Run-Flat Tyres at a Catwalk Show?
A series of exclusive sofas and armchairs customised from Goodyear tyres by Italian designer Zak and fashion label Cavalli were unveiled at the 2006 Milan Fashion Week. Zak was originally commissioned by Goodyear to design some pieces in June 2005. The company’s brief was to “recreate in the home the relaxed and comfortable state that drivers have on the road thanks to Goodyear RunOnFlat tyres.” Andrea Zaccone, Zak’s hugely talented designer based in Milan and Barcelona created an innovative sofa, chair, chaise-longue and kissing seat out of the RunOnFlat tyres which were customised with animal print and bright colours.
Continue ReadingThe Wheel Business is a Network…
The huge Republic of China is an automotive growth market par excellence. And that applies to the automobile manufacturers as well as their suppliers. The country is not only at the centre of low-price manufacturing for “the rest of the world,” but has also become an enormous sales market in its own right. The cluster of cities in the east of the country is home to millions upon millions of inhabitants and the streetscape is shaped by the sight of premium segment cars and their upper middle class owners. These cities also have well-developed road systems. Rush-hour traffic jams are another familiar sight for anyone used to driving in western metropolises – and that’s despite the numerous additional lanes alongside just as numerous skyscrapers.
Continue ReadingKYB Shocks for Nissan Note
KYB has added another original equipment contract to its already-lengthy list – the company is the worlds largest supplier of original equipment shock absorbers – by supplying shocks for the new Nissan Note. The Note is a mini people carrier, manufactured at Nissans factory in Sunderland, and is fitted with KYB gas struts in the front and gas twin tube shock absorbers in the rear.
Continue ReadingGSF Launches ‘All Makes Range’
GSF Car Parts - one of the UK’s largest independent suppliers of quality car parts for German, Swedish and French cars – has launched an ‘All-Makes’ range incorporating products suitable for the likes of Ford, Vauxhall and Fiat cars.
Continue ReadingVisiting the “King of Moulds”
Zhang Sheng is the “King of Moulds,” he and business partner Wang Ying lead the Foshan Nanhai Superband Mould Co., Ltd., based at an industrial estate in Foshan town centre (Nanhai district, Guangdong province). And what’s more it is probably the largest manufacturer of moulds for aluminium wheel casting in the world. The factory produces six moulds a day or 2000 per year says managing director Zhang Sheng - that’s not the capacity, but the actual output. In addition the company produces moulds for well-known international companies such as General Electric, Toshiba, Sharp and Sanyo in order to service their non-wheel casting needs.
Continue ReadingSpotlight on the Chinese Alloy Wheel Market
To some of his competitors Derek Zhang is known as the “godfather” of the aluminium wheel business in China. He has been dubbed with this moniker in appreciation of the rapid development of the China Wheel, which he leads as CEO, and his deep knowledge of the competitive situation in the enormous People’s Republic. At the moment there are about 200(!) different producers in the country. Some are so small that they are liable to disappear from the map, or have already been forced to cut production. Zhang expects a large consolidation wave, whereby the capacities of the smaller companies are taken only partially from the market; many will be absorbed by the larger players.
Continue ReadingStephanie Tires Moves Into Europe
Stephanie Tires, Corp. a company established since 1989 in Miami, Florida, USA will commence its operations in Europe starting in June of the present year. Stephanie Tires, Corp. is currently conducting business from its headquarters located in Miami to its markets in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Continue ReadingAnalysts: Brazil Plant Will Help Conti Save 100 million
Following the news that Continental’s Bahia, Brazil plant is officially open, analysts have reported that the company’s decision to increase production in “low-cost” countries could save between 100 and 110 million US dollars. According to Deutsche Bank, this calculation is based on average per worker production of 6000 tyres/annum against “10 times lower” labour costs compared with the US. The report also suggested that the additional transportation/logistics costs incurred are equivalent two US dollars per unit.
Continue ReadingCoombes Returns to Head up 2007 Aftermarket Show
Underlining its commitment to the UK automotive trade, The Aftermarket show has appointed Steve Coombes as event Sales Manager for its 2007 expo. Following on from last years event, in which the Aftermarket Show established itself as a stand alone event with more than 3000 specific trade visitors attending, the appointment of Coombes – with his extensive knowledge of the trade – is seen as integral to the development of the 2007 show. Coombes has more than 15 years experience in the automotive aftermarket. In his new role at The Aftermarket Show, he will be tasked with liaising with potential exhibitors, trade associations and various other groups to look at how the industry can benefit from an aftermarket event tailored to meeting the needs of end users and distributors with a thirst for technical information and training.
Continue ReadingBridgestone RFT Training Programme Gathers Momentum
Bridgestone has underlined its commitment to educate tyre dealers and fitters about run-flat technology after registering a near 20 per cent increase in participants on its Run-Flat Certificate Programme. A total of 237 dealerships are now certified to replace run-flat tyres after completing the free training scheme – an 18.5 per cent increase in numbers in the first quarter of 2006. “With a growing number of manufacturers fitting run-flat tyres as original equipment, its vital tyre technicians are up to speed about the technology,” said Paul Turner, Bridgestone UK’s technical training manager.
Continue ReadingChanging Tyres ‘Can Seriously Damage Your Health’
Goodyear has launched a new “viral marketing” campaign using black humour to draw attention to the benefits of the company’s RunOnFlat technology. The video clips, which will exclusively be distributed by “word-of-mail,” highlight the perils of roadside tyre changing through an exaggerated, entertaining and certainly unforgettable approach.
Continue Reading90 Years of Shock Absorber Manufacturing
Tenneco Inc., manufacturer of Monroe® shock absorbers, is celebrating the 90th anniversary of the start of its shock absorber manufacturing activity with a number of initiatives that support its new brand promise “Monroe is More®”. The company, which was one of the first to invent shock absorber technology in the early 1900s, today supplies more than 200 vehicle platforms worldwide with its original equipment ride and emission control products. To mark the occasion, Tenneco is expanding coverage of its Monroe® range of aftermarket shock absorber, providing more training and introducing an all-new look for its aftermarket shocks.
Continue ReadingBest-ever Month for UK Mini Sales
BMW achieved strong vehicle sales in the UK during the month of March. With 21,605 vehicles registered during the month, BMW has recorded an increase of 24 per cent on this time last year and an overall rise in volume of 16 per cent year to date. One of the key influencing factors in BMW’s success has been the introduction of the new 3 Series Saloon and Touring models. Overall 3 Series has shown an increase of 63 per cent when compared to this time last year. Other strong performers in the BMW range are the 7 Series, 5 Series and 1 Series models, all of which have shown a sharp increase in registrations when compared year on year.
Continue ReadingBridgestone UK Marketing Analyst
Bridgestone UK has promoted Raj Sangha to the role of marketing analyst, replacing Sally Whittall, who recently took up the role of area sales manager for the Midlands. Raj Sangha has worked at Bridgestone UK for more than three years as a query controller, where she was responsible for relaying pricing structures and discounts to the sales teams. She now joins the marketing team where she will help determine the company’s pricing policies.
Continue ReadingNew O•Z Wheel Based on F1 Design
In 2005 O•Z Racing celebrated successes with Fernando Alonso and Renault F1 in the constructors’ and drivers’ world championships. The start of the 2006 season has produced a strong opener to the year not only for Renault, but for O•Z Racing as well. The wheel manufacturer is once again the supplier to the World Champion team as well as to the Williams team, which also has a successful Formula One track record.
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