A SHOCK announcement that five tyre manufacturer-owned retail groups are leaving the National Tyre Distributors Association has been followed by Kwik-Fit, the country's largest independent fast-fit organisation, saying it was considering joining. Kwik-Fit's move means the NTDA is upbeat about its future, particularly in its potential ability to represent the independent sector.

ATS, Central Tyre, Hi-Q Tyreservices, Motorway Tyre and National Tyres and Autocare announced that they will resign from the association at the end of December. The decision means the number of depots the NTDA represents will fall from 2,500 to just over 1,000 and subscription income fall by about 17%.Commenting on the surprise decisions NTDA director Richard Edy said: 'Naturally we are saddened that major companies who have contributed so much to the association for many years should choose to resign en masse in this way. However, the association now has a major opportunity to concentrate on representing the interests of the independent sector of the tyre and fast-fit trade in a way that has not been possible before.'

Sir Tom Farmer, chairman and chief executive of Kwik-Fit, said: 'It is important that the tyre industry has strong representation at all levels of government, both domestic and European. It is also vital that a strong industry body promotes critical safety and environmental issues. As such Kwik-Fit is reviewing its position with regard to changes that have taken place recently within the NTDA.'