JK Tyre profits jump 41% in 2015-16
India’s JK Tyre & Industries Ltd. has reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 4.64 billion (£47.7 million) for the financial year ending 31 March 2016, a 41 per cent year-on-year rise over the previous fiscal. Consolidated turnover amounted to Rs 76.54 billion (£786.9 million). On a standalone basis, JK Tyre achieved turnover of Rs 65.80 billion (£676.5 million), a year-on-year increase of 58 per cent. In light of this improved performance, the company’s Board of Directors has recommended a dividend of 125 per cent on JK Tyre’s equity shares, pending approval at the tyre maker’s Annual General Meeting.
Continue ReadingEncircle Marketing launches new website and reporting centre
After 20 months of development and two delayed launches, Encircle Marketing has rolled-out the first phase of its new corporate website and reporting centre. According to the company, the completely re-built corporate site coupled with user login portal, gives Encircle a fresh and modern look after eight years of reporting to the tyre industry.
Continue ReadingSuzuki reports emissions and fuel testing “discrepancies”, denies cheating
Following revelations of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation’s use of excessive tyre pressure to influence fuel consumption tests in April, Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism sent out surveys to 41 manufacturers whose vehicles possess type certification in Japan. The manufacturers were required to report back on test practices by 18 May. Suzuki shared with the ministry that “some discrepancies” were found between the Ministry’s regulations covering emission and fuel efficiency and the methods it actually uses. Suzuki denies that these incongruities are evidence of data manipulating, cheating or, in its own words, “acts of injustice.”
Continue ReadingBohnenkamp takes over Starco’s main aftermarket operation in “strategy of strengths”
Should the relevant authorities grant their blessing, at the start of July German agricultural tyre wholesaler Bohnenkamp AG will take over several business areas belonging to Starco, while the Danish company will assume responsibility for certain activities currently within the Bohnenkamp portfolio.
Continue ReadingCourt upholds Bridgestone design rights claim
A Chinese court has ruled in favour of Bridgestone Corporation in a lawsuit filed against the country’s largest privately-owned tyre maker, Triangle Tyre Co., Ltd. The case involved Triangle Tyre’s use of a tread pattern that shared more than a passing resemblance to an existing Bridgestone pattern.
Continue ReadingMichelin suing Atturo over alleged patent infringement
On 13 May Michelin North America, Inc. filed suit against Atturo Tire Corporation and Svizz-One Corporation Ltd. alleging the companies infringed a design patent covering the Michelin Latitude tyre tread design.
Continue ReadingPirelli officially launches new P Zero in Portugal
Two weeks after it was previewed during the Geneva Motor Show, on 13 April Pirelli launched its latest P Zero tyre in Portugal, furthering the “made to measure” meets “extreme performance” pro-homologation message Pirelli has attached to its latest product.
Continue ReadingNokian Tyres adds VP strategy to management team
Timo Tervolin has been appointed as vice president, strategy and corporate development and a member of Nokian Tyres management team. According to the company, his responsibilities will include leading Nokian’s strategy process and strategic programmes, mergers and acquisitions, and monitoring markets and competition.
Continue ReadingZafco launches Zeetex Value for Money tyre range at Automechanika Dubai
Zafco presented its own brand Zeetex, as well as the Otani, Double Coin, and Accelera and Forceum brands at Automechanika Dubai, showcasing a wide range of products for the Middle East and African markets. The show presented an opportunity to launch the latest Zeetex product line, a new Value for Money (VFM) range of four patterns for the PCR, UHP, 4x4, and Light Truck segments. Zafco states the VFM range is intended for “customers who look for value in terms of quality, price, and durability.”
Continue ReadingPrinx Chengshan adds new European marketing and sales executives
Prinx Chengshan reports that it has added two big hitters to its European team. Jan Strban has joined, taking on the position of senior product marketing manager and Adrian Costache has taken on the role of area sales manager. Jan Strban joins from Continental Slovakia, where he most recently held the position of head of product management. He brings with him experience as a member of international teams, involved in a large number of Conti’s projects over the last 15 years.
Continue ReadingMIRA first to offer Tempest-accredited testing in the UK
Horiba MIRA is strengthening its cyber security capabilities by offering full vehicle Tempest testing, as a result of its partnership with Secure Systems and Technologies (SST), a CPTAS accredited body. The Tempest standard enables First of Type Platform tests to be carried out at MIRA for military manufacturers looking to understand the susceptibility of computer and telecommunications devices in their vehicles to hacking. These devices include computers, cables, telephones, radio signals and operating systems, which all emit electromagnetic radiation (EMR) that can be used by dishonest interceptors to reconstruct intelligible data.
Continue ReadingBrembo celebrates 100 millionth brake disc
Brembo’s board of directors, which is chaired by Alberto Bombassei, met at the firm’s Polish factory in Dabrowa Gornicza on Tuesday 10 May to celebrate the production of the firm’s one-hundred-millionth disc. At the same time Brembo’s board approved the groups quarterly results from 31 March 2016. Brembo Group’s net consolidated revenues amounted to 563.6 million euros in the first quarter of 2016, up 9.6 per cent compared to the first quarter of 2015. On a like-for-like exchange rate basis, revenues increased by 10.5 per cent.
Continue ReadingVolvo launches driverless vehicle trial in the UK
On 3 May Volvo Cars announced that it is planning an autonomous driving (AD) trial in the UK next year. The company said it is pioneering the development of AD systems globally as part of its commitment that no one will be seriously injured or killed in a new Volvo by the year 2020.
Continue ReadingOmni appoints Brett Martin as US president
Omni United has appointed Brett Martin as the president of its distribution division, US-based subsidiary Omni United USA Inc. This makes Brett Martin responsible for Omni Uniteds distribution business in the USA. Brett Martin comes with over 36 years of experience including 23 years of handling various roles in the distribution sector. His last position was senior vice president of Distribution, TCI, where he had oversight of 85 distribution centres in the US. He has been associated with TCI, a subsidiary of Michelin North America for many years, and has previously held numerous positions including regional director west coast and distribution centre manager. Martin also has experience in tyre retail.
Continue ReadingHankook showing new summer tyres at Reifen
From the 24th to the 27th of May 2016 Hankook will be exhibiting at the Reifen show in Essen the 12th time. The company’s stand in Hall 3, Booth 3A34, will feature the firm’s new “comfort flagship Ventus Prime3”, which recently took top spot in the AutoBild summer tyre test 2016. At the neighbouring Booth 3A32, the company is also presenting the summer line-up of its second tyre brand launched at the IAA - Laufenn.
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