Dax Return Makes an Impact for Continental
A year after returning to the Frankfurt’s DAX stock exchange, Continental’s management is saying that it “has profited noticeably from its return to the DAX.”
A year after returning to the Frankfurt’s DAX stock exchange, Continental’s management is saying that it “has profited noticeably from its return to the DAX.”
Plans for a new UK based European trade show have been announced by the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT); the UK’s trade association for the bus, coach and light rail industry. Euro Bus Expo is scheduled to take place for the first time on 7-9 November 2006, at the NEC Birmingham.
Expo Management, will support the organisation of the trade event, which the company says is designed to build on the success of the Coach & Bus show brand, the existing biennial event for the UK industry.
As the third largest market for road based public transport vehicles in Europe, the events UK location should work well to attract international exhibitors and visitors.
ATS Euromaster has a new face leading its commercial vehicle sales operation, Phil Payne, who has joined the team from Michelin will now become the company’s national sales director truck.
Commenting on his appointment, Mr Payne said: “I’m joining a business that is seeking to grow by building on the customer relationships it has already developed in the CV, agricultural and industrial markets. There is a new, extremely positive business philosophy evolving at ATS Euromaster and I look forward to helping drive this forward by delivering new levels of service and value to CV operators of all sizes.”
Mr Payne originally began his career with the Mars Group, but more recently moved to Michelin to perform the role of European car fleet manager.
The new appointment is the third senior management selection to be made by the company this year, the other two being Martin Saint, national sales director car and Robert Blaikie, divisional sales director. All three appointments are further steps in the company’s strategy to develop its products and services across the UK tyre and vehicle maintenance market.
Although it debuted only 15 days ago at Imola with a double podium finish, the Pirelli-shod Maserati MC12 raced to victory once again at Oschersleben, Germany, last weekend.
The team initially opted for intermediate Pirelli tyres and later switched to P Zero slicks.
“The machine today was very good,” stated winning driver Bertolini. “We made a great effort and must thank Pirelli for supplying great tyres that we were able to double stint to victory.”
The European Automobile Manufacturers Association has criticised the European Commission’s decision to adopt the proposal prepared by Commissioner Bolkestein (Internal Market) aimed at abolishing design protection rights for automotive spare parts across the EU. The ACEA strongly believes that if approved, this measure would have a serious impact on the competitiveness of the European industry, and claims that the proposal has no clear benefits for the consumer.
Alliance has released its second quarter financial results, showing a second straight profitable quarter after a succession of 11 negative quarters. Net income amounted to $1.2 million, compared to a $1.1 million net loss in the parallel quarter of 2003. The figures also showed a 30 per cent growth in sales in the first half of 2004 to $ 63.7 million.
Bridgestone has teamed up with competitor Continental to develop an advanced tyre pressure monitoring system for commercial vehicles. The two companies will join forces to mass produce the system which is expected to be released into the market in 2007. The companies are aiming to position the product as a “global standard.”
Yokohama Rubber is to launch its new ADVAN brand at the Paris Motor Show 2004 (Mondial de l’automobile 2004), which commences on the 25 September.
The company describes the new product as its “symbolic” brand, representing its “global concept.” Yokohama plans to aggressively confront its new business strategy through the new brand, which includes developing flagship tyre products, participating further in motorsports, and co-developing activities with world leading carmakers and tuners. ADVAN is said to represent the company’s spirit of pursuing high performance and high quality products.
The new products will be introduced in markets around the world and sale of the tyres is scheduled to begin in 2005.
First introduced in 1978, ADVAN has been used for motorsports activities and high performance tyres in Japan. Its presentation at the Paris Motor Show will be the first fully-fledged introduction in the European market. Yokohama will exhibit ADVAN Sport and ADVAN S.T, its SUV tyre. The company’s run flat tyre systems, including the Z.P.S. and the Support Ring System will also be displayed at the exhibition.
Chinese company Qingdao Doublestar has announced that it is forming a joint venture with Continental in China.
In a statement to the Shenzhen stock exchange the Chinese company is said to have reported that Conti is expected to start negotiations on financial terms and other venture details.
Once again the market’s focus is on China, where passenger car sales surged 76 per cent last year to 1.97 million units. Goodyear Tire & Rubber, Michelin and Yokohama all have existing operations within the expanding market.
The intervention of government officials has brought a yearlong labour dispute between Bridgestone/Firestone (BFS) Argentina and its workers to an end.
Petter Solberg has won the Wales Rally GB, claiming his third successive victory in what commentators described as a thrilling final day.
Renault’s Formula 1 team boss, Flavio Briatore has put pressure on his team’s tyre supplier, Michelin. In a statement the French car manufacturer said that in 2005 the team would have a competitive team of drivers and that the only question mark would be over the tyres. Mr Briatore said that he likes the Michelin guys, but they still lag behind their Bridgestone rivals and must work harder.
China prepares to stage its first world championship Grand Prix this week as it hosts Formula One for the first time. The 5.451km (3.387-mile) Shanghai International Circuit is the second new venue to appear on the 2004 calendar, after Bahrain. The race is scheduled to last 56 laps; a total distance of 305.256km.
Although Michelin is confident it will perform well, Shanghai will highlight the ability of Formula One teams to react to new situations. Pascal Vasselon, Michelin’s F1 programme manager commented: “Given our experience in Bahrain earlier this year, choosing tyres for a previously unknown circuit such as Shanghai might appear quite routine – but that’s not the case at all. Certain corners at Shanghai have a unique configuration and two of them – which have an almost snail-like profile when viewed from above – are likely to put a greater load on tyres than anywhere else on the calendar.
“Generally, we expect the rate of wear to be fairly even left to right and front to rear, which makes things a little bit easier. From what we can see, the track surface looks fairly smooth and non- abrasive – another little difficulty we had to factor in when finalising the best tyre compromise. When you encounter a new circuit like this, with lots of directional changes, it is best to select compounds that have a slightly broader operational spectrum than usual. And to further minimise any risk of error, we will be taking tyres that have previously been used in racing conditions.”
The JD Power and Associates 2004 Original Equipment Tire Customer Satisfaction Survey has placed Michelin at the top of three of its four Categories.
PSA Peugeot Citroën has today announced its industrial development plan for Argentina through which it plans to launch two new models at its Buenos Aires plant.
The Peugeot 206, 307 and Partner and the Citroën Berlingo are currently manufactured at the plant and production of the two new models is expected to begin by 2007.
The company believes the “favourable outlook” for the Argentine automobile market supports these developments. There is no doubt that the move will heighten the facility’s competitiveness, and reflects the country’s improved economic situation.
According to the company the new models will be exported to other Mercosur countries, as well as to other Latin American markets and possibly around the world.
Annual output at the Buenos Aires facility is expected to increase from the 45,000 cars planned in 2004 to 100,000 in 2007. Total investment is expected to amount to 450 million Argentine pesos (125 million euros).
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