10mm of Toe Out Could Cost £200 a Farm Tyre
Product NewsIn order to witness the benefits of wheel alignment in action, Goodyear recently invited Tyres & Accessories to see a demonstration of tractor wheel alignment technology at Harper Adams University College in Shropshire. Over the years Goodyear Dunlop has developed a long-term partnership with Harper Adams and is therefore able to use this leading agricultural educational establishment’s specialist facilities (which include an off-road test track and specialised covered and open test ploughing fields) from time to time with which the company.
During the demonstration Jason Hoare, part of the technical support/sales team within Goodyear UK’s agricultural tyre department, stressed that being just 14 millimetres out of alignment (a measurement that is dwarfed by the size of your average tractor – and that has been known to be found on brand new vehicles) can reduce tyre life by 33 per cent and absorb nearly six horse power when travelling at 50 km/h.
Hankook to Sponsor Audi Cup
Product NewsThis weekend a football extravaganza is being held in Germany to celebrate Audi’s 100th anniversary. On July 29 and 30 the Allianz Arena in Munich will host four of the world’s most highly regarded teams – FC Bayern München, AC Milan, Argentine champions and three-time Intercontinental Cup winners Boca Juniors, along with our very own Manchester United. Hankook Tire will also be present at this gathering of the football world’s elite, as one of the official sponsors.
“Naturally, it is a great honour for us as one of the original equipment suppliers to Audi to be able to get involved in this sporty highlight for Audi’s hundred-year anniversary,” commented Jin-Wook Choi, executive vice-president and COO of Hankook Tire in Europe.
Marangoni Supersizes its Retreaded Machinery Range
Product NewsDemand for larger size OTR and earthmover retreads has been robust over the past couple of years, and Marangoni Tyre Machinery has now introduced a product aimed at this segment of the market. The Trio Super 63” can, as its name suggests, accommodate up to and including 63-inch size radials. Marangoni reports the unit can peel, buff and groove OTR and earthmover tyres rapidly, and as the tyres being processed can be fitted upon flanges and inflated up to 1 bar, the Italian manufacturer is confident the resultant geometric stability is maximal.
New Kryon Forklift Range to Make its Mark by Not Leaving One
Product News‘Kryon’ is the name of a new tyre brand manufactured by Amerityre Corporation, and the company entered into a partnership with US based OTR tyre wholesaler K-2 Industrial Tire for global distribution of the range. On July 28 Amerityre announced that the first shipment of these polyeurethane forklift tyres has now been delivered to K-2.
“We are pleased to be working with K-2, and are proud to bring this new line of polyurethane forklift tyres to the market,” announced Amerityre president and CEO Michael Kapral.
Permatex Celebrates 100th Anniversary
Product NewsPermatex, the automotive maintenance chemical technology specialist, is marking its 100th year in business. The company was founded in 1909 by Constant A. Benoit Sr., a chemist, who started the business with a simple glue he developed for bonding bicycle tyres. At a 24-hour race in 1915 Benoit noticed that many of the cars were constantly blowing head gaskets and pitting for repairs. Benoit came up with a sealant that solved the problem and launched Permatex into the automotive chemical maintenance business.
According to Andy Robinson, general manager of Permatex, “We’ve come a long way since Mr Benoit’s ground-breaking effort helped change the face of endurance racing, but that same pioneering spirit that helped to launch the Permatex brand over 100 years ago continues to drive the company today. His passion for innovation is evident in the wide range of advanced products we are now developing and marketing. Our patented Gel Twist and Gel Squeeze threadlocker delivery systems, ‘torque and go’ 1-Minute Gasket, B-Force 100 per cent biodegradable lubricant, and Low-VOC, foaming action Gasket Remover are just a few of the most recent new product developments that continue Mr. Benoit’s pursuit of better solutions.”
Taray Sets up Team USA Domestic Group
Product NewsTaray International Corp. introduced team USA, headed by Craig Russell (formerly of Multi-Seal Corp.), to serve as the company’s domestic sales, marketing and service group. “For the past 30 years, Taray has provided its international customers with top quality products and unrivaled service at very competitive prices. With the introduction of Team USA, our domestic clients can now enjoy the same level of service and quality as our international clients,” the company said in a press release.
Team USA is a group of field representatives divided into three territories across the U.S., allowing Taray to meet the needs of customers much faster, according to the company. Taray supplies tyre retreading supplies, automotive service equipment and commercial tyre products, including Bosch rubber extruder sales and repair; expandable rim sales and refurbishing; hand and pneumatic tools; and much more. For more information, visit www.taray.com. (Tire Review/Akron)
Market Coverage Assured with Universal Automotive Range
Product NewsKidderminster-based parts distributor Universal Automotive provides its customers a range of well-known OE quality branded products and parts under its own VECO brand name. In the brakes category this branded range of pads, shoes, discs and drums is complemented by the globally repected Brembo name, for whom Universal Automotive acts as UK logistics partner. Through this arrangement the company is able to supply the complete Brembo programme of top-of-the-range aftermarket discs and drums, including the Brembo Max performance range.
Harvie to Retire as Goodyear General Counsel, Successor Named
Product NewsCome October, Goodyear Tire & Rubber will have a new general counsel following the announcement of incumbent C. Thomas Harvie’s imepnding retirement. Mr. Harvie will retire on October 31 following more than 14 years in the position; Goodyear’s Board of Directors have elected David L. Bialosky, executive vice president, general counsel and secretary of TRW Automotive Holdings as his successor. Bialosky will join Goodyear in late September.
Kwik-Fit Gains Presidential Support in Viral Video
International News, News, UK NewsTyre change by Presidential decree… the man in America’s top job pauses from world affairs to discuss a topic of true importance. Of course, it’s just a bit of fun from Kwik-Fit, but the viral film of President Obama does deliver a message worth listening to. The viral video, titled “Obama calls for tyre change”, was produced by advertising agency DDB London.
Hankook Tire Doubles Quarterly Operating Profits
Product NewsHankook Tire has reported strong second quarter sales of 1,257.3 billion won (£613.945 million; 715.822 million euros; 1.009 billion), up 10.3 per cent from 1,111.7 billion won (£545.693 million; 637.191 million euros; $893.855 million) in the second quarter of 2008. However, the company also recorded a 239.6 per cent increase in quarterly operating profits, which grew from 79.0 billion won to 144.8 billion won (£71.098 million; 82.944 million; $116.456 million) in the second quarters of 2008 and 2009 respectively.
The Hankook Tire China and Hungary operation saw record-high growth that led to a triple-digit percentage increase in its operating profit figures. In particular, the China operation reportedly recorded a 34.8 per cent sales increase quarter-on-quarter due to an increase in consumer demands and OE supplies, in line with the growing Chinese automotive industry. The Hungary operation showed a 44.6% sales increase year-on-year and resulted in operating profits following growth in the European market and cost efficient production.
Pagid Range at ECP Provides 99% Market Coverage
Product NewsAftermarket parts supplier Euro Car Parts is now offer one of the world’s leading manufacturers of brake friction material, Pagid, and customers can thus take advantage of this comprehensive range that includes more than 1,200 brake pads and discs, more than 250 brake drums and over 500 brake shoes. Indeed, ECP states that the Pagid line-up covers an astounding 99 per cent of the UK car parc and gives the company great coverage across may of the newer vehicles. Examples given by ECP are the latest model ford KA, released in February 2009, the new fiesta released last year and the new Vauxhall Insignia released in December 2008 – all of which now have coverage in the Pagid brand.
Independent Garage Complaints Down
Product NewsThe garage sector is said to be succeeding in raising customer service levels. Figures released this week by government-funded advice service Consumer Direct suggest that the number of concerns with workshops is falling, reporting that it received 8,047 calls between January-June 2009 about service and repairs carried out by independent garages – a fall of 4.16 per cent over the same period the previous year.
“These latest figures indicate that there has been an improvement in the performance of independent garages over the past few months. The more businesses that recognise the benefits to be obtained by subscribing to this Code, the better the overall consumer experience will be,” said Motor Codes director Chris Mason. “By working with the sector to provide real benefit for consumers and raise standards across the industry, Motor Codes is best positioned to help motorists identify who they should be doing business with.”
TRIB Addressses Canadian Parliament, Prime Minister
Product NewsThe following is an open letter to Prime Minister Steven Harper and all members of the Canadian parliament, written July 28 by Harvey Brodsky, managing director of the Tire Retread & Repair Information Bureau:
Dear Prime Minister Harper and all Members of the Canadian Parliament,
The Tire Retread & Repair Information Bureau is an international non-profit, member owned industry association. I am writing today on behalf of our Canadian members in the tire retread and tire repair industries to bring to your attention the tremendous contribution our members make to both the environment and the economy throughout Canada.
Alcoa Celebrates 50 Years On the Dow Jones
Product NewsAlcoa chairman, Alain Belda, and CEO, Klaus Kleinfeld, rang the opening bell of the New York Stock Exchange this morning, celebrating Alcoa’s 50 years as part of the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA). Ringing the opening bell also forms part of the company’s year long celebrations – 2009 is the 120th anniversary of Alcoa’s founding.