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
ToughTech’s expansion supported by £100,000 NPIF investment
Tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) firm ToughTech has received a £100,000 investment from NPIF – BFS & MSIF Microfinance, managed by GC Business Finance and MSIF and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund.
Product News
Chief Collision Technology’s Mosaic ADT automated ADAS recalibration is industry first
Chief Collision Technology, formerly known as Chief Automotive Technology and part of VSG and Dover has partnered with Burke Porter Group to create Mosaic advanced diagnostic technology (ADT), the industry’s first automated advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) calibration system.
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
F1 vote rejects Pirelli 2020-spec tyres – 2021 18” plan ‘not affected’
Speculation that the Formula One teams may reject Pirelli’s 2020 tyre specifications has been confirmed. The FIA announced that teams voted unanimously against adopting the new 2020 specification rubber following the final test of the season in Abu Dhabi. Pirelli representatives have told Tyrepress that the FIA decision does not affect Pirelli’s future tyre developments. The exclusive tyre supplier plans to move to 18-inch tyres in the 2021 season.
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.