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COMPANY NEWS
German market. From Germany will be able to supply within Germany in 24 hours and within 48 hours outside Germany. Of key importance is the fact that MWheels GmbH will be a separate legal entity in Europe, so whatever happens with regards to Brexit will not affect this growth. Products will be shipped from our main supplier Wheels India direct to the European market place.”
In Germany MWheels GmbH has already established a relationship with Pneuhage and will initially be targeting the Pneusnet Group within other regions of Germany. At the same time Mardle is now beginning to
tyre manufacturers, key tyre distributors such as ATS Euromaster and TruckForce, trailer suppliers and fleets. “We are transforming the wheel and tyre purchasing process from two purchases to a single purchase,” explains Mardle.
In Europe, MWheels GmbH is currently primarily focusing on offering small batch solutions (i.e. sets of 6, 12 or 24 wheels and tyres), although, according to Mardle, the company will eventually also concentrate on developing meaningful relationships with the main tyre manufacturers, OE trailer manufacturers and fleets across Europe too.
response to the potential impact of the EU Roadworthiness Act, which had to be adopted by member states by May 2017 and fully applied by May 2018. The basis of the Act is that it specifies that compatibility between parts and components, such as between wheels and wheel hubs, should be treated as a critical item and should be checked during roadworthiness testing.
Says Mardle; “The legislation means that by May 2018, wheels have to be certified products that are fit for purpose. This legislation is real, and it’s
current landscape, a look at problem wheels and non- circumferential hubs, today’s legal implications should an accident occur and a comprehensive 10-point wheel checklist. It continues to outline three recommendations on how to keep a fleet safe including best servicing practices, traceability and procurement and choosing the correct wheel and fittings.
In additional to the publication of the White Paper, MWheels continues to organise an active campaign to raise awareness of the EU Roadworthiness Act.
look at other key European markets such as Italy and Spain, and will eventually also look to expand into Eastern Europe.
In the UK MWheels supplies wheels and tyre solutions through a wide range of channels including all the main
“Overall, we can see our investment in Germany giving us the opportunity to double our business size,” says Mardle. “It is an exciting opportunity, but a major challenge too.”
One area in which MWheels has been a forerunner is the
imminent, and it will mean that the scattergun approach to tyre and wheel buying will have to end. Come May 2018 there will be new stipulations on all commercial vehicle fleet operators to strengthen their purchasing, inspection and maintenance procedures and, as leading technical experts in our field, we need to ensure the industr y is ready to meet these new legislative requirements without affecting profit.” MWheels has taken a pro-active approach to the demands of the EU Roadworthiness Act producing a White Paper entitled “Evaluating commercial vehicle wheel safety – how to keep safe and stay compliant.” The White Paper, which has been designed to further augment information which exists from leading industry bodies, gives an overview of the
Meetings are being arranged with relevant MPs, and a Westminster Hall debate planned, with the potential for a subsequent Westminster Hall Round Table with key stakeholders.
Says Mardle; “Our approach is about being a quality provider and recognising the needs of the industr y. It’s also about being seen to be a service provider with a qualified level of technical understanding. With publication of the White Paper, our job is not finished. In fact it’s just starting, and our aim is to get ever yone on board.”
Commercial Tyre Business
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