USTMA applauds support package
Members of US Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) have applauded the U.S. Senate’s “unprecedented work to pass the largest economic relief package in U.S. history”. Now, the group respectfully urges the U.S. House of Representatives and President Trump to “expeditiously ensure this becomes law to provide a much-needed financial boost to American workers, American businesses” and the nation’s struggling economy.
Test World open for indoor testing
Test World reports that it is remaining open to “operate and fulfill a busy schedule of indoor tyre and vehicle testing during the global COVID-19 pandemic”. Writing in an email to customers and contacts published 31 March 2020, company representatives said: “Operating within official health guidance to the strictest degree and treating the health and wellbeing of its staff as the utmost priority, Test World strives to minimise disruption to the industry in these unprecedented times.”
TBR tyre production begins at Prinx Chengshan’s Thailand plant
Prinx Chengshan reports that its new tyre factory in Thailand produced its first commercial vehicle all-steel radial on 25 March. The first phase production project at the Prinx Chengshan Tire (Thailand) Co., Ltd. is now expected to be concluded in the second quarter of this year, giving the facility an annual capacity to produce 800,000 TBR tyres. The plant is also capable of manufacturing 4 million passenger car and light truck tyres a year.
Rosava suspends production until 24 April
Ukranian tyre maker Rosava has temporarily stopped production at both its production sites as part of efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus. It intends to halt production until 24 April. The company says shipments of products will continue from its warehouses as orders are received.
Ronal Group temporarily stops production
Demand for new cars has dropped as the COVID-19 pandemic spreads, and vehicle manufacturers have adjusted their production accordingly. Their suppliers have too, and alloy wheel manufacturer Ronal Group is the latest company to announce a temporary shutdown of its facilities. Deliveries of products will continue from existing stocks.
Tires & Rubber show postponed – but only for 2 months
The Tires & Rubber 2020 exhibition in Moscow has been rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Organiser Expocentre reports that the decision not to go ahead with the show between 24 and 27 April was taken after restrictions were announced by federal and city authorities.
Five new Alliance 585 sizes
Last year, Alliance Tire Group (ATG) launched the Alliance 585 for telehandler, backhoe and compact loader applications. The tyre maker reports that the initial size 460/70R24 tyre is already a bestseller within its range – and it has now added an extra five Alliance 585 sizes.
Brembo donates 1 million euros to Covid-19 research
Brake manufacturer Brembo has decided to donate 1 million euros to three centres of excellence in Bergamo, namely the Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital, the Fondazione per la Ricerca Ospedale di Bergamo (FROM) foundation and the Mario Negri Institute, which are working in the region hardest hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, combining clinical and pharmacological research.
Fintyre insolvency: Investors look at companies
According to Sebastian Brunner, spokesman for the provisional insolvency administrator handling the Fintyre Group case, a number of parties have already expressed interest in acquiring individual companies belonging to Fintyre’s insolvent German operations. These potential investors have already inspected the companies in question or will do so in the near future. “We hope to already have binding offers on the table in April and then be able to enter into negotiations,” said Brunner.
6-month MOT extension causes huge challenges, says IAAF
The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) has said the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s (DVSA) decision to extend MOTs for a six-month period causes “huge challenges” for the sector, arguing that the industry needs to ensure vehicles continue to be kept safe in these challenging times.
Comma conducts snap survey of workshops
As the UK enters its second week of the Coronavirus restrictions on movement and social distancing, in a poll undertaken for leading aftermarket lubricant brand, Comma, workshops revealed how they’re feeling and coping in the current situation.
TechMan: ‘business as usual’ for customers during Coronavirus restrictions
TechMan is advising its customers that it will be continuing to provide services and support for its garage management system whilst these unprecedented restrictions are in place. Individual garages are evaluating their own position and capabilities during this time in order to understand the best next steps for their businesses and how they can operate whilst adhering to the new social distancing instructions advised by government.