Tag: Tyre retail
Kwik Fit Italy now at 57 centres
Kwik Fit’s first Italy National Convention has taken place in Milan, celebrating the network’s growth to 57 centres. The event, with its title "Choose Kwik Fit. Being Kwik Fit” highlighted the strength of the Kwik Fit brand, with specific reference to Italy, and focused on the shared values of the company and its franchisees.
First Stop names Mark Widdows as retail manager
First Stop has recruited Mark Widdows to the senior position of UK retail network manager after working with Goodyear Dunlop for 20 years, where he latterly served as national franchise manager for the HiQ network. The recruitment is seen as a statement of intent, as First Stop aims to grow its network and position itself as a major player in the fast-fit sector.
Point S enters China
Point S has moved into the Chinese market in cooperation with local partner Suremoov. Suremoov brings 950 franchised outlets with it into the international Point S network. The Suremoov brand has been in existence since 2004 and specialises in bodywork and car care.
Tyres4U buys Tyre and Tube Australia
In 15 October 2019 Tyres4U acquired Tyre and Tube Australia Pty Ltd (TTA). TTA is known as a leading specialty tyre and tube wholesaler in addition to being a substantial distributor of value tier passenger and truck tyres in Australia. Initially TTA will continue to operate as it does not, but it will ultimately be absorbed into the Tyres4U operation. This is expected to be complete by the end of November 2019.
DVSA to require MOT garage manager security checks
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has announced that, from 1 November 2019, anyone applying to be an authorised examiner (AE) or authorised examiner designated manager (AEDM) will need to have a basic DBS check. This verifies the applicant's identity and checks unspent convictions. DVSA is introducing DBS checks to prevent people who might damage the integrity of the MOT scheme from holding positions of authority at test centres.
New UK independent tyre dealer group established
For the last 11 years Tyres & Accessories’ annual UK retail ranking has consistently shown that the top 20 tyre retailers account for around 2000 branches between then. When you consider that there are something like 10,000 tyre points of sale in the UK, this means that these top firms occupy something like 20 per cent of the business between them. The remaining 80 per cent, however, is spread out amongst thousands of businesses with single-shop or small chain operations. It is not uncommon for individual smaller dealers from this overwhelming majority to feel underappreciated by their manufacturer and wholesaler suppliers who – they think – favour the larger chains. Tyres & Accessories recently met up with Stone Tyres founder John Stone and found out how he and around 100 other shops are working to redress the balance.
Nexen and Stapleton’s sign Harry Redknapp as brand ambassador
Nexen Tyre and Stapleton’s (Tyre Services) Ltd have appointed ex-professional footballer, premier league manager and “I’m a celebrity get me out of here” champion Harry Redknapp as brand ambassador.
Quick Lane adds Bracknell location
Only a few weeks after opening its Prestwich branch, Quick Lane Tyre & Autocentre has announced it will open a further location in Bracknell. The 7,257 square foot facility opens on 9 September 2019 and becomes the third franchised Quick Lane site in the UK. It will be followed by a fourth location in Colchester later this year.
SimpleTire the fastest-growing automotive company in US
US-based tyre e-tailer SimpleTire has been named the fastest-growing automotive company in America by Inc. Magazine. A recent SimpleTire innovation was how it expanded its installation programme so consumers can receive a “white glove” installation at a flat rate.
Apollo Tyres opens first truck tyre centre in Thailand
Apollo Tyres has extended its Apollo Truck Tyre Zone (ATTZ) fleet service concept to Thailand. The first ATTZ outlet, a collaboration between Apollo and local partner Ten Ten Auto Tyres has opened in Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province and is equipped to provide a range of services such as wheel alignment for trucks and cars, tyre changing and wheel balancing.
VW and Daimler back heycar used car online marketplace
A new online marketplace for used cars launches in the UK today (15 August). heycar.co.uk is on a mission to bring greater trust and transparency to one of the UK economy’s largest retail sectors. The brand will do this by creating a superior user experience for consumers and dealers, launching with an inventory of over 100,000 listed vehicles from nearly 50 brands across 1,400 dealerships.
Used car market declines as consumers delay purchases
“The decline of -2.8 per cent in used car transactions in the second quarter of 2019 was anticipated due to a number of factors that affected the sector over the past months, but the market remains at high levels”, said Sue Robinson, Director of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) which represents franchised car and commercial vehicle retailers in the UK commenting on the latest SMMT used car figures.
Tire Pros adds 7 branches in USA
In the USA, Tire Pros, a subsidiary of large wholesale operation American Tire Distributors (ATD), has added seven new branches in California, Alabama, Texas, Nevada, Arizona, and Pennsylvania.
TyreSafe launches van tyre safety campaign
TyreSafe launched a new van tyre safety campaign at its annual briefing at St George’s Park, home of the National Football Centre, on Thursday 18 July.
Autocar partners with Summit for tyre buying site
Summit and Autocar have partnered to create a tyre-buying website. The website (www.autocar.co.uk/tyres) promises to deliver “excellent value, quality of service and consumer choice to UK motorists”.