The new two-day Roadside Technician course, ’Bridgestone Roadside’, takes technicians through three elements – Health & Safety, Customer Care and Assessing the Roadside Situation.  The course qualifies successful delegates for 14 hours of Driver CPC accreditation under JUAPT members CRS 1280 and 1117 and attendees also receive a Roadside Technician ID card demonstrating, along with their employers, their dedication to working to high standards when attending vehicles stranded at the side of the road.

Paul Turner, Bridgestone UK training manager, said: “All PSV license holders are required to complete 35 hours of Driver CPC training – not just drivers.  There are many courses already available to drivers to enable them to reach their required qualifications but these courses are not always particularly relevant for vehicle technicians who hold PSV licenses.  The Bridgestone Roadside course has been specifically designed to be useful to workshop technicians and the feedback from the first course indicates that this is very much the case.”

The course is targeted at technicians from the tyre, bus and coach industries and three member companies of the Guild of British Coach Operators have already attended the course – Skills Coaches from Nottingham, Selwyns from Runcorn and Richmond’s from Cambridge.

Petrol sales, down 2.4 billion litres in the first nine months of 2011 compared to 2008, look set to collapse further in 2012. That’s if AA members stick to their most popular New Year’s resolutions and cut back even more on car use.

Nearly 40% say they will either drive more economically (26%) or drive less often (12%) in 2012, according to an AA Populous poll of 20,181 AA members – one of the biggest responses ever from the survey panel.

The cost of fuel and the affordability of driving has become such an obsession that other New Year resolutions take a far lower priority: drive more safely – 5%, keep to the speed limit – 4%, drive less aggressively – 3%.

Lower income drivers

The response from lower-income drivers once again indicates how much harder they have been hit by record pump prices. While 37% of professionals and senior managers say they will drive less often or more economical, that rises to 40% for socio-economic groups that include skilled and unskilled manual and services workers, pensioners and the unemployed.

A higher percentage of unskilled workers, pensioners, unemployed (14%) will drive less often in 2012 than top and middle-level managers and professionals (11%).

Innovations displayed at the show will include the new giant 2.3 meter tyre IF 750/75R46 TM1000 High Power with its 46-inch rim, the TM Blue^® in size 650/65R38 and the 750/60R30.5 Twin Radial tyre with new tread design. Also on view is the upgraded TM900 High Power and TM800 mark D line of tractor tyres that allows higher speeds, increased loading and improved traction. And to make customers’ life easier when assessing the tire pressure for each farming operation, Trelleborg will also introduce the TLC - Trelleborg Load calculator - an advanced APP and web-based tool for farmers and contractors.

The theme on the stand, “Flying into the future”, represents the aim and values of the Trelleborg initiative for the future of agriculture. These are the introduction of a complete wheel solution engineered to boost efficiency and productivity for farmers and contractors, meeting the demand of the increasing load and torque of the newest generation of engines and transmissions, while fully respecting the environment. The theme will be illustrated by a real aircraft flying over the stand, fitted with TM1000 High Power agricultural tyres.

The passenger car tyres were highly visible on the stand of the La Rochelle based distributor, Districash.  The Managing Director of Districash, Jean-Philippe Moyet observed: “We have had a large number of high quality enquiries regarding Sailun tyres.  We have had a great start to our new trading relationship and fully expect to exceed our 2012 volume predictions.  Demand is high for both Sailun summer and Sailun winter passenger car tyres.”

The Sailun radial truck tyre range was exhibited on the stand of DPI – Doumerc Pneus International.  Patrick Doumerc commented, “Sailun is an excellent brand to represent – it totally complements our existing range and we are very excited in adding Sailun to our line up.  We have had a lot of enquiries and anticipate a high order conversion rate.”

Taking into consideration that Marangoni tyres are only available through Kwik Fit in the UK, the race series will become known as The Marangoni Tyres Production BMW Championship, in association with Kwik Fit. Kwik Fit themselves have fully embraced this new agreement and will be supplying the tyres to all race competitors. 

Up to 25 senior officers of different ranks in various departments led by Comptroller Bello M. Liman, of the Lagos Unit of the Nigeria Customs Service, participated in the Infinity-sponsored training programme.

The Nigeria Customs Service’s policy is to carry out effective checks to look out for substandard tyres being imported into the country. A large percentage of road accidents in Nigeria’s roads are caused by tyres that are certified unfit for circulation. Many of these tyres are purchased as second-hand tyres from abroad, and others are expired or counterfeit tyres branded as new and genuine tyres.

Apollo Tyres Ltd’s consolidated revenue for the 3rd quarter grew 36% to reach a net sales of Rs 32.28 billion (Rs 3228 crore). Indian Operations led the revenue growth with 46% increase in revenue over the same period last fiscal, followed by South Africa with 28% and Europe with 26% growth. 

This year, both Westlake and the NTDA want to make the event an even greater success, especially given that it will be held at what is one of the most famous Golf courses in the UK.

Mr. Jorge Crespo, European General Manager for Eskay Tyres, said, “Last year’s event was a great opportunity for Westlake and the NTDA to work together because the partnership between Eskay Tyres, Westlake and the NTDA was greatly reinforced then. And proof of this is that, one year later, here we are again, at this very prestigious venue, as Mr. Kandhari said we would be.”

The Michelin Pilot Sport 3 delivers high levels of grip. On wet surfaces, it holds the road better when cornering and stops three metres shorter* than its predecessor, the reigning benchmark sports tyre**. In addition, the new tyre provides very precise steering for an enjoyable driving experience. That’s why Michelin can say that its new high-performance tyre delivers “enhanced driving sensations”. What’s more, unlike any other sports tyre, it also boasts outstanding fuel efficiency and extended mileage among its dynamic qualities.

Intended for a wide variety of vehicle categories, the Pilot Sport 3 is suitable for sporty hatchbacks and large, powerful saloons as well as small sports cars, such as roadsters and coupes, with the large 18 to 19-inch sizes serving as optional equipment on non-sporting models. In automotive industry terms, the tyre will cover every vehicle segment from class A to E1.

Like all Maxxis 4x4 tyres the AT980 has been engineered using Virtual Intelligent Prototyping technology to deliver superior grip and handling in all weathers.  Officially launched at Autosport International in January the new AT980 is purpose designed to deliver maximum traction and braking across a variety of surfaces.  Its robust construction enhances puncture resistance and provides excellent bruise resistance and the square shoulder increases loading capability.

Grupo Driver España, which is 51% owned by Pirelli and 49% by dealer partners, announced the truck and bus tyre deal with Westlake during their Annual Partners Convention which this year was held in Seville. Mr. Miguel Delgado, Grupo Driver’s General Director, said, “The deal struck with Westlake is not exclusive and we will start receiving our first shipment of tyres in early February.”

Therefore anything that can help make life easier to sell tyres will always be welcome, which is why Devon based computer and IT specialists TEAM Systems has increased its software program portfolio to assist its ever growing customer base in the UK and Ireland in their daily business management. One particular popular business tool has been TEAM's ' bespoke 'Virtual Warehousing' package which enables wholesalers to include a comprehensive and constantly updated online summary of their current stock-holding and prices to the retail market on a 24/7 basis.

Pirelli, the official tyre supplier to Formula One, have supplied the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy’s fleet of A-Class cars with Pirelli Cold Weather tyres to help raise awareness of the importance of preparing your vehicle before the onset of wintery road conditions.

The new partnership is aimed at keeping new drivers safe, whilst also alerting them of the higher risks associated with driving on ice, snow and sub-zero temperatures. It will also help provide new drivers with the confidence to drive more safely in adverse weather conditions.

 This fresh offering from the technology-driven Korean company is regarded as a milestone product by Kumho – taking it to the next tier of tyre performance. It is currently available in over 50 sizes from 16” to 20”, most with extra load capability.

This enables the new van range to cover 88% of the UK van sector and enhances the already vast car tyre passenger range and what is considered the most comprehensive 4x4 tyre range in the UK market today.

The new Eurovan 2 is optimised to European road conditions through a combination of flat belt technology and tread design, ensuring high mileage performance and safety.

MATRAC FX has been designed to offer especially high levels of wet weather performance and resistance to aquaplaning. Two more of its outstanding characteristics are high resistance to uneven wear and low noise generation.

The MU11 owes its superior performance to a combination of an optimum silica compounding matrix, advanced construction design and the application of sophisticated simulation technologies. It features asymmetric grooves that prevent heel and toe wear by minimising the movement of outside lateral blocks. The water drainage performance is enhanced by slashed lateral grooves.

Infinity’s Ultra High performance tyres are developed through the highest investment in R&D. Infinity’s goal is to provide high quality products with better durability and efficiency, better grip and a reduction in braking distance and noise level. All in all, the brand offers the drivers the highest levels of safety and driving comfort whilst reducing fuel consumption.

 The first tyre to be launched here this year is FALKEN’s Azenis FK453 CC. The first of a family of tyres in the company’s UHP range, FALKEN claims the tyre will enable owners of sports SUVs to enjoy higher levels of performance whilst also reducing the noise levels (by a claimed 10 percent over FALKEN’s predecessor, the S/TZ01).

The Genius Training Development programme is the first of its kind to provide a clearly defined development structure. The programme is the most comprehensive of its type within the industry and was initially launched on the 31^st January with 30 high performing employees from a broad spectrum of tyre companies.

The training has been configured to cover all aspects related to the tyre industry including sales and tyre technology as well as finance, marketing & people development, with the end aim of producing tyre specialists capable of dealing with all aspects of the industry and providing outstanding customer service.

The key outcomes of the review include:

• Retaining the existing test frequency.
• Working with industry codes of practice to raise standards.
• Tightening regulation in the second-hand vehicle market. 

“Industry welcomes the decision by government to retain the existing MOT test regime, supporting the need to keep road safety a top priority,” said Paul Everitt, SMMT Chief Executive. “Government will encourage garages to take up industry codes of practice to ensure a consistent and high quality approach to testing, thereby building consumer confidence and satisfaction. Industry will continue to work with the OFT-backed consumer protection scheme, Motor Codes, to play its part in improving standards across the service and repair sector.”

Transport Secretary, Justine Greening, said, “Our garages are crucial to ensuring that Britain’s roads continue to be among the safest in the world. Most are doing good work but the latest data shows that there is room for improvement.

“I want each motorist to be confident that a visit to the garage ends with their car repaired to a high standard by reputable mechanics rather than uncertainty about cost and the quality of service."

The MOT test plays a crucial role in maintaining the standards of vehicles on UK roads. In the UK, new cars complete an MOT test three years after purchase and annually thereafter. Last year there was an 8% reduction in the number of people killed or seriously injured on UK roads and thanks to stringent vehicle testing, the UK has some of the safest roads in Europe.

Intended to give consumers essential information to help them when choosing new tyres, the EU Label will be given values from A-G, excluding D to avoid an average performing tyre.

Wet braking will be a crucial element highlighted on the EU Label. Vehicles with tyres from Class A stop in the shortest distance from 50mph, whilst tyres from Class B take an additional 3-6 metres. This trend continues for the subsequent values and results in an increase in braking distance of over 18 metres from a vehicle in Class A to Class F. It is key that this crucial safety value appears on the label to enable the motorist to have a fuller picture of the tyres performance. A label that only highlighted rolling resistance and noise could give a false impression of the tyres performance. For wet braking Categories D and G are not used so any tyre with longer stopping distances in the wet will be rated as E or F.

One of the most exciting is the return of Kwik-Fit Fleet which is becoming a major player in the CV sector

Incorporating WORKSHOP 2012 FREE tickets are available at www.cvshow.com

With over 200 exhibitors already confirmed, world exclusive launches promised and 49% more space booked to date than at this point last year, CV Show 2012 is set to be a ‘must-go’ event for the UK’s commercial vehicle buyers.

“The commercial vehicle industry has bounced back from recession with vigour, a fact spelled out by the early enthusiasm for the 2012 Show,” said Paul Everitt, SMMT Chief Executive. “The number of exhibitors already signed-up demonstrates the sector’s commitment to drive through economic uncertainty, delivering even more efficient and capable vehicles, products and services to the UK’s CV buyers.”

Major vehicle manufacturers have committed to the CV Show with Ford, Isuzu, MAN, Mercedes and Vauxhall just some of the big names set to wow the crowds with the latest metal. Additionally, the likes of Ashwoods Automotive and Webasto will represent component manufacturers, while Ingimex and Tevo form part of the broad range of bodybuilder and storage solution companies that will exhibit from 24 to 26 April.

HiQ believes that EU tyre labelling legislation - which will come into effect in 2012 - is the biggest single development to impact upon the tyre retailing industry in the last 50 years.

However, the company’s research has revealed that 87 per cent of drivers know nothing about it, which is why it has commissioned a tyre label awareness Fiat 500 car which will be roaming the UK in the New Year.

And the first person in the driver’s seat was motorsport legend Murray Walker, who was on hand to unveil the car at HiQ’s recent national franchise conference.

The law will order every garage in the UK to display information about every tyre’s performance, including wet grip, exterior noise and fuel efficiency.

However, there continues to be a growing concern in some areas of the industry that so far the retail and fleet markets appear to be adopting the ‘Ostrich Approach’ to this very important development within the UK and European tyre industry.

There has already been a lot of debate concerning how the new labels will affect sales with a very much ‘divided opinion’ within the industry. The general consensus seems to be that a majority of car owners and light commercial fleet operators remain only vaguely aware of the forthcoming EU tyre regulations.

Steve Greatrex, Managing Director of Devon based IT specialists TEAM Systems says, “Safety, Fuel Efficiency and Longevity are all contributory factors within the new tyre labelling law and if greater awareness is not made widely available to all market sectors then many retailers and independent haulage companies are going to be taken by surprise at some point next year when the legislation is introduced.”

The online survey, which had almost 800 responses, found that 86 per cent knew nothing about the Europe-wide system, which will be enforced from November 2012. In fact, only 2 per cent stated that they were ‘fully aware’, 2 per cent said they were ‘quite aware’ and 10 per cent were ‘a little aware’.

ATS Euromaster believes that selecting the right tyre for a vehicle – and the customer’s requirements – will be simplified with the introduction of tyre labelling. Over 90 per cent of respondents agreed, acknowledging that labelling would influence and aid them when purchasing tyres.

Group Marketing Director for ATS Euromaster, Huw Williams, says: “Currently, there is no objective, universal method for categorising tyres and this can make choosing tyres seem like a daunting task.