Used Tyre Discussion Document Published
The long-awaited discussion paper on a possible producer responsibility model for used tyres has been published by the Department of Trade and Industry. This seeks comments on possible statutory Producer Responsibility requirements on used tyres as a consequence of the Council Directive 1993/31/EC on landfill of waste. Comments must be made in writing by the 12th July 2002, and sent to the relevant addresses given in the discussion document. Copies are available from:-Paul Hallett, DTi, Sustainable Development Directorate, Bay 426, 151 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9SS, or can be downloaded from www.dti.gov.uk in PDF format. This document will affect everybody in the tyre business, ensure you have your say in its preparation by at least reading this document.
Continue ReadingRealignment At Hayes Lemmerz
Hayes Lemmerz International Inc has announced a strategic re-alignment of its European wheel operation. The move creates a new European Wheels Group from the European Fabricated Wheels and European Cast Wheels Business Units. Giancarlo Dallera, from the European cast Wheels Business Unit will be president of the new European Wheels Group, reporting to Curtis Clawson, Hayes Lemmerz Chairman, President and CEO.Clawson says, This realignment positions us uniquely in the market-place to provide unparalleled service, as well as create one trusted source of solutions for our customers.
Continue ReadingPredicted Fall In Car Sales
Automotive analysts, Autopolis predict a 13 per cent fall in the European car market (from 1999 peak level, in the next 18 months. The claim is based on the European trend showing first in Scandinavian markets, Greece and the Netherlands. Danish demand has already fallen by 40 per cent, Finland by 20 per cent and Greece by 29 per cent in the last year. Economic conditions reinforce the prediction, which would see the market drop by 1.9million units by 2003. Autopolis expects recovery in late 2003, but that there will be little long-term growth till 2010, with Toyota and Hyundai making the greatest gains, whilst smaller producers lose share.
Continue ReadingSurprise Bond Issue From Michelin
The French tyre manufacturer launched a 1.5 billion Euro bond issue of a two part bond. The issue surprised the markets and has a seven-year maturity on a One billion Euro bond, plus a further 500 million pounds in a ten year bond.
Continue ReadingTruck Sales Head Down
North American Truck sales have plummeted, down by as much as 50 per cent since the 1999 peak. There are signs that the downturn may spread to Europe. European truck manufacturers expect sales to fall by 15-20 per cent in 2002. Volvo has declared US deliveries of trucks down 40 per cent and a 21 per cent decline in Europe. Daf also expect to see the European market fall by 20-25 per cent this year.
Continue ReadingPlant Expansion For Goodyear
At a time when Goodyear is selling and downsizing, the company has announced a 4.7 million Dollar expansion at its Asheboro, North Carolina plant. The plant manufactures steel wire for tyres, hoses and conveyors. The expansion will involve the expansion of the workforce by 20.
Continue ReadingDisease Threat From Used Tyres
The UK, according to the Guardian, is at threat from mosquitoes imported in used tyre casings. In the past year an Asian breed of mosquito has been found breeding in Brittany, thought to have been imported with used tyre casings. Other species have been found in France, Belgium, Italy and Albania. These insects may not only spread malaria, but dengue fever, yellow fever, equine encephalitis and West Mile virus. There are calls to set up a register of tyre importers and to monitor for mosquitoes at their depots.
Continue ReadingMore Woes For Firestone and Ford
A Federal Judge has refused an application by Ford and Firestone to dismiss 121 cases brought against the companies where the cases involved accidents in Venezuela and Columbia. Judge Barker ruled that the defendants had not proven that the cases would get a fair hearing in those countries. The decision is not binding on other courts, but may influence similar cases being brought elsewhere in the USA. Firestone was extremely disappointed by the ruling, and Ford said it was unprecedented. Both defendants are likely to appeal the case.
Continue ReadingTruck Tyre Survey – Michelin And Bridgestone Score Well
The latest J.D. Power customer survey concerns heavy truck tyres as original equipment. Respondents rated tyres for safety, durability, tread life and overall value. Michelin came out on top, closely followed by Bridgestone, although Bridgestone customers reported the fewest problems per 100 tyres. According to the report, the biggest problems associated with tyres are excessive or uneven tread wear and blowouts.
Continue ReadingGo Gomma Srl
Go Gomma has been involved with repair and tyre dealer products since 1981, benefiting from more than thirty years experience gained by its founder, Giuliano Gori.All products and equipment have been chosen for their competitive prices and optimal quality, and also for innovation, safety, ease of use and protection of the environment. This has enabled Go Gomma to become the main supplier of important Italian and foreign distributors, thus confirming the quality and service of its production so that many products sold under other brand names include Go Gomma technology, experience and skill.The companys current commitments are aimed not only at consolidating its image but also acquiring customers in developing countries by taking part in specialised fairs and sales missions.The experience gained in the traditional repair and tyre dealer sectors has not prevented Go Gomma from shifting its attention towards developing technologies that, even though founded on rubber and polymers in general, have applications in the industrial abrasion, proof coating and surface protection field.Go Gomma is the leading company in this sector with the widest selection of materials and accessories for rebuilders and tyre dealers. A vast choice of top quality products for professionals is the strong point of the company and the foundation for its many years of success.
Continue ReadingMRF Limited
MRF was established in Chennai, India, in 1946 as a general rubber goods manufacturer and gradually progressed into tyre production in 1961.Today, the company enjoys the distinction of being the largest tyre company in the Indian subcontinent and the 13th largest in the world. The Far Eastern Economic Review Annual Review 200; rated MRF as one of India’s top ten companies and among the 200 most admired companies in Asia, for the last seven years consecutively.MRF was also rated the No. 1 Ethical Company in India by the Business World magazine. MRF operates six manufacturing plants in India at Tiruvottiyur, Arkonam, Kottayam, Goa, Medak, and Pondicherry and manufactures the largest range of tyres in India´s heavy duty truck/bus tyres, light commercial vehicle tyres, passenger car tyres, off-the-road/industrial tyres, 2-wheeler tyres and farm service tyres. Five of these plants and the conveyor belting factory at Arakonam are ISO 9002 certified. The plant at Pondicherry is QS 9000 certified. MRF Tyres are exported to over 65 countries in the Americas, Africa, Middle East, Australia and Asia.With the focus on exports, the company plans to increase market share and start operations in several new countries. MRF also manufactures conveyor belts and precure tread rubber, and its subsidiaries manufacture toys, speciality paints, leather and leather products.
Continue ReadingJ. D. Power OE Tyre Satisfaction Study
For the fourth year running, Michelin ranks highest in the UK OE tyre satisfaction study, receiving the highest ratings for durability; the factor rated as most important by UK consumers. In second place were Pirelli and Kumho, with the latter scoring well because owners experience few problems with the brand. The survey questions over 3,000 UK motorists in their first year of car ownership, regarding tyre quality, performance and brand image. Following the top three brands, three further brands (Bridgestone, Dunlop and Goodyear) al scored the same. Bridgestone received highest marks in the study for traction/safety, while Goodyear and Pirelli tied for top spot in tyre design.
Continue ReadingFord Acknowledges Loss Likely On Kwik-Fit Sale
According to the Financial Times, Ford is admitting for the first time that it will face a substantial loss when it disposes of Kwik-Fit. The FT says it has seen documents from Fords auditors, warning that the proceeds from any disposal will not be in line with the book value. The UK parent of Kwik-Fit (and other companies such as Jaguar and Aston Martin) - Ford Automotive Holdings - recently filed its year 2000 accounts, which include the first years contributions from Kwik-Fit. These show pre-tax losses of 356 m GBP (580 m Euro) on a turnover of 9.42 bn GBP (15.35 bn Euro). 1999s pre-tax loss was 175 m GBP (285 m Euro) on a turnover of 8.71 bn GBP (14.2 bn Euro).
Continue ReadingLooking For Italian Beauties
According the information given in the March issue of the in-flight magazine Rono Iberia of the Spanish airline Iberia the Italian tyre manufacturer Pirelli is looking for beautiful Italian women – anonymous if possible – for its next years calendar production. It is planned to add nude pictures of a national beauty to the list of celebrities who have appeared in previous editions. Rondo Iberia says that a prestigious photographer will select the winner among ten candidates previously chosen by a jury.
Continue ReadingUS Tyre Fire Causes State Of Emergency
A fire at a 145 acre tyre dump in Virginia has created a State of Emergency. This allows State resources to be used to contain the fire in a dump estimated to hold over 4 million waste tyres. Authorities expect to let the fire burn out and say it may take months to combust all the waste. The operator was fined for the illegal dump over a decade ago, but nothing could be done to force him to clear the waste heap.
Continue Reading