Company News
Ronal Group celebrates 50th anniversary
Wheel manufacturer the Ronal Group will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2019. The company will mark this milestone with a global roadshow to thank its workforce for their commitment. The tour started at the beginning of May at the company’s headquarters in Härkingen, Switzerland and will end in November in Nantou, Taiwan, home of subsidiary company Fullchamp, manufacturer of forged aluminum wheels for the Speedline Truck brand.
UK News
Automechanika Birmingham 2019 reports record attendance
Automechanika Birmingham has drawn to a close with 12,145 automotive industry visitors, according to the company’s figures. Feedback from exhibitors was said to have been positive and 87 per cent of space has been reserved for 2021 where exhibitors include: Schaeffler, ZF, Valeo, NGK, Hella, Delphi, Denso, BM Catalysts, Mann Hummel and YUASA.
Product News
AutoAdvisor aims to become UK’s fastest growing garage network
A new online service by AutoAdvisor has been launched, designed to help drive business to garages by matching them with motorists who need to get their car fixed. Founded by a group of individuals within the automotive industry who between them, have more than 30 years’ experience, AutoAdvisor has targeted becoming the UK’s fastest growing garage network. The service states that it offers a reduction in time, and the expense of gaining new business. AutoAdvisor also focuses on sourcing quality customer leads for garages within a set local area. AutoAdvisor will be increasing garage aids to help mechanics with technical bulletins, data and training courses.
International News
Point S launches 4 Seasons 2 tyre
Point S Development has launched the second generation of its Point S 4 Seasons tyre range in Europe. With demand for all-season tyres increasing, and driven by the success of the first Point S 4 Seasons tyre, launched in July 2017, Point S Development wanted launch a revised version of its all-season range.
Career Tracks
Garcin to lead Michelin North America
Michelin has named Alexis Garcin as the next chairman and president of Michelin North America. He succeeds Scott Clark, who was recently promoted to Michelin’s Group Executive Committee as executive vice president responsible for the global passenger car and light truck business, motorsports, Experiences (including the Michelin Guides) and regional oversight of the Americas.
Motorsport News
Trico’s Sarah Moore secures Britcar points haul at Donington Park
Trico brand ambassador and reigning Britcar Dunlop Endurance Championship titleholder, Sarah Moore, clinched a double-points finish in the fourth-round of the series, held at Donington Park.
Retreading News
Marangoni rationalises European tread range
With the launch of its latest range of pre-cure treads, Marangoni Retreading Systems has fully integrated its European product lines. The new range only includes two brands – PRL and Unitread – and Marangoni says this will lead to a “significant reduction of the complexity previously caused by product overlaps.”
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?