Andrew Bogie

Aftermarket parts supplier LKQ UK & Ireland will cut its yearly carbon emissions (CO2e) significantly after transitioning its HGV logistics fleet to run on low carbon hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), otherwise known as Biofuel. Its estimated 4 million kg-plus saving of CO2e represents a significant contribution towards meeting LKQ Corporation’s goal to achieve net zero scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2050.

Michelin is offering help to farmers in optimising tyre pressures based on load, speed, and application via its free AgroPressure app. Farming equipment running on optimised tyre pressures will experience improved efficiency and more soil protection, ultimately improving productivity and reducing operational costs. The app is available on Android and iOS devices in the Google Play and App Store.

North-west UK haulier David Bratt & Sons has reported a reduction in downtime and improved efficiency after it switched to a Michelin tyre policy, serviced by Quinton Tyres. The Cheadle Hulme company runs a 70-strong fleet of trucks, and 80 trailers, providing a range of transport solutions from specialist distribution, the delivery of steel, construction materials and control panels, to last-mile deliveries. The switch to Michelin from a rival tyre manufacturer followed a consultation with Quinton Tyres and Michelin business territory manager, Matthew Parkinson.

Kemi Ojo-Osagie, a graduate associate at GXO, has begun a six-month secondment in Ghana with Transaid, an international development organisation. She is supporting the rollout of a new training standard for Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers as part of the Driving Safety Across Ghana project. Kemi’s role focuses on advocacy, outreach, and driver sensitization at truck parks near coastal ports. Her goal is to expand these efforts across Ghana.

Public transport operator trentbarton has committed to a further five years on Michelin bus tyres, having signed a new Effitires contract with Michelin’s Connected Solutions division. Michelin will supply and manage the tyres on more than 400 buses servicing routes across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire for trentbarton, as well as the Wellglade Group’s other businesses Notts + Derby, TM Travel and Kinchbus.

Yokohama is supplying its Advan V61 tyres as original equipment (OE) to Mazda Motor Corporation for use on the automaker’s new crossover SUV, the Mazda CX-80, sales of which will be launched in Japan, Australia, New Zealand and other countries in October 2024. The tyre sizes are 235/60R18 103V and 235/60R18 107V.

Essex independent dealer Tyre-Smart was named the best Small Tyre Retailer of the Year 2024 at the NTDA's annual Tyre Industry Awards ceremony. The family-owned business, which is a member of the Michelin Quality Centre network, on Moss Road, Witham, was triumphant against other single-site tyre dealerships from across the UK to win the prestigious trophy.

First Stop has promoted Brenden Marais to Retail North Network and Procurement Manager. The promotion follows a two-and-a-half year spell as national franchise manager.

The themes of the 2024 Tyre Industry Conference were first outlined by NTDA chief executive Stefan Hay, who framed the current moment for the tyre trade as a time of flux. This period of change is characterised by opportunities to achieve strides forward in areas such as digitalisation, training, roadside safety and sustainability, but also significant threats to the sector, like cyberattacks and the difficulty in recruiting younger people to tyre industry roles. Hay said that the need for highly skilled workers has intensified, due to an ageing workforce, declining interest in engineering jobs, and increased demand for hybrid and remote working from the younger generation. Ultimately, it may be that progression in the evolution of the tyre industry may be realised by embracing perceived threats, Hay suggested.

Building materials manufacturer Forterra has opted for Michelin as its sole tyre supplier. Operating from 13 locations nationwide, Forterra produces some 500 million bricks a year, which it transports via 143 trucks (both rigids with drawbars and tractor units) and 153 predominately drawbar trailers, the vast majority of which feature mechanical offload systems