying group in the UK. According to the company, the Point S UK membership, continues to grow despite fluctuations on the continent. The growth is said to demonstrates “the confidence that tyre professionals have in our industry expertise and will ensure that we strengthen our position as the leading tyre dealer network” the company said in an internal publication announcing the additions to its network.
The sales manager of Pirelli’s ‘Car’ wholesale channel in the German market, Reimund Wolfmüller, is leaving the company as of 31 December 2014, reports Pirelli Deutschland GmbH. The company’s intention is to appoint a successor before the end of the year to ensure a smooth changeover. During the transition period, Pirelli Deutschland sales and marketing manager Andreas Penkert will be responsible for the Car sales channel.
Some 388 Cooper Wild Country Radial XTX Sport tyres are being recalled in the US. A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notice states that the recall affects certain size 265/65R18 tyres that were manufactured between 1 June 2014 and 28 June 2014 (weeks 2214-2514). The affected tyres may experience cracking or broken ply cords in the lower sidewall on the white sidewall side, which may lead to a sudden loss of pressure.
Representatives from Pirelli Tyres Ltd will appear in Carlisle Crown Court on 6 October in connection with the death of an employee inside an autoclave at the company’s Carlisle facility in September 2012. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has brought criminal proceedings against the tyre maker; a Pirelli representative entered no plea during a hearing at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court on 17 September.
Goodyear Dunlop has appointed Edouard Carpentier director of its Consumer Tires business unit in France. The former French market supply chain director replaces Jean-Denis Perche, who began as general manager of Goodyear Dunlop’s Middle East and Africa (MEA) region on 1 August. In their new roles, Carpentier and Perche respectively report to EMEA region sales director Pietro Saletto and vice-president Emerging Markets EMEA Henry Johnson.
Official opening for Latin America’s biggest retreading plant
A facility said to be Latin America’s largest retreading plant opened late last month in Brazil. The 6,000 square metre plant in Campina Grande do Sul, Paraná state, is operated by Ivo Group company Ivo Recap and has a 20,000 tyre a month capacity. The facility retreads truck, OTR, industrial and agricultural tyres.
Earlier this year it announced plans to invest around £690 million to build a new 12 million tyre per annum factory, and now Nexen Tire has further strengthened its relationship with the Czech Republic by signing up as a sponsor for ice hockey team BK Mladá Boleslav. The agreement covers the 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 seasons and will give the tyre maker brand exposure in the stadium at home games and on player equipment, including helmets.
Yokohama Rubber acquires Parker Hannifin’s Italian marine hose business
Yokohama Rubber has expanded its non-tyre business with the acquisition of Italian marine hose manufacturing and sales company Parker MHP S.r.l. from its US-based parent company Parker Hannifin Corporation. The Italian companys name will be changed to Yokohama Industrial Products Italy S.r.l.
Cooper Tire extends Coulthard link as nephew rallies on Avon
Having signed David Coulthard as its brand ambassador for ultra-high performance tyres a year ago, Cooper Tire has extended its relationship with the Scottish motorsport dynasty. Coulthard’s nephew, Murray Coulthard will complete the rest of his Scottish Tarmac Rally Championship (STRC) season on Avon Tyres. Murray drives a 1984 Vauxhall Nova and fit Avon ZZR rubber for the first time at the Solway Coast Rally, winning his class first time out. He will now switch to Avon Tyres for the remainder of the season.
Nokian winter tyres achieve top grades in German magazine tests
Two Nokian winter tyres have achieved top results in German magazine winter tests. The Finnish manufacturer’s WR SUV 3 won both the test and a top “highly recommended” rating in the winter tyre test of German magazine Off Road, while the WR D3 passenger car tyre won a test conducted by Deutscher Sprachraum automobile clubs.
A dealership describing itself as “London’s most beautiful Volkswagen garage”, Monaco VW has announced the offer of a comprehensive Winter Vehicle Check. From 15 September, the Kensington garage will offer the service at £29.99. The check offers a technical inspection of tyres, battery, brakes, lights and fluid levels, giving a detailed report to customers on the status of their vehicle ahead of the winter period. Winter checks, both complementary and charged, are an increasingly popular product offered by garages seeking ways to increase the quality of their service, the engagement of motorists, and a way to generate increased revenue streams. Winter checks in particular could help to support growth in seasonal tyre products, which has been palpable, if also rather timid.
Inter-Sprint gets green light to acquire tyre wholesaler Van den Ban
The Authority for Consumers and Markets (Autoriteit Consument & Markt) in the Netherlands has consented to the Inter-Sprint Group’s proposed acquisition of the Van den Ban Group. B.L.K. Vroomen, team manager for the authority’s Directorate of Competition, reports the ACM ruled on 17 September that “sufficient competition” will exist in the market following this transaction.
SEMA awarded federal grant to pursue export market growth
US trade organisation SEMA has been awarded part of a $2.2m federal grant to expand exports of automotive aftermarket products. The organisation, which represents the $33B automotive specialty equipment market, will seek growth in Russia, the United Arab Emirates and China, among others, giving its 6,800-plus members increased opportunity in foreign markets. The grant was awarded under the Market Development Cooperator programme within the Commerce Department’s International Trade Administration (ITA). The body will assist SEMA with a new yearly fact-finding and sales mission to Russia; seeking regulations to allow US products equal market access by working with government officials; and organizing overseas vehicle measuring sessions in key emerging markets.
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