Leading exhaust and catalytic converter distributor CES (UK) Ltd kicked off 2010 with the opening of its 17th branch in Cannock, Staffordshire. According to the company, CES “raised subzero temperatures with a warming welcome to our Cannock customers” at the branch opening on 2 January 2010. The new 10,000 square foot space is said to be “packed with our renowned car parts”.
Leading commercial vehicle wheel business Motor Wheel Service Distribution recently invested £500,000 in UK and European infrastructure in preparation for the “official launch” of its xlite range of forged aluminium commercial vehicle wheels. xlite wheels were “soft launched” some time ago, with Tyres & Accessories previewing the initial release back in April 2005. Since then the product range, branding, infrastructure and strategy have all evolved from what was initially a low level market trial into a Europe wide sales and distribution operation prepared to operate on the scale of the largest players in the business.
With over 80 years experience in the wheel business, Motor Wheel Service started out specialising in passenger car products, especially wire wheels. This business continues to this day, running out of the Motor Wheel Services International operation in Berkshire and company representatives still claim the ability to resurrect virtually any wire wheel back to its former glory. But now this wing operates as a distributor for the main part of the company’s business – Motor Wheel Service Distribution based in Manchester, which has been supplying commercial vehicle wheels for over 20 years.
Run-flat tyres have been added to the range of Yokohama tyres available in the UK following the arrival of the Advan Sport ZPS (Zero Pressure System). According to Yokohama HPT Ltd, the Japanese brand’s UK distributor, the newly arrived product is designed for fitment on vehicles such as the BMW 3, 5 and 7 series, Lexus GS and SC and the Mini Cooper, to provide drivers with Yokohama performance combined with run-flat capability. The tread pattern on the Advan Sport ZPS is the same as that of the original Advan Sport design, with four central grooves to displace water and the wide shoulder blocks intended to generate high levels of grip while cornering.
Quality assurance managers for commercial vehicle fleets are being urged to check their supply lines as a leading wheel distributor warns that a rise in unqualified wheel sellers threatens to “contaminate the market with substandard products.” Motor Wheel Services (MWS) estimates that over 10,000 second hand and take-off wheels entered the market in 2009, of which the large majority were sold by companies who do not possess the technical abilities or examination procedures to ascertain the history and fatigue of a wheel. In a few very serious cases, the company’s field sales team have been made aware of old, repainted wheels being sold as new. And, as MWS reports, the serious implications of purchasing a faulty wheel include warranty, liability and safety issues.
American Tire Distributors Inc (ATD) sold $250 million of senior secured second lien notes on the 144a private placement market on 19 May 2010, the IFR financial information service has reported. The news follows the announcement that North America’s largest independent tyre distributor changed hands for approximately US$1.3 billion on 21 April 2010 when Equity firm Texas Pacific Group (TPG Capital) purchased American Tire Distributors from Investcorp, Berkshire Partners and Greenbriar Equity Group.
Representatives of Euro Car Parts, a leading British aftermarket distributor, have rebutted reports over the weekend that the business is up for sale. According to reports posted on thisismoney.co.uk, the founder of Euro Car Parts, Sukhpal Singh had appointed adviser Robert W Baird to conclude a sale could see him receive “more than £200 million” from a total price of up to £250 million. This report pointed out that Sukhpal Singh started the company with £5,000 in an outlet in north London and has recently seen profits triple to £17 million compared with £6.6 million the year before on sales that increased from £145.1 million to £186.9 million.
However, the company’s press representatives said the report’s conclusions “couldn’t be further from the truth” and even questioned the above sales and profit figures. They confirmed that the company has “definitely not been put up for sale and is currently experiencing record trading.” On the subject of Robert W Baird’s involvement the added: “Robert W Baird is an investment company, which has been working with Euro Car Parts for almost 18 months now, exploring ways of expanding the business organically.”
After many years of association with the Alliance and Double Coin brands, Kirkby Tyres reports that the company is “delighted to welcome BKT into the family for OE and aftermarket replacement.” With the head office on a five acre site next to John Lennon airport in Liverpool, offices in Scotland, Ireland and China, the 62 year old Kirkby Tyres recently embarked on an expansion programme. As a result the company has undergone recruitment and organisational changes in several all areas, from marketing to technical support.
One such appointment is that of Ilan Goldstone who has taken on the role of Alliance and Double Coin brand manager. A BSc Hons management graduate, he reportedly has extensive experience in the automotive industry. “As a company I believe we are in one of the best positions in the market. With Alliance gradually moving production to India it’s exciting times, the range will be bigger and better and of course, even more competitive.”
“Today’s motorists are demanding better-quality parts and service from workshops and fast-fits, and the UK Parts Alliance – via its network of 140 members’ branches ensures its customers can select and install with confidence,” claims sales director, Mike Curry. The company consists of nine strategically located independent distributor companies and specialises in the national and local supply of original equipment manufacturer branded products and support services. It reports an annual group turnover of more than £300 million.
North America’s largest independent tyre distributor has changed hands for approximately US$1.3 billion. In a deal announced on April 21, Equity firm Texas Pacific Group (TPG Capital) has purchased American Tire Distributors from Investcorp, Berkshire Partners and Greenbriar Equity Group, who acquired the distributor for $500 million in 2005. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2010. Pursuant to the acquisition, American Tire will suspend its planned public offering and listing on the New York Stock Exchange.
S&H Tyres BV has signed a contract with Kossen BV to exclusively distribute the company’s Zeetex truck and bus tyre range in Western Europe. According to S&H representatives, the company has more knowledge in PCR, UHP and SUV tyres than in the truck tyre sector, leading to the decision to choose “a trustful and respectful distributor in this field.”
Al Dobowi Group, the owner of the Infinity brand and distributor of the Westlake tyre brand, has announced that the company “terminated its relationship with their general manager (West Europe), Martin West” this week. The news comes just six months after West, who previously held a similar position for Turkish-produced tyre brand Lassa, joined the Infinity team. The company’s dealer partners were informed that the company’s “relationship” with West ceased “with immediate effect” on 20 April 2010. The company has not released any further details about who will replace him.
Aufine Group Company Ltd has warned customers that record high natural rubber costs mean it will have to implement significant prices increases soon. Writing in a customer newsletter, company representatives blamed the price spike on the “heavy drought” experienced in south China and other parts of the region in Asia: “As a result, the output of natural rubber is reducing sharply, which [has] caused the price of current rubber and rubber futures [to] have increased crazily…We estimate a big increase on tyre price will come soon.”
Double Coin Holdings has become the first China based tyre manufacturer to have one of its commercial truck tyres included on the US Environmental Protection Agency’s ‘SmartWay’ list of verified technologies. The tyre in question, the FT105, is a trailer tyre from Double Coin’s low rolling resistance range, which also includes the FR605 and FD405.
Wheel manufacturer and importer Performance Wheels Ltd. has released its 2010 ‘Mini Catalogue’. The A5 sized brochure showcases the company’s latest wheel ranges as well as the popular Cobra suspension range, covering an extensive range of fitments.
Federal and Grouptyre, the Taiwanese brand’s exclusive UK distributor, have announced the winner of the second ‘Red Letter Day’ campaign prize draw. Keith Manders, manager of Hammond Group’s tyre department, won the top £500 Red Letter Day prize.
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