News
Continental announces major organisational realignment
Tyre maker and automotive technology firm Continental says it will be “one of the largest organisational realignments” in its history: The Executive Board of Continental AG has announced plans to create a holding structure under a new umbrella brand, Continental Group, and support this holding structure with three new business sectors – Continental Rubber, Continental Automotive and Powertrain. These sectors will succeed the current Automotive Group and Rubber Group.
Bridgestone aiming for driver-free tyre noise testing
Together with autonomous driving specialist ZMP Inc., Bridgestone Corporation has launched a development project to utilise automated driving technology in tyre noise tests. By removing the driver from the process, the Japanese firms aim to increase the accuracy and efficiency of this particular tyre test.
USA drops Sri Lanka OTR tyre duty
The Sri Lanka Association of Manufacturers and Exporters of Rubber products (SLAMERP) has praised the USA’s decision to revoke the countervailing duty imposed upon off-the-road tyres imported from Sri Lanka. Commenting upon the ruling made by the US Court of International Trade on 11 July, SLAMERP notes that it “expresses confidence” in the growth of Sri Lankan exports to the USA.
Firenza presents latest winter ranges
For the coming winter season, UK and European motorists will be able to choose between two distinctive Firenza Nu Ice patterns. Produced by Singapore-based contract tyre maker Sumo Firenza, both products incorporate all current European tyre regulations and tyre labelling legislation updates.
3-year warranty for Bendix brakes
The Parts Alliance says the move to reintroduce the Bendix brand of braking products to the UK aftermarket first announced late last year is continuing to gather pace. Reinforcing its positioning of the Bendix braking product range as a quality brand, all brake discs are supplied coated and come with a three-year or 40,000-kilometre warranty.
Despite growth in larger sizes, European car tyre market below 2017 levels
According to information published by Pirelli and based upon regional association and third-party data, the European car tyre market grew six per cent year-on-year in May 2018. Overall growth occurred courtesy of strong performance within the aftermarket, which during the month was ten per cent higher than a year earlier; the market for 18-inch and larger sizes were up 20 per cent. The original equipment market in Europe declined five per cent year-on-year in May.
Magna Tyres Group enjoying continued growth
The concept is beautiful in its simplicity – listen to customers and respond quickly to their needs. For many companies, this is easier said than done. Not so for Magna Tyres Group. The Netherlands-based earthmover and off-highway tyre specialist maintains short decision-making paths and prides itself in its flexibility. For Michael de Ruijter, these qualities reflect the Magna Tyres culture of “doing things our own way.”
Hankook gains Renault CSR award
Groupe Renault has selected Hankook Tire as recipient of its Corporate Social Responsibility award for this year. The tyre maker was one of 12 awardees at this year’s Groupe Renault Supplier Award ceremony to be acknowledged in five sectors – Best Service, Design, Innovation, Purchasing sustainability, and Quality.
Marcos Guzman appointed president of B&J Rocket
As of 1 July, Marcos Guzman is the B&J Rocket Group’s new president and chief executive officer. Guzman succeeds Andreas Müller, who has left the retreading equipment specialist after 15 years.
Michelin at Goodwood: Kudos for Apollo IE hypercar
The Michelin Supercar Paddock concludes its seventh year at the Goodwood Festival of Speed with the flagship Apollo IE hypercar from Apollo Automobil taking the crown of Michelin Supercar Paddock Showstopper 2018.
Uniwheels adopts Superior name
Uniwheels AG, the European aluminium wheels business acquired by Superior Industries International, Inc. in June 2017, has adopted the Superior Industries International name. This rebranding of Superior’s European operation has taken place as part of the company’s ongoing integration efforts. The brands acquired along with Uniwheels – ATS, Rial, Alutec and Anzio – will be retained in the Superior portfolio.
Linglong lays foundation stone for fourth Chinese tyre factory
Shandong Linglong Tire Co. Ltd. has laid the foundation stone for its fourth Chinese factory. The event, held 6 July ran in parallel with Linglong Tire's "global partners" conference. The new plant is in addition to Linglong’s existing Zhaoyuan, Dezhou and Liuzhou factories. Linglong is building the fourth plant at a 223-acre site in the city of Jingmen in Hubei province.
NIO EP9 electric production car makes debut at 2018 Festival of Speed
The NIO EP9, in the hands of racing driver Peter Dumbreck, has become the fastest electric production car to ever ascend the iconic hill in front of Goodwood House at the weekend. With a time of 44.32 seconds in the Festival of Speed’s ‘Final Shoot Out’, the time also represents the fifth fastest official timed run to be set during the event’s entire 25-year history.
Autoparts UK pledges support for young racing talent
Autoparts UK has announced it is sponsoring aspiring motor racing driver Ruaridh Clark in the Milltek Sport Volkswagen Racing Cup.
Superior Industries’ CFO resigns
Nadeem Moiz, chief financial officer at Superior Industries International, Inc., is leaving the company as of 20 July. The aluminium wheel supplier reports that the search to replace Moiz, who resigned “for personal reasons,” has already begun.