International News
Michelin selling online in China with JD.com
Motorists in China can now buy Michelin tyres online thanks to an expansion of Michelin China’s partnership with JD.com, the country’s largest retailer. JD.com has launched a first-party flagship store on its platform. The newly-extended partnership will also see Michelin and JD.com integrate their offline automotive service networks; consumers buying Michelin tyres on JD.com will be given priority to choose service networks such as TyrePlus for fitment.
Yokohama supporting Chelsea FC pre-season match
This year, Chelsea FC will play a pre-season match in Japan, an event sponsor Yokohama Rubber has previously requested. The tyre maker has now announced its support of the fixture, which is scheduled for 19 July – it intends to “work closely with Chelsea” while the team is in Japan to “bring Japanese fans closer to the ‘Blues’ ahead of the 2019/20 season.”
North American launch for Agilis CrossClimate
Michelin’s all-season tyre for light commercial vehicles will be available in the USA and Canada as of 1 April. Michelin North America has released the range seen in the UK and Europe in five C-Metric sizes, offering fitments to European van platforms that have become increasingly popular in the North American market. The Agilis CrossClimate name has also been given to a LT-Metric tyre designed specifically for ¾- and 1-ton pick-up trucks and vans. This product can be identified at a glance by its non-directional tread pattern; the LT-Metric range covers 16 sizes.
Bigger tyres, less jobs: Goodyear announces bittersweet investment for Germany
Goodyear is investing 106 million euros (£90.6 million) to modernise two of its tyre plants in Germany. The investment in the Hanau and Fulda facilities will increase their capacities to produce tyres for 17-inch and larger rim diameters; Goodyear Dunlop Tires Germany intends to add an extra 2.5 million units to its annual capacity in this segment. But it isn’t all good news – the company reports that these modernisation measures will lead to the loss of approximately 1,100 jobs.
Dana releases new TireAnalytics version
On 13 March Dana Incorporated released version 3.0 of its Rhombus TireAnalytics system, in the USA. According to company, the latest version comes with new capabilities to help large fleets reduce tyre costs. The third generation of the technology provides new cost-per-mile (CPM) analysis capabilities and best practice solutions that enable commercial-truck owners and fleet maintenance managers to make better data driven decisions for each application.
Trelleborg acquires Italian agricultural tyre distributor
Trelleborg Wheel Systems has acquired Provana Solutions srl and Provana Quality Center srl. Provana Solutions specializes in the distribution and service of tyres and complete wheels to tractor dealers and farmers in Italy. Provana Quality Center provides testing of various tyre solutions to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of agricultural machinery. The acquisitions will enable the development of the business area’s service concept for agricultural tyres in Europe.
USTMA forecasts decrease in US tyre shipments
Trade association the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) projects that tyre shipments in the USA will decrease 0.7 per cent this year to 327 million units.
Belshina: Phase 1 of off-road radial project nearing completion
Belarus-based tyre maker Belshina JSC reports it will be ready to commence pilot production of 25- to 29-inch off-highway all-steel radial tyres in the near future. Manufacturing equipment is currently being installed at Belshina’s industrial and OTR tyre plant; it aims to finalise the project’s first phase this summer.
Vietnam factory: Guizhou Tyre establishes subsidiary
It’s almost two years since we first heard of Guizhou Tyre Co. Ltd’s intention to establish a plant in Vietnam, and plans have been taking shape since then. On 4 March, the Chinese tyre maker’s Board of Directors approved the establishment of a new wholly-owned subsidiary.
Top natural rubber produces cutting exports by 240,000 tons
On 6 March, the International Tripartite Rubber Council (ITRC) announced plans to reduce rubber exports by 240,000 tons for the next four months.
Kumho delisting from London Stock Exchange
Kumho Tire plans to delist its shares from the London Stock Exchange (LSE) at the end of April 2019, according to South Korean company filings.
Michelin Selfseal tyres OE on new Ford Explorer
In the USA, Ford Motor is supplying Michelin Selfseal tyres for the new Ford Explorer. The 2020 Explorer is the first SUV to offer Michelin Selfseal tyres, according to Ford.
GDT tyre-deived oil output ‘already sold’
Australia-based Green Distillation Technologies (GDT) reports that it has already pre-sold all the oil the firm expects to obtain from old tyres recycled in its planned Toowoomba plant. Indeed, GDT reports that the company has already sold its entire oil output from plants in North Queensland and Wagga in Southern New South Wales as well.
Test World wins Tire Industry Supplier of the Year Award again
Test World has won the ‘Tire Industry Supplier of the Year’ award at the Tire Technology International Awards for Innovation and Excellence 2019. According to the company, the win recognises continued investment in Test World, with expanded indoor test facilities due to be officially opened during a ceremony on the 27 March.
IAAF and FIGIEFA evaluating EU Block Exemption Regulation
The IAAF is working in conjunction with FIGIEFA to give input to the EU Commission’s review of the Block Exemption Regulation (BER) (EU) No 461/2010, which is now underway in Brussels.