Bibby chose Bandvulc for third consecutive contract
Prior to Bandvulc’s contract with CSG, in autumn 2019, the fleet tyre and retread specialist entered its third contract term with distribution giant Bibby.
Prior to Bandvulc’s contract with CSG, in autumn 2019, the fleet tyre and retread specialist entered its third contract term with distribution giant Bibby.
Bridgestone EMIA will either temporarily close or reduce production plants across its European manufacturing network in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Its Béthune plant in France and the Bari plant in Italy will be closed until 6 April.
Alliance Tire Group (ATG) has introduced a new range of heavy-duty tyres for backhoes and compact wheel loaders. It’s called the Alliance 321 Plus, and this R-4 cross-ply tyre range is now available in nine sizes.
Apollo Vredestein is scaling back production at its European plants in Hungary and the Netherlands in addition to “taking measures to protect our workforce in line with government health advisory and measures” against coronavirus/Covid-19.
Formula 1 teams based in the UK are working with the government and other groups to help address a shortage of respiratory equipment amid the coronavirus crisis. The news follows a government call for businesses to help increase the supply of ventilators to hospitals. According to an official statement, the teams have expert design, technology and production capabilities, and specialise in rapid prototyping and high value manufacturing, which is hoped can be applied to the critical needs set out by Government.
It’s already decided to shutter production at some of its plants in Europe for at least a week, and Michelin has now begun a temporary, phased shutdown of some of its tyre production facilities in the United States and Canada as well. It has also “established appropriate contingency plans” for the weeks to come and will adjust its actions “as the situation evolves.”
On Friday, Pirelli announced it would suspend production at its two tyre plants in the UK in light of the COVID-19 emergency and its effect on the automotive industry. Yesterday it extended the production stop to its Settimo Torinese and Bollate plants in Italy.
Top management at Apollo Tyres have announced they’ve accepted a pay cut during the market difficulties brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. The tyre maker says it is also preparing to implement further measures.
Market demand for tyres in some parts of the world is declining parallel to the spread of the coronavirus, and Cooper Tire & Rubber Company has responded by announcing a temporary shutdown of its tyre manufacturing facilities in the United States and Mexico. In a statement published on Saturday, the tyre maker said it is also “currently assessing plans” for its operations in Europe. Cooper Tires’ plants in China, which reopened several weeks ago and have continued to ramp up production since then, remain in operation.
In addition to pausing production in the UK, Pirelli will first reduce production at its plant in Rome, USA and then close it completely for a week.
A combination of health concerns and a significant slowdown in the automotive sector have prompted Pirelli to temporarily halt production at its factories in Burton on Trent and Carlisle. The stop will begin on 23 March.
While the government has introduced significant social distancing measures including closing schools, and while tyre businesses are offering innovative contactless solutions, garages are still open for business. However, in Italy the country has been on lockdown for a month. We know that truck tyre technicians should be categorised as “key workers”, but what about car tyre retailers and what if movements become more restricted?
Earlier we examined the evidence that truck tyre technicians should be considered key workers in “Are truck tyre technicians key workers?” In answer to the question, NTDA chief executive Stefan Hay suggested “those technicians who hold a REACT, LCTT or LRTT licence may wish to present the cards as evidence of their profession. Naturally, schools can confirm the validity of the licence by contacting the NTDA’s Head Office.”
As the UK increasingly adopts social distancing measures, tyre retailers are reporting increased demand for mobile tyre fitting services. For example, Kwik Fit is introducing social distancing measures for its mobile fleet operators. The company reports that it has seen a 15 per cent increase in enquiries for appointments for tyre fitting at customers’ homes, the majority of which are said to be due to customers self-isolating after being impacted by the government’s latest guidance on the coronavirus. And Halfords has introduced a ‘contactless’ home fitting service.
The Institute of the Motor Industry has affirmed that it is ‘open for business’ in support of the motor retail sector during the Coronavirus pandemic. The IMI is emphasising the availability of its online channels during the coming months. It has dedicated business development, quality and product teams available remotely to help partners to continue to innovate and deliver to their learners and members.
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