Tyre News

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s Kevin Nicks, Guinness world record holder and creator of the world’s fastest Shed, has partnered with First Stop. Amongst other things the partnership involves the placing a First Stop hoarding on the front of the Shed.

Fifty Shades of Grey – now showing on Britain’s roads. After securing the top spot in 2018, grey cemented its position as the UK’s favourite new car colour last year. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reports that new registrations of grey cars grew 5.3% last year. In total, 521,273 new grey cars joined Britain's vehicle fleet – 22.6% of all new cars.

Yokohama has ended its Chelsea shirt sponsorship after “five very successful years”. However, the Japanese tyre manufacturer will now be the team's Official Global Tyre Partner. Mobile network Three has since been named as the new shirt sponsors in a three-year deal. Three’s logo will appear on all of Chelsea’s shirts from 2020/21, including Chelsea Women and Academy sides as well as the men’s team.

Volkswagen has approved a trio of Vredestein tyre models for the latest generation of the UK’s second-best-selling car. In addition to offering the Golf 8 with the Vredestein Sportrac 5 in size 195/65R15, buyers wanting winter tyres can receive their car equipped with the Vredestein Wintrac Pro in the same dimension or the Snowtrac 5 in size 205/55R16.

Vehicle lift safety issues have led to the suspension of all MOT tests for cars and light vehicles in Northern Ireland. On 27 January 2020 the Driver Vehicle Agency (DVA) said: “Anyone due to get their car or light vehicle MOT [28 January] should not attend.” However, “tests on heavy goods vehicles and buses will continue.”

Interest in classic cars has boomed over the past decade and with it demand for authentic-looking tyres. Yokohama is increasing its activities here and presented several ranges at Autosport International. Rally legend Paddy Hopkirk even stopped by to lend a hand.