Company News
Kumho appoints ex-Goodyear duo to European Technical Centre
Matthias Bode was appointed head of Kumho’s European Technical Centre (KETC) in Mörfelden-Walldorf, Germany at the beginning of June. The 50-year-old is responsible for the development of all Kumho products for the European original equipment (OE) and replacement markets.
UK News
Tyre industry specific Fire Prevention Plans launched
Following four years of consultation, the Tyre Recovery Association (TRA) has published its tyre industry specific Fire Prevention Plan (FPP). Having worked alongside the Environment Agency (EA) to address the need to store a diverse range of materials in various grades, each with differing combustibility, burn rates and fire risk, across widely differing sites, the TRA’s FPP will meet the objectives of the Environment Agency Fire Prevention Plan Guidance Version 3. Specifically, this means: Preventing a fire; Extinguishing of a fire; and minimising the impact of a fire. The industry-specific Fire Prevention Plan was launched by Peter Buckley, senior fire advisor, Environment Agency.
Product News
Kumho supplies 20”, 45 profile tyre for Hyundai Solati Limousine
Kumho has developed a 20-inch commercial vehicle tyre in 45 profile, a product it calls a world first. The manufacturer will supply the PorTran KC53 in size 245/45R20C 115/113R to Hyundai as original equipment on the Solati Limousine. The minibus was originally shod with 16 inch tyres, with a number of tyre manufacturers tasked with increasing the tyre size prior to Kumho satisfying the car manufacturer’s needs.
- Syron introduces Premium Performance for sport-oriented drivers
- India’s largest OTR tyre – JK Tyre enters the record book
- Goodyear to supply Airbus A321XLR tyres
- Comau and Leclanché developing automated lithium-ion battery production line
- Oxford Universities Motorsport Foundation rally car fits Klarius exhaust
International News
Énykk hosts Marangoni Ringtread open day
On 12 June 2019 a delegation of 30 bus company managers from all over Hungary attended a Marangoni Ringtread presentation hosted by Énykk at their headquarters.
Career Tracks
Titan International appoints former Deere man Guinn to BoD
Max Guinn has joined the Board of Directors at Titan International, Inc. His appointment took effect 12 June 2019. Guinn was also appointed to serve as a member of the Board’s Audit Committee and as chairman of its Corporate Governance Committee.
- Electric vehicle pioneer wins Autocar’s Great British Women in the Car Industry – Rising Stars 2019
- Pouliquen heading Apollo Vredestein’s European sales & marketing
- Cooper names Clifford global Avon motorcycle manager
- Garcin to lead Michelin North America
- Trico Group acquires Federal-Mogul wiper business
Motorsport News
Falken celebrating 20 years at Nürburgring
Falken Tyres is marking 20 years at the Nürburgring with sponsorship of the ADAC TOTAL 24-Hour Race (22-23 June 2019). The Sumitomo Rubber Industries brand is hosting more than 400 tyre retailers and almost 50 journalists from all key European markets at the "Grüne Hölle", the oldest and most famous part of the Nürburgring racetrack.
- Tyre makers ready for Nürburgring 24-Hour Race
- Goodyear returns to Le Mans and FIA World Endurance Championship
- Trico’s Sarah Moore secures Britcar points haul at Donington Park
- Bridgestone helps VW to new Nürburgring electric vehicle record
- Trico onto top spot as inaugural GT4 South European Series gets underway
Retreading News
Vipal: Optimism returning to Europe’s retreading sector
It’s almost eight months since the European Commission made its final decision regarding anti-dumping duties on new and retreaded truck and bus tyres manufactured in China, and Vipal Rubber is celebrating what it considers an “upturn in the tyre retreading market in Europe.”
Comment
Do tariffs and trade wars work?
At the time of going to press, the President of the United States of America is mid-way through a state visit to the UK. Before he even landed on British soil, President Donald Trump stirred up controversy by tweeting his disparaging thoughts about London Mayor Sadiq Kahn. Whatever view one might hold about the propriety of Trump’s visit, we all know that 31-gun salutes and tea with the queen are about more than niceties. Sure enough less than 24 hours into the state visit, presidential talk turned to trade, with Trump backing out-going Prime Minister Theresa May to complete Brexit negotiations and promising a “phenomenal” trade deal between the US and UK. But all this is set against the backdrop of all-out trade war between the US and China at the same time that Europe is involved in somewhat more Cold War-esque trade skirmishes with China as well. The questions are: do such measures work? And what do they mean for the tyre business?