OFFBEAT
The £80,000 plate
The DVLA's first auction of Personalised Registrations for 2012 got off to an explosive start when a mystery businessman paid nearly £80,000 for the registration DH11 LON.
Expectations surrounding the personalised registration were high, especially as Dhillon is a popular Asian surname, but no one predicted the hammer would come down on such a huge sum during the first day of the Agency's three-day sale.
Less motorway lane hogging, and other resolutions
It is nice to see that promises of better motoring are amongst the New Year’s resolutions recently made (and possibly already neglected). Fast fitter HiQ questioned 500 drivers about what they intend to change in 2012, and many indicated that an improvement in highway manners is on the cards.
This song is dedicated to...rain
In news that may get your barometer moving, Uniroyal Tyres has revealed its list of top ten rain-related songs. The wet weather tyre specialist polled 2,000 music loving drivers and found Prince’s mid-80s classic ‘Purple Rain’ to be the punters’ favourite. Runner-up honours went to the exuberant ‘It’s Raining Men’ from The Weather Girls, while Guns N Roses’ November Rain took third place.
Fieldens supplies wheels for Take That robot
Stowmarket specialist tyre supplier Fieldens has entered the world of stadium-bothering pop music once again, five years after supplying a series of large Bead Cheetah storage cylinders to a Rolling Stones tour. This time Fieldens helped Take That stage their extravagant tour centrepiece; a 60’ robot named OM.
Frog feet could help tyres stick
The biology of tree frogs could provide innovative solutions to tyre design problems, according to a Scottish academic. "Tree frog feet may provide a design for self-cleaning sticky surfaces, which could be useful for…tyre performance and even long lasting adhesives," said researcher, Niall Crawford at the University of Glasgow.
Therapy for Bruno the tyre chomper
New Zealand’s 3 News has reported the antics of Bruno, a seven-year old mastiff cross with a tyre phobia. Following a mini-rampage in which Bruno disabled three vehicles, including two police cars, by sinking his teeth into their radials, the tyre hating canine ended up in the doghouse – literally. However every dog is said to have its day, and after making an appearance on the evening news Bruno is having his, courtesy of New Zealand’s...
North West motorists put cars before spouses
Buying a new car is one of the most significant purchases anyone can make but some motorists in North West considered it more important than choosing a new house, picking their own children’s names and even deciding who to marry, according to a new study.
On average local drivers take just under three months (2.74) to decide what new motor to buy, while almost a quarter (23.77 per cent) need up to six months to choose before they commit to...
‘Fairy Jobmother’ finds former dancer work with ATS Euromaster
Channel Four reality television show The Fairy Jobmother will feature a 24-year-old former professional wrestler and dancer from Birmingham now working for ATS Euromaster this evening (21 June). Sarah Baker, who has danced at the National Indoor Arena and acted at the New Alexander Theatre is now a full member of the Customer Response Team at the head office of tyre company ATS Euromaster in Aston, thanks to the Jobmother herself, Hayley Taylor,...
HiQ surveys motoring frustrations, dawdling drivers voted biggest pain in the bumper
Motorists who dawdle at traffic lights annoy more people than bullying bus drivers, middle-lane motorway hoggers and caravans, a HiQ survey of 500 motorists has suggested. The fast fit network asked drivers what most frustrates them about life on Britain’s roads. Somewhat surprisingly, twee car stickers – including the slogans “sprinkled by fairy dust” and “cheeky monkey on board” – came third in HiQ’s Driver Frustration survey.
Driving association amazed at 'close roads on Sundays' suggestion
Public health minister Anne Milton MP has proposed banning cars from streets on Sundays to allow children to play in them. The move, she said, would help get youngsters off their computers and enjoy outdoor physical activities. With two-thirds of UK children predicted to be obese by 2050 if current trends continue, outside play is seen as a way of tackling the problem.
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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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