Varta Introduces Aftermarket AGM Batteries
Varta is to introduce AGM technology to the aftermarket, with its premium range of Ultra Dynamic batteries. Varta is the European market leader in OE Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) battery technology, claiming a share in this sector of over 90 per cent. AGM uses special micro-glass fibres in between the battery plates to fix the electrolyte. This increases the bonding of the active plate material between the plates and the electrolyte, which increases both the life span and the electrical performance of the battery, as well as making it spill proof.
Continue ReadingHayes Lemmerz Appoints VP Steel Wheel Operations
Hayes Lemmerz International has appointed John Stephenson as vice president of the Steel Wheel Operations for the company’s International Wheel Group, effective immediately. Mr. Stephenson will report directly to International Wheel Group President Fred Bentley. Mr Stephenson will have responsibility for the company’s International Steel Wheel businesses with operations in Germany, Spain, Czech Republic, and India.
Continue ReadingTyre Recycling in the Philippines
While the TRA has done great things developing the tyre collection market in the UK, in the Philippines companies are taking steps to develop their own system. Tyre recycling is said to be “in its infancy” in the Phillipines, according to a Sun-Star newspaper report. And all parties involved, including the Board of Investments Office that recently received a grant from the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), agree that more research is needed in this area. Currently old tyres are used in pot making, sandal production and as fuel for cement kilns.
Continue ReadingLombard to Use Fit4Fleet
Lombard Vehicle Management is taking a different approach to fleet tyre provision, which it says will give customers a marked improvement in the service they experience. The company has separated the tyre authorisation function from the actual fitting process. The authorisation and invoice auditing is being carried out remotely by tyre experts Fit4Fleet. Fit4Fleet is not a tyre supplier to Lombard Vehicle Management, so for the first time the service is being controlled by an independent expert.
Continue ReadingDon’t Slip Up En Route to the Slopes
A survey conducted by Michelin has found that one in three drivers get lost when on holiday in France. In response the company has given its advice for the safest way to drive to the slopes this year. “Regular UK ski/drive holidaymakers have adopted the same policy as many motorists in France, Germany, Switzerland and Austria and fit their cold weather tyres when there is an R in the month. In fact London is the second largest sales area for Michelin cold weather tyres behind Scotland, indicating that ski fans are purchasing tyres especially for their journeys to the slopes. If you are planning a similar trip prepare your car with cold weather tyres, de-icer, anti-freeze screen wash, a blanket or two and some reserve refreshments,” the manufacturer explained.
Continue ReadingDouble Michelin Award for Kerr’s Tyres, Antrim
Tyre distributor Kerr’s of Antrim has become the first dealer in the UK to be accredited under the new Michelin MAP scheme for both passenger car and truck tyre service quality. This double award for Kerr’s Tyres in Northern Ireland reflects the commitment to customer service lead by the firm’s founder Norman Kerr and delivered by his loyal, 11 strong full time staff. It also rewards the substantial investment in facilities that make his customer’s buying experience a positive and enjoyable experience.
Continue ReadingAmtel-Vredestein IPO to Raise $308 million
Amtel is offering as many as 19.23 million Global Depositary Receipts, each backed by one ordinary share, at $13 to $16, the company reported. Russian companies have raised about $3.5 billion in share sales in 2005, more than in the 13 years since communism’s demise, the Interfax news agency has reported. That stake, which includes as many as 11.54 million new shares, will equate to 29.5 per cent of Amtel, valuing it at as much as $1 billion. The company originally said it would sell 25 per cent of its stock. Now Amtel is offering 19,230,770 common shares, including 7,692,308 existing shares. The remainder of the offering will consist of new shares.
Continue ReadingBluetooth Diagnostics
TCD will be unveiling its new Bluetooth diagnostic kit at January’s Aftermarket Show. The device links a Panasonic Tough-Book laptop via Bluetooth connection to Bosch’s KTS 520 diagnostic kit. Coding ensures that no other Bluetooth devices can interfere despite the 100 metre wireless operating range.
Continue ReadingPirelli’s John Nixon Retires
Pirelli UK industrial director, John Nixon, will retire at the end of December after 37 successful years with the company. Having started as a Technical Clerk in 1968 at the company’s Cummersdale factory, Nixon steadily rose through the ranks to become the industrial director, responsible for a 1000 strong workforce. Wolfgang Meier will take over as industrial director.
Continue ReadingBRMA Annual Dinner
Over 250 people attended this year’s BRMA annual dinner raising £1540 for the designated charity; ‘Save the Children Fund’. Preparations are now under way for 2006 and the ‘Motown’ themed event, which will take place on the 29 September. Full details of sponsorship opportunities and the date when the tickets will be on sale will be announced in the near future.
Continue ReadingMarangoni Launches Mythos UHP Tyre
Marangoni Tyre has launched a new tyre series aimed at the European ultra high performance market. The new Mythos range will combine “leading-edge technology” with “experience acquired in motor racing” to make a Y-rated road tyre, the Italian manufacturer explains. Marangoni even goes as far as describing the new tyre as the “jewel in its crown.” Currently 30 per cent of the European replacement tyre market is made up of tyres approved for speeds of 240 km/h and higher. With this percentage expected to increase, Marangoni’s efforts to produce a UHP tyre are seen as a response to these developing market conditions. The manufacturer puts it another way: “This new product is the synthesis of the know-how and experience acquired by Marangoni over many years of research, races and tests in the most extreme conditions.”
Continue ReadingMahle Boosts UK Warehouse Capacity
Mahle Filter Systems UK has opened a new, purpose-built warehouse at Salisbury, doubling its storage capacity for automotive filters and engine components to 40,000 square feet. Investment in the new building was £2.5 million and it is equipped with the latest stock picking and handling systems. Products under storage include Mahle and Knecht oil, air, fuel and cabin filters and the range of Mahle Original engine components. Mahle says that the new facility will enable the company to meet its new business development strategy and to accommodate the expanding range of products for the UK and Irish aftermarkets.
Continue ReadingPerformance Fibers Buys Out Chinese JV Partner
Performance Fibers today announced that its Asian subsidiary has signed an agreement that will give it full ownership of the company’s operations in Kaiping, China. The subsidiary, Performance Fibers Asia, LLC (PFA), has signed an agreement with Guangdong Kaiping Chunhui Co Ltd (Chunhui) to acquire Chunhui’s 30 per cent equity share in Performance Fibers Kaiping Company Limited (PFK).
Continue ReadingTitan Purchase Committee Member Named
(Akron/Tire Review) In its third quarter financial results, Titan International released the names of those who are serving on its special committee to conduct sale negotiations with One Equity Partners.
Continue ReadingTitan Reports Lower Sales, Profits
(Akron/Tire Review) Titan International saw its third quarter sales and net profits drop year-over-year. Net sales for the period came in at $102.7 million, down from last year’s $116.5 million. Profits fell to $3.6 million from $9.9 million for 2004’s third quarter. “Third quarter is always the toughest quarter due to Titans various shut downs, ‘and usually during the third quarter most OEMs adjust their inventory levels,” said Titan Chairman and CEO Morry Taylor.
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