March 2005 - Tyrepress

ATD to Supply GM Dealers

(Akron/Tire Review) American Tire Distributors (ATD), the largest independent retailer in the US, has entered into a contract to supply tyres directly to some 3,700 General Motors brand auto dealers in the US.

ATD plans to provide an array of major brand passenger and light truck/SUV tyres to Chevrolet, Buick, Pontiac, Saturn, Hummer, Saab and GMC Truck dealers under the new agreement.

ATD, which has 71 distribution centres across most of the US, would be the primary replacement tyre supplier to GM dealers, according to the agreement, but reportedly will not actively solicit business from the car dealers. Reports also say that ATD is looking at developing similar deals with other vehicle manufacturers.

31st March 2005/by admin

No Control Tyre in F1

The FIA World Motor Sport Council has released an official statement confirming that there will be no rule changes in Formula 1 until 2008, according to Adrivo Sportpresse.

A control tyre will not be introduced in F1 before the end of 2007 stated the press release.

Bridgestone received the news well, commenting that the absence of a control tyre keeps healthy competition thriving between the tyre manufacturers.

31st March 2005/by admin

Maywood Launches New Catalogue

Maywood Equipment Group is due to launch the latest edition of its price list on 1 May. The new catalogue covers more than 50 different models including the Europa range of two and four post lifts, as well as scissor lifts. A number of OMER brand scissor lifts will be introduced in the updated brochure.

31st March 2005/by admin

Ten Thousand Hours and Still Going

Firestone is beaming about the quality of its R7000 tyre after a recent visit to Suffolk farmer Ray Smith. Mr Smith made an enquiry about some new front tyres for his New Holland 8560 as the tread was low. Upon investigating the tyres, Terry Brown, Firestone area sales manager, found that the tyres were 11 years old. It was estimated that the tractor completed about 1000 hours a year, of which 40 per cent was roadwork.

31st March 2005/by admin

Airgo-Lift Prevents Manual Handling

Hofmann Megaplan has introduced the new ‘Airgo-Lift’ a wheel lifter for assisting tyre technicians with heavy wheel assemblies.

Operated by air the machine fits under the shaft of a balancer and can raise wheels up to 70kg in weight. It can also move the wheel horizontally over the shaft to allow easy location of studs when flange plate mounting.

31st March 2005/by admin

Firestone Sponsors PPIR

Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, (BFNT) has signed a new sponsorship agreement with Pikes Peak International Raceway (PPIR). The Firestone brand will now serve as the official tyre of PPIR for the Indy Racing League’s Honda Indy 225 IndyCar Series race on 21 August.

“Becoming the Official Tyre at Pikes Peak International Raceway provides us a tremendous opportunity at Firestone,” said Al Speyer, executive director of motorsports, BFNT. “PPIR is in a great setting, with Pikes Peak and the Rocky Mountains as a majestic backdrop, and in the middle of a growing Colorado market where the Firestone brand is assured of receiving excellent exposure. We’re quite pleased with the agreement and look forward to building on the Firestone-PPIR relationship to make racing even more popular with area fans.”

31st March 2005/by admin

Bandvulc At ATS

Bandvulc Tyres will be showcasing Bandvulc Tyre Contracts (BTC), its tyre management system, at this year’s CV show, having committed £1/4 million to create semi-intelligent reporting software.

A selection of tyres will also be on show, including the BD04 295/80R22.5 new generation drive axle tyre, the BDE1, 225/75R17.5 bead-to-bead remould and the B2K 385/65R22.5 super single tyre for trailers.

31st March 2005/by admin

Continental Reports Records on All Levels

The Continental group has reported a record-turnover of 12.6 billion euros (16.4 bn $US) for 2004. It has also posted an EBIT of 1096.4 million euros (1.418 bn $US). Its net profit reached 673.8 million euros (872 million $US). The company’s net debt also decreased by 473.6 million and stood at 695 million euros (899 million $US) at the end of 2004.

31st March 2005/by admin

Kwik-Fit Criticised for Prices

A recent survey conducted by the Sunday Times has shown Kwik-Fit to be one of the most expensive tyre fitting chains in the UK. The publication’s research found the company charged up to 120 per cent more for certain types of tyre than outlets in the same area.

31st March 2005/by admin

Michelin’s Commercial JV in India

Michelin-Apollo Tyres (MATL) has entered a joint venture with Tata Motors and Ashok Leyland, India’s two biggest commercial vehicle makers, in a bid to sell radial tyres.

The $85 million venture, to manufacture truck and bus radial tyres will commence by June 2006, reports BS Online, adding that the Pune plant will reach a capacity of 350,000 units by 2009-10.

31st March 2005/by admin

Viking Appoints New Business Development Manager

Viking International has announced the appointment of Phillip Dingley as business development manager for the Central Area. Mr Dingley has over 30 years worth of experience within the tyre industry and joins the company after spending 18 years with ATS Euromaster. During this time he became regional operations manager and area sales and service manager.

For Viking, he will be working from the Desborough warehouse and will be responsible for creating new business and developing sales in existing business. Commenting on his appointment, Phillip Dingley said: “As business development manager for the Central Region, it will be my job to ensure the continued growth and development in that area. It’s a big responsibility, but this is one of the main reasons why I was attracted to the position in the first place. I’m relishing the challenge in front of me.”

31st March 2005/by admin

Tyre Disposal Company Fined

Two waste management companies have been fined a total of £140,000 at the Old Bailey. The fine followed a prosecution brought by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after an investigation into an incident where an employee, Mr Thomas Akwasi Aseidu-Ampofoh was crushed to death under a telescopic reach truck.

31st March 2005/by admin

Sumitomo Establish New Company

(Akron/Tire Review) Sumitomo Chemical has announced plans to establish a new company in southern China to manufacture and sell polypropylene compounds for automotive applications.

The new subsidiary, Sumika Polymer Compounds (Zhuhai) Co, will be 55 per cent owned by Sumitomo Chemical and 45 per cent owned by Toyo Ink Manufacturing (not related to Toyo Tire & Rubber Co.). The planned facility, which should open in mid-2006, will have an initial capacity of 10,000 tons/year, with a target of 20,000 tons/year at full capacity.

30th March 2005/by admin

Big Three Regaining Ground in Canada

(Toronto/Tire Review) Canadian Press reports that the Big Three automakers – Ford, GM and DaimlerChrysler – continue to lose market share in the United States but are regaining ground in Canada. US sales by the Big Three have declined by six per cent so far this year, reducing their market share to 59 per cent – the fifth consecutive month below 60 per cent – said the report released Monday, citing research by Scotiabank.

Meanwhile, the Big Three led the way in Canada last month, with volumes advancing 16 per cent year-over-year – the best performance in more than five years.

30th March 2005/by admin

Aircept System Works In Practice

Before launching its Greatec single drive tyres, incorporating the Aircept safety system, on to the market, Bridgestone subjected it to prolonged and extensive testing.

For the record, the Aircept system consists of an inner tube which, in the case of a tyre blow-out, expands to support the tyre at around half its normal pressure and enables the driver to continue his journey.

30th March 2005/by admin

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