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   HiQ drives forward with franchise programme

17/06/08  

Goodyear Dunlop Tyres UK has announced the next stage in the growth of the HiQ franchise programme.
The programme aims to accelerate the growth of the nationwide tyre and vehicle servicing network by signing long-term franchise agreements for all the parent-company owned HiQ stores in England and Wales, extending the highly successful model that currently operates in Northern Ireland, Scotland and in some areas of England.
Mark Brickhill, Group Managing Director stated: "Since announcing the plans on March 12th, there was a high level of interest from ambitious businesses wanting to join us in investing in the future growth of HiQ. On the May 16th closing date we had more bidders than the total number of franchise regions." Over the coming weeks, Goodyear Dunlop will work through a due diligence process with the successful chosen bidders for each HiQ region: "We will carefully evaluate each bid to ensure each franchisee has a strong business plan to grow the network by winning and servicing new consumer and fleet business," added Mark.  
The decision to progress with the franchising route means that the potential Management Buyout option, proposed by Retail Director Neil Burrows and three members of his team will not be progressed any further.
Mark Brickhill paid tribute to the quality and vision of the Management Buyout Team's proposal: "The team presented a thoroughly professional bid, concept and business model. An announcement on specific future roles will be made shortly, with announcements on the individual regional franchise partnerships to follow after the due diligence process with each successful applicant."

   Take a break courtesy of Viking International

17/06/08  

Viking and Barum tyre dealers could be jetting off to an exciting destination such as Rome, Nice or Amsterdam with Viking International's most recent promotion for its private brands Viking and Barum Tyres.
Two dealers for each brand can win £500 worth of holiday vouchers towards a short break to a destination of their choice as a reward for increased tyre sales.
Dealers have been automatically entered into the promotions which are currently running from 2nd June until 25th July.
Viking International's private brands are backed by extensive support packages which include a number of dealer incentives and competitions throughout the year, along with promotional point of sale materials, quality branded clothing and consumer incentives.
If you'd like to become a dealer or to find out more about the promotions, visit Viking Tyres at www.viking-tyres.co.uk, www.barum-tyres.co.uk, or contact Viking International direct on 0845 205 50 15 or at www.viking.co.uk.

   Strong partners point the way to higher tyre sales Worldwide

17/06/08  

Marangoni Group and Continental AG have signed a letter of understanding regarding a global cooperative relationship. The letter grants Marangoni an exclusive license to market the ContiTread brand
. Continental grants to the Italian retreading specialist the right to produce and sell ContiTread brand cold-cure tread liners. "Marangoni and Continental have been successfully working together in various areas for years. This cooperative relationship will allow us to add an important facet to our previous collaboration," says Eckhard Wilanek, managing director of the fleet & retread business.

   Unity Tyres - out of the old and into the new

17/06/08  

After 26 years the Unity Tyre Co Ltd Northern Division has moved to new purpose built offices and a 28,500 sq ft warehouse in Keighley, West Yorkshire.
For the past 26 years Unity has provided a professional tyre distribution and wholesale service to its Northern Division customers from their original site at Walk Mills Keighley. Unity needed to find premises that would allow scope for it to increase its stock holding so it could offer even more choice of products to its existing customer base in the North of England as well as service the results of its successful sales and marketing drive.
In January 2007 Unity purchased their new unit situated at the Airedale Business Park Keighley and then the real work began in October 2007 to transform the interior and exterior of the building. A two-storey office complex was built at the front of the unit to house the sales and administration functions, whilst comprehensive interior and exterior works were completed to provide warehousing and delivery facilities. In addition to the 28,500 sq ft warehouse there is a 16,000 sq ft yard to provide additional storage capacity for large section Agricultural and Earthmover tyres.

   Grouptyre strengthens sales and marketing team

10/06/08  

Grouptyre has boosted its sales and marketing team with the appointments of Jason Clarke as sales director and Lucie Dalton as marketing and operations support manager. They will play important roles as Grouptyre restructures its business as a national brand and seeks to grow its market share and improve profitability.
Jason has a Diploma in Business and Finance Studies and is a familiar tyre industry figure having spent the past ten years with Cooper Avon Tyres. After joining Cooper Avon Tyres in 1998 as an area sales representative, Jason was promoted to regional sales manager for Wales and the Midlands and, following restructuring in 2006, took over as UK sales manager.
Jason will manage Grouptyre's five-strong team of regional sales and national account managers and is also tasked with new business development. He is especially keen to explore initiatives with regional independents, dealership groups and national accounts.
Lucie Dalton holds a BA honours degree in European Business Administration and has spent her entire career in the brand management and marketing of tyres. After joining Michelin's graduate scheme in 1996, Lucie spent a year in Bristol working in customer services before moving into brand management at the company's HQ.
After relocating to Stoke-on-Trent in 2000, Lucie worked for five years in Michelin's trade marketing department, focussing primarily on the development and implementation of marketing programmes for the independent and wholesaler channels. She will be providing marketing operations support to Grouptyre's director of commercial operations Karl Naylor.
"I am really looking forward to the challenges of working for the UK's leading independent tyre wholesaler and in particular implementing the rebranding programme, conducting marketing activities and developing sales incentives," says Lucie.
Commenting on his decision to strengthen the management team, Grouptyre managing director Peter Harries says: "We will be spending the next two years undertaking a major restructuring of our core business operations as we establish Grouptyre as the UK's number one tyre distributor, so I am delighted to have managers of Jason's and Lucie's calibre on board."

   Are your staff - and vehicles overweight?

4/06/08  

Following a number of comments from members concerning the overloading of roadside breakdown vehicles and also vans for transportation of tyres, the NTDA has issued a stark warning to members to check weights of vehicles to make sure they are not breaking the law.  
A special feature on the subject was published in the last Service Bulletin which high lighted the problems.  
According to the Bulletin VOSA has issued figures which shows that overloading a van is by far the highest offender in overloading prosecutions with 21% of vehicle weighed by VOSA being issued with a prohibition notice due to overloading.  
The Bulletin warns members that dealer must ensure that vehicles are operated within the law which states that it is not permitted to exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of any vehicle. The GVW, together with maximum axel weights can be found on the vehicle plate (normally located by the bulkhead or driver or passenger door).  
The Bulletin includes detailed information on the weight of various tools used on breakdown vehicles together with the actually weights of various sizes of truck tyres with a 385/65R22.5 trailer tyre coming in as the heaviest at over 81kg.  
Commented Richard Edy: "What members need to bear in mind is that the GVW includes the weight of the vehicle, driver, load and passengers. If members would like extra copies of the Bulletin for staff please contact my office".

   Stapleton's pedal power supports charity ride

4/06/08  

A group of 20 Stapleton's employees will embark on a gruelling journey this month as they embark on the London to Brighton bike ride.
Organised by the British Heart foundation, the bike ride covers a 54 mile scenic route and is the charity's biggest fundraising event.
The team of Stapleton's workers has been sponsored by Michelin, Conti, Pirelli and Bridgestone/Firestone as well as the company's marketing agency, Wolverhampton-based PMA.
Speaking on behalf of the team, assistant accountant, Katherine Eck said the ride would be a personal challenge but worth the effort: "With various levels of cycling experience, the team has been helping each other train for the ride for some time and has built a great team spirit.
"The British Heart Foundation is such a good cause to support, we will make sure we all cross the finish line."

   Kumho among first to supply Run-Flats

27/05/08  

Kumho was among the first tyre manufacturers to supply replacement run-flat tyres for the European market and the company introduced its first XRP or Extended Run-Flat Performance version of the ECSTA SPT for the Mini Cooper in 2005. This has since been joined by some 13 of the most popular BMW fitments from 195/55R16 to 245/40R18, which between them cover most of the requirements for the Mini, 1, 3 and 5 Series BMW models. Several additional sizes are planned for introduction in the near future.
Kumho's XRP tyres have reinforced sidewalls and a specially reinforced bead that will support the car's weight and ensure a secure fit on the wheel, even after complete loss of inflation pressure. Special materials also prevent heat from building up while driving when the tyre is deflated.
Moving towards second generation products
In order to allow sale of its replacement run-flat products throughout the world, Kumho built a high degree of tolerance into their technical specification from day one, as a result of which they have acquired an enviable reputation. The company is now moving towards second generation products that will guarantee ride comfort even closer to that of a conventional tyre, courtesy of refinements to the tread profile (as a result of FEA analysis) and the use of lighter gauge sidewall inserts.
Winter range available
Kumho XRP tyres can be retro-fitted to any make of car, provided the wheel is of the right size and the car is equipped with a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Winter versions of the run-flat range are also available.

   Viking International announce PS3 winners!

16/05/08  

Viking has announced the winners of its recent dealer promotions for private brands, Barum and Gislaved Tyres. The winners each received fantastic Sony PS3 consoles as a reward for increased tyre sales during the promotions.
Dalmuir Tyre Services based in Clydebank and Ashfield Tyre Services from Luton came out on top for the Barum brand. Owned by John Smith and Gordon Young and trading for fourteen years as a Barum dealer, Dalmuir Tyres were surprised and delighted to have won the prize.
Ashfield Tyre Services is owned by Tim Rayner. Employing eight staff members, the company operates five mobile fitting vans, dealing with customer breakdowns and truck business, and has been a Barum dealer since 2001.
Treads of Hailsham and Industrial Tyre Services Ltd were the lucky winners for the Gislaved brand. Bill Rakow, Manager, accepted the prize for Treads of Hailsham which has been a Gislaved customer since opening in 1989.
Industrial Tyre Services Ltd based in Somerset is owned by Brian Sugar and has been a Gislaved dealer for over five years.

   Rainsport 2 commended in Fast Car Awards

16/05/08  

The Uniroyal Rainsport 2 has been recognised in the inaugural Fast Car Hit List awards. The UK's best selling modified car magazine commended the newly launched rain tyre for its handling in the wet and distinctive styling.
The Hit List awarded commendations in 14 different categories. All the products were judged on their quality, originality, desirability and value making the Hit List a real stamp of approval for all tuning enthusiasts to be on the look out for.
The Rainsport 2 was short listed in the chassis mods category. Fast Car said; "This distinctive looker can deliver impressive levels of grip in the dry but, more importantly for us drivers in the wet and greasy UK, can also astound with its ability to hang on in the rain."

   'Most capable mobile tyre changer ever'

16/05/08  

Hofmann Megaplan, a leading supplier of high performance tyre equipment, has recently introduced what they claim to be the most capable tyre changer ever designed to be used in a mobile fitting van.
The megamount 401 XL Racing works on the space-saving 'swing-arm' principle that has proved so popular over the years in mobile fitting vans, but that has also presented limitations in terms of the range of wheels they can handle. The 401 overcomes these limitations by utilising the famous 'Quadraclamp' turntable system from their 701 model that allows clamping up to 26", and the 'megafit' arm for handling stiff, low profile and run-flat tyres. However the biggest development is the introduction of a new 12 volt motor that delivers 30% more torque than previous and existing 12v machines.

   Pro-CUt Europe Launches New website

16/05/08  

Pro-Cut Europe announced the launch of the new company website www.procuteurope.com. The website offers current and potential customers the opportunity to find out more about the best on-car brake lathe in the world and the profit making potential it provides.
Visitors to the website will find a wide assortment of information about the lathe including a live demonstration, press releases and testimonials. The website also has a profit calculator allowing visitors to fill in the amount of MOT's, pad changes (without discs), sales car preparation and warranty jobs they carry out per week and how much profit they could be making by resurfacing discs. One of the more popular pages is frequently asked questions which answers many of the current myths around resurfacing including:
"I can make more profit per hour replacing discs than resurfacing them"
"Resurfacing discs takes them below minimum thickness"
"My part sales will go down if I resurface discs".
If you want to know why these statements are more myth than fact then visit the website to find out more information.

   Garage equipment from leading manufacturer

16/05/08  

Tyre Bay Direct are emerging as a leading force in garage equipment supplying tyre changing machines, wheel balancers, Alignment equipment, air compressors and tools. Combine this with their supply of consumable items such as wheel balance weights, tubeless valves, tyre tools and repair materials they really are the one stop shop for any garage or fast fit centre.
Their range of machinery covers all fields, from the new start or small tyre fitting business, right through to professional large scale machinery. With more and more people starting their own tyre fitting service, their standard specification machinery and special packages mean set-up costs are minimized. What's more, they can offer finance options on all the equipment they sell, as well as full warranty and after sales support from a team of highly trained and experienced engineers.
For the more established tyre fitting business, looking for state of the art tyre machinery, Tyre Bay Direct are UK distributors of Ravaglioli equipment.

   Viking customers say website is fast and user-friendly

16/05/08  

Viking International's upgraded online ordering system has been commended by customers since its launch last year.
User friendly and faster than ever before, the re-developed site has been inundated with visitors and the number of online orders has doubled year on year.
Huw Lewis Tyres, a Viking International customer for a number of years, commented, "The new site is an excellent selling aid. Customers' transactions can be completed without having to leave the office. I can immediately see stock availability and offer customers an instant quotation plus guarantee next day delivery."
Jem Tyres, another Viking International customer based in Bolton, added that the site is "much more convenient and quicker since its upgrade last year."
The new site displays products by size, speed rating or price according to the customer's preference, with special offers highlighted for ease of use.
A unique customisation tool also allows customers to adapt the website for their own use, uploading their own logo, changing the colour-scheme to match their own as well as displaying their own retail prices on-screen. New users need only log on and request a user name and password to begin.
Log on to the new and improved site and see for yourself at www.viking.co.uk.

   Supporting Breast Cancer Care

16/05/08  

National Tyres and Autocare is continuing its support of cancer charity, Breast Cancer Care.
During the month of May, National staff members have been encouraging customers to donate £1 to Breast Cancer Care and promoting the charity in all press advertising, with plans to continue to support the charity throughout the year.
Breast Cancer Care provides accurate, easy to understand information and practical and emotional support for those diagnosed with cancer and also friends and family coping with the effects of the disease on their loved ones.
The charity provides essential services such as a free and confidential helpline, website, discussion forums, courses and one-to-one support sessions.
Tony Neill, Chief Executive, NTA, commented, "We are delighted to support the exceptional work carried out by Breast Cancer Care. Cancer touches the lives of so many people and we are proud to be able to raise funds towards providing vital care for cancer sufferers and their families."
National has raised over £225,000 for cancer charities over the years and this year formalised their agreement to provide bi-annual support to the BCC and Maggie's Cancer Caring Centres.
To show your support, donate online at www.breastcancercare.org.uk/donate or visit www.national.co.uk for more information.

   Vellco & Michelin: 3-year agreement

14/05/08  

Vellco Limited has announced that it has agreed a new three year agreement with Michelin in the UK, to collect, sort and grade a significant number of its truck tyre casings arising within Michelin's UK truck tyre division.
This agreement will produce a substantial number of truck tyre casings annually for Vellco's operations which are centred at Weaverthorpe N. Yorkshire, with network partners operating in Barking, Avonmouth, and Bilston in the West Midlands.
Part of the operation includes collecting truck tyre casings from all designated ATS Euromaster Centres.
Chris Bloor, Commercial Director for Michelin UK said, "Michelin has worked in partnership with Vellco for a number of years now, and this new agreement demonstrates our commitment to a stable and sustained partnership arrangement for the future."
Commenting on this agreement, Chris Fell, Managing Director of Vellco Limited said, "We are absolutely delighted to sign this agreement with Michelin. We are committed to giving a professional service throughout the entire Vellco operation, and this is borne out by the confidence that Michelin has shown by utilising Vellco, and our ability to deliver what they need."

   Yokohama-supported MK Dons on the up

12/05/08  

The MK Dons, supported by Yokohama HPT Ltd, has achieved its objective for its first season based at the impressive stadiumMK ground. The MK Dons dominated League 2 and were crowned Champions following the final match of the season against Morecombe, in front of a capacity crowd.
The 2007/8 season was the first for Yokohama HPT as club partners to the MK Dons team, which has as its manager former England and Manchester United Captain Paul Ince. Clearly Ince's experience and expertise paid off, as the team took 29 league wins throughout the season, to secure the title.
Commenting on the news, Yokohama HPT Managing Director, David Seward, said; "We are delighted to congratulate MK Dons on their success this season. Winning the double is a superb result both for the club and local community. Paul Ince's management of the team has obviously worked perfectly and we could not have hoped for a better result in our first season in partnership with the MK Dons."
"StadiumMK is within walking distance from our offices, where the superb facilities allow us to entertain guests in a very exciting and professional environment."
"We now look forward to continuing our relationship with the MK Dons and celebrating even more success next season following the team's promotion into League 1."

   Aged tyres - a "Ticking Time Bomb"

9/05/08  

The US tyre industry is refusing to give American motorists the same warning given to car owners in Europe and Asia about the possible danger of tyres six years old or older.
More than 100 deaths in the US have been attributed to aged tyres which dried out and lost their treads even though they appeared to be safe, according to Sean Kane, who heads a private auto safety firm and consults with the federal government.
With no warning from the industry or the federal government, safety experts say the only way for consumers to protect themselves is to learn how to read the cryptic code embedded on a tyre's sidewall which reveals the year and week a tyre was manufactured.
For example the number 418 indicates the tyre was manufactured in the 41st week of 1998 and is 10 years old.
A tyre older than six years old, even if it's never been driven a mile, "is like a ticking time bomb. You don't know what's going on inside. That's what makes it so dangerous," said Sean Kane.
There's no scientific information that can point to when a tyre should be removed because of age," said Dan Zielinski of the US Rubber Manufacturers Association, who maintains that age is not the only key factor in safety and performance. "You need to look at the totality of the tyre's service life or its storage conditions to make that decision."
But safety exports say there is extensive research showing tyres begin to deteriorate in "critical" ways even if they remain unused or unsold in store inventories.
In most cases, a visual inspection or check of tread depth will not reveal any ageing problems, the experts say.

   Change of Management at Toyo Tyres (UK) Ltd

9/05/08  

TOYO has announced that Mr. Tatsuo Mitsuhata will move to Toyo's European Head Office in Germany at the end of May and take a new assignment there as Vice President of TOYO TIRE EUROPE GMBH.
His role as Managing Director in the UK is handed over to Mr. Koji Toyoda.
Mr. Koji Toyoda, has extensive experience of working on their international business both inside and outside Japan, which included the role of Managing Director of their operation in the Netherlands.

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