Aftermarket Show Offers Two-day Option
Companies that want to exhibit at the 2007 Aftermarket Show (11 – 14 January) will be allowed to limit their attendance to the two trade days, as part of a newly-tailored package that is being offered by event organisers, Haymarket Exhibitions. Aftermarket exhibitors have previously been required to attend both trade days and also the two public days that follow when attending the show, which runs alongside the massive Autosport International Show at the NEC in Birmingham.
Continue ReadingKirkby Tyres Welcomes Buyers and Sellers
Kirkby Tyres has been in the tyre and wheel wholesale, import and export business since 1958 and, since that time, has developed the reputation as one of the major stockists in the UK and in Europe. The company will be exhibiting at the Essen show, meeting existing customers and hoping to make new contacts.
Continue ReadingInside a Chinese Chrome Plating Facility
China Wheel runs four chrome-plating factories with an overall annual capacity of 945,000 units. In Taian (Shandong province) approximately 240 employees produce 240,000 units; in the Donghua chrome-plating factory 120 co-workers make 300,000 units; in Donghui 80 people make 105,000 units; and in Zengcheng 200 produce 300,000 wheels annually (all three locations can be found in Guangdong province).
Continue ReadingThat Little XTRA
The market for cast aluminium wheels is reaching saturation point. While the low-volume, image focused brands are defending their territory in a crumbling segment, the mid-price segment has almost disappeared. At the same time, while the low-price segment may continue to move significant volumes of wheels, branding is to a large extent interchangeable. Alloy wheels may still be most common tuning part, but that’s just it. Being the most frequently upgraded part means that it loses its exclusivity. Cast aluminium wheels have become a commodity and in some cases are already cheaper than steel wheels.
Continue ReadingPTNA Going to 30 Inches With Scorpion Line
(Akron/Tire Review) During the recent New York Auto Show, Pirelli Tire North America (PTNA) announced it will begin full production of its Scorpion Zero Asimmetrico in size 315/30R30 – which it describes as the first production 30-inch tyre. PTNA will produce the tyres at its MIRS plant in Rome, Georgia. “The 30-inch Scorpion Zero is not about selling huge volumes; it’s more about satisfying a highly visible niche opportunity and making a statement in the market place,” said PTNA President Guy Mannino in announcing production plant. “Our past initiatives in this product area have driven huge interest in plus sizing on light trucks, to a point where 22-inch tyres can almost be considered the norm.”
Continue ReadingGPX Completes Purchase of MITL
GPX International Tire Corporation (GPX), has purchased Maine Industrial Tire Limited (MITL) of Gorham, Maine. MITL is a leader in the design and manufacture of premium quality solid industrial tyres which are sold under the Maine and ITL brands. In addition, MITL produces and markets a line of solid tires for use on skid steers and loaders under the Brawler brand.
Continue ReadingFederal Reports Record Shipments
Federal Corporation shipped 1.7 million tyres in the first quarter of 2006 – the largest quarterly total in the company’s 52-year history. The figure reflects increased production at Federal’s Taiwanese and Chinese bases. In March alone the company delivered 670,000 tyres.
Continue ReadingPirelli and Maserati Agreement Renewed
Pirelli has extended its initial three-year collaboration agreement with Maserati for a further two years. So far the accord has helped both parties achieve success on and off the racetrack. From a motorsport perspective this means constructors and team titles in the 2005 FIA-GT championship with the Maserati MC12 on P Zero Racing tyres, the numerous victories of the Modena two-seaters entered by a number of teams in international and national championships including the Italian GT series title and the great success among both participants and spectators of the Trofeo Maserati, the fourth of which began in early April at Monza.
Continue ReadingSolideal Taps Trelleborg Exec as New CEO
(Akron/Tire Review) Paul Gaines has been named CEO of Solideal Tire Inc. USA, the Charlotte, North Carolina-based industrial and specialty tyremaker. Gaines had been managing director of Trelleborg Wheel Systems. Gaines succeeds Baldwin Hickey and Thom Harris, who have served as co-CEOs. They were assigned to other executive positions within the company, Solideal said.
Continue ReadingMarangoni at Transpotec
Marangoni is exhibiting at Transpotec, which is taking place in Milan from 27 – 30 April. The company will be showing examples of its latest commercial and industrial tyres, including special, heat-resistant compounds and winter tyres for trucks.
Continue ReadingNeed a Ticket for the Soul Train?
Tickets for the Motown-themed Rubber Industry Dinner are now on sale. The event (29 September 2006, Marriott Renaissance Hotel, Solihull) will includes the thrill of casino tables, live entertainment and a special performance by the ‘Secret Service’. In addition there will also be raffle prizes including a weekend for two in New York, dinner for two in a Michelin starred restaurant, weekend for two at a luxurious Devon retreat and a night “Putting on the Ritz”. Awards will also be presented for contributions to the rubber, tyre and recycling industries. Contact Christine Joyce at the BTMA for more information.
Continue ReadingYokohama to Manufacture Radial Truck and Bus Tyres in China
The Yokohama Rubber Co, Ltd, has announced that it established Suzhou Yokohama Tire Co., Ltd. earlier this month in Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China. Beginning October 2007, the new company will manufacture and sell steel radial truck and bus (TB) tyres. The company invested US$81 million in the facility and expects to produces 350,000 tyres. Up till now Yokohama has exported Japanese produced replacement tyres into the Chinese market.
Continue ReadingMillennium Winners Take A Trip
Viking International has named the winners of its Millennium competition. The Ultra High Performance Millennium tyre range, launched at the beginning of the year, was introduced alongside an exclusive competition for Viking’s business development staff, with the chance to win vouchers towards an exotic holiday destination of their choice. First prize went to David Le Tall for exceptional sales results, closely followed by runner up, Steve Cockburn. They were presented with their holiday vouchers at the end of March by John Kemp, managing director for Viking International.
Continue ReadingDouble S Provides Exhaust for Sea Tractor
At High Tide the only way you can get to Burgh Island off the South Devon Coast is by boarding its unique Sea Tractor. The owners of the Island recently decided to refurbish this special vehicle and commissioned Double S Exhausts to design a salt-spray friendly stainless steel exhaust system out of Grade 316 marine quality material.
Continue ReadingNew “Safe and Simple” Tyre Changer from Beissbarth
A new tyre changer for low profile, run-flat tyres and wide wheels offers safe and simple tyre changing, even for the most difficult tyre rim combinations. Beissbarth is launching the MS67 tyre changer, designed to meet the ever-present health and safety regulations, and provide a fast and efficient service for technicians and customers.
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