MIRS Tyres Produced In Milan
The first production line utilising MIRS technology (Modular Integrated Robotized System), was unveiled by Pirelli chief Marco Tronchetti Provera at an international press conference on 11 July at the companys Bicocca factory. The MIRS process is managed entirely on-line. In the next three years, four more MIRS plants will be opened in Germany, the UK, the USA and the Far East, representing an investment of 500 million Euro (excluding building and servicing costs). Total production capacity will be 10 million HP and UHP tyres a year.
Continue ReadingCooper 4×4 Tyre To Be Made In UK
The Cooper Discoverer Sport HP – a 4x4 tyre designed specifically for roads in Europe – is to be manufactured at Cooper-Avons factory at Melksham in the UK.
Continue ReadingForward Strategy From Hayes Lemmerz
Hayes Lemmerz International is going to acquire the Schenk foundry in Germany in order to expand its suspension presence in Europe. Klaus Jünger, President European Chassis Components Group said that this is an excellent base for our expansion in Europe. Major customers of Schenk are Audi, BMW, Opel and Porsche.
Continue Reading“The Leading Edge” Award For Ronal From Volkswagen Group
Light alloy wheel supplier Ronal has been honoured by the Volkswagen Group with the Corporate Supplier Award The Leading Edge. Ronal is a supplier of the car brands VW, Audi, Seat and Skoda and has also received new development orders for the prestigious Bentley brand.
Continue ReadingTyre Recall Extended To Venezuela
Bridgestone/Firestone has announced that it is to recall 62,000 tyres sold in the Venezuelan market at an estimated cost of US$ 6.4 m. The tyres have been linked with 60 deaths in the country. The consumer protection agency is recommending investigation into charges of possible criminal negligence against Ford and Bridgestone/Firestone, plus a number of civil law suits are planned.
Continue ReadingNew Dimension for Metzeler
At the beginning of this year the Cruiser tyre ME 880 was introduced by the German motorcycle-tyre producer Metzeler. Now the company also offers ist widest tyre in a second dimension: 240/50 R16 M/C 84V TL.
Continue ReadingDividend of 30 Cents Per Goodyear Share
Directors of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. have declared a quarterly dividend of 30 cents per share. The dividend is payable December 15, to shareholders of record on November 16. The payout represents an annual rate of $1.20 per share.
Continue ReadingDT 830 – New Supervolume Agricultural Tyre From Goodyear
Goodyear has introduced a new, supermodern agricultural tyre specifically for harvesters and tractor units. The new products have been developed with soil protection and high load resistance in mind. Thanks to its 900 mm width, tractor units equipped with the new DT830 remain within the three metre maximum legal width for highway use without the need for a special license. With a maximum pressure of 2.2 bar the new tyre is capable of carrying loads up to 11.8 tons. For use on delicate soil conditions the DT830 is well qualified with a low pressure of 0.8 bar and a wheel load of 7.5tons it creates a footprint of 96 cm by almost 90 cm, offering a contact area of more than 0.8 square metres. In addition the radial belt cords guarantee an even distribution of pressure over the whole contact area. Goodyear offers the DT830 in three sizes; The 900/55 R 32 to be available in Spring 2001, the 900/60 R 32 available in pre-series at present, and the 900/50 R 42 which is already available through Goodyear outlets. Find out more in the November issue of NEUE REIFENZEITUNG.
Continue ReadingExpert “Was Aware Of Firestone Problems In 1999”
A tyre expert hired by Bridgestone/Firestone has identified cracks in the belt skim – the rubber compound used to bond steel belts – as the cause of problems with some Firestone tyres. However, another tyre consultant, Rex Grogan, said that he told the company back in April 1999 that he had found the same problem. He blamed the use of inexperienced personnel working at the Decatur plant during a labour dispute.
Continue ReadingMore managers are leaving Viborg-Group in Germany
The Viborg-Group, which bought first Stinnes Reifendienst and later Gummi Meyer and now has more than 400 depots in Germany, is facing more departures by Managers. The relatively young managers Scharwenka, Rudolph, Roth and Lemle do not see their future within the group any longer and are leaving. As far as business in general for the Viborg-group in Germany is concerned we hear very different opinions. Viborg is asking for the deepest price and in addition to that for an overhead of 10 %, giving them a real advantage over all competitors. Strategic partners at the moment are Michelin, Pirelli and Dunlop. It is not clear whether all of them are paying the extra price of 10 %. Other tyre manufacturers can see how difficult it is for the Viborg Group to fulfil their promises despite the fact that all the warehouses are completely full. There will be a long article in a future issue of NEUE REIFENZEITUNG. Furthermore, Viborgs management is not willing to talk to the press and is urging employees not to talk to the press otherwise their jobs will be in jeopardy.
Continue ReadingTrouble For Minardi?
The 50m $ sale of 68 percent of the shares in Minardi F1 racing team owned by Gabriele Rumi (Fondmetal alloy wheel producer) seems likely to fail. Minardi – planning to start next season with Michelin tyres – could not find a motor supplier for 2001, so that potential purchaser Panamerican Sports Network (PSN) might withdraw.
Continue ReadingDieter Hillecke Retires
Dr. Dieter Hillecke (61), Technical Managing Director of Dunlop Germany, retires on 31st December 1999. Before joining Dunlop in 1985, Hillecke filled various positions within the Pirelli international group.
Continue ReadingConti Teves Joins ADC
The European Commission has agreed the accession of Conti Teves to the joint-venture Automotive Distance Control Systems ADC (Temic Telefunken Microelectronic/parent company: DaimlerChrysler and Leica Geosystems/Switzerland).
Continue ReadingMichelin Cuts 473 Jobs At Stoke
Michelin is to lose 473 jobs from its workforce of 2,700 at its factory in Stoke-on-Trent in the UK, mostly among those producing passenger car tyres. This is part of Michelins overall European strategy to improve efficiency. Michelin sees a long-term future for Stoke and this year will invest £11 million in updating the factory, which was opened in 1927.
Continue ReadingMichelin Open For Alliances
Edouard Michelin, CEO of the French tyre giant, can see opportunities for technical alliances with competitors, a French magazine reports. As an example, he cites the new tyre and wheel system Pax, which will be presented jointly by Michelin and Pirelli in Geneva.
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