ContiTech Expands Production Capacity in Romania
(Akron/Tire Review) The power transmission group of the ContiTech division of Continental AG has expanded drive-belt production capacity at its manufacturing plant in Timisoara, Romania.
Continue ReadingPowerflow Exhausts
Seven years on – and what a lucky seven it has been for the businesses that became Powerflow Exhausts agents during that time. According to the company behind the exhausts, the custom build exhaust system has proved a real winner in terms of profitability and is “consistently praised by agents as the product that always makes the balance sheet look great!” “There is no secret to this success,” say powerflow representatives: “it is the same old recipe - expertise gained from long experience; superb product quality; untiring after sales service.”
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 ReadingSuccessful Start to British GT for Avon
Avon Tyres’ competitive debut in the British GT Championship is being hailed as a resounding success by teams and drivers alike at Oulton Park, Cheshire last weekend. Race winner, Chris Niarchos in his Scuderia Ecosse Ferrari 430, said: “The race was good all round…[the car] ran faultlessly and credit to Avon. The tyres were brilliant….they allowed us to push very early in the race which, historically to be fair, we’ve never been able to do that much.”
Continue ReadingGoodyear Gaining Market Share in Russia
In the past three years Goodyear has improved its position amongst the growing number of importers supplying tyres to the Russian market, not to mention the replacement market itself. In 2002 the American manufacturer exported some 960,000 Goodyear, Dunlop, Fulda and Sava branded tyres to Russia. According to the Discovery Research Group based in Moscow, this has already grown to 1.39 million units. At the same time Goodyear’s share of the total number of tyres imported into Russia has increased from 12 per cent in 2002 to 17 per cent now, based on a total import market of 8.2 million units each year.
Continue ReadingAutopromotec 2007 – The Emphasis is on Maintenance
Over the years Autopromotec has established itself as one of, if not the, most important international exhibition of products, garage equipment and servicing. The 22nd show will be held in the Bologna Trade Fair Centre from 23 – 27 May 2007 and will feature all vehicle repairing and maintenance sectors: from garage equipment and products, to testing lines, diagnostic tools, tyres, spare parts, gas station and car wash equipment, tyre retreading and engine reconditioning materials and plants, multi-purpose equipment, car servicing, official and independent service networks.
Continue ReadingRemy Automotive Investment Pays Off
Automotive parts manufacturer Remy Automotive UK has announced a significant productivity improvement in its brake caliper operation, following a recent investment programme in its Leicester remanufacturing factory. In the past 12 months, Remy has invested more than £20,000 in a complete overhaul of operations at Leicester – this is on top of the £40,000 originally invested when Remy bought the plant in 2001 – and this has been rewarded by a 15 per cent increase in productivity.
Continue ReadingAftermarket 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 ReadingJust Tyres Opens Huntingdon Outlet
Following the successful launch of the company’s Aldershot branch, Just Tyres has now opened its first outlet in Cambridgeshire. The Huntingdon branch opened its doors on Good Friday, and is already reporting buoyant sales. Being new to the area, Just Tyres has been very active promoting the business focusing mainly on its transparent pricing policy and promise to sell nothing but tyres to customers. In addition, they have been offering customers free tyre checks, balancing and tracking, and given away a range of prizes to both to ‘lucky customers’ and prize draw winners, which is all reported to have helped drive people through the doors.
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