Company News
Jim Smith, editor of Tire Review, dies
The editorial team at Tyres & Accessories/Tyrepress.com were saddened to learn of the recent passing of Jim Smith, editor of US tyre industry publication Tire Review. Smith, aged 58, died suddenly at the ‘Tire Industry Association OTR Conference’ in San Diego last week.
UK News
Where’re 4×4/SUV tyres AT?
With Micheldever reporting that 2016 got off to a good start for the company, Tyres & Accessories met with wholesale director Alan Baldwin in order to find out more about the company’s 4x4/SUV tyre business, which was recently boosted by the launch of 4site4x4tyres.co.uk.
International News
Exhaust maker BM Catalysts wants to stay in
Toby Massy, managing director of BM Catalysts has come out in favour of staying in the EU. His anti-Brexit remarks were prepared the week before Prime Minister David Cameron’s latest “emergency brake” deal with EU leaders and before London Mayor Boris Johnson announced he would head up the leave campaign, but remain the same now.
Motorsport
Aston Martin WEC team to race on Dunlop tyres
Aston Martin Racing’s entries in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) have switched from Michelin to Dunlop tyres for the 2016 season. The team evaluated Dunlop’s motorsport tyres over the winter and, under a new technical partnership, the Dunlop rubber will now be supplied to the Aston Martin Racing Vantage GTE cars.
Retreading News
Dunlop Aircraft Tyres receives global business boost with FAA certification
The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) has approved Dunlop Aircraft Tyres’ facilities in China and the USA. The FAA-14 CFR Part 145 approval means operators of US-registered commercial aircraft are able to fit the company’s products. The company has a global tyre distribution and retreading network, and is opening its first distribution and retreading facility in North America in order to support aircraft operators throughout the Americas.
Product News
ADAC size 225/45 R 17 tyre test: Private brand finishes in “victors’ quartet”
In addition to publishing a test of 15-inch tyres for small and compact cars, German motoring organisation the ADAC has tested the popular 225/45 R 17 Y fitment, a size often found on mid-sized saloons and estates such as the Audi A4, VW Golf, BMW 3 Series, Ford Mondeo, Mazda 6, Seat Leon, Skoda Octavia and Toyota Avensis. The ADAC used a VW Golf 7 to evaluate the 16 participating tyres and evaluated them on how they performed in a range of dry and wet surface criteria, as well as their rolling resistance, noise/comfort and wear characteristics.
Career Tracks
CAM awarded Investors in People
CAM has been accredited with Investors in People (IIP) following a recent inspection. The standard recognises high quality customer service and support, high levels of staff retention, and a leading position and high penetration in its target sector.
Comment
What to do about the EU?
This morning we went to press we awoke to the news that David Cameron has almost negotiated an “emergency brake” deal. In other words, the British Prime Minister is working to control the number of migrants entering the country and the amount of benefits the state should have to pay them. Early indications suggest that Cameron will be able to pull the “emergency brake” for up to four years if the UK can prove Britain's social and welfare system is under “excessive strain” from immigration. However, all this obscures the wider political debate that is going on within British politics and the conservative party itself. And it belies the fact that parties of all colours are positioning themselves politically ahead of the UK referendum on whether or not to remain a member of the European Union.