Light vehicle sales in India poised to reach record 4.9 million in 2024 – GlobalData
Indias light vehicles (LV) market is on the cusp of a record-breaking year, with a confluence of economic, political, and market factors aligning to drive growth. Robust economic expansion, the government’s fiscal stimulus, sustained demand for SUVs, and new model activity are expected to drive wholesales to a record-high of 4.9 million vehicles in 2024, forecasts data and analytics company GlobalData.
Continue ReadingIGA applauds UK Prime Minister’s initiative to boost apprenticeships and support small businesses
The Independent Garage Association (IGA) “enthusiastically welcomes” the recent announcement from the Prime Ministers Office unveiling a comprehensive reform package aimed at strengthening small businesses across the UK. The IGA notes with satisfaction that concerns previously expressed to MP Robert Halfron, minister for Skills, Apprenticeships, and Higher Education, have been addressed in the recent announcement and commends the governments commitment to fostering apprenticeships and reducing regulatory burdens, recognising the significant positive impact these measures will have on the automotive sector.
Continue ReadingClassic Car Garage star Colin Denton to speak at Schaeffler Repxpert Conference
Colin Denton, star of TV’s Classic Car Garage has been unveiled as a keynote speaker for Schaeffler‘s all-new Repxpert Conference, which takes place at the Manufacturing Training Centre in Coventry on Wednesday 22 May, 2024. Having clocked-up decades of automotive experience, when he’s not in front of the camera, Colin is busy as the Chief Executive of the North London Garages Group Training Association (NLGGTA), which for 50 years has been delivering training, apprenticeships and more.
Continue ReadingNo reprieve for Michelin’s German plants
Michelin has dashed union and works council hopes of reversing the planned end of truck tyre production in Germany, with company management rejecting a more than 100-page document outlining alternative concepts for maintaining the plants. The IGBCE union and works councils presented the document to the tyre maker last month; according to the union, Michelin management rejected all proposals at the beginning of March.
Continue ReadingFirestone Liberia earns ISCC PLUS
On 12 March 2024, Bridgestone Americas (Bridgestone) announced that its Firestone Liberia natural rubber growing and processing facility has attained International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS recognition. Firestone Liberia earned ISCC PLUS certification for its efforts in “reducing environmental impacts, utilizing resources efficiently and enhancing its capacity to adapt to, mitigate and build resilience to climate change”, according to the company.
Continue ReadingTP Tools Oy buys Formup 350 for tyre mould production
TP Tools OY, a family-owned business with more than three decades of expertise in tyre mould manufacturing, has bought an AddUp FormUp 350 Powder Bed Fusion machine in order to power-up its sipe-mould production capability. TP Tools’ decision to bring tyre sipe production in-house marks a significant shift aimed at reducing costs associated with outsourcing, according to the companies. By streamlining the manufacturing process, the company not only saves on expenses but also shortens lead times, enhancing overall operational efficiency.
Continue ReadingMichelin buys 6th Addup Formup350 Metal 3D printer
Michelin Molding Solutions (MMS) in Greenville, SC has purchased their second AddUp FormUp 350 Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) machine following the successful installation and operation of their first one in 2022. This machine is the sixth added to an expanding global fleet of FormUp’s currently in use across Europe and North America. According to the company, one FormUp 350 can manufacture the quantity of tyre mould inserts which previously required five metal 3D printers.
Continue ReadingMichelin announces exclusive European Peugeot 3008 & E-3008 tyre supply
Peugeot has selected Michelin to exclusively equip Peugeot 3008 and E-3008 models sold in Europe. Depending on model and customer preferences, the vehicle manufacturer will fit the Michelin e.Primacy in size 235/50 R 20 104V, 235/55 R 19 105V, or 225/55 R 19 103V, or the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV in 225/55 R 19 103 V or 235/55 R 19 105 V.
Continue ReadingNew Yokohama Mexico factory to be built in Saltillo, Coahuila
The new consumer/light truck tyre plant Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. (YRC) intends to build in Mexico will be constructed at the Alianza Industrial Park in Saltillo, Coahuila. The details emerged after approval by the YRC board on 18 March.
Continue ReadingHSBC funds Metro Tyres expansion
Metro Tyres has utilised a six-figure funding package from HSBC UK to complete the purchase of a new 10,500 square foot warehouse in Liverpool. Founded in 2005, Metro Tyres describes itself as “a supplier and wholesaler of second-hand tyres”. The business employs 7 staff and deals with part worn tyres for cars and commercial vans.
Continue ReadingKumho Tire to build plant in Europe
In response to an article that The Korea Economic Daily published this morning, Kumho Tire has confirmed that it is considering establishing a new factory in Europe. The company indicates this interest in a disclosure to the Korea Stock Exchange but adds that it has not yet decided precisely how much it will invest in the project, nor its exact timing. Kumho Tire intends to supply further information within the next month.
Continue ReadingYokohama Rubber to set up plant in Mexico
The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has announced plans to strengthen its capacity for supplying tyres to the North American market by building a passenger car tyre factory in Mexico. The company intends to invest up to US$380 million to build a plant with an annual production capacity of 5 million tyres.
Continue ReadingSentury achieves rapid growth in 2023
2023 was a year of rapid growth for Sentury. The tyre manufacturer’s annual report showed that its revenue and net profit reached 7.84 billion yuan (about £860 million; €1 billion) and 1.37 billion yuan (about £150 million; €170 million), both have achieved a growth of more than 20 per cent compared with 2022.
Continue ReadingMaxxis considering Nigeria tyre factory
In February 2024, directors of Maxxis visited the rulers of the Ukanku Community in the Ukwa East region of Nigeria. According to local Nigerian media Business Day, Maxxis executives inspected the land where they were “preparing to build a tyre factory.” Another media outlet, The Cable, stated that Maxxis announced “plans” to build a local tyre manufacturing plant.
Continue ReadingAeolus giant tyre project starts construction at Jiaozuo, China plant in June
The Aeolus giant tyre project has completed all approval procedures and is expected to start construction in June 2024. The project is in Aeolus’ western factory in Jiaozuo. It plans to build a new production plant and power station and add giant tyre building and vulcanisation equipment. The construction period of the project is 24 months. After completion, it will be able to add 20,000 giant engineering radial tyre production capacity every year.
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