Wheel Alignment
Pro-Align makes DCM Tyres its first Alignment Centre of the Month
Wheel alignment equipment specialist, Pro-Align has made DCM Tyres in Shaftesbury its first ‘Alignment Centre of the Month’ winner for January 2012. The Hunter distributer says DCM has enjoyed a considerable month on month increase in turnover and profit generated from its HawkEye HD imaging aligner, installed five months ago when the Shaftesbury site opened. The retailer reports income of £4,000 from the machine in January alone.
Supertracker whittles down alignment time with STR410
A minute’s too long to wait for an accurate wheel alignment. Just as well that those in the business understand the importance of getting the job done before the second hand can lap the dial. Southampton based alignment specialist Supertracker, who says its ongoing success is centred around a competitive mixture of wheel alignment speed and efficiency, reports that its latest STR410 unit is able to provide customers with an accurate alignment in...
Pro-Align sets new alignment speed record
Wheel alignment specialist Pro-Align has set a new record by aligning twelve cars in thirty minutes. The record was set using the new range-topping Hunter HawkEye Elite TD system. “Speed and efficiency is of critical importance to workshops that utilise their alignment bays fully, so we set ourselves the challenge of measuring as many cars as possible in thirty minutes to demonstrate the true capabilities of our new Hunter Elite TD system,”...
Haweka Axis 4000 – measuring a tri-axle coach in under 10 minutes
Fuel consumption and tyre wear account for a large chunk of most transport operators’ ongoing costs, thus it is crucial to eliminate all unnecessary expense. Incorrectly aligned bus and coach wheels, for example, can have an adverse effect on both tyre wear and fuel consumption. When PSV wheels are aligned properly, these two problems are reduced, less strain is placed upon mechanical components, drivers report reduced fatigue and tyres are less...
Body Centre increases wheel alignment offering
Rackhams Auto Body Centre in Ipswich has installed a second wheel alignment bay, the second of which is operating a state-of-the-art Hunter HawkEye WA Imaging system with an in-floor lift from supplier Pro-Align. The other aligner is also from the American alignment firm, a Hunter P411 with conventional sensors. Rackhams’ purpose built Boss Hall Business Park site, which primarily operates as a body repair centre, repairs about 50 to 60 cars a...
Aston Martin signs global deal with Hunter
Luxury car manufacturer Aston Martin will use the Hunter HawkEye four wheel imaging aligner and GSP9700 Road Force Balancer to be used in its dealerships around the world. Paul Beaurain, managing director of Pro-Align, which exclusively distributes Hunter products in the UK said: “It’s a real feather in our cap for Hunter to have the endorsement of such a prestigious sports car manufacturer as Aston Martin.” Pro-Align worked with Aston...
Hofmann promotes alignment scrappage scheme
Hofmann has launched a scrappage allowance promotion, which enables workshops to gain up to £500 for their old wheel aligner, tyre changer or wheel balancer when purchasing a new Hofmann undercar product. The promotion runs until 31 December, and is exclusively available via Unipart Garage Equipment Services, Hofmann’s UK-wide distributor partner.
Mercedes-Benz dealer orders four Haweka aligners
A Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle dealer covering the North East of England has invested in four Haweka Axis200-2 wheel aligners, turn plates and car kits. Bell Truck and Van in Billingham, Gateshead, Longbenton and Spennymoor says the investment will enable them “to help customers save costs on fuel and tyres”. The dealer group purchased the aligners from Haweka after seeing a demonstration of the equipment in their workshops.
Pro-Align launches Hunter HawkEye Elite TD aligner into UK market
Wheel alignment distributor Pro-Align has announced the launch of Hunter’s HawkEye Elite TD alignment system, a new range-topping system it says will increase speed, accuracy and profit generation opportunities for workshops. The UK distributor of American equipment manufacturer Hunter’s products said its recent installation of the system for evaluation by an established customer has yielded a one-third increase in alignment productivity.
Pro-Align announces second BTCC technical partnership
Days after the announcement of Pro-Align’s foray into the world of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship, current points leader Mat Jackson’s Airwaves Racing Ford Focus ST has now joined AmD Milltek Racing.com’s VW Golf in signing up the wheel alignment equipment distributor for the remaining four rounds of this years’ Championship. Jackson’s Focus will undergo several complete wheel alignment checks during the race weekend...
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Wheelwright launches AEZ Phoenix wheel
Wheel distributor, Wheelwright has launched the AEZ Phoenix. The wheel includes a split five-spoke design, aping the current crop of styles being released by many top-end manufacturers. Its Y-shaped spoke profile runs to the edge of the rim, enhancing... -
Maxxis adds “next generation” MCV3 van tyre to range
Available through Stapleton’s Tyre Services in the UK, Maxxis International has a range of economically priced van and light truck tyres that the company says deliver value through good durability and handling capabilities in all conditions. The... -
US launch for latest Trelleborg industrial tyre
Trelleborg Wheel Systems will unveil a new solid industrial tyre, the Monarch M2, at next week’s Modex 2012 manufacturing, distribution and supply chain show in the US city of Atlanta. The Monarch M2 is designed for use in industrial applications... -
Stapleton’s increasing van tyre choice
Stapleton’s head of marketing and range planning, Stephen Childs says the company’s latest NTDA TAFF Awards Tyre Wholesaler of the Year award – its second in as many years – and its leading position in UK tyre wholesale can be explained by the... -
UK market Marshal 857 van tyre's largest
Kumho’s core tyre for the van market is the Radial 857, with market coverage of “at least 90 per cent,” according to the Korean manufacturer. Kumho says the Radial 857’s deep zigzag grooves give increased mileage and traction, while its... -
Pro-Align makes DCM Tyres its first Alignment Centre of the Month
Wheel alignment equipment specialist, Pro-Align has made DCM Tyres in Shaftesbury its first ‘Alignment Centre of the Month’ winner for January 2012. The Hunter distributer says DCM has enjoyed a considerable month on month increase in turnover and... -
Bridgestone introduces Tube Multicell winter tyre compound
Bridgestone has developed what it calls a “next generation” compound for its Blizzak winter tyres designed to grip like a studded tyre. Called Tube Multicell, it contains thousands of microscopic tubular cells and “bite particles.” Together... -
Clarkson voted least favourite driving partner
A new poll conducted by Continental Tyres Jeremy Clarkson has topped a poll of the Brits motorist would least like to share a driving adventure with. The controversial motoring journalist and TV presenter was rated as the worst person to share a 4x4... -
Infinity introduces new INF100 van tyre
Infinity has introduced its INF100 van and small commercial vehicle tyre. The brand, manufactured at Shandong Linglong and owned by the Al Dobowi Group, says that the tyre was created using its Eco-Friendly Fuel-Efficient engineering process and... -
Grouptyre promotes exclusive van tyres from Federal, Goodride
Federal and Goodride tyre brands are available exclusively through independent tyre wholesaler, Grouptyre in the UK, and the distributor provides full ranges of both to light commercial vehicle operators. Taiwan-manufactured Federal tyres offer three...
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Cam Systems supports decision not to change MOT system
Cam Systems has told tyrepress.com that it welcomes the decision taken on 2 February by Transport secretary Justine Greening to retain the 3-1-1 MOT system. The software provider to the independent tyre industry calls the move a victory for sanity. -
Sokov takes over as Sibur-Russian Tyres CEO
Sibur-Russian Tyres has announced the promotion of Dimitry Sokov to the role of chief executive officer. The chief operational officer’s appointment to the position takes effect 6 February. Sokov replaces Vadim Gurinov as chief executive officer;... -
Maxion Wheels is born – Hayes Lemmerz acquisition finalised
On 2 February Brazilian firm Iochpe-Maxion S.A. announced its acquisition of wheel manufacturer Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc has been finalised. The company has now established a new combined global wheel business, Maxion Wheels, which will be... -
Wheelwright to launch refreshed e-Commerce website
UK wheel firm, Wheelwright has announced a change to its website, on which it will offer “direct from manufacturer” purchasing for the end-user. Transactions made through the site will be fulfilled by Wheelwright dealers, either via post, or in... -
Goodyear to announce Q4 2011 financial results
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company will report fourth quarter 2011 financial results before markets open on Tuesday, 14 February. The announcement will be followed by the customary investor conference call at 08:30 (13:30 GMT) with Richard J... -
Michelin makes notes repurchase
In a press statement intended for readers located outside of the USA, Compagnie Générale des Etablissements Michelin announced it has repurchased open market shares between October 2011 and January 2012 for more than ten per cent of the issued... -
Government pushes ‘better service’, keeps MOT frequency
The government is aiming to lead garages to make improvements in customer service in “a package of transparency and value-for-money measures” unveiled today by transport secretary Justine Greening. According to a statement released by the... -
RMI supports government MOT decision
Some eighteen months after the Government announced that it would review the MOT System and following the RMI’s numerous meetings with Ministers and officials the government has finally now acknowledged industry advice and accepted that frequency... -
Industry welcomes government u-turn on MOT frequency
Pro-MOTe, the lobby group set up to campaign to keep annual MOTs, has welcomed news that ministers have dropped plans to reduce testing frequency to 4-2-2. In a written ministerial statement this morning, Transport secretary Justine Greening... -
"Scrapping annual MOTs could cost 50,000 jobs" – Pro-MOTe
Government proposals to end annual MOTs would put at risk up to 50,000 jobs in the retail motor trade disproportionately hitting apprenticeships, young employees and independent businesses, according to new research by Pro-MOTe.
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Cam Systems supports decision not to change MOT system
Cam Systems has told tyrepress.com that it welcomes the decision taken on 2 February by Transport secretary Justine Greening to retain the 3-1-1 MOT system. The software provider to the independent tyre industry calls the move a victory for sanity. -
Wheelwright launches AEZ Phoenix wheel
Wheel distributor, Wheelwright has launched the AEZ Phoenix. The wheel includes a split five-spoke design, aping the current crop of styles being released by many top-end manufacturers. Its Y-shaped spoke profile runs to the edge of the rim, enhancing... -
Maxxis adds “next generation” MCV3 van tyre to range
Available through Stapleton’s Tyre Services in the UK, Maxxis International has a range of economically priced van and light truck tyres that the company says deliver value through good durability and handling capabilities in all conditions. The... -
Avon supplies tyres for inaugural Gulf 12 Hours
Avon Tyres Motorsport has supplied tyres to the inaugural Gulf 12 Hours event in Abu Dhabi on 20 January. The event was held at the Yas Marina Grand Prix circuit, featuring GT3 cars and CN2-class sports prototypes competing in a two six-hour races,... -
Kumho awarded Auto GP supply contract
Kumho will be the sole tyre supplier to the international Auto GP series for 550bhp single-seat racing cars. In a change for the 2012 season, all Auto GP teams will be required to use two specifications of tyre per weekend, a parallel to the tyre... -
Sokov takes over as Sibur-Russian Tyres CEO
Sibur-Russian Tyres has announced the promotion of Dimitry Sokov to the role of chief executive officer. The chief operational officer’s appointment to the position takes effect 6 February. Sokov replaces Vadim Gurinov as chief executive officer;... -
April launch for Hankook Tire America dealer programme
At a recent dealer event, Hankook Tire America unveiled plans to launch an associate dealer programme during 2012. US-based industry publication Tire Review reports company officials as saying the as-yet unnamed programme will be formally introduced... -
Continental names new Conti360° network manager
Continental Tyre Group has appointed Louise Franklin as its new Conti360° network manager. Franklin, 28, joins Continental with sales and marketing experience from her previous role as sales and marketing manager for Ardmore Language Schools. -
Hankook supplying two further touring championships
Starting in the 2012 season, Hankook Tire will serve as exclusive tyre supplier to two Italian-organised events, the Superstars International Series touring car championship and the GTSprint International Series grand touring championship. The company... -
Maxion Wheels is born – Hayes Lemmerz acquisition finalised
On 2 February Brazilian firm Iochpe-Maxion S.A. announced its acquisition of wheel manufacturer Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc has been finalised. The company has now established a new combined global wheel business, Maxion Wheels, which will be...
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Report: Cheng Shin, Kenda earnings to grow fast in 1Q 2012
Taiwan-based tyre makers including Cheng Shin Rubber Ind. Co. and Kenda Rubber Industrial Co., are expected to see substantial growth in earnings in the first quarter of 2012 due to declines in raw material prices, particularly natural rubber. Furthermore, according to Taiwan Economic News, the European sovereign debt crisis means tyre manufacturers have slashed inventories to get rid of the risk in the prices of stocked goods. -
Hankook establishes new subsidiary in Poland
Hankook Tire has established an additional subsidiary in Europe. The opening of the company’s Polish branch in Warsaw is in keeping with the growing demand for Hankook tyres in the European markets. “Thanks to our new subsidiary in Poland we are now also able to provide full service to our partners and customers in the 6th largest tyre market in the European Union. This is in-line with Hankook’s strategy of close market and customer... -
New trade deal will aid US doing tyre business with South Korea
TIA says that the renewed free trade deal with South Korea is a good deal for the U.S. tyre market. President Obama signed the renewal of the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), which was part of a trade pact originally agreed to between the U.S. and South Korea in 2007 – Korean-United States Free Trade Agreement. -
Tyre hijackers arrested
The Malay Mail reports that four armed intruders forced their way into a used-tyre factory in the township of Bandar Bukit Puchong, Malaysia, overpowering a security guard, who was bound and gagged, before driving off with a trailer loaded with 319 tyres. -
Pakistani tyre maker still under pressure from ‘smuggling’
Years of under-invoicing and rampant cross-border smuggling are still putting pressure on domestic tyre suppliers in Pakistan. So what’s the solution? Raid tyre markets in big cities instead of trying to stop smuggling along the long Pakistan-Afghanistan border, says General Tyre Pakistan chief executive Mohammad Shahid Hussain. -
Michelin extends with Ceva in Thailand
Michelin Thailand has renewed its logistics contract with Ceva for three years, to handle inbound tyres from Michelin’s production plants into warehouse facilities in three main locations across Thailand; Laemchabang, Nongkea and Nongree. -
Bulgarian police target pothole tyre puncturers
Bulgarian traffic police are making renewed efforts to tackle the reckless puncturing of tyres caused by criminals placing spikes in potholes. Police sources said that the recent examples have been deliberated set up to cause rapid deflations or blow-outs. According to the Sofia news agency, which cited private TV channel bTV, the tip-off to this crime was given by a Polish family, who complained to traffic authorities after narrowly escaping a... -
Cooper refuses comment on Trayal investment reports
Cooper has refused to comment on multiple Serbian news reports quoting Serbian finance secretary Miodrag Djidic as saying that Cooper Tire is interested in acquiring Trayal’s automobile tyre plant. When questioned on the subject, a Cooper Tire Europe spokesperson told Tyres & Accessories that’ the company’s “corporate policy is not to comment on rumour or speculation.” -
Pakistan sales champion Panther aiming to improve exports
Under the leadership of Mian Iftikhar Ahmed, the dedicated team Mian Tyre & Rubber Company Limited (MTRCL), which sells the Panther brand of tyres, has won the Pakistan export trophy for the last eight consecutive years. Now, the flagship business of Iftikhar Group of Companies, a leading tyre and tube manufacturing group in Pakistan is aiming to increase exports still further. According to the company, the Panther trade name has developed a... -
Bridgestone to invest in Costa Rica production and services
Two planned investments will increase Bridgestone’s presence in Costa Rica: The local subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations (BATO), Bridgestone de Costa Rica, has announced the company’s new Financial Shared Services Center for the Latin American Region is to be located in the Central American country. Bridgestone also confirmed it will invest US$70 million in its La Ribera de Belen tyre factory in Heredia province over the next...
- Reports: Hankook to Build Indian or Malaysian Factory
- Report: Budget Tyres Could Kill, But at Least They’re Quiet
- The World’s Priciest Tyres - Set of Bugatti Veyron Rubber Costs £23,500
- Analysis: Saying All Budget Tyres are Lethal is an Unfair Generalisation
- Goodyear 32nd on US Social Responsibility List
QUESTION OF THE MONTH
Is the European tyre market ready for tyre labelling when it is introduced in November 2012?
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