Chinese “Not Interested” In MG Rover
The UK Government and the administrators were informed this morning that SAIC are not willing to acquire either the whole or parts of the MG Rover or Powertrain businesses on a going concern basis out of administration, nor are they willing to establish a UK joint venture incorporating the whole or parts of the MG Rover or Powertrain businesses. The administrator, PWC, has told the Government that it will not be applying for any further government loan to stave off redundancies at the company.
Continue ReadingGE Expands to Meet Demand for Silica Tyres
GE has expanded its capacity for high technology silanes used in the production of silica tyres. Additional capacity was brought on line last week to meet the high demand for GE’s new proprietary process. “Demand has been very strong for our new NXT silane that helps enable fast and easy dispersion of silica during rubber compounding for silica tyres,” said Dr. Ian Moore, general manager for GEs global silanes business. “We are focusing resources on new products and processes, and this is another move in our long-term strategy for growth in the silica tyre segment. In fewer than 24 months of design and construction, we developed and deployed an innovative process that delivers vastly increased capacity for silanes.”
Continue ReadingExide Customer Loyalty Programme
Battery manufacturer Exide has introduced a loyalty programme, called the Exide Experience, to coincide with the introduction of its new range of batteries. Exide customers can exchange loyalty points earned on sales of batteries for any one of more than 300 experiences. The more active and adventurous can opt for astronaut training, driving a Ferrari, flying a Tiger Moth, powerboat racing, gliding or white water rafting, to name but a few. If this all sounds too strenuous and taxing, there are gentler alternatives, including dolphin watching, a luxury spa break or Feng Shui lessons. Exides marketing manager described the Exide Experience as our best-ever incentive programme, adding: The scheme is unrivalled in the industry and is one which we believe will surpass all our customers expectations.
Continue ReadingStamford Tyres Gets Stung by Fraud
Singapore company, Stamford Tyres, has discovered fraudulent acts committed by an employee responsible for its Brunei, Sarawak and Labuan markets, according to a report from Channel News Asia. No names were given, said the news source, but the company has lodged a police report. The loss arising from the fraud is estimated at S $500,000 (£159, 950). The company has insurance coverage for fraud and dishonesty by its employees to a limit of S$250,000 says the report.
Continue ReadingMarangoni Taps Rizzi to Lead Sales
(Akron/Tire Review) Marangoni Tread North America has named retreading industry veteran Donald Rizzi as its new national sales manager. Prior to joining Marangoni, Rizzi was regional manager for Goodyear’s retread systems business, regional manager for Goodyear Commercial Tire Systems, and a Six Sigma project manager for Goodyear. Through his career, Rizzi held sales management positions with Long Mile Rubber Co., Oliver Rubber Co. and Ultima Rubber Products. “We are very pleased that Don has joined us,” said Bill Sweatman, Marangoni Tread North America president. “Our business continues to grow at a rapid rate and Don will not only help us to keep that momentum going but will improve our representation and service to our valued customers, our independent dealer network.”
Continue ReadingBridgestone Launch New Tyres Qatar
Bridgestone launched its new tyres, the Turanza GR80 and the Sports Tourer MY-01, in Qatar yesterday in association with Gettco Trading. The Turanza GR80 is described as the new generation successor of one of the manufacturer’s most popular patterns, the Turanza GR50. “The new Turanza GR80, titled the ‘quiet revolution’ comes with new technologies which further enhance the core features of silence, smoothness and handling,” said Bridgestone officials. The tyre covers all the popular sizes from the 55 series to the 40 series. The Sports Tourer MY-01 is a new product for a sporty performance. Made at the Bridgestone plant in Thailand, the Sports Tourer MY-01 covers popular tyre sizes, from 60 to 40 series.
Continue ReadingCoker to Offer Michelin Lifestyle Products
(Akron/Tire Review) Michelin Lifestyle Ltd. has signed a licensing deal with Coker Tire Co. for the development and marketing of Michelin-branded products, including garage accessories, apparel, personal accessories, high-end memorabilia and collectibles. According to Michelin Lifestyle, Coker will offer these products through Coker Tire’s North American catalogue operations and online store at www.coker.com.
Continue ReadingWorker Dies at Goodyear Plant
(Akron/Tire Review) News reports say that a contract worker at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.’s plant in Lawton, Okla., was found dead on 10 April, with part of his body wedged between the spools of a rubber calendar. As of Monday, Lawton law enforcement authorities were trying to determine if the man died as a result of being trapped in the machine, or if he suffered a heart attack or other illness and fell into the equipment. The unidentified man was employed by a temporary employment agency that provides workers to the facility, said reports. According to news sources it was the first fatality ever for the plant.
Continue ReadingOld Fords Remind Kumho of its Humble Start
(Akron/Tire Review) Few people know that South Korea’s Kumho Tire started as a taxi company back in 1946. To celebrate its humble beginnings, Kumho recently purchased two 1933 Ford sedans, similar to those that the now international firm began with. The cars are on display at Kumho Asiana Group’s headquarters in Yongin.
Continue ReadingHayes Lemmerz Appoints ArvinMeritor Director
Hayes Lemmerz International has appointed Christine M. Sweda as director of taxes, reporting to James Yost, vice president of finance and chief financial officer. Sweda comes to Hayes Lemmerz’ from its competitor ArvinMeritor where she worked as director of domestic tax. Prior to her seven year tenure at ArvinMeritor, Sweda worked as a tax manager for T&N Industries Inc., and in various positions at Arthur Andersen LLP.
Continue ReadingThe German Motoring Press Awards Pirelli
Pirelli has won several summer tyre tests carried out by German motoring publications. Products ranging from the ultra high performance sector to the balanced performance ranges were put through their paces. In particular, Pirelli’s UHP tyre, P Zero Nero, fitted to BMW Z4, Mercedes-Benz C 320 Sport Coupé, Audi A3 and Audi TT and the P Zero Rosso fitted to Mercedes-Benz CLS 350 returned performances of “extremely high levels,” says the manufacturer, winning tests on both wet and dry asphalt. Pirelli’s SUV Scorpion STR tyre, tested on a Jeep Cherokee, also received recognition, as did the high performance P6 on a Volkswagen Golf V and P3000 Energy on a Ford Fiesta.
Continue ReadingSteelworkers and PACE Agree to Merger
(Akron/Tire Review) Members of the United Steelworkers of America (USWA) and the Paper, Allied-Industrial, Chemical and Energy Workers (PACE) have voted overwhelmingly to merge. The votes were held yesterday at concurrent national conventions of the two unions, both being held in Las Vegas. The new union will be called the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International or USW for short, according to the USWA. The merger creates North America’s largest labor union, with a combined total of 850,000 members.
Continue ReadingCV Show and ATS – Another Success
The SMMT have described this years Commercial Vehicle Show and Automotive Trade Show as “an outstanding success.” Provisional figures show that almost 27,000 visitors attended the three-day event at the NEC last week. “The CV Show and ATS is the most successful show of its type in Europe,” said SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan. “Last weeks excellent event reinforced that market-leading position, delivering multi-million pound business opportunities to 632 exhibitors and thousands of trade visitors. We know that many exhibitors made good use of the opportunities we delivered and collectively announced billions of pounds worth of new business.”
Continue ReadingUSWA, PACE Vote on Proposed Merger in Las Vegas
(Tire Review/Akron) Delegates from the United Steelworkers of America (USWA) and the Paper, Allied-Industrial, Chemical and Energy Workers (PACE) International Union will vote on a proposed merger between the two at each of their annual conventions being held this week in Las Vegas. The USWA convention is being held 11-14 April at the Las Vegas Hilton Conference Center, and the PACE International convention is being held at the Las Vegas Riviera Hotel 12-14 April. A combined convention of 5,000 delegates from both unions will meet on 14 April at the Hilton, subject to approval of the merger. The merger will reportedly create the largest industrial union in North America.
Continue ReadingInvestcorp Acquire American Tire
Investcorp, investment group, has officially acquired American Tire Distributors, one of the leading distributors of tyres in the United States. American Tire has 71 distribution centers and a fleet of 700 trucks providing coverage to 36 US states. It offers 60,000 products serving an average of 35,000 customers each month says the investment company. Annual revenue is $1.4 billion giving the company an approximate six per cent share of the total $24.3 billion market for replacement tyres in the US.
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