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Entries by Tyrepress Editors
Tyres and Tamales Prove a Spicy Combination
A man with a passion for tyres and food from his homeland has created a business with a difference in the US. Victor Galindo, originally from the small Mexican village of Tene, is the proprietor of Victor’s Tires and Custom wheels in Salt Lake City, Utah. What sets Victor’s apart is that customers can not only leave the premises with a brand spanking new set of tyres – they can also roll out the door with a full stomach and singing taste buds.
US Order For China Automotive Systems
China Automotive Systems, a power steering components and systems supplier in China, has its first purchase order for power steering gears from a global automotive manufacturer headquartered in North America, says Aftermarket News. This first purchase order is part of a larger agreement to supply power steering gears to this automotive manufacturer.
This agreement represents a major milestone for the company, said CEO Qizhou Wu, as it is the first contract for China Automotive Systems in the North American original equipment manufacturer market. These power steering gears are intended for one model of a well-known automobile brand, according to the company.
Alcoa’s Dura-Bright Wheels: Just Add Water
Alcoa is promoting the stay-clean qualities of its Dura-Bright wheels. Penetrating the wheel itself, the unique Dura-Bright technology is designed not to crack, peel or corrode. Dura-Bright has also been used in Alcoa’s commercial vehicle range of wheels for some time.
“It was clear that consumers required a new wheel solution that is durable while retaining a high quality, innovative appearance,” explains Mike Parnell, vice president and general manager – Alcoa Auto Wheels. “By being easy to clean and staying clean longer, Dura-Bright technology wheels enhance a vehicle’s appearance allowing Audi A6 [a key OE fitment] owners to enjoy their vehicle while lowering maintenance efforts.”
“We Have a Job to Do”
With 15 years of experience in the aftermarket components sector, Stuart Jackson was not completely unfamiliar with the tyre business when he joined Vredestein a year ago. Having said that, 12 months after becoming UK managing director, Jackson admits that changing lanes into the tyre segment is also “a really good challenge.” In his words he is “very happy to bring a fresh perspective to the business.” In a recent interview with Tyres & Accessories Jackson reflected on the last year revealed details of Vredestein’s plans for 2009.
2008 has reportedly been a “very successful year” for Vredestein – with the company predicting that its UK operations are on track to report a 16 per cent growth rate year-on-year. According to Jackson this does not simply reflect tyre sales volume, but rather “organic financial growth” and “great commitment” from dealers. Some months are said to have been better than others, but by working flexibly with its partners order fill rates have been “consistently high.”
Marangoni Supplies Tyres for First Tuned Alfa Mito
Marrangoni Tyre is supply red rubber for the first tuned Alfa Mito, on display at the forthcoming Essen Motor Show (27 November to 7 December 2008). It’s called the M430, however the reason for the name has, for now, been kept secret. Following the success of the Fiat 500, Marangoni is aiming to demonstrate its interest in tuning very shortly after the release of the production vehicle (on 12 September).
Bridgestone Extends Liberia Cargo Program
Bridgestone Americas’ Firestone Natural Rubber Co. announced that it would extend its cargo donation program through 2009. “Week after week we receive new applications from charitable organizations wanting to help the people of Liberia,” said Dan Adomitis, president of the unit. “Their generosity combined with Liberia’s need for humanitarian aid has convinced us here at Firestone that this program will continue to have a great impact over the coming year.”
In the program, which started in 2006, Bridgestone Americas provides space on its ships for relief goods and other donated cargo from U.S.-based charitable organizations to help Liberians. Fifteen 20-foot containers of medicine, food, generators, building materials and other supplies have been shipped so far this year, with several more scheduled for late 2008. (Tire Review/Akron)
Affinia Complete China Buy
Affinia has completed the acquisition of 85 per cent of Chinese brake component maker HBM Investment Ltd., owner of Longkou Haimeng Machining Co. Located in Shandong, China, Longkou Haimeng produces brake drums and rotors, and has a strong OE and aftermarket presence in Asia and Europe. (Tire Review/Akron)
TIA Readies Commercial Event, Retread Contest Back
Fresh off the 2008 SEMA Show, TIA has turned its focus on the the 2009 Commercial Tire, Retread & Recycling Conference (CTRRC), which will be held at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando on Feb. 9-11. The CTRRC will again be held in conjunction with the American Trucking Association’s Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC) annual meeting.
As part of the CTRRC, TIA is bringing back the Retread Appearance Contest, which will be held at the TIA Retread Pavilion. In a twist from previous years, this year’s Retread Appearance Contest will be voted on by the TMC fleet attendees. Details on the Retread Appearance Contest are available at TIA’s Web site at www.tireindustry.org. (Tire Review/Akron)
Columbian to Close US Carbon Black Plant
Due to softer demand for carbon black in North America, Columbian Chemicals announced on November 12 that it will close its production facilities in Marshall, West Virginia, on or around January 31, 2009. Approximately 55 jobs will be lost as a result of the closure.
Pirelli National Rally Changes Name
The Pirelli National Rally, based in Carlisle alongside the manufacturer’s major British plant, will be run under a new name in 2009 after it was announced that it will be integrated into the ANCRO Pirelli MSA Gravel Rally Championship. Founding members of ANCRO, the Cumberland Sporting Car Club have decided to rename the event the Pirelli Tour of Cumbria. This was how the rally was known when it was originally part of the ANCRO series.
In addition to the Gravel Rally Championship, the Tesco 99 Octane British Rally Championship and the Dunlop/Gambia British Historic Rally Championship will be represented with stages at the Pirelli Tour of Cumbria.
Toyo Establishes Russian Sales Office
Toyo Tire & Rubber has announced the joint establishment, along with Mitsubishi Corporation, of a Russian tyre sales subsidiary. The new subsidiary, known as Toyo Tire Rus LLC, was formed on October 23. According to the Japanese manufacturer, Toyo Rus LLC was established primarily for expanding the brand presence of Toyo tyres and improving the brand’s position in this growing and increasingly motorised BRIC market.
Old Tyres to Tread in Timberland Shoes
When they’ve finished doing service on your car, that set of old tyres removed by the local garage or fast fit can now potentially return and see further life on your feet. Footwear manufacturer Timberland has teamed up with Green Rubber to launch two new collections featuring outsoles made using recycled rubber from discarded tyres. These outsoles will contain a 50/50 blend of Green Rubber compound and virgin rubber compound, the blend of the two materials necessary in order to maintain the durability and performance characteristics Timberland footwear is known for.
Cooper Tire Factories Certified by ISO
A number of US based facilities operated by Cooper Tire & Rubber have been granted ISO certification. All four of the company’s factories there have earned ISO 9001:2000 quality management system certification, and in addition the plants in Albany (Georgia) and Tupelo (Mississippi) have fulfilled the requirements for IS0 14001 environmental management system certification.
“Attaining these formal certifications illustrates Cooper’s ongoing commitment to quality and our dedication to continuous improvement,” said chairman, president and CEO Roy V. Armes. “Cooper people have long worked at levels meeting or exceeding these standards, but it’s encouraging to have impartial third-party auditors recognise that fact.”
Cost Less & Last Longer – Why Yorks Uses Conti Tyres
Continental reports that high mileage and reliable performance are two key factors behind the decision by Northamptonshire based Yorks Coaches, part of the Bowen Travel Group, to opt for its tyres. Particularly impressive, adds Conti, has been the performance of the Continental HDR drive axle tyre. One set is still in service after three years – during which time it has covered in excess of 200,000 kilometres.
