Page 10 - CTB n3 - 2013/3,

NEWS
Michelin Solves Tyre Failure Problem for Davies Turner
International logistics specialist Davies Turner estimates it has saved more than £20,000 over two years following a significant decrease in tyre failures after switching to a full Michelin policy for its trailer fleet in July 2011. Davies Turner says it had previously experienced at least one tyre-related breakdown per
month from a competing brand of retreaded tyres, until Michelin’s Technical Manager Dan Lamb recommended a Michelin Four Lives policy across its 385/55 R 22.5 shod fleet of Krone trailers. The haulier’s 42 trailers collect hanging garments from North Africa, transporting them through Europe to the UK, with third
party hauliers providing the traction. Each tyre failure that occurred overseas cost approximately £900 in call-out charges, tyre replacement and associated downtime.
Since implementing its Michelin policy Davies Turner says it has experienced no tyre failures across any of its Michelin-shod trailers – significantly increasing uptime, enhancing tyre longevity, and reducing fleet running costs.
John Lucy, Moroccan Services Manager at Davies Turner, says: “We noticed in 2011 that the quality of our remould tyres was deteriorating and tyre-related breakdowns were occurring at least once ever y four weeks, particularly when our fleet was abroad in hotter climates. That simply wasn’t safe or financially viable, and we were keen to resolve the problem promptly. “We spoke to Michelin and Dan Lamb recommended a Michelin Four Lives policy to
us. The results we have seen since have been fantastic. Whereas our previous tyres couldn’t cope with the heat in Spain and Morocco, Michelin’s new and Remix tyres have lasted time and time again, making our vehicles safer and saving us time and money.”
In addition to improved tyre life and robustness, Davies Turner’s sub-contracted hauliers benefit from reduced fuel consumption thanks to Michelin’s low rolling resistance trailer tyres. Since the beginning of 2013, this has included a move to fitting X Line Energy T fitments, Michelin’s latest low rolling resistance trailer tyre, which replaces the previous generation X Energy SaverGreen XTs.
Founded in 1870 and based in Manchester, Davies Turner’s trailers operate seven days a week, travelling up to 100,000 kilometres a year.
Josam and Car-O-Liner Join
Forces in Distributor
Tyre Incidents Inspire New Motorway Messages
Conference
Josam and Car-O-Liner joined forces recently to organise a joint distributor conference. Staged in Gothenburg, Sweden between 26- 28 June the conference was marketed under the strapline “Straight for the Future”.
The first day had a specific Car- O-Liner focus and was followed by a second day with a general automotive focus featuring with hosts from the automotive industry and a guest speaker, Colin Moon, who talked about culture differences in business. In the evening a Dealer of the Year ceremony was held with five Josam distributors being nominated, these being Manbeni (Malaysia), Gallax (Russia),
Tribotech (India), Lebon and Gimbrair (Holland) and
Tatko (Turkey). The winner of the award was Tribotech of India. The final day was a 100% Josam day which was spent in a brand new Scania workshop with state of the art Josam equipment. The
focus was given to the Josam i- track, the company’s supersonic wheel alignment system. Instructors Torbjorn Backlund and Nils-Erik Gustafsson measured an articulated bus, truck and trailer, trailer alone as well as showing the set up of a workshop. This was finalised by showing all the company’s three induction heaters and the heat treatment of a trailer axle.
The second half of the day was spent in the Gothia Conference Centre with a focus on product updates and theory.
Closed lanes, tailbacks, delays, injury and even loss of life are just some of the tyre related consequences that have inspired a new set of advisory messages to drivers travelling on the UK's motorways. 'Safe tyres save lives' is a new message being seen by drivers on overhead message boards in a bid to help reduce the number of dangerous tyre related incidents occurring on the UK's road network. And with more than 2,500 tyre related breakdowns reported by the Highways Agency in May and
June alone, it's easy to see why tyre safety is such a priority.
"Tyre incidents can cause a host of problems for drivers, their passengers and other road users so it's vitally important that motorists make regular tyre checks before travelling," explains Stuart Jackson, chairman, TyreSafe. "The new message signs are a great reminder to drivers about the four small pieces of rubber that are responsible for them being able to brake or corner and arrive at their destination safely."
10 Commercial Tyre Business