Bridgestone Malaysia to Raise Prices
Bridgestone Tyre Sales (Malaysia) is to increase the price of tyres from 1st April by an as-yet-unspecified amount, because of continuing high rubber prices, said managing director Yoshiaki Hirashi.
Bridgestone Tyre Sales (Malaysia) is to increase the price of tyres from 1st April by an as-yet-unspecified amount, because of continuing high rubber prices, said managing director Yoshiaki Hirashi.
Michelin has increased its financial stake in Hankook, purchasing an additional two million shares – equivalent to 1.3 per cent of the Korean manufacturer’s share capital – for US$26 million.
Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. says it expects sales in Asia to rise 6 per cent this year compared with an 8.5 per cent increase in 2005, Asia Pacific President Pierre Cohade told Reuters. “We anticipate the industry in Asia to grow 5 per cent this year and we are aiming to gain 6 per cent,” Pierre Cohade said on the sidelines of an American Chamber of Commerce event in Shanghai. Cohade said the forecast was based on a mild slowdown in growth in the China market, one of its major growth drivers.
(Akron/Tire Review) Mitch Schneider, nationally recognized automotive service professional, author and lecturer, has joined Babcox Publications as a senior contributing editor.
Beginning in July, Schneider’s popular commentary will appear monthly in Babcox’s Tech Group publications, including Brake & Front End, ImportCar and Underhood Service. In addition to frequent exclusives on AftermarketNews.com and Autocarepronews.com, another column written specifically for store professionals will appear regularly in Counterman magazine.
At the beginning of March 2006 Amsterdam-based Granuband BV Finalised its takeover of Dash Recycled Rubber Inc. (DRRI) in Macon, Missouri, USA. The new company will be named Granuband Macon, LLC. The company will continue the same activities with the personnel who are already employed at DRRI. Following the takeover Granuband will increase production to 24 hours a day. The Missouri factory will produce several sizes of rubber for use things like artificial pitches and as rubber mulch.
January 2006 saw total tyre production in India rise 9 per cent to 5,623,048 tyres compared with January 2005. The figures calculated by the Indian Tyre Manufacturer’s association (ATMA) show that motorcycle tyre sales were up 15 per cent totalling 1,801,839 units. This particularly rapid growth is largely explained by the reclassification of moped tyres under the motorcycle heading, but also signifies production growth in the segment.
Passenger car tyre production increased to 1,230,869 units up 16 per cent from the same time last year. Truck and bus and light truck production increased to 946,730 (up 8 per cent) and 352,967 (up 14 per cent) respectively. Perhaps unsurprisingly in light of the current global shortage, OTR tyre production increased 37 per cent to 10,811 units in January.
The new partnership between Aston Martin and Pirelli got off to the best possible start in qualifying for the 54th annual Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, the opening round of the 2006 American Le Mans Series. In typical Floridian hot afternoon conditions, the two Astons scorched around the track to take first and second grid positions ahead of the two factory Corvettes. Pedro Lamy in car #009 set a new GT1 class qualifying lap record of 1.55.286.
Chinese brand Aeolus is set to introduce a range of low-loader tyres in the Netherlands and across Europe. This news represents Aeolus’ response to the ever-increasing demand for these tyres from European companies in the transport business. The expansion of this line again signifies the increasing Chinese presence in the European tyre market. Aeolus has selected Heuver Banden of Den Ham to distribute these tyres in the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, Denmark and France. Kirkby Tyres sells Aeolus products in the UK.
Bridgestone Motorsport has launched a new Bridgestone Motorsport consumer website: www.bridgestonemotorsport.com aimed at bringing motorsport fans across the globe regular news and information about Bridgestone’s involvement in all of its major motor racing activities, namely the FIA Formula One World Championship, the GP2 Series, MotoGP, IRL, Champ Car World Series, Formula Nippon and SUPER GT.
Summer tyre comparative tests carried out recently in Germany saw Pirelli surpass all its other competitors and achieve outstanding ratings. This despite the severity of the tests, conducted by the top car magazines as well as ADAC, the country’s motoring organisation.
These extremely favourable test results repeated the excellent results achieved in recent months by Pirelli’s winter tyre ranges.
Axle Group executives have announced plans to acquire up to 200 independent retail outlets across the UK in an effort to double the number of branches in the company’s National Tyres chain. Group financial director, John Kemp told Tyres & Accessories that National Tyres is “actively looking” for the right kind of acquisition targets and is “prepared to borrow” to do this. In his words, expanding the retail network is a great opportunity to “further enhance (the) bottom line.”
The announcement coincides with the publication of the company’s financial results, which show that the company achieved £121.4 million of sales in 2005, up 7 per cent on the previous year. During the period Axle Group recorded an operating profit of £883,000, almost £9 million more than the company reported in its 2004 accounts.
Maha UK is in the process of doubling its project team. Extensions to their existing offices are under way to cope with the work load and the increase in staff. The project and planning team lead by Neil Ebbs has many years experience in this field and offers workshop planning for small extensions of up to 30+ bays including all the services and infrastructure that may be required.
Bridgestone has launched the Blizzak Nordic studless winter tyre range. According to the company the line has been specifically developed to meet the toughest performance demands of Northern Europe’s winter climate. This new-generation design replaces the existing WS-50 series, and Bridgestone says brings with it enhanced capabilities under most adverse weather conditions.
The National Tyres ‘Branch Manager of the Year 2005’ award has been won by Michael Gough of the Farnborough branch – along with a brand new Mini Cooper. Michael (53) came in top place for branch manager of the year, achieving record sales and receiving excellent feedback for customer service in the branch. Tony Neill, managing director presented Michael with his award.
The Viking tyre range has been extended to include the new Protech II pattern, replacing the current Protech 500. Exclusively available from Viking International, the Protech II’s advanced asymmetric pattern is the perfect combination for wet and dry conditions.
The outer pattern consists of stiff shoulder blocks and two circumferential ribs to ensure lateral stability and precise steering, as well as optimised grip for excellent braking to give all round excellent dry performance. The inner pattern with its combination of numerous block edges and sipes provides superb grip and handling in wet weather conditions.
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