Tag: featured
Insolvency proceedings begin for 7 Fintyre Group companies in Germany
Insolvency proceedings begin for 7 Fintyre Group companies in Germany
Davanti unveils wave of new product, partnership news at first conference
Davanti marked its fifth anniversary with its first international dealer conference at the end of February. The tyre brand hosted more than 150 attendees by Everton Football Club’s Goodison Park, where it’s development director Gary Cross took the opportunity to announce its upcoming products, including range extensions and what might be called the second generation of Davanti tyres given the new naming conventions first introduced in the Wintoura winter tyre and Terratoura all-terrain 4x4 tyre ranges. Davanti sales director for UK and Ireland Sean Maddocks also presented observations on tyre markets, the development of the brand’s global dealer network over the past five years, and its commercial partnerships including the renewal of its official brand partnership with Everton FC.
Continental withdraws outlook for ‘uncertain’ 2020
The entire automotive industry has been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, and companies are taking steps to ensure their survival. Continental has provided an update on the latest measures being implemented, including reduced working hours and displays of executive solidarity. It has also buried its outlook for 2020.
MOT exemption begins today
Effective today (30 March 2020) all cars, vans and motorcycles in the UK will be granted a 6-month MOT exemption. Drivers will still be required to keep their vehicles “roadworthy and safe to drive”. If motorist don’t keep their vehicles up to scratch, fines of up to £2,500, driving licence points and driving bans remain in place as penalties for those convicted.
The tyre business is keeping countries rolling
By the time you read this a quarter of the world will be on some kind of lockdown along with virtually every car plant in Europe and many tyre factories. We are in uncharted territory. And, as ETRMA secretary general Fazilet Cinaralp said recently, we have to brace ourselves for “one of the biggest challenges our industry has ever faced”. And yet there have already been numerous examples of endeavour, enterprise and generosity in the face of such adversity.
First Stop Tyres and Car Services tyre retail proposition launched
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 4x4 focus.
Despite postponement, Bridgestone remains committed to Olympics
Tokyo has experienced more than its fair share of misfortune when it comes to hosting the Olympic Games. Confirmation came this week that, for the second time in modern Olympic history, the event wouldn’t take place as scheduled in the Japanese capital. The Games of the XXXII Olympiad are now expected to take place next year.
The Tire Cologne on why it moved to 2021
In light of the news that Koelnmesse took the decision to delay The Tire Cologne until 2021, Tyres & Accessories interviewed communications manager, Voelker de Cloedt in order to find out more about the thinking behind the move as well as the particular dates the company has chosen. The conversation began with a question about the nature of physical exhibitions in light of analysts reports suggesting we could be witnessing to transition of the sector to virtual shows.
Tyre industry ‘braces’ for COVID-19 impact, calls for recovery support – ETRMA
The European Tyre Manufacturers’ Association has called the response to the COVID-19 pandemic “one of the biggest challenges our industry has ever faced.” It calls for “constructive dialogue between industry, EU institutions and governments” to support the workforce of around 370,000 people while an “unprecedented” level of temporary closures and shutdowns are in place, and to smooth the transition to restart activities in the sector. Secretary-general Fazilet Cinaralp also said that the tyre sector is “vital… for the European economy at large,” adding that all stakeholders would need to find ways of supporting the sector “to avoid a permanent loss of capacity, research capability and innovation.”
MOT exemption starts on 30 March 2020
Following talk of a possible MOT suspension, the government has clarified the position. Cars, motorcycles and vans will be granted a six-month MOT exemption from 30 March 2020 in order to allow people to carry on with essential travel. This means vehicles that would usually would require an MOT test won’t need one from 30 March. However, the government does say “vehicles must be kept in a roadworthy condition, and garages will remain open for essential repair work”, adding that “drivers can be prosecuted if driving unsafe vehicles.”
Garages to remain open despite lockdown
Yesterday Prime Minister Boris Johnson outlined strict stay-at-home measures for the whole of the UK. These effectively amount to a country-wide lockdown and will be enforced by the police. As a result, gatherings outside of households are effectively banned and shops have to close. However, reading the small print reveals that automotive garages are within the limited number of retailers that will be allowed to remain open. And therefore tyre centres will be allowed to keep going as well. Motorists looking for information on garages in the Covid-19 lockdown can find more on Tyrepress's sister site, WhatTyre.
Bridgestone temporarily closes, slows tyre production at European factories
Bridgestone EMIA will either temporarily close or reduce production plants across its European manufacturing network in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Its Béthune plant in France and the Bari plant in Italy will be closed until 6 April.
Will tyre dealers stay open in a lockdown?
While the government has introduced significant social distancing measures including closing schools, and while tyre businesses are offering innovative contactless solutions, garages are still open for business. However, in Italy the country has been on lockdown for a month. We know that truck tyre technicians should be categorised as “key workers”, but what about car tyre retailers and what if movements become more restricted?
Tyre retailers report spike in mobile tyre fitting
As the UK increasingly adopts social distancing measures, tyre retailers are reporting increased demand for mobile tyre fitting services. For example, Kwik Fit is introducing social distancing measures for its mobile fleet operators. The company reports that it has seen a 15 per cent increase in enquiries for appointments for tyre fitting at customers’ homes, the majority of which are said to be due to customers self-isolating after being impacted by the government’s latest guidance on the coronavirus. And Halfords has introduced a ‘contactless’ home fitting service.
Michelin temporarily closes some European factories, car tyre demand down 9%
Michelin has confirmed that it has decided to close its tyre production facilities “located in the European countries most affected” countries for at least one week. Tyres & Accessories understands this means Michelin’s factories in Italy (Cuneo and Alessandria), Spain (Lasarte, Vitoria, Aranda de Duero and Valladolid) and France (Cataroux, Les Gravanches, Le Puy-en-Velay, Roanne, Bourges, Montceau, Cholet, La Roche-sur-Yon, Golbey, Avallon, Montagny, Vannes, Joué-Lès-Tours and Troyes