News 8 www.aftermarketonline.net SEPTEMBER 2025 Autogem has hailed its fourth annual Under Pressure TPMS competition as the most successful to date, with some of the UK’s most forward-thinking tyre retailers and industry professionals joining technicians from over 1,000 retail sites vying for a place in the live final. The latest event, held at the prestigious Pirelli Performance Centre in Burton-on-Trent in June, set records for entries, finalist selections and engagement, Autogem said. The three winners who emerged victorious across distinct categories were Kai Llewellyn (small retailer and overall competition winner), Luke Mills (large retailer) and Brajan Szalachta (under-23). Meanwhile, in a poignant first for Under Pressure, an award was presented in honour of the late Adam Livett to the technician who shared Adam’s same sense of enthusiasm, warmth and humility. Liam Healy was the eventual winner of this prize. EVs switch ‘charged with uncertainty’ Autogem champions’ TPMS excellence The Motor Ombudsman wins tyre safety award The Motor Ombudsman has scooped up a prestigious award for its tyre safety campaigning. TMO won the 2025 TyreSafe Online and Social Media Award for its ‘Make Time for Tyres’ campaign and lifted the coveted Michelin Tyre-sponsored trophy. The accolade was presented at the recent British Tyre Manufacturers’ Association TyreSafe Briefing held at the National Conference Centre in Birmingham. This is the second time that TMO has claimed the award. From left, Kai Llewellyn, Brajan Szalachta, Luke Mills Motorists across the UK are increasingly uncertain about making the switch to EVs for a variety of reasons, according to a new survey. Bridgestone said its latest survey found that 40% of drivers remain uncertain about the move to EVs, which represents a significant jump from 27% in 2024 and 22% just three years ago. A total of 27% of respondents said that they would never buy one, an increase of 5% in two years, while 53% said they would be making the switch within the next five years. Meanwhile, the survey indicated that the high upfront cost of purchasing an EV was a leading deterrent for 59% of respondents, up from 42% in 2024. Access to charging infrastructure remains a barrier for 62%, though Bridgestone said this figure has seen a slight improvement from last year’s 68%. Charging costs are also a worry for 53%, while nearly half still cite range limitations as a key concern.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ0NzM=