Pause For Thought
The setting and format of the 2004 NTDA conference was so well received last time that this year the association decided to invite members, suppliers and industry observers back to sunny Spain. Held at the Don Carlos Hotel just outside Marbella at the end of June, the conference was opened by keynote speaker Jim Rickard, managing director of Michelin Tyre plc and chairman of the Tyre Industry Federation (TIF). Numerous important issues were discussed, but delegates agreed that the most pressing topics under discussion were: potential government imposed regulation of the industry and the poor consumer perception of the tyre business. The trade’s use of the Internet, issues relating to end-of-life tyre disposal and of course run-flat tyres were also discussed.
Continue ReadingThe Whys and RAV4s of Run-Flat Systems
Tyres & Accessories asked Bridgestone UK senior marketing analyst, Andy Dingley to explain why the company recently decided to advise Toyota RAV4 T180 diesel owners to go back to the showroom at tyre changing time. Bridgestone is keen to point out that there is no alternative motive attached to this move, just simple technological constraints. According to the Japanese manufacturer, the situation all comes down to the fact that the new RAV4 uses the Bridgestone Support Ring (BSR) run-flat system rather than a sidewall supported product.
Continue ReadingStapleton’s Moves Forward in Wholesale Market
It’s been a busy year for STS Stapleton’s as the company overhauled its wholesale business but the fact remains that it is one of the largest wholesale distributors of passenger car tyres in the UK. Through its six distribution centres in Letchworth, Wakefield, Coatbridge, Bristol, Burton and Warrington, Stapleton’s carries a large and diverse stock of tyres. Chief executive Kenji Murai described the intentions behind recent developments at Stapleton’s: “Everything we do is with our customers in mind and this goes for the whole business including internal communication channels, delivery targets and stock control. As a result we have improved our relationship with our customers over the past twelve months.”
Continue ReadingTitan and Conti Finalize Bryan Plant Deal
(Akron/Tire Review) Titan International has officially completed the purchase of Continental Tire North America’s OTR tyre plant in Bryan, Ohio. Titan said the purchase price was $53 million. According to Titan, the plant employs 325 people and had 2005 sales of $125 million.
Continue ReadingThe Hot Cure?
An increasing number of retreading businesses are opting to use the hot-cure process, despite the high initial costs involved in founding a hot retreading plant. This process has distinct geometrical and aesthetic advantages over the pre-cure process, which are necessary to compete with the recent influx of budget Far Eastern tyres. Tyres & Accessories’ latest bilingual Retreading Special supplement investigates this recent trend and features interviews with a number of the industry’s leading opinion makers. Click more to download this complete supplement as a PDF.
Continue ReadingCam Systems Welcomes New Finance Manager
Cam Systems has recruited a new finance and operations manager to join the senior management team at its Gloucestershire head office. The new appointment is 39-year old Kieran Burroughs, who will replace long-serving financial director Richard Abolins, who has left the company to work closer to his home in Taunton.
Continue Reading“Hello, I’d Like to Make a Super Complaint”
Did you know that the tyre business could be subject to a “super complaint” because of poor service in the wider automotive service sector? Did you know that it could cost you as much as £750 per depot if the government is forced to push external regulation on the business? During the recent NTDA conference in Marbella, this subject stood head and shoulders above the rest as most delegates were surprised to hear what a so-called super complaint might mean for them. So what’s behind all this talk of an Office of Fair Trading (OFT) super complaint? Basically the National Consumer Council (NCC) believes that there are too many legitimate customer service complaints being made against the automotive service industry and the tyre trade is being tarred with the same brush in terms of potential consequences. The recent push for action from the consumer point of view also follows media reports highlighting the “garages don’t care” attitude fostered by many consumers.
Continue ReadingMarangoni Unveils Second Ad Campaign
Marangoni has embarked on its second advertising campaign for 2006, continuing the ‘intelligence’ theme which has become synonymous with the brand. The campaign features high quality imagery of ‘intelligent’ animals, with their key abilities reflecting the attributes of the Marangoni Mythos UHP tread pattern.
Continue ReadingATD Buying Minnesota Wholesaler
(Akron/Tire Review) American Tire Distributors Inc. has agreed to purchase Minneapolis-based Samaritan Wholesale Tire Co., which covers eastern Minnesota and parts of western Wisconsin. Samaritan co-owner Jay Halvorson will join ATD to help manage the Minneapolis operation.
Continue ReadingTyrexpo Africa Launch
September will see the launch of Tyrexpo Africa 2006 - the only independent tyre trade event focusing on every aspect of the tyre industry - which will take place from 12 to 14 September at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. Look out for full coverage in Tyres & Accessories magazine and online services over the coming months.
Continue ReadingFalken Tyres Show New FK452 at Max Power Live
Falken Tyres attendance at Max Power Live (at the NEC.), said to be the “Fastest, loudest car show ever”, lived up to expectations according to the company. Inside the halls were filled with stands and bursting with customised cars. Outside was the Speed Arena where people could watch the cars in action. The Falken team designed their exhibit to stand out and, according to company staff it was constantly busy as a result. The Falken girls once again drew in the crowds by giving people signed posters and having their photograph taken. In addition GT4, the Playstation computer game that features the Falken Skyline, had queues of people waiting to play.
Continue ReadingManbat – Approved Supplier to Group Auto Union
Manbat has become an approved supplier of batteries to automotive buying group Group Auto Union (UK). As part of the agreement, the company, the UK’s largest battery distributor, will offer GAU distributors the high profile Numax and Varta brands of batteries, which both offer 99 per cent coverage of UK car parc. GAU recognised Manbat for its excellent sales support package, which encompasses high quality cataloguing, point of sale, extensive availability and range of product.
Continue ReadingUnion OKs New Contract; Clears Way for Titan Buy
(Akron/Tire Review) United Steelworkers Local 890 approved a new four-year master contract with Titan International, clearing the way for Titan to acquire the Continental Tire North America’s Bryan, Ohio, OTR tyre plant. The contract was ratified during a two-day vote by membership over July 29-30, with more than 80% approving the deal.
Continue ReadingStamford Tyres Establishes Indian Subsidiary
Stamford Tyres Distributors India Private Limited (Stamford Tyres India) was incorporated on 6 July 2005 with an authorized capital of 500,000 rupees (£5700) and will sell and distribute wheels and tyres to the Indian market.
Continue ReadingPirelli Wins Spa 24-Hour Race for Second Straight Year
Precisely a year after the Vitaphone Racing Maserati MC12 won the Spa 24-Hour race, Pirelli has once again won the most important GT category race of the FIA-GT season. The same car that won a year ago repeated its success in 2006 at the end of a closely fought and gruelling Belgian marathon. The Italian two-seater crewed by Bertolini-Van de Poele- Bartels fought with the Aston Martin of Piccini-Lemeret-Faessler-Deletraz, which was in the lead until a few laps from the end.
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