Andrew Bogie

Goodyear is a long-term headline supporter and tyre supplier of one the most heavyweight forms of motorsport: truck racing. The tyre manufacturer says supplying the tyres on which the series competes demonstrates the performance, durability and sustainability of its truck tyre technology. The 2022 G…

The electric vehicle tyre market is evolving quickly, with manufacturers adding EV-appropriate technologies to existing ranges and in some cases launching new lines of specialist products. These products have several goals, most notably offering range-maximising fuel economy, increased resistance to wear, reducing noise, and the ability to carry heavier loads, all while demonstrating greater sustainability and continuing to offer a high level of safety performance. Naturally these characteristics require technological advancements in order to reconcile contradictory demands; for example, making lower-weight tyres that consume fewer materials while also increasing ruggedness to reduce wear and tyre emissions. With tyres specified for electric vehicles now appearing on the European aftermarket in greater numbers, the need for independent scrutiny is becoming greater, and German magazine Auto Motor und Sport has responded by comparing three of the newest EV-specified products with current flagships, fitted to co

BBC News reported this week that Norway now has more electric cars on its roads than petrol-and driven vehicles. UK experts say that the country is 15 years behind in terms of our domestic market's EV pick-up. Aidan Rusby, CEO at car finance company Carmoola says: "The UK's EV market is currently seeing huge growth. 17.2 per cent of newly registered cars sold in 2024 are fully electric."

Bridgestone and Young Driver have announced a UK partnership that will connect the company with 320,000 pupils and parents around the country over the next 12 months. Coinciding with TyreSafe’s October Tyre Safety Month campaign, the collaboration will see Bridgestone delivering the message about the crucial role that tyres play in keeping drivers safe through various inventive initiatives. On average, Young Driver delivers 140,000 lessons to young people between 10 and 17 each year, using cars ranging from Vauxhall Corsas to Porsches. The scheme operates at 70 private venues all over the UK, offering responsible learning in a safe, controlled environment, with qualified driving instructors delivering lessons in a fun and engaging way, to nurture the future generation of drivers.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.