Company News
Six more years: BKT & Monster Jam
Never change a winning team, says BKT. That is why it has extended its Monster Jam partnership with promoter Feld Motor Sports. The agreement, first signed in 2014 and scheduled to expire in 2020, now runs until 2026.
UK News
TRA to share offices with NTDA
As of 1 January 2020, the Tyre Recovery Association (TRA) will share its address with the National Tyre Distributors Association (NTDA) in Aylesbury. According to the association, TRA’s new address is:
Product News
Street-legal aftermarket braided carbon fibre rims coming in 2020
Good news for motorists who long for a set of carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) rims but whose budgets don’t stretch to a Porsche 911 Turbo S. As of next year, thyssenkrupp Carbon Components will begin offering carbon wheels for aftermarket customers. It previewed the upcoming range at last month’s Essen Motor Show.
International News
Simon Kriss appointed GM of Green Distillation Technologies
Simon Kriss has been appointed general manager – Corporate Development of Green Distillation Technologies. Kriss has been appointed to a new role in the company and he will focus on the go-to-market strategy and investor relations.
Career Tracks
Michelin names new motorsports director for North America
As of 1 January 2020, Tony Ménard will take over as Michelin North America’s director of motorsports. He succeeds Chris Baker, who has held the role for the past eight years. Baker is scheduled to retire in March 2020, concluding a career with Michelin than began in 1982.
Motorsport News
Senna F1 tyre turned into bracelets
The Monegasque and Senna brands have launched a limited edition range of bracelets made from a tyre used by Ayrton Senna during legendary F1 Grand Prix at Donington Park.
Retreading News
Dunlop Aircraft Tyres considering Indonesia factory
Dunlop Aircraft Tyres Ltd (DATL) is planning to invest 1 trillion rupiah (£54.14 million; 64 million euros; US$70.92 million) in an aircraft tyre retreading factory in Karawang, West Java, Indonesia. According to several local news sources, the retreading factory will be followed by a new aircraft tyre production plant as well.
Comment
Goodyear and Halfords moves represent the virtualization of the tyre distribution chain
The ongoing effects of import tariffs, Brexit uncertainty and structural changes in the distribution chain have all affected the tyre business this year. As well as featuring the latest motorsport news and covering market developments in our regular features, this month’s Tyres & Accessories focuses on a number of key examples of changes in the marketplace in our Review of the Year feature. But one trend stands out above the others – virtualization. In short, increasing moves towards electric and autonomous vehicles (complete with their inherent sensorisation tendencies), coupled with changes in vehicle (and tyre) ownership models such as MaaS (Mobility as a Service) are driving changes in the tyre market that are resulting in the virtualizing of parts of the distribution chain.