Michelin Man to Drive Truck Sales at ATS Euromaster
ATS Euromaster has a new face leading its commercial vehicle sales operation, Phil Payne, who has joined the team from Michelin will now become the company’s national sales director truck. Commenting on his appointment, Mr Payne said: “I’m joining a business that is seeking to grow by building on the customer relationships it has already developed in the CV, agricultural and industrial markets. There is a new, extremely positive business philosophy evolving at ATS Euromaster and I look forward to helping drive this forward by delivering new levels of service and value to CV operators of all sizes.” Mr Payne originally began his career with the Mars Group, but more recently moved to Michelin to perform the role of European car fleet manager. The new appointment is the third senior management selection to be made by the company this year, the other two being Martin Saint, national sales director car and Robert Blaikie, divisional sales director. All three appointments are further steps in the company’s strategy to develop its products and services across the UK tyre and vehicle maintenance market.
Continue ReadingYokohama’s Aggressive Advan Brand
Yokohama Rubber is to launch its new ADVAN brand at the Paris Motor Show 2004 (Mondial de lautomobile 2004), which commences on the 25 September. The company describes the new product as its “symbolic” brand, representing its “global concept.” Yokohama plans to aggressively confront its new business strategy through the new brand, which includes developing flagship tyre products, participating further in motorsports, and co-developing activities with world leading carmakers and tuners. ADVAN is said to represent the companys spirit of pursuing high performance and high quality products. The new products will be introduced in markets around the world and sale of the tyres is scheduled to begin in 2005. First introduced in 1978, ADVAN has been used for motorsports activities and high performance tyres in Japan. Its presentation at the Paris Motor Show will be the first fully-fledged introduction in the European market. Yokohama will exhibit ADVAN Sport and ADVAN S.T, its SUV tyre. The company’s run flat tyre systems, including the Z.P.S. and the Support Ring System will also be displayed at the exhibition.
Continue ReadingNew European Transport Event
Plans for a new UK based European trade show have been announced by the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT); the UKs trade association for the bus, coach and light rail industry. Euro Bus Expo is scheduled to take place for the first time on 7-9 November 2006, at the NEC Birmingham. Expo Management, will support the organisation of the trade event, which the company says is designed to build on the success of the Coach & Bus show brand, the existing biennial event for the UK industry. As the third largest market for road based public transport vehicles in Europe, the events UK location should work well to attract international exhibitors and visitors.
Continue ReadingPirelli Gains Victory with Maserati
Although it debuted only 15 days ago at Imola with a double podium finish, the Pirelli-shod Maserati MC12 raced to victory once again at Oschersleben, Germany, last weekend. The team initially opted for intermediate Pirelli tyres and later switched to P Zero slicks. “The machine today was very good,” stated winning driver Bertolini. “We made a great effort and must thank Pirelli for supplying great tyres that we were able to double stint to victory.”
Continue ReadingChinese GP Preview
China prepares to stage its first world championship Grand Prix this week as it hosts Formula One for the first time. The 5.451km (3.387-mile) Shanghai International Circuit is the second new venue to appear on the 2004 calendar, after Bahrain. The race is scheduled to last 56 laps; a total distance of 305.256km. Although Michelin is confident it will perform well, Shanghai will highlight the ability of Formula One teams to react to new situations. Pascal Vasselon, Michelin’s F1 programme manager commented: “Given our experience in Bahrain earlier this year, choosing tyres for a previously unknown circuit such as Shanghai might appear quite routine - but thats not the case at all. Certain corners at Shanghai have a unique configuration and two of them - which have an almost snail-like profile when viewed from above - are likely to put a greater load on tyres than anywhere else on the calendar. “Generally, we expect the rate of wear to be fairly even left to right and front to rear, which makes things a little bit easier. From what we can see, the track surface looks fairly smooth and non- abrasive - another little difficulty we had to factor in when finalising the best tyre compromise. When you encounter a new circuit like this, with lots of directional changes, it is best to select compounds that have a slightly broader operational spectrum than usual. And to further minimise any risk of error, we will be taking tyres that have previously been used in racing conditions.”
Continue ReadingMichelin Tops Customer Satisfaction Survey
The JD Power and Associates 2004 Original Equipment Tire Customer Satisfaction Survey has placed Michelin at the top of three of its four Categories.
Continue ReadingPSA Peugeot Citroën to Double Production in Argentina
PSA Peugeot Citroën has today announced its industrial development plan for Argentina through which it plans to launch two new models at its Buenos Aires plant. The Peugeot 206, 307 and Partner and the Citroën Berlingo are currently manufactured at the plant and production of the two new models is expected to begin by 2007. The company believes the “favourable outlook” for the Argentine automobile market supports these developments. There is no doubt that the move will heighten the facility’s competitiveness, and reflects the country’s improved economic situation. According to the company the new models will be exported to other Mercosur countries, as well as to other Latin American markets and possibly around the world. Annual output at the Buenos Aires facility is expected to increase from the 45,000 cars planned in 2004 to 100,000 in 2007. Total investment is expected to amount to 450 million Argentine pesos (125 million euros).
Continue ReadingMichelin Confident About its US Price Increases
Recent market reports have stated that the latest price increases in the US passenger replacement market weren’t sticking. However Michelin is said to be confident that the price increases it instigated (key to offset raw material price increases) were sticking. Michelin passed two price increases in H1of three and five per cent. According to Deutsche Bank the company also confirmed what it had already stated last summer; that the market may see a third set of price increases this year.
Continue ReadingTough Times Ahead for Jaguar
With the closure of its Coventry based Jaguar plant scheduled for next September, Ford will shed 1100 jobs and the massive cash injections it has ploughed into trying to revive the brand. Jaguar has seen disappointing sales this year, its performance led to production cuts of 15,000 this year and its negative impact on the Ford group was realised through an unexpectedly high loss of £201 million in the second quarter. The British brand has been hampered by falling global sales, especially in America, excess factory capacity and uncompetitive operating costs. The decision was not unexpected and the closure of the Brown’s Lane assembly line, which builds the XK sports coupe and XJ luxury saloon was based on the logic that producing 125,000 cars a year at three different factories was inefficient and costly. Foreseen or not, the restructuring is another blow to the British auto industry and one of its prestigious brands. Jaguar is currently turning out about 120,000 vehicles a year at three plants, said analyst David Healy of Burnham Securities. Thats about half the capacity of one full-size plant in the United States, where its sales are down 11.5 per cent this year. Understandably improving Jaguars financial performance has become a major priority for Ford, as its four luxury brands, with help from its Lincoln brand, are expected to contribute one-third of the manufacturers $7 billion pre-tax profit target by 2006. Despite the cost cutting measures Jaguar still faces a long struggle and has now abandoned its target of producing 200,000 models a year and is aiming to stabilise sales at the current level of 125,000.
Continue ReadingJaguar Pulls Out of F1
Jaguar is to pull out of Formula One at the end of 2004 and Ford’s engine maker Cosworth is also up for sale. F1 representatives believe this decision will have huge affects on the sport, which is under threat from carmakers seeking to establish a rival championship. The news certainly won’t be received well by Michelin, Jaguar’s F1 tyre supplier. Joe Greenwell, chairman and CEO Jaguar and Land Rover said: Jaguar’s presence in Formula One has been a valuable marketing and brand awareness platform particularly outside our main markets of the US and the UK. However it was our collective view that it is time for Jaguar Cars to focus 100 per cent on our core business.” It is thought that the company could no longer financially compete with rivals BMW and Mercedes, partners to Williams and McLaren. World champions Ferrari and new arrivals Toyota have estimated budgets in excess of $200 million a year. It is so expensive to be successful in Formula One, said Ford vice-president Richard Parry-Jones. The money the sport generates is not distributed equitably to the various stakeholders, he continued.
Continue ReadingBandag Celebrate 30 Years in Slovenia
Retreading specialist Bandag has now held a contract with its Slovenian Franchisee Alpetour Bandag for 30 years. The company’s CEO Martin Carver and leading European managers came together to mark the event by saying thank you to all the staff and customers that have supported the business for the last three decades. Alpetour Bandag is the leading retreader in the small state Slovenia, which recently joined the EU, and sells 22,000 retreaded truck tyres per year.
Continue ReadingConti Plan Chinese Venture
Chinese company Qingdao Doublestar has announced that it is forming a joint venture with Continental in China. In a statement to the Shenzhen stock exchange the Chinese company is said to have reported that Conti is expected to start negotiations on financial terms and other venture details. Once again the market’s focus is on China, where passenger car sales surged 76 per cent last year to 1.97 million units. Goodyear Tire & Rubber, Michelin and Yokohama all have existing operations within the expanding market.
Continue ReadingArgentinean Labour Dispute Ends
The intervention of government officials has brought a yearlong labour dispute between Bridgestone/Firestone (BFS) Argentina and its workers to an end.
Continue ReadingDramatic Climax to Wales Rally GB
Petter Solberg has won the Wales Rally GB, claiming his third successive victory in what commentators described as a thrilling final day.
Continue ReadingRenault’s F1 Boss Questions Michelin
Renault’s Formula 1 team boss, Flavio Briatore has put pressure on his teams tyre supplier, Michelin. In a statement the French car manufacturer said that in 2005 the team would have a competitive team of drivers and that the only question mark would be over the tyres. Mr Briatore said that he likes the Michelin guys, but they still lag behind their Bridgestone rivals and must work harder.
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