Nizhnekamskshina to lead Russian tyre market by 2014 – TechSci
TechSci Research, which recently published an analysis of the Russian tyre market covering the next five years, has predicted that Nizhnekamskshina will lead the domestic market by 2014. It says that cheaper manufacturing cost, increasing demand for premium tyres, an increasing number of automobiles on Russian roads and the sale of Sibur will allow the manufacturer to lead by financial year 2014.
Continue ReadingDunlop launches latest race-inspired rubber – full report
At the end of February Dunlop announced the launch of its Sport Maxx Race and Sport Maxx RT products at Spain’s Ascari Race track. Designed to help some of the world’s fastest cars perform, Dunlop says the Race iteration will be fitted to key models such as the Mercedes SLS and C63 AMG Black Series, Audi’s TT RS and R8, the Porsche 911 GT3 and the BMW M5. The RT is aimed at original equipment manufacturers that are introducing 17 and 18-inch rims ahead of 16 inches; the Sport Maxx RT is the brand’s attempt to capitalise on the market expansion in these sizes on leading performance brands such as Audi, Maserati, Mini, BMW, Jaguar, and Mercedes AMG.
Continue ReadingCutting through the [tyre labelling] noise
The introduction of tyre labelling will soon be upon us but there are still much work to do when it comes to the implementation and communication of this potentially game-changing legislation. No-one knows exactly what effect the adoption of labels will have on sales, but the communication and brand positioning is well underway.
Continue ReadingMichelin presents new Pilot Alpin 4 and Latitude Alpin winter tyres
Michelin has launched the latest version of its Pilot Alpin UHP and Latitude Alpin SUV winter tyres. According to the manufacturer, the new incarnations of its flagship winter products will set a new benchmark for the segment. With the tyres scheduled to arrive in the European replacement markets in spring 2012 (beginning around May), Michelin makes the claim that the tyres deliver “unparalleled results in terms of safety, mobility and longevity” by pointing to a raft of TUV SUD test results to back up its assertions.
Continue Reading2011 a ‘record year’ for Titan
Titan International has recorded a record fourth quarter and full-year 2011. The US firm says its year to date 2011 sales were the highest in company history and increased 69 per cent year-on-year to US$1.487 billion. Gross profit for 2011 amounted to $232.1 million, or 15.6 per cent of net sales, a year-on-year rise of 123.0 per cent. Net income for the year was $58.2 million, compared to a loss of $5.9 million during the 2010 financial year. Fourth quarter results tell a similar story: Sales during the three months to 31 December came to $402.9 million, up from $232.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2010. Income from operations increased from $16.2 million in the final quarter of 2010 to $58.5 million in the fourth quarter of last year.
Continue ReadingGoodyear to redeem $650m in senior notes
On 28 February Goodyear Tire & Rubber called for the redemption on 29 March 2012 of all its outstanding US$650 million 10.5 per cent senior unsecured notes due 2016. The redemption price will be 107.875 per cent of the principal amount being redeemed on the date of redemption, plus the interest payment amount scheduled for 15 May 2012 (less accrued and unpaid interest to 29 March 2012), computed using a discount rate equal to the yield of a comparable US Treasury security plus 0.50 per cent. In addition, holders will receive accrued and unpaid interest to 29 March 2012.
Continue ReadingTGI adds Canada territory manager
Florida, US-based wholesaler Tire Group International has appointed Brett Romberg its new territory manager for Canada. TGI says Romberg’s new role can be viewed as part of the company’s development goals for the North American market. According to the wholesaler, Romberg has worked in varying industries and brings a significant amount of Canada-based commercial experience with him to this new role. “Brett is a welcomed addition to our ‘TGI family’ and his experience and skill set will help solidify our position in this market,” commented Orlando Delgado, senior vice-president of Sales and Marketing.
Continue ReadingApollo to unveil Aspire 4G in Geneva
At next week’s Auto Salon in Geneva, Apollo Tyres is unveiling its latest UHP summer passenger car tyre. Known as the Aspire 4G, the new range will be available in W and Y speed ratings. Further details will be available following the tyre’s official launch on 7 March.
Continue ReadingEssex dealership Pirelli’s 2011 PPC of the year
Pirelli announced last month that Benfleet Jet Wheel and Tyres was its 2011 Pirelli Performance Centre of the year. The Essex-based branch was presented with the prestigious award at the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One team’s Operations Centre in Brackley on 14 February. Pirelli’s 83 Performance Centres are audited high-performance tyre dealerships, allowing Pirelli to direct owners of high performance cars in confidence.
Continue ReadingOctavian Velcan new OTR MD Goodyear Dunlop EMEA
Octavian Velcan has been appointed managing director of the Goodyear Dunlop Off the Road tyre business for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Velcan will report to Michel Rzonzef, recently-appointed vice president of the Goodyear Dunlop Commercial Business Unit EMEA, which includes the truck tyre, OTR tyre and farm tyre business and customer support services.
Continue ReadingBridgestone Bandag plant expansion attracts funding
Abilene, Texas officials have approved a measure that will provide money to aid the planned expansion of a Bridgestone Americas retread plant in the city, reports Tire Review. The Development Corporation of Abilene approved $315,300 for the Bridgestone Bandag plant, which will be paid over three years to expand facilities, creating 11 new full-time jobs. The plant employs 130 full-time workers.
Continue ReadingDunlop Motorsport announces new manager
Richard Johnson has been appointed Dunlop Motorsport’s sales and product manager, Motorcycle Tyres. The role will cover product management, pricing and strategic planning for its motorcycle range. Steve Male, manager, Motorcycle Motorsport Europe stated: “We are delighted that Richard is able to progress into this role. His appointment brings the knowledge gained in some of the world’s most competitive racing environments and gives us the opportunity to benefit from his vast experience as we grow our motorsport business.”
Continue ReadingFalken reveals new Porsche livery for ALMS
Tyre manufacturer, Falken has unveiled its 2012 Porsche 997 RSR livery for the American Le Mans Series ahead of its second Sebring test on 28 and 29 February. Bryan Sellers will share the new for 2012 car with Wolf Henzler in the ALMS season opener at the Florida venue on 17 March.
Continue ReadingPirelli sponsors Le Mans 24 camping Village
Pirelli has announced that it will sponsor this year’s Village on the Curves at the Le Mans 24 Hours. Formerly known as the Porsche Owners International Village, the Village on the Curves is situated at a spectacular vantage point on the 8.5 mile Circuit de la Sarthe. The cars enter the Porsche Curves in fifth gear, which is a fast but narrow complex of sweeping bends at the very end of the lap with little run-off, making it one of the best places to watch the Le Mans 24 Hours.
Continue ReadingHiQ technicians pass ATA Diagnostic assessment
HiQ is aiming to “reassure customers that they are receiving the best technical and professional service,” according to fast fit manager, Stuart Carr, and to that end it is encouraging its technicians to complete Automotive Technician Accreditation training. Now two of its technicians at the Berwick upon Tweed and Blyth franchises have completed the Level 3 ATA Diagnostic assessment – the first in the network to achieve this level, regulated by the Institute of Motor Industry. Paul Dugid of HiQ Berwick upon Tweed and John Parker of HiQ Blyth are now registered as diagnostic technicians through the programme.
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