King Wheels Enters its Second Year
(Australian Tyre Dealer) After a little over 14 months, King Wheels Australia Pty. Ltd. reports that its results keep getting better and better. Steel wheel sales are said to have “surpassed all expectations,” necessitating relocation to a much larger warehouse facility. Still based in Seven Hills, Brisbane the company’s new address is 6 Prince William Drive.
Continue ReadingMRF Comes Top of Indian OE Satisfaction Survey
MRF moves up three rank positions from 2005 to rank highest in customer satisfaction in the JD Power Asia Pacific 2006 India Original Tire Customer Satisfaction Index (TCSI) Study. This is the fourth time MRF has ranked highest in the study. The study, now in its sixth year, analyzes perceptions of new-vehicle buyers on five critical factors: appearance of tyre, durability of tyres, ride quality, traction and handling.
Continue ReadingEquity Firm Calls Off Titan Buyout
(Akron/Tire Review) Just as suddenly as it came up, One Equity Partners has ended its quest to acquire Titan International Inc. One Equity Partners made an $18 per share offer last October, a move opposed by one of Titan’s largest shareholders but support by the company’s board.
Continue ReadingDunlop India to Make Industrial Rubber Products at Ambattur
Dunlop India is planning to set up an industrial rubber products plant at its existing truck and bus tyre manufacturing facility at Ambattur in Chennai. The company currently has an industrial products division at Sahagunj facility in West Bengal, the Indian Hindu Business Line Newspaper has reported.
Continue ReadingPeter Taylor to Step Down from the TIC
After 14 years as secretary to the Tyre Industry Council, Peter Taylor has decided to step down at the end of 2006. In addition to his role at TIC secretary, Peter is director general of the Tyre Recovery Association, director of the Imported Tyre Manufacturers Association and a director of the new Tyre Industry Federation. TIC chairman, Brian Smith, thanked Peter Taylor for his “outstanding contribution to the Council and to tyre safety over the years and for giving a long period of notice to allow the planning of the continuation of the industry’s work on road safety and its management.”
Continue ReadingPirelli to Present Tyre and Wheel Package at New York Auto Show
(Akron/Tire Review) According to a release issued by Pirelli Tire North America (PTNA), Guy Mannino, PTNA president and Myles Kovacs, president and co-founder of Twenty Inch Strong Wheels will “unveil something big” on 13 April before the start of the New York International Auto Show.
Continue ReadingGoodyear Directors Re-Elected at 2006 Annual Meeting
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company shareholders have re-elected James C. Boland, Steven A. Minter, Michael R. Wessel, John G. Breen and William J. Hudson, Jr. to the companys Board of Directors. In other business, shareholders passed a proposal requiring the annual election of directors. In connection with that proposal, the terms of all of the companys directors will expire at the 2007 annual meeting.
Continue ReadingKeegan: Goodyear is an ‘Aggressive Marketing Company’
In his address at Goodyear’s Annual Shareholder Meeting, chairman and CEO Robert J. Keegan said the tyremaker remains committed to the strategic direction implemented three years ago, describing the business as an “aggressive marketing company.” “Innovation, quality and a sharp market focus continue to drive Goodyear in the right direction,” he said. “We believe we are taking the required steps to drive improving future performance.” Keegan cited the company’s important financial milestones in 2005, including record sales, net income double the 2004 level, and growth in its business segments.
Continue ReadingBandag Introduces New Equipment
(Australian Tyre Dealer) Bandag has just completed a 12 month testing program with new buffer and extruder machines that is reported to have led to improvements in processing, tyre preparation and tread adhesion, together with a reduction in manufacturing costs. Designed and built by Bandag Inc. in the United States, the key feature of the 8400 Buffer is that every tyre is buffed perfectly every time. Bandag National Marketing and Sales Manager, Greg Nielsen, said this was achieved by initially programming the exact buffing specifications into the 8400 for every tyre that is produced.
Continue ReadingBandag to Make a Statement With Essen Stand
Bandag’s stand at the forthcoming Reifen Essen show will speak volumes about the company’s strong competitive position, company representatives told Tyres & Accessories. The retreading system supplier will display a selection of its latest and best-known products including its BDR-HT2 (designed to deliver superior mileage); the BDR-W (for snow traction performance); and the BDY3 (for on-road usage). The Bandag stand will also feature an impressive array of equipment including the company’s Nail Hole Detector (EB-NHD2).
Continue ReadingVintage Tyres Appoints Australian Distributor
(Australian Tyre Dealer) Stuckey Tyre Service in Victoria and Kostera Tyre Service in Western Australia have been appointed as distributors for Dunlop, Avon and Waymaster brand vintage tyres in Australia. Chris Marchant, managing director of Vintage Tyre Supplies UK (exclusive worldwide distributor for Dunlop, Avon and Waymaster brand vintage tyres), has made these appointments in order to service its exclusive range of Vintage and Classic tyres in Australia.
Continue ReadingCooper Targets Youth Market With New Ad Campaign
(Akron/Tire Review) Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. launched a new national ad campaign that incorporates television and print ads that are designed to reach out to a young, high-performance-minded audience.
Continue ReadingSavatech Announces UK Distributorship
Savatech has named Bike Tyrestore as the UK distributor of Sava branded motorcycle and scooter tyres. The news comes in response to increasing demand for Sava motorcycle and scooter tyres, the Slovenian manufacturer said in an official statement.
Continue ReadingTRA Commended at Annual EAST Awards Ceremony
The Tyre Recovery Association was the winner of a Commendation Award that this year’s EAST Awards ceremony held at London’s Royal Horseguards Hotel on 7 April. The TRA award was for Environmental & Sustainable Management and acknowledged the steady progress made by the Association in developing its Responsible Recycler Scheme for end of life tyres.
Continue ReadingHercules Moves Corporate Headquarters
(Akron/Tire Review) Hercules Tire & Rubber Co. has a new address for its corporate headquarters. The tyremaker moved to a bigger building not far from its previous headquarters in Findlay, Ohio. The new address is 16380 E. U.S. Route 224, Suite 200, Findlay, OH 45840. Hercules’ phone and fax numbers – 419-425-6400 and 419-425-6403 (FAX) – will not change.
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