Stamford Earns Certifications
(Akron/Tire Review) Stamford Tires & Wheels Inc. wheel manufacturing plant in Thailand earned TÜV CERT for process quality, and accreditation from the Vehicle Inspection Association (VIA) Japan for its in-house laboratory.
Continue ReadingAnalysts Cautious About Goodyear Cost-Cutting
Deutsche Bank analysts have reacted cautiously to the news that Goodyear is closing its Dunlop Tyre factory in the U.K. and ceasing production of bicycle tyres and inner tubes at its Poland plant. The company expects these actions to generate after-tax savings of between $30-$40 million per year. Goodyear has previously announced that it is targeting $250-$350 million in annual cost savings from reducing high cost capacity and shifting production to lower cost markets.
Continue ReadingWheel and Parts Plant for Bulgaria
In Sofia, Bulgarias Economy and Energy Minister Rumen Ovcharov and the Vice President of French company Montupet, Didier Crozet, are expected to sign the contract for the construction of an aluminium car parts manufacturing plant in the Industrial Park of Russe. The total investment will be 70 million Bulgarian Leva (35 million Euros) and 500 new jobs will be created in a three-year period.
Continue ReadingContinental Opens Brazilian Factory
Continental AG has just opened its new tyre plant in Brazil and said that it should be operating at full capacity within the next 18 months. The new low-cost production capacities play a key role in our concept for the future passenger tyre business in the loss-making NAFTA region. At the same time, the capacities allow for profitable growth, CEO Manfred Wennemer said in a statement released in Germany.
Continue ReadingESP “Could Halve Accident Rates” – Bosch
Bosch has reached a production milestone by announcing that it has produced 20 million Electronic Stability Program (ESP) systems since the technology was developed just over a decade ago. The company makes braking control systems at seven plants in Europe, the Americas and Asia. The active safety system detects the onset of skidding in a vehicle and works to counter it without any action by the driver. Recently published studies prove that car driver whose vehicle are fitted cause accidents much more rarely. If every new car were to be fitted with ESP, the number of single vehicle accidents resulting in serious injury could be reduced by up to 50 percent.
Continue ReadingContinental Wins Top Toyota Award
Toyota Motor Europe has presented its Supplier Award for Superior Performance in Project Management for 2005 to the Continental Automotive Systems Division. In doing so, Toyota paid tribute to the supplier’s performance in the development, production preparation and delivery of the brake system of the new Yaris subcompact car. This was the first time that Toyota transferred the system responsibility for a complete brake system to Continental Automotive Systems.
Continue ReadingMotorola Deal Increases Conti Market Capitalisation
The recent purchase of Motorolas Auto Electronics business by Continental has increased the German companys market capitalisation by 900 million Euros this week. Financial analysts appear to approve of the deal, describing it as a good fit and, at US$1 billion (812 million Euros), they feel that the price was right. The analysts also believe that the deal will quickly add to the groups operating profits.
Continue ReadingNatural Rubber Price Continues to Rise
The price of natural rubber is reaching a new high of US$2.16/kg; a rise of 22 per cent since January 1st and up 87 per cent since January 2005. As an example of the potential effect on tyre manufacturing, a 60kg truck tyre will contain around 24kg of natural rubber. Already this year, many tyre manufacturers have announced two lots of price increases and industry pundits expect further price rises if natural rubber prices stay at the current level.
Continue ReadingNokian Tyres Renewed its Truck Tyre Range
In 2005 the production of all Nokian-branded truck tyres was transferred to the Bridgestone plant in Bilbao, Spain, which features top-notch production technology in the field. The tyre carcasses and moulds of the whole product portfolio have been redesigned. The new carcass clearly enhances driving properties and mileage, while the sturdy bead area makes the tyre sit well on the rim and improves driving qualities. In addition, the longer useful life of the tyre carcass and the strong rubber used in tread grooves clearly enhance retreading options, writes Nokian in a press release. All Nokian truck tyres feature rubber compounds suitable for Nordic conditions, which provide good grip on slippery roads and durability on rough road surfaces. The new Nokian NTR-861 and Nokian NTR-844 for trucks and buses round off the range and offer a safe and durable solution for year-round use. These winter-rated M+S tyres can be mounted on the vehicle all year round.
Continue ReadingMasked Gunmen Steal Truckloads of Tyres
(Akron/Tire Review) News reports from Ontario say that three masked men ambushed and stole two tractor-trailers loaded with tyres from a Bridgestone/Firestone warehouse in Mississauga, Ont. Local police are looking for witnesses in the robbery, which occurred in the wee hours of April 1. According to reports, a security guard at the facility was jumped by three armed men wearing masks. He was thrown to the ground and tied up, and the suspects drove off with the two trucks.
Continue ReadingNew CEO for Bridgestone Europe
From 1st April 2006, Takashi Urano becomes Chairman, CEO and President of Bridgestone Europe (BSEU). He succeeds Minekazu Fujimura, who is retiring. Mr. Urano joined Bridgestone in 1974, soon after graduating in economics from Keio University, Japan. By 1999, he had risen to become General Manager of the Asia and Oceania Division – and, a few months later, took over as General Manager of the China Department. At the beginning of 2004, he was appointed Director of the Middle East, Africa and Russia Division.
Continue ReadingVredestein Hi-Trac Test Successes
Vredestein Hi-Trac tyres bested those of its international competitors – including those manufactured by Goodyear, Continental, Pirelli and Bridgestone in independent tests which compared braking distances, overall speed & handling and resistance to aquaplaning on wet roads. The tyre took first place on average in 10 tests.
Continue ReadingLocking Wheel Nut Remover
Dynomec Ltd have designed, developed and patented the Locking Wheel Nut Remover. It is manufactured entirely in the UK and it is claimed that it is the only tool in the world that will remove all locknuts when used correctly. It works in a unique and patented way. Using one of three interchangeable blades, the tool will grip the end face of the locknut regardless of its size or design, an air gun/breaker bar/impact driver can then be used with the tool to unscrew the locknut with no damage to the wheel. Simple, easy to follow instructions are included. Dynomec also manufactures and supplies a one directional, high torque and quality impact driver for use with the Locking Wheel Nut Remover.
Continue ReadingReifen 06 – First Choice for Tyre Professionals
With 440 exhibitors from 42 nations, Reifen 2006 – the 24th International tyre exhibition - will register a new record number of participants and will thus confirm its position as the leading global fair in the sector. Being held at Essen from May 23 to 26, the range of products and services on offer will be wider than ever before: an exhibition area of around 43,000 m² in seven halls will act as a showcase for the world premiere of the latest innovations in the sector.
Continue ReadingChinese Tyre Manufacturing Continues to Grow
Industry figures show that, in 2004, there were 239 million tyres manufactured in China, with sales of 79 billion yuan (US$ 983 billion). Estimates for 2005s production figures are in excess of 300 million tyres.
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