AVON TYRES AROUND FOREVER
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AVON TYRES AROUND FOREVER
AVON TYRES AROUND FOREVER
In my long career in the tyre industry (too long), it is fair to say that there have been many changes that have taken place in the industry, some good and others bad. The large tyre manufacturers bought out the small niche manufacturers; for example, Goodyear Tyres took over Kelly and Lee Tyres, and a few others on the way, Continental Tyres bought out
Semperit tyres and a few others (the names of those who slip my mind at the moment), and so on and so forth.
We also remember the fight to take over control of the tyre retail chains, starting off in the 1960s and 1970s. Michelin took over British retailer ATS, and Dunlop formed the National Tyres chain by merging some acquisitions, including the very large retailer Marsham Tyres. Pirelli formed the Central Tyre Group, and the list goes on and on.
I worked for a small tyre company in Dewsbury, Yorkshire, UK
But we were swallowed up into the National Tyre Group and became primarily Dunlop and India Tyre retailers. This was the main aim—to sell the products of the mother company. To be true, I really enjoyed what was going on, and it all became a learning curve for me for the future. The times in the sixties were great for me as a teenager; it really was the “swinging sixties.”.
I clearly remember that the working man had more disposable income, and they were beginning to buy more cars. These cars needed puncture repairs and new tyres, so things started to get busy. We had a very mixed type of business community in the area where we were living, from large textile mills to farming on the outskirts of the towns. We also had all of the service industry that comes with a large populated area, such as hauliers, builders, bus companies, and the smaller types of businesses like solicitors, local banks, and building societies, all of which used cars and trucks and therefore had to buy tyres.
In the 1960s, we had to be “jacks of all trades.”. AVON TYRES AROUND FOREVER
Whereas in today’s tyre market, we generally stick to one thing, such as the fact that we in Halifax only service cars and other companies specialise in truck or earth mover tyres. We never knew what would come to us next; it could be a puncture repair on a tractor rear from a farmer or a small cart wheel from a mill basket on wheels. We also had a mix of different cars, from the rich mill owners with their Rolls Royce’s to a bus conductor with his Mini.
One of the things that stands out in my mind is that we used a large amount of inner tubes in those days and also that wheel balancing was relatively new thing; most wheels were balanced with
a simple bubble balancer and wheel alignment were not in our vocabulary in the 1960s. Radial tyres were replacing X-ply’s, and more and more cars were coming out on radial tubeless tyres.
Avon Tyres comes into the story—AVON TYRES AROUND FOREVER
Some of the cars that were coming in for tyres included the new Rover 2000. I remember this car because, apart from the fact that it was very different in style and size, it came out on 165×14 Pirelli Cinturato tyres, but I believe that it was my first introduction to Avon tyres, who also made 165×14 radial tyres for this model. The new Rover became very popular with the new “middle management” customers, and in 1966, a TC version was released, which made the car capable of over 100 mph.
Avon Tyres was better known for their motorcycle tyres but started to push into the car tyre market. We were also witnessing new tyre sizes to fit the newer types of cars that were competing for the new wealth that was emanating from the new business confidence that was giving the UK a “buzz.”. Cars like the E-Type Jaguar were getting more popular as second-hand versions became available, starting off at the Geneva Motor Show in 1961.
Jaguar cars were getting more popular amongst the wealthy mill owners who would buy one for their wives and kids, but they came out mainly on Dunlop tyres, who had formed a good relationship with the Jaguar company, although I do remember that Dunlop had balancing problems with some of the tyres. It was in the 1980’s that Avon tyres were fitted to some Jaguars. The tyre that was used was the Avon Turbo-Steel Radial, which was fitted to the XK model.
AVON TYRES AROUND FOREVER-Avon became more popular
They have brought out many different tyre designs and patterns over the years, but one of the things that has impressed me is that they have always had a strong involvement in “motorsport.”. This developed from the motor-cycle side of the business. But back in the sixties and seventies, car manufacturers started to race and rally sporty versions of their models. Such cars as Minis, MGB’s, and Ford Cortina’s were developed into track and rally cars. Avon Tyres is one of the few companies that has kept up the
tradition right up to the present day, and can offer tyres that are just as good and competitive as they were in the original racing days.
Avon Tyres still makes tyres, from the 450×17 vintage car tyre to the textile radials that have a special cling rubber tread compound that is used in making the Avon textile radial. The Avon Historic All-Weather tread-patterned tyres are designed to give excellent road holding in all-weather applications while keeping the period look of the historic range of racing cars. It is FIA-approved for different historic racing series throughout the world. The textile radial is a “V”-rated tyre, so is capable of speeds of up to 150 mph, making it ideal for vintage racing.
AVON TYRES AROUND FOREVER-Avon tyres ACB9-AVON TYRES AROUND FOREVER
This tyre was developed as a Formula Ford 1600 tyre and is used for the pre-1974 historic car championships. The tyre is also used for pre-1965 1000cc Formula 3 races and small bore vintage cars such as the MG Midgets and Frog Eyed Sprites. It is a great attribute of Avon to continue making these tyres in all sorts of sizes for this different array of cars.
The list of tyres that Avon makes goes on and on, and I will be covering some of them in different articles. From my early youth to the present day, I have always been a huge fan of the Avon Company, and we still buy their tyres to this day. We were sad when Avon was taken over by Cooper tyres but the old name has survived, and we can look forward to many years of this excellent tyre product.
Forward to 2023
The Future of Avon Tyres in the United Kingdom: A Regional View
To all my fellow Britons!
Join me as we explore Avon Tyres’ UK future today. We care about what happens to well-loved businesses like Avon Tyres because I am the proud owner of a garage business in Halifax and I have always maintained a close watch on the car sector. Is this famous tyre brand going out of business, or is it going to keep getting stronger? First, we can look at it from a regional perspective.
The origins of Avon Tyres go back more than a century. Many of us have depended on the brand’s tyres for our cars and motorcycles, and the name has been trusted on British roads for years. However, considering how rapidly the car industry is evolving, it’s only reasonable to be curious about what lies ahead.
Let us start by admitting that the tyre sector has changed just like any other. A number of factors have contributed to this shift, including new rules, environmental concerns, and changing customer tastes. Does this, however, portend a downturn for Avon Tyres? Probably not.
Avon Tyres stands apart from the competition because of their dedication to quality.
The peculiarities of driving in the United Kingdom, where the weather is as fickle as Aunt Mabel’s Sunday roast, have long been known to them. Known for its dependable grip and safety features, particularly in rainy weather, Avon Tyres has reliably supplied goods that are designed for the British climate. We Britons know a thing or two about rain, so that’s a huge plus!
However, originality is as important as quality. Updated rubber compounds and tread designs are only two examples of how Avon Tyres has embraced technology to keep up with the demands of contemporary cars. They’ve put money into R&D in the UK to make sure their tyres are safe and environmentally beneficial, in line with rising environmental consciousness.
Here we are, talking about the neighbourhood. AVON TYRES AROUND FOREVER
As a company with strong ties to the UK, Avon Tyres has demonstrated real concern for local communities. They’ve partnered with tyre industry professionals and enthusiasts, sponsored regional motorsport events and backed British motorbike racing. They clearly care about the UK market because of this local participation.
Now the question is: what lies ahead?
To be sure, Avon Tyres isn’t going anywhere. They have persisted through the storms and adjusted to the shifting tides. We have every reason to believe that the brand will not only survive but thrive in the UK, as long as they keep innovating, keep up their quality standards, and stay linked with the local scene.
Avon Tyres continue to offer reliable traction and safety on the familiar British roads, so whether you’re an experienced motorist or an explorer on two wheels, you can rely on them. In the years to come, may Avon Tyres be as reliable as a vintage British automobile cruising down a country road.
Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre offer car and van servicing and repairs to all makes of vehicles.
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