TPMS Becoming More and More Common
Runflats are becoming more and more common and not only for high sophisticated models such as the Ferrari 612 Scaglietta, which uses Bridgestone RE 050 RFT – but also for middle class models. However because it is necessary to use a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) when using runflats, these systems are becoming more popular from a lot of companies outside the tyre industry. In the next issue Tyres & Accessories will give an overview of why tyre dealers have to be involved in such a growing market segment.
Continue ReadingAmerityre Plans to Revolutionise Tyre Industry
After passing US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards Amerityre is set to launch its polyurethane car tyres into the market within the next 12 months. The American corporation believes that it will initiate a conversion from rubber to polyurethane tyres throughout the whole industry and estimates that the complete conversion will take 12-15 years. Tyres & Accessories will take a look at this unique concept and in particular at the manufacturing differences and advantages that it holds over its rubber alternative.
Continue ReadingDr Karl-Thomas Neumann to be proposed to Conti Supervisory Board
The chairman’s committee of the supervisory board will propose Dr Karl-Thomas Neumann for the executive board of Continenal AG. Dr Neumann is currently head of the Electrics and Electronics unit of the Volkswagen group. In this position he has group-wide responsibility for electronics. According to the company, Dr Neumann will take charge of Continental Automotive Systems (CAS) at the earliest possible date.
Continue ReadingContinental Gains 75.96% of Phoenix Shares
The final deadline for acceptance of the takeover offer Continental AG, Hanover, has submitted for Phoenix AG, Hamburg, has expired. Upon completion of the statutory mandated two-week deadline extension, the international automotive supplier now has more than 75.96 percent of Phoenix shares at its disposal. Execution of the takeover now depends on the outcome of the EU commissions antitrust investigation. The EU is expected to issue its go-ahead until October. With the takeover of Phoenix AG, Continental AG intends to further develop its ContiTech division into one of the worlds leading specialists in rubber and plastics technology.
Continue ReadingCooper Tire to Produce Race Tyres in the US
Cooper Tyre & Rubber has announced that it intends to produce racing tyres at the company’s factory in Athens, Georgia. As a result of the decision the company plans to invest $11 million (£6 million) in the plant so it will be able to produce racing tyres in the factory that currently produces retread products. The conversion to motorsport tyres should begin immediately. Developmental tyre production will start in early 2005.
Continue ReadingBridgestone Expands in Thailand
Bridgestone has officially opened its third tyre plant in Thailand. The newly completed site, situated in the city of Chonburi, is predicted to produce 2,500 radial truck and bus tyres a day by the end of June 2005. What’s more the company estimates a further production capacity of 5,000 tyres a day by the end of 2006.
Continue ReadingSime to Increase Tyre Exports
Malaysian news sources are reporting that Sime Darby Bhds tyre division, Continental Sime Tyre Sdn Bhd, is planning to increase its production.
Continue ReadingMAHA Boosts its Sales Team
MAHA UK has appointed Peter Clarke to its sales team. Mr Clarke will now be responsible for providing support to the company’s distributors in central and north west England, and in promoting the sale of its commercial vehicle test lanes. Mr Clarke boasts years experience in the garage equipment industry, having worked for Brown Brothers’ Garage Equipment Division, Gemco and Trojan Garage Equipment in south Gloucestershire. Commenting on Mr Clarke’s appointment, Kevin Howard, director of sales and marketing, said, “We are delighted to have Peter as part of our team. His previous experience in the garage equipment industry will aid MAHA’s continuing success in supplying quality test and inspection equipment to garages and motor manufacturers. He has a thorough knowledge and understanding of the motor industry which will naturally be a great benefit to MAHA.”
Continue ReadingToolmarque to Become Official Distributor for Campbell Hausfeld
UK power tool distributor, Toolmarque, will be launching a new range of Campbell Hausfeld air compressors and air tools on its stand, at this year’s Automechanika. Toolmarque’s sales manager, Roy Hackett, commented: “We are delighted to add the quality of the Campbell Hausfeld name to our comprehensive range. They are synonymous with unique design features, outstanding warranty commitment and value throughout the line.” The company will be show casing a range of products at this year’s exhibition, including reversible pneumatic drills. Visitors to the stand will also have the opportunity to test the products, as an air line will be installed to allow product demonstrations.
Continue ReadingTIA Support Restructure of Truck Tyre Tax
The Tyre Industry Association (TIA) has announced that it will support moves to restructure how the Federal Excise Tax (FET) is calculated on truck tyres.
Continue ReadingSteelworkers battle Continental against ‘Runaway Shop Scheme’
The United Steelworkers of America (USWA) has filed a charge against Continental Tire North America (CTNA) to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The union alleges that the suspension of tyre production at the company’s Mayfield, Kentucky facility, scheduled for the end of this year, is illegal. The steelworkers association claims that the federal government should halt the proposed action.
Continue ReadingINTERauto 2004 to Host Free Seminars
Automotive interior show, INTERauto has announced that it will be hosting a programme of free seminars for visitors at this year’s event. The exhibition, to be held in Cologne on 3-5 November, will be the 7th show organised by Turret RAI plc. The company describes the show as “the place for automotive interior manufacturers to meet and showcase current ideas and products in all aspects of the industry.”
Continue ReadingNew AA Academy
The AA has opened a new training centre at Six Hills, Leicestershire. The academy will now become the main UK site for AA technical training. The training school was officially opened by AA managing director, Roger Wood and replaced the previous centre that was situated at Widmerpool, Nottinghamshire, which closed in April.
Continue ReadingCanadian Safety Association to Promote SmarTire
SmarTire Systems Inc has announced that the British Columbia Safety Council (BCSC) will resell its advanced tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS
Continue ReadingAmcast Sells Flow Control Division Assets
Amcast Industrial Corporation is to sell most of its Flow Control division’s assets, the company announced today. Amcast has signed an agreement to sell the assets to a US subsidiary of the Dutch group, Aalberts industries.
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