Garage Equipment Developments at Rema Tip Top
Rema Tip Top UK is introducing several new developments in its range of tyre changing and wheel balancing machines. Hot on the heels of a completely revamped wheel balancing machine portfolio, Rema Tip Top has several new additions on the tyre changing scene. Notably these changes are specific to the traditional 800 series machines where previous models, including the Promont 800, 801, 819 and 819+, have now been superseded by four new pieces of equipment. This not only broadens the capability of the new models, but the buying/selection process is less complex, and everyone will benefit from the new performance features and engineering packed into the new Promont 815, 820, 822 and 826.
Continue ReadingDiamond Jubilee For BFG’s Tuscaloosa Plant
The BFGoodrich factory at Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is celebrating 60 years of operation. The tyre plant, which makes tyres from 14 car to 20 truck, was for some time the largest employer in the city and today still employs close to 1,400 workers.
Continue ReadingPirelli Performs Well In Winter Tyre Tests
The track record of Pirelli’s winter tyres is very impressive and proof is provided, yet again, by a series of the toughest and most important tests in Europe – those of the automobile clubs and specialist motorist magazines in Germany and Austria, which test out the safety of a wide selection of winter tyres under typical winter driving conditions.
Continue Reading“Skeleton Staff” Puts Strikers’ Case
Strikers outside the Goodyear plant at Akron have been joined by a new ally; members of United Steel Workers of America (USWA) have put up a skeleton with a sign accusing Goodyear of “picking us to the bone.” The pickets have also erected tombstones with names of cities—Akron, Buffalo, Gadsden, Lincoln, Union City—that the strikers say are dying as rubber industry plants are closed.
Continue ReadingAlonso Takes F1 Title As Schumacher Bows Out
The Formula 1 season came to an exciting end at the Brazilian Grand Prix with Fernando Alonso of Renault (Michelin) retaining his world title after finishing second. Ferraris (Bridgestone) Felipe Massa led from pole to flag to record a win in his home country – his second career win – and Hondas (Michelin) Jenson Button finished third.
Continue ReadingA Change At Bridgestone Racing?
Websites dedicated to motor racing are suggesting that there may soon be a change of personnel in the Bridgestone Formula 1 team, with Kees Van der Grint coming more to the fore. Van der Grint has extensive experience in the car design and motorsports arena, in karting, Formula 3 and Formula 3000 before moving up to Formula 1. His recent assignment with Bridgestone has involved close liaison with Michael Schumacher, who is retiring at the end of the 2006 season.
Continue ReadingSmarTire Files Sensor Patent
SmarTire Systems Inc. has announced that it has filed a comprehensive patent application in the United States for an external valve sensor used in its tyre pressure monitoring systems. The company’s external valve sensors were specifically designed to address the needs of the commercial vehicle industry and offer practical installation and maintenance improvements over current solutions. SmarTire external sensors are expected to be released for sale in the second quarter of 2007.
Continue ReadingEfficiency Award For Alcoa’s Hungary Operation
Alcoa has announced that its Alcoa-Köfém operation located in Szekesfehervar, Hungary was ranked as the “Most Efficient Company” by major business weekly Figyelö of the 200 largest corporations in the country based on ratios of Ebitda (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) to invested capital, a financial indicator. The award is based on 2005 figures.
Continue ReadingA Century Of Retreading
According to Kraiburg Austria, 2006 marks the centenary of retreading and, the company argues, giving new life to worn tyres is as important today as ever it was. The experts are not in total agreement, but many are of the opinion that the retreading of tyres started in 1906 in Germany, while 1908 is the year cited for England and China, and 1917 for the USA.
Continue ReadingNokian Shares Dip After Morgan Stanley Downgrade
On the Helsinki Stock Exchange, Nokian Tyres shares fell slightly to 15.35 euros after the company was downgraded by analysts Morgan Stanley from overweight to equal weight. Nokians valuation has outperformed others in the market since July, says Morgan Stanley, but is now starting to appear stretched. Another factor is the possibility of increased competition in Russia, following reports that Bridgestone has acquired land in St. Petersburg.
Continue ReadingUnion Ratifies Continental’s Severance Agreement
United Steelworkers of America members have ratified an agreement providing severance packages and lump-sum payments involving Continental Tire North Americas decision to close its tyre plant in Mayfield, Kentucky, within the next few months.
Continue ReadingMichelin Happy With New MotoGP Rules
New regulations aimed at maintaining competition between tyre manufacturers in the MotoGP World Championship have received the backing of Michelin. The rules, concerning tyres and testing, come into effect on January 1 2007 and the tyre regulations were formulated following discussions among the three tyre manufacturers involved in MotoGP.
Continue ReadingBandag’s Third Quarter Figures: Europe Remains the Problem
Bandag, Inc. was able to increase its turnover in the third quarter to $260.2 million; up by 5.2 per cent compared to the second quarter of this year and reaching a new record high. Compared to the same quarter last year turnover grew by 6.1 per cent. However, net income plummeted by 50.8 per cent. Bandag, Inc. based in Muscatine, Iowa, only achieved a net income of $9.2 million compared to $18.7 million for the same quarter last year. This net income equals a 3.5 per cent margin on Bandag’s turnover. Compared to the previous quarter the net income only fell by 12.4 per cent from $10.5 million. Obviously Europe remains the problem, as can be read up in Bandag’s current quarter report.
Continue ReadingAn Opportunity Missed?
As summer gives way to colder and wetter weather, a number of companies are offering advice about driving in worsening conditions. Two press releases received in the same week are typical; one was from Cooper Tire & Rubber Europe, warning of the increased danger of skidding and another was from ATS Euromaster, offering a free 10 point winter safety check to motorists.
Continue ReadingRe-Designed Pirelli Website Goes Live
Pirelli Tyres UK Ltd went live this week with its new website www.pirelli.co.uk This newly-designed site, whilst introducing bold and breathtaking graphics, provides easier access to user-friendly tyre information.
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