Associations
The US Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) has elected two new members to its board. Kumho Tire’s Yong-Sik Shin and Pirelli’s Pietro Berardi were elected during the board’s 29 July virtual meeting. The board also extended the term of current chair Steve McClellan, president, Americas, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, for an additional year through to October 2021.
The National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) is pleased that car showrooms can reopen from today (1st June) in England if they meet the COVID-19 guidelines to protect staff and customers. Franchised dealers have been working hard to prepare their premises in line with the Government and industry guidelines to ensure the safety of staff and customers when reopening.
The Garage Equipment Association (GEA), Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF), the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), the Scottish Motor Trade Association (SMTA) and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Ltd (SMMT) have published a best practice guide outlining the necessary steps for garages exiting lockdown.
Following the government closure of auctions due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, NAMA has looked at ways in which its members can maintain operations and continue to sell vehicles to customers safely. “We have issued guidance for our motor auctions to give them advice on how they can effectively and safely maintain their business activities during the current lockdown,” said Louise Wallis, head of the National Association of Motor Auctions (NAMA) regarding the opening of motor auctions during the COVID-19 restrictions.
The Federation of Engine Re-manufacturers (FER) has announced that its 2019 FER Conference, AGM & Dinner will take place at the Chateau Impney Hotel in Droitwich, Worcestershire on Saturday 12 October and will be free for all members to attend.
The International Rubber Study Group (IRSG) and the Forests, Trees and Agroforestry research program of the CGIAR (FTA) led by the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) have decided to collaborate on issues related to the sustainability of natural rubber production in order to support sustainable development of the natural rubber economy.
The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) has revealed details of its next Industry Briefing Session, which will be held at Haynes International Motor Museum in Sparkford, near Yeovil on 31 October.
Guest speakers will include Quentin Le Hetet from GiPA UK and Train 4 Auto Consultancy’s Director Steve Carter, who will be sharing the latest developments in technology which are set to dramatically re-shape the future of the industry.
Pre-registrations are returning to the new car market in a noticeable manner, members of the Vehicle Remarketing Association were told at the organisation’s July member meeting. Speakers Mike Jones, chair of ASE Global and Rupert Pontin, insight director at Cazana, both indicated in their presentations that late-month registration activity was increasing.
A year ago, on 9 July 2018, the Government’s Department for Transport (DfT) published its Road to Zero strategy. The document defined how the government would ‘support the transition to zero emission road transport and reduce emissions from conventional vehicles’. In Road to Zero, the Government highlighted the issues of lack of consumer confidence and businesses’ expertise in the EV sector.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has issued a plea to the UK’s next prime minister to secure a favourable Brexit deal as his number one priority on taking office. The call came as the trade body published a new report highlighting the importance of automotive trade to the UK economy and the high stakes of a ‘no deal’ Brexit. SMMT’s 2019 UK Automotive Trade Report calculates that delays to production caused by friction at the border could add up to £50,000 a minute for the sector.
Stapleton’s (Tyre Services) Ltd has joined the International Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ITMA). According to the association, Stapleton’s joins ITMA “following the recent addition of an Asian tyre brand to its portfolio”. ITMA now has 23 members, nine of which appear in Tyres & Accessories’ top 20 leading tyre manufacturers ranking.
Wendy Williamson, chief executive of the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) will address challenges faced by the aftermarket in the digital era, when she delivers a speech to delegates at Automechanika Birmingham next month.
TechMan Garage Management Systems has joined the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF). Built from within a garage environment specifically for garages and workshops, TechMan offers a management solution for workshops looking to improve and streamline processes, and ultimately increase their bottom line.
USTMA
TIA
NFDA
GEA, IMI, SMMT