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Tyres behind 13% of MOT failures in 3Q 2022
New analysis of DVSA MOT test data shows that faulty tyres accounted for 13 per cent of failures between July and September 2022. Of all failures, 27 per cent are “dangerous”. Previous analyses of MOT failure data have found that tyres account for between 8 per cent and 22 of all MOT failures. And therefore the latest figures represent long-term median tyre-related failure rates. Since industry sources generally agree that MOTs generate around 20 per cent of total annual UK tyre replacement sales, however you count it, MOTs have a significant impact on tyre maintenance and therefore road safety.
Delphi Technologies to support independent auto technicians with new information hub
BorgWarner brand Delphi Technologies has launched its new Masters of Motion hub aimed at independent garage technicians. The company said the launch heralds a “sustained campaign to support technicians and workshops even more closely.” The availability of qualified technicians adequately prepared for the rapid changes in the car parc, including the rise of electric vehicles and increasingly complex advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), is one of the key challenges currently facing the automotive aftermarket.
Government consulting on MOT changes, again
The Department for Transport (DfT) has launched a public consultation on the future of MOTs in Great Britain, which closes at 11:59pm on 28 February 2023. According to the DfT, “Views are being sought to update MOT testing for cars, motorbikes and vans to ensure roadworthiness checks continue to balance costs on motorists while ensuring road safety, keeping up with advances in vehicle technology, and tackling vehicle emissions.” But the short story is that they are once again proposing to “change the date at which the first MOT for new light vehicles is required from 3 to 4 years” under the guise of saving “motorists across Great Britain around £100 million a year in MOT fees” based on a £40 MOT.
Recruitment roadblock reduces Halfords profitability, but tyres continue to drive growth
HalfordsHalfords Group plc (Halfords)’s third-quarter 2023 trading update for the 13 weeks to 30 December 2022 show that group revenue grew 38.3 per cent and like-for-like group sales were up 12.6 per cent compared with 2020 levels. Other headlines included the news that Halfords’s services business represents 50.3 per cent of group revenue, and B2B, which includes the Avayler system 28.2 per cent. At the same time, Halfords hailed its “strong Commercial Fleet performance”, with this part of the business growing 138 per cent year-on-year. However, the company reduced its full-year 2023 underlying profit before tax (PBT) guidance from £60 million to £50 million.
Magneti Marelli Parts and Services joins IAAF
Automotive component distributor Magneti Marelli Parts and Services has joined as the latest addition to the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) membership. The trade body’s service membership has continued to grow throughout the year and the latest expansion sees the Italian company, with its strong heritage in the automotive industry, joining to support the Federation’s lobbying initiatives and industry networking events.
RMILiqui Moly names Dr Uli Weller as joint MD
Liqui Moly’s long-standing commercial director, Dr. Uli Weller, has been appointed joint managing director of the company, alongside Günter Hiermaier. Dr Weller will become the second managing director of the group of companies at the start of 2023.
45 new parts added to Klarius range
The Klarius Products range now features 45 new parts, including a catalytic converter (CAT) for the Toyota Verso-S, adding to the product range of more than 11,000 references, offered with next morning UK delivery. Klarius’ most recent products include complete exhaust systems for the Renault Kangoo 1.5 from 2008 onwards, the VW Tiguan 1.4 TSI from 2010 to 2015, and the Peugeot Boxer, Citroën Jumper, and Citroën Relay 2.0 from 2015 onwards.
BM Catalysts: SCRs popular as aftermarket supports NOx exhaust emission reduction
BM CatalystsBM Catalysts’ Selective Catalyst Reduction (SCR) references have continued to grow in popularity in line with market forecasts, with considerably strong launch sales reported across the UK and Europe. The global SCR market size is estimated to reach US$24 billion by 2030, with more than a 13.2 per cent compound annual growth rate (CAGR)1.
TMD Friction launches aftermarket research and development facility
TMD FrictionLeading braking product manufacturer TMD Friction has launched a new research and development facility in Seaton Ross, East Yorkshire as part of its investment into serving the independent aftermarket. The launch of TMD Friction’s new premises at Seaton Ross follows a move from its previous proving ground at Elvington. The new facility carries out an important part of TMD Friction’s quality focus with safety-critical tests carried out all day on the test track.
IAAF urges the UK government “not to mess” with current MOT
The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) is urging Mark Harper, the new Secretary of State for Transport not to mess with the current MOT test frequency and instead look to strengthen the current 3-1-1 testing regime through the addition of testing the vehicle’s electronically-controlled safety systems (ADAS). The IAAF, along with UK AFCAR, is actively highlighting to ministers and their departments the dangers involved if the first MOT is conducted when the vehicle becomes 4 years old and the risks this creates that then threaten road safety.
UK AFCAR calls for effective implementation of ‘positive’ block exemption proposals
AFCARThe UK Alliance for the Freedom of Car Repair (UK AFCAR) has welcomed the new Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Order (MV-BEO) proposals but has called for effective implementation of the proposals.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is recommending to the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), Jacob Rees-Mogg, that the retained Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulations (MV-BER) should be replaced by a MV-BEO, which should remain in place until 31 May 2029.
‘Stronger together’ – tyre and aftermarket sector gathers for 2022 Tyre Industry Conference
Tyre Industry PublicationsThe Tyre Industry Conference 2022 has opened at The Vox Conference Centre, Birmingham. The National Tyre Distributors Association’s annual event, sponsored this year by wholesaler GB Tyres and Indian tyre brand JK Tyre, is presenting tyre business delegates with a stimulating programme of presentations tackling the biggest questions facing different sectors of the distribution chain; from the newest innovations in tyres for electric vehicles to the key issues affecting tyre recovery and recycling. Stefan Hay, NTDA chief executive, set the tone of the event with his opening address, calling for a collaborative effort from the industry to tackle pressing issues, such as the skills shortage and efforts to decarbonise and promote the circular economy. Meanwhile, Simon Wright used his first conference address as NTDA national chairman to pay tribute to his predecessor Martin O’Brien as “a master of the round and black,” and to celebrate the association’s success in promoting tyre technician training and accreditation, with “around 2000 commercial tyre technicians” going through its newest scheme.
