First Stop tyre retail network to become a JV in Germany
Just over a month after sharing details of growth plans for its First Stop network in the UK, Bridgestone has announced a major change in its German First Stop network. Pending approval from the relevant authorities, Pneuhage, one of the country’s largest independent tyre retailers, will acquire a 75 per cent share in a joint venture with Bridgestone Deutschland. The intention is for First Stop in Germany and its subsidiaries – retail outlets, retreading operation and partner network – to be operated by this joint venture.
Continue ReadingStarco launches new e-commerce platform in Poland
Starco is releasing its new e-commerce platform for Polish aftermarket customers. Despite the initial aftermarket focus, the ambition is to develop functionalities which meet the needs of the original equipment manufacturers and improve the overall customer experience. The first release will include all the shop functionalities with which customers have become acquainted from the current version, as well as a selection of new features as well. As a result of the project, Starco’s shop and website have been merged into one Polish language entity.
Continue ReadingUK car manufacturing up a quarter in May
UK car manufacturing output rose by a quarter in May, according to new figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. SMMT reports that 150,802 cars were built in the month, a 26.4 per cent jump compared with May last year. Export growth outpaced domestic orientated output, with the sectors reporting 27.3 […]
Continue ReadingHankook signs three-year global Real Madrid partnership
Hankook has signed a global partnership contract with Real Madrid CF. The contract starts from July 2016 and is set to last three seasons. By virtue of the deal, Hankook aims to add some 450 million Real Madrid fans from different global markets such as the Asian Pacific region including China, Latin America, and of course Europe. As well as perimeter advertising during all home games at the football club’s Santiago Bernabéu stadium, Hankook will have access to a range of further global marketing rights.
Continue ReadingOmni United buys A to Z Tire in US
Omni United has purchased Texas-based A to Z Tire & Battery, Inc – Omni’s second US-based distribution acquisition. Now the focus is on consolidating the distribution businesses (A to Z Tire and the previously acquired Interstate Tire Distributor) into a single unit under a new brand identity. No further details of what brand and when this will take place have been released.
Continue ReadingVMI awarded damages in Shuangjun case
The Chinese Intellectual Property Court has upheld VMI’s claims against Shuangjun Plastic and Rubber Machinery Ltd. and awarded the full compensation requested by VMI to be paid by Shuangjun. The Chinese Patent Management Bureau ruled that Shuangjun was guilty of patent infringement against VMI’s patent for its tyre building drum back in 2015.
Continue ReadingTrelleborg sponsors Wisconsin, USA Ponsse demo day
Trelleborg has sponsored global leader in forest machines manufacturing, Ponsse North America, at its live demonstration at the Crandon International Off-Road Raceway in Wisconsin, USA.
Continue ReadingToyo extends football sponsorship programme with German, Japanese deals
Toyo Tires has become a premium partner to Fortuna Düsseldorf after entering into a two-year agreement with the German second division (2. Bundesliga) football club. This deal was announced the day the Bundesliga announced its schedule for the 2016/17 season and only a short time after Toyo Tire & Rubber shared news of its new two-year sponsorship of Japanese club Gamba Osaka.
Continue ReadingGroundbreaking held for Pirelli’s second Mexico tyre factory
The China National Chemical Corporation (ChemChina) reports that its subsidiary Pirelli “recently” held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new facility in Mexico. It shares that the US$360 million has been invested in the new plant so far, and by the end of 2018 the total investment figure will exceed $600 million.
Continue ReadingPoint S hints at Indian market involvement
Fabien Bouquet, CEO of Point S International HQ, took part in the Tyre & Rubber industry Leadership Acknowledgement TRILA Awards that took place in parallel with Tyrexpo India on 15 June.
Continue ReadingTatneft, Nizhnekamskshina report slight rise in tyre production volumes
At its annual general meeting of shareholders this month, Russian corporation PJSC Tatneft reported that its various tyre making operations produced a total of 12 million tyres in 2015, including 875,000 solid steel cord tyres. In 2014 the company manufactured 11.64 million tyres, including 745,090 solid steel cord tyres.
Continue ReadingRosava purchases Saehwa equipment for 17-inch tyre production
South Korean tyre industry machinery manufacturer Saehwa IMC is supplying PJSC Rosava the equipment needed to begin the production of 17-inch passenger car tyres. The Ukrainian tyre maker says it is currently working to modernise its production and has invested in the equipment and tooling needed for the manufacture of this rim diameter size.
Continue ReadingSDC trailers bought by Chinese firm CIMC
Chinese firm CIMC Vehicles has acquired Northern Irish firm Retlan Manufacturing Limited, which includes well-known trailer manufacturer SDC Trailers Local news sources quote David Li, general manager and director of the board of CIMC Vehicles, as saying: We are delighted to have acquired the Retlan Group. The acquisition will mark an exciting new chapter in its history. We look forward to working with the existing management to continue its fine tradition of high quality UK-based manufacturing and to the opportunity for further investment to help grow the business.”
Continue ReadingOmsk Carbon USA appoints new manager
Omsk Carbon USA LLC has appointed Piotr Pawlicki as its new manager. According to the company, Pawlicki’s main responsibility will be increasing sales in conjunction and improving customer service for Omsk Carbon Group customers in the North America. The office functions also include overseeing logistics, accounting and HR management.
Continue ReadingIndustrial tyre firm contests US tariffs against Sri Lanka manufactured products
On 4 February 2016, the US Department of Commerce (DOC) announced the initiation of antidumping duty (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) investigations of imports of certain new pneumatic off-the-road tires from China and India, and a CVD investigation of imports of certain new pneumatic off-the-road tyres from Sri Lanka.
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