Continental onside with World Cup edition tyres
Germany’s contribution to this year’s World Cup hasn’t just been some spectacular football and a memorable 7-1 victory over the host nation in the semi-final; sponsor Continental has produced three World Cup-themed tyres to mark the event. Each of these limited edition products feature stylised footballs and the FIFA World Cup logo on the sidewall – but unfortunately, none are available for sale here.
Continue ReadingLinglong partnering with IDIADA in China tyre test centre project
On 1 July Linglong Group signed a strategic agreement with IDIADA to partner in the construction of a central Asian tyre proving ground. The agreement was signed between Josep-Maria Farran, COO (chief operating officer) of IDIADA, and Wang Feng, vice president of Linglong Group, marking the start of this strategic cooperation.
Continue ReadingWheel Pros sells to Audax Group
Investment firm Audax Group has acquired Wheel Pros, LLC from Platinum Equity. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Wheel Pros is a leading designer, marketer, and distributor of branded aftermarket wheels. The company also distributes performance tyres and accessories. Founded in 1995 with two distribution centres, the company today carries proprietary, leading brands that are recognized across all major vehicle segments and are sold through a national footprint of 25 distribution centres and internationally.
Continue ReadingAustralian tyre disposal scheme now underway
An initiative to deal with the estimated 50 million end of life tyres removed from vehicles in Australia each year was implemented at the start of this month. Called the Tyre Product Stewardship Scheme, the industry-led programme aims to eliminate illegal dumping, reduce the number of waste tyres and increase the rate of tyre recycling in Australia from its current level of approximately 16 per cent.
Continue ReadingCabot top ‘Energy Efficiency Frontrunner’ in China
Top listing in the China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Federation’s 2013 ‘Energy Efficiency Frontrunner’ rating for the carbon black manufacturing sector has gone to Cabot Corporation. Local operation Cabot Chemical (Tianjin) Co., Ltd participated in the benchmark ranking for the first time in 2013 and was named the leading carbon black company in China in terms of energy efficiency. Cabot is the first multinational company to take part in the ranking.
Continue ReadingBridgestone establishes office in Myanmar
Although still one of Asia’s poorest nations, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, or Burma, has began to forge links with its neighbours and the rest of the world since 2011. Last October, the country’s government relaxed restrictions on new vehicle imports, opening the door to overseas manufacturers. Tyre makers are establishing a presence in Myanmar, too: On 8 July, Bridgestone Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. announced the official opening of its Myanmar branch office in former capital Yangon. The office’s main function will be to gather information on the truck, bus, car manufacturing industries and tyre markets, as well as conduct related activities on behalf of the regional head office.
Continue ReadingWill Europe impose tyre import tariffs?
In this month’s magazine (July 2014), as well as our the conclusion of our comprehensive review of the Essen Show (see page 40 onwards) plus features on manufacturing (from page 24) and batteries (page 8+), we report on the potential “Return of US tyre import tariffs” (on page 30). Reading this article, you could be forgiven for thinking you had stepped into a time warp to 2009 where proceedings followed a very similar course. This time round, the potential implementation of a second round of import US import tariffs aimed squarely at China have fermented rumours about whether anything similar is likely to happen in Europe. So will it?
Continue ReadingNew website for Rösler
Rösler Tyre Innovators GmbH & Co. KG is inviting visitors to its new website www.roesler-tyres.com The new website has been designed to provide the ultimate user-friendly experience with improved navigation and functionality thoughout, allowing customers to access detailed product information and videos, with the option to place orders online.
Continue ReadingFederal sponsors Man U ‘soccer school’ programme
Since 1999, Manchester United has been helping young football talent develop through its Manchester United Soccer Schools, and today the Manchester United Soccer School, or MUSS, operates in a number of countries around the world. It has now been extended into Taiwan, and club sponsor Federal Tyres is sponsoring 32 children to take part in the first ever MUSS three-day programme, which will be held at the Taipei Municipal Stadium.
Continue ReadingMagna Tyres signs exclusive Finnish distributor
Finnish tyre wholesaler Ham-Re Oy has been appointed exclusive national distributor for Magna Tyres. While Magna Tyres has been present in the Finnish market for several years, it sees its new agreement with Ham-Re Oy as an important step for further OTR tyre segment market penetration in Finland. It says it “has found the ideal partner in Ham-Re Oy” to further expand its OTR tyre activities in Finland. “Both companies contribute a valuable and long-term experience of international tyre sales and distribution to their cooperation,” shared Magna Tyres in a statement.
Continue ReadingSpain’s Koem Grupo to distribute Aeolus
Aeolus Tyre has appointed Koem Grupo Comercial S.L. its consumer segment distributor in Spain, Andorra and the Spanish islands. The arrangement gives Koem exclusive distribution of Aeolus’ passenger car, van and SUV tyre ranges.
Continue ReadingNew chairman for Continental’s German work council
When employees in Continental’s home country have work-related issues, they can go to Hell. They’ll be pleased to do so, as members of the Continental Corporation Works Council have elected Frank Michael Hell the council’s new chair, effective immediately. Council vice-chair is Hans Fischl, who previously held the position of chair on the works council. The corporations works council currently consists of 44 members and represents the interests of the approximately 50,000 Continental employees in Germany.
Continue ReadingThe return of US tyre import tariffs?
The global tyre industry is keeping a watchful eye on the US International Trade Commission, which is set to make a preliminary decision on whether or not to enforce import duties on tyres produced in China. Preliminary arguments for and against this were made before the body on 24 June and since then the US Tire Industry Association (TIA) has also weighed in. However, ITC won’t make its initial ruling till 8 July.
Continue ReadingAkron eager to host new Goodyear factory
The shortlist of locations for Goodyear’s new factory in the Americas is said to include Brazil, Columbia, Mexico and the US. It goes without saying that numerous factors will be weighed up before a final decision is reached, and we can expect regional councils and development agencies to try and make their local area as attractive to Goodyear as possible. Authorities in the tyre maker’s hometown have been the first to officially show their interest.
Continue ReadingIndian tyre makers’ association seeks duties review
The organisation representing India’s tyre makers has petitioned the country’s Finance Ministry to review its regional trade agreements and the duties charged under them. In a memorandum, the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association reiterated its long-standing claim that domestic manufacturers are being harmed by a double whammy of cheap, imported tyres and heavily-taxed raw material imports.
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