Don’t Try This at Home – Two More World Records for Terry Grant
International stunt driving ace Terry Grant drove himself into the records books yet again recently, by performing two car control records for the Guinness World Records TV show in Madrid, Spain. He used his new TVR Sagaris to break the 2005 Guinness World Record set by Dale Morrison for 69 consecutive and uninterrupted ‘donuts‘. (360° on the spot spins). Terry coaxed the standard road-going Sagaris and its Yokohama tyres to a total of 71 to snatch the record.
Continue Reading“Schumacher in Threat to Quit F1” – Report
Michael Schumacher has threatened to quit Formula One at the end of the year, according to an exclusive report in the UK newspaper, Sunday People. The article says that the seven times world champion has warned he will walk away from Ferrari if tyre manufactures Bridgestone dont listen to him.
Continue ReadingBridgestone Building Carbon Black Plant in Mexico
(Akron/Tire Review) Bridgestone Corp. confirmed May 22 that it would build an $81 million (63 million euros) carbon black plant in Mexico to service its worldwide tyre plants. The new site would be Bridgestone’s third carbon black plant; the others are located in Japan and Thailand. The new facility is scheduled to begin production in June 2008, and will have an initial annual capacity of 35,000 tons.
Continue ReadingContinental Makes Forbes “Global High Performers” List
Business analysts Forbes have published their Global 2000 High Performers list, featuring companies that stand out among the rest. Germanys Continental AG is featured in the consumer durables section and makes the list at number 403. It is the only European company in the top six of this category.
Continue ReadingCEAT to Commission Sri Lankan Radial Plant in July
Tyre manufacturer CEAT has said that it will commission its radial tyre factory – the only radial plant on the island – this July and be supplying radial tyres to the local market in August, with exports beginning in October. The factory cost 350 million rupees (six million euros) and will produce two ranges of tyres; one for cars and one for vans. Initially the range will comprise the most popular sizes, with others added at a later date.
Continue ReadingFast-Fits Evolving Into “Fast-Service Centres” – Forecast
Traditional dealer fast-fit centres are starting to evolve into fast-service centres, according to motor industry consultancy Forester Grant Associates. The company says that the role of the fast-fit is changing. A few years ago the majority of dealers saw the fast-fit concept as way to retain customers of older vehicles - but now their thinking has altered.
Continue ReadingPirelli’s Francesco Gori to be President of New Trade Association
Francesco Gori, General Manager Tyre Sector, Pirelli&C SpA, was nominated President of the European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers Association (ETRMA) following the first Board meeting today in Brussels. The new non-profit association, the formation of which was announced today in Brussels, will replace the former rubber industries trade association (Bureau de Liaison des Industries du Caoutchouc “BLIC”) founded in 1959. The new association is designed to represent the tyre and general rubber goods industry with the European Union Institutions and other international organisations.
Continue ReadingBridgestone Competition Finalist Reports on Spanish GP
Bridgestone e-reporter finalist Donna Law, from Merton, London, is the youngest and only female Bridgestone e-reporter finalist in 2006. In the second phase of the pan-European competition for young sports journalists, Donna Law attended the Spanish Grand Prix as a roving reporter in the GP2 series paddock.
Continue ReadingRecycling Success Story
In the waste industry there is an increasing demand for turnkey waste processing solutions that not only meet technical demands, but also exceed business goals. But how can you manage well-established companies from different areas, to work together and keep their own egos in the background? Synmet has the answer. Established in 2002, the Synmet Group represents five brands: Artech (size reduction), BHS (disc screens), BOA (balers), Hidding (screening) and Nihot (air technology). The synergy has many advantages for the customers in various ways. Within Synmet, the brands combine engineering expertise to take on technological challenges and produce innovative solutions. Synmet adds financial back-up and expertise.
Continue ReadingWorld First as New Rubber Road and Rail Highway Trial is Announced
Trials of the world’s first all rubber road and rail highway, funded by WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme), are now underway in association with Holdfast Level Crossings Ltd. The HoldFast Rubber Highway (HRH) has the potential to recycle an average of 354,000 tyres in every one mile stretch of rubber highway. WRAP is funding the trial following an open call for demonstration trials using UK post consumer tyres in a range of new applications. The trial will incorporate 8,000 vehicle movements over an eight week period to assess early life performance of the HRH.
Continue ReadingA Million Goodyear Steer Tyres
Goodyears plant at Danville in the USA recently produced its one millionth Unisteel G395 LHS medium-truck steer tyre. Now in its third year, the G395 LHS reached this milestone four years faster than its predecessor, the G397. The G395 LHS has turned out to be Goodyears most successful steer tyre ever.
Continue ReadingWRAP Launches Competition to Boost Used Tyres Reprocessing
A new capital support programme has been launched by WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme) aimed at creating new reprocessing infrastructure for used tyres. The capital programme will provide financial support towards the costs of plant, equipment and infrastructure for projects in the UK in order to increase recycling of used tyres into value added markets, including re-treading facilities.
Continue Reading“Ultimate in Tyre Management Reporting” from ATS Euromaster
ATS Euromaster has turned to the web to provide its fleet customers with the ultimate tyre management reporting facility, which the company says gives an instant and more transparent overview of spend - a vital factor for decision making and cost control. Suitable for both large and small fleet operators, Euromaster Web Reporter provides a comprehensive array of key features including the ability to print detailed reports from any PC with internet access, multi-user access from any location, information either in graph or table format and the ability to export reports and manipulate information via a variety of computer programmes. Above all, the system is extremely user friendly.
Continue ReadingNTDA Dinner and TAFF Awards Sponsored by Renault UK Vans
Held alongside the popular commercial vehicle and automotive trade shows, the tyre and fast fit industry’s biggest night of the year was no let down. There were some (pleasant) surprises when the award winners were announced; NTDA chairman, John Tarbox, pulled no punches when it came to delivering his speech; and celebrity former-MP (and world record holding after dinner speaker), Gyles Brandeth entertained the 500 invited guests with his razor sharp wit. But without any further ado here are the 2006 Tyre and Fast Fit Award Winners: Goodyear Dunlop UK had a particularly good night in the eyes of the 5000 NTDA members that voted, winning both the Product Innovation Award and the Industry Advertising Award (presented in association with Tyres & Accessories). Both awards related to the company’s RunOnFlat technology and followed the company’s large-scale investment in raising awareness of the product. Last month, Goodyear announced that the group had produced its 4 millionth RunOnFlat tyre, claiming market leadership in this growing sector. In gaining the advertising award Goodyear beat off particularly strong opposition from Kumho Tyre (UK), Sapphire Energy Recovery, Viking International, BITS and Vipal. “We are proud to receive this award from the NTDA, as they represent our trade customers, dealers and distributors. Our research tells us that this campaign has been very successful in communicating the advantages of RunOnFlat to drivers, and we are delighted that it has been received so well by the tyre industry,” commented marketing director, Neil Burrows. C-Tyres Ltd won the 2006 Environmental Award, giving the environmentally-friendly credentials of retreaders a major boost. It was the first time that C-Tyres have won the award since the company started trading in 2002, manufacturing the Colway and Greenway brands of retreaded tyres. Managing director, Gary Oliver commented: “We are absolutely delighted to have won this award and would like to thanks all members of the NTDA who voted for us. We are particularly pleased, not only for us, but for retreaders across the UK, because we believe this award reflects the tyre industry’s recognition of the fact that retreading is at the forefront of tyre recycling.” Continued Oliver: “The award emphasises our growing status as a comprehensive manufacturer of retreaded tyres. Although C-Tyres has perhaps traditionally been recognised as a car tyre retreader, we have invested heavily in other sectors to develop customer recognition in those areas.” Recent product range developments by C-Tyres include the Major Hi-Miler range of high mileage truck retreads, several new 4x4 and medium truck tyre sizes and the very recent development of a new range of Colway-branded run-flat tyres. For the seventh time, BITS was named National Wholesaler of the Year. Speaking on behalf of the business Brian Duguid said he was simply “surprised” that the company had won once again, and added: “We have a wonderful team and will continue to put customer relationships at the forefront.” Regional Wholesaler of the Year went to North Eastern Tyre & Exhausts Ltd. It is the third time NETE has received the regional wholesaler award. In response to winning the award managing director Ian Darcy commented: “To receive this award two years out of the three since it began is some achievement for a company that started life in an old railway yard in Yorkshire by my late father Fred Darcy and my mother Netta. Although I must stress this award is testimony of the hard work, dedication and passion that the people at North Eastern have for both their company, their customers and the industry. Rema Tip Top UK Ltd won Tyre & Aftermarket Equipment Supplier of the Year. This was the fourth time in six years, Rema Tip Top had achieved the title. Cliff Jones and Martin Blakey of Rema Tip Top received the prestigious award from Mark Lovett of Renault UK Vans, the awards sponsors. Afterwards, Cliff Jones acknowledged the award, paying tribute to the efforts of the team at Rema Tip Top for their continued success and role in regaining a title which they always take immense pleasure in winning. The were cheers as Michelin Tyre plc was named Tyre Manufacturer of the Year 2006. The award was collected by Michelin Tyre plc managing director and new Tyre Industry federation chairman, Jim Rickard. Continental Tyre Group managing director received the NTDA Chairman’s Award, recognising his “meritorious service” to tyre industry. The award is given at the discretion of the chairman. This year was the first time a tyre manufacturer has ever received the honour. John Tarbox, chairman of the NTDA commented: “Presenting the chairman’s award is always an enjoyable task, particularly this year as Brian Smith is such a worthy recipient. Every industry needs leadership and people prepared to work for the wider good. Brian’s support on initiatives such as 3mm and cold weather tyres has been much appreciated by the NTDA and the industry as a whole.” Brian Smith has worked in the automotive industry for 35 years. As managing director of Continental Tyre Group for over 12 of those, Smith has been an enthusiastic proponent of many industry initiatives including campaigning for better training across the board, educating on cold weather tyres, and campaigning on the safety benefits of changing tyres at 3mm. For 10 years he has led the Tyre Industry Council, helping to develop the roadside tyre check programme, acknowledged as one of the major road safety events in the UK and Northern Ireland. He was also President of the BRMA in 1997/1998. Incidentally the TIC is soon to change its name to the Tyre Safety Council. “We wish it well,” John Tarbox added referring to the association’s name change. The chairman’s speech NTDA chairman John Tarbox opened his speech by recounting the highlights of the association’s year. In the past 12 months the NTDA has expanded its membership to “embrace most of the equities and we are pleased to be able to truly represent tyre retailers, both large and small, in all the areas which impact on your business,” John Tarbox said. He was, of course referring to Central Tyres and ATS Euromasters’ decision to rejoin the association after seven years. The addition of Central Tyres’ roughly 70 centres, ATSE’s more than 500 outlets and 18 new independent members mean NTDA membership now stands at a record 2141 tyre distributors throughout the UK. The chairman then remarked on the negative effects of the VOSA MOT system failure situation (see page three of May’s T&A for more on this), suggesting that affected retailers should make thorough claims for compensation. When the spotlight was switched on to run-flat tyres, the gloves were off as far as NTDA chairman, John Tarbox was concerned. “We work in a business which is at the leading edge of technology, I don’t need to tell anyone here just how versatile and important to our safety tyres are and with the latest developments in the world of run flats that technology is moving to new heights. However the launch of these new products onto the market has posed special problems for tyre retailers.” No manufacturer was left out when it came to criticising the corporate approach to run-flats: “Our problem is with the inconsistency of advice. One manufacturer allows repairing in their run flats in the US, but not in the UK. Another says that repairing, as long as there is no evidence of damage, is perfectly OK. Others ban repairing worldwide. Indeed BMW say in their handbooks that you must not repair run flats. [Furthermore] the statement by the BTMA and TIC falls well short of giving definitive advice. ‘We do not recommend it however you must contact each manufacturers for advice.’ This is a totally unacceptable situation. Our members look to us for help in such situations, and until the industry gets it act together, we will be exposing our industry to accusations of profiteering and worse.” “We are very frustrated by the lack of information provided by our suppliers and despite our constant protestations things do not seem to be improving. Indeed we approached all UK manufacturers through the BTMA and asked for speakers for a series of seminars we are hoping to run throughout the country on run flats. So far we have had no offers of speakers. I find it hard to understand why manufacturers would not welcome the opportunity of talking about their products to their customers, it won’t cost you anything and we do all the organisation of the event – am I missing something here?” The case of one manufacturer was seen as particularly disappointing. “Here’s another example of poor communication,” John Tarbox explained: “At the last meeting of my region we discussed the new RAV 4, which has tyres that at present can only be changed by Toyota dealerships. How does it look for a motorist to be told that a tyre specialist cannot change a tyre because it needs special equipment? Another strong argument for closer working relationships between the tyre and car manufacturers and the tyre specialist – that is of course if the car manufacturers want to maintain vibrant tyre specialist network.” Then there was news of developments within the various industry associations: “During the year the NTDA has joined together with all the other associations operating within the UK tyre industry to form a truly representative Tyre Industry Federation,” Tarbox commented: “I am pleased to say that the federation, with our direct help, will be developing a road map for training for our sector through a working group administered by the NTDA.” Tarbox welcomed the formation of the TIF, but warned that the “we cannot be complacent” and “we must not allow it to become a talking shop.” “We all appreciate the need for both manufacturers and distributors to work together and the early signs are that there is a willingness, on both sides, to do just that. We will be watching closely the way the Federation develops and we will not be taking anything for granted. Congratulations to Jim Rickard on being appointed the first chairman of the TIF. Jim, you can rest assured that the NTDA will play an active role in making it a success, however, that success must be measurable,” he added. Another project that will no doubt be of great interest to anyone whose working life is spent studying the development of the tyre market, is the work of the expanded Tyre Market Study group. According to the NTDA chairman, “for an industry of our size the lack of meaningful market information is nonsensical.” As a result we can look forward to seeing “proper market information on both the sell in and sell out markets” at some point in the future. Next year’s dinner will be held in the Palace Hotel, Manchester, alongside the Brityrex Exhibition. Once again the NTDA AGM and the presentation of the 2007 TAFF Awards will be held in parallel with this event.
Continue ReadingKumho Breaks Ground for Third China Plant
(Akron/Tire Review) Kumho Tire Co. has broken ground for its third plant in China, a $150 million facility to be located in Changchun in the northeast. Once operational in 2007, the plant will have an annual capacity of 3.15 million tyres. “We aim to become a leader in the Chinese market as well as one of the worlds top five tyremakers,” said Kumho Asiana Group chairman Park Sam-koo at the groundbreaking ceremony in Changchun.
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