On 18 May, well-known German garage chain A.T.U Auto-Teile-Unger Handels GmbH & Co. KG (ATU) suffered a cyber attack that put some of its systems and servers out of action. That led the company to warn customers they would experience “various restrictions” and should expect longer waiting times.
Halfords Group reports that its Avayler software is not only driving the group’s internal financial performance, but is also expanding into Europe as a product in its own right. Specifically, Halfords reports that Avayler has signed a contract to supply its services to well-known German autocentre chain ATU, which is part of the Mobivia group. According to Halfords, the roll-out is set to start in Germany through ATU’s mobile fleet.
Halfords has embarked on a recruitment drive for its autocentres business to meet rapidly increasing demand for vehicle servicing, MOTs, maintenance and repairs. That means Halfords is creating 1000 new automotive technician roles over the next 12 months and is prioritising attracting retirees back into the workforce as well as challenging itself to increase the number of women in automotive technician roles. The recruitment drive, which will also target disadvantaged young people, is being backed by £3.5 million of technician training and recruitment investment over next 12 months.
Continuing our 2022 analysis of the leading UK tyre retailers by branch count, Just Tyres is this year’s number 11, having grown via the addition of two new centres which brings its total to 39. At this rate, Just Tyres is likely to overtake Mr Clutch into 10th position during the next year or two.
Following the news that Formula One Autocentres can now count 124 garages in its growing network after the addition of its Spalding branch on 13 October 2021, company representatives have confirmed that they are aiming to grow the network to at least 135 autocentres by the end of 2022.
In addition to the latest news and analysis, July’s edition of Tyres & Accessories features the aftermarket, van tyres as well the agricultural/industrial/speciality tyre sector. The latter has proved to be amongst the most resilient sectors during the turbulence of the last year or so. The former two reflect changing market dynamics. In short, many things have changed in the automotive and tyre spaces. And the disruption of the Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated that change. But some things stay the same.
First Stop Tyre & Car Services has revealed its striking new rebrand at a flagship store in Birmingham. The Auto Workshop, headed up by father-and-son team Steve and Graham Todd, has become First Stop’s latest partner. Five new jobs have b
Together, the increased utilisation of independent contractors on the supply side and record online search figures on the demand side show that MOT testing is booming. Considering that MOTs were put on hold for roughly four-and-a-half months between March and August (let’s not even mention the Northern Ireland MOT crisis), this is good news. Word of a coming MOT spike will be warmly welcomed by the tyre and aftermarket associations that lobbied government for the end of the MOT extension on both road safety and economic grounds. But what exactly does the apparent boom look like? And why does it matter to the tyre trade?
At the start of March, Tyres & Accessories met with UK retail network manager, Bridgestone EMIA Mark Widdows in order to learn more about the newly relaunched First Stop tyre retail proposition. The first thing we at T&A noticed was that the tyre retail network previously known simply as First Stop is now badged as First Stop Tyres and Car Services. This subtle but important development shows that the network is moving with current trends that show that leading tyre retail chains are generating almost as much turnover from servicing and light repair work as they are from tyres themselves. It also suggests the level at which the newly-rejuvenated network it planning to pitch its offer. Put the tyres and services language together with the 220-branch goal and it is clear that First Stop is aiming for the top five of the tyre retail tree. And as far as target customers are concerned, this means drivers of roughly three-year-old cars – the post-dealership motorist. It will also have a keen car, van and 4×4 focus.
Quick Lane Tyre & Autocentre opened its new Colchester branch today as the brand continues its UK and European growth.
Halfords Group plc bought McConechy’s Tyre Service Limited, the sixth-largest tyre retail business in the UK, on 7 November 2019 for £8.5 million. This makes the newly-expanded Halfords Autocentres the second largest tyre retailer in the UK.
Late last month it seemed the planned acquisition of A.T.U. by France’s Mobivia would deliver “synergies and interesting development opportunities” for the German tyre and car maintenance chain, however it now appears this appraisal was slightly optimistic. According to information appearing in German publication ‘Manager Magazin’, a major hurdle still stands in the way of the proposed deal’s completion.
The France-based Mobivia Groupe, Europe’s largest independent automotive maintenance and repair services group, based in France, has agreed to acquire leading German autocentre chain ATU. Combined annual sales are expected to be roughly 2.7 billion euros, while there will be close to 2,000 automotive workshops and retail stores and over 20,000 employees in the group.
Kingsway Tyres has invested £450,000 in a new autocentre in Retford for car and van drivers, creating two new jobs and further positions in the future. The network has 16 depots across the east of England, and its new centre will include full MOT testing facilities, four-wheel Bluetooth geometry alignment, air-conditioning offering along with the very best in tyre repairs. Based in Trinity Park Industrial Estate, Sloswick Drive, the facility will also offer 24/7 support for commercial trucks, buses and lorries. The new site replaces Kingsway’s depot in Victoria Road, at which the company had been based for more than 40 years.
Halfords Autocentres has made its first staff appointment as a result of its recent partnership with the Dallaglio Foundation. Halfords Autocentres has hosted a series of employability events across its garages, inviting pupils from the Dallaglio Foundation to learn about the employment opportunities and skills available.
Halfords Autocentres aims to have one apprentice in every centre by 2017. Autocentre apprenticeships have an 80 per cent success rate for the completion of the three year scheme. The apprentices qualify with an NVQ Level 3 Standard combing learning with practical, on-the-job training.
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Halfords
Artem Podrez; Pexels
Formula One Autocentres
Andrea Piacquadio
The Auto Workshop; First Stop
Autotech