News 10 www.aftermarketonline.net JUNE 2024 In association with Davanti Tyres was in Asia in May as part of the independent UK-owned brand’s bid to expand within the lucrative regional market. The move came just weeks after the company behind the brand, Oak Tyres, said it had reached an environmental benchmark — offsetting 5,200 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions in association with Ecologi — which Oak said is the equivalent of nearly 13 million miles driven in a car. Oak’s sustainability milestone was announced on Earth Day on April 22. The company said it had offset the 5,200 tonnes CO₂e from its van fleet by funding 22 different carbon avoidance projects, as well as funding the planting of more than 57,000 trees for forestation and reforestation plans worldwide. Meanwhile, Davanti featured at Tyrexpo Asia in Bangkok, showcasing 20 different tyres including the popular DX and UHP Protoura Sport ranges as well as the brand’s first dedicated mud terrain tyre — the Terratoura M/T. Expo visitors to the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre also had a sneak preview of Davanti’s latest ranges, including Ecoura HP1 — a high-performance, efficient passenger car tyre. Establishing the Davanti brand in Asia has been a focus of the tyre manufacturer over recent years. Davanti general manager Peter Cross said the event was an opportunity to further build relationships and awareness of its product range. Auto industry calls for price incentives to boost sales of EVs have been largely ignored by the government, despite support from a House of Lords committee, the National Franchised Dealers Association has said. The Lords’ Environment and Climate Change Committee said in its February report — EV strategy: rapid recharge needed — there should be targeted grants to incentivise the purchase of EVs and a reduction in the public charging VAT from 20% to the 5% imposed on domestic chargers. However, NFDA chief executive Sue Robinson said on April 24 the government rejected the calls just days earlier, which she said was disappointing. “NFDA has repeatedly called for measures from the government to aid dealers and consumers during the transition to electric including through the introduction of price incentives and the harmonisation of VAT in public and domestic charging,” Robinson said. “The UK has some of the most ambitious climate commitment targets such as the ZEV mandate but offers little in respect of incentives.” Robinson called on the government to urgently rethink its position and to work with the industry to achieve the best outcomes for dealers and consumers. In March, commenting on the Spring Budget, Robinson also criticised the lack of reform to the “existing and unworkable” apprenticeship levy. “The motor retail sector experienced its highest vacancy rate in 2023. The sector currently is grappling with an intensifying skills shortage, which a reform of the apprenticeship levy could help alleviate,” she said. Aftermarket reported in April that analysis by the Institute of the Motor Industry showed vacancies in the automotive aftermarket remained stubbornly high at 23,000 — highlighting the need to ramp up recruitment in the sector. Oak rolls into Asia with Davanti, hits green milestone NFDA urges UK to ‘think again’ and back incentives for EVs
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