Compromise Over US Tyre Monitoring Systems
The White House has moved to end the wrangling over the forthcoming mandatory fitting of tyre monitoring systems on vehicles in the USA. The argument has been over which technology to use; whether to directly monitor air pressure in all four tyres or to use the vehicles ABS System, which can show when one wheel is rolling lower than another but which cannot detect low pressure in all four tyres. It has been decided to let auto makers offer either system while the Government and the NHTSA study the systems more closely. The main objections seem to be based on system cost, rather than safety performance.
Continue ReadingRecall For Mitsubishi Pajeros
Mitsubishi is to recall 22,626 Pajero Minis, made between October 1 1998 and October 4 2001, due to a potential problem with the brakes. In a statement, Mitsubishi said There is an inadequacy of the fixing of the left near brake tube on (certain) tyres. The company stresses that the recall is purely precautionary and that there have been no accidents caused by brake failure.
Continue ReadingRenault Increases Stake In Nissan
Car manufacturers Renault and Nissan strengthened their ties with the announcement that the French car maker is to raise its equity stake in Nissan from the present 36.8 per cent to 44.4 per cent, at a cost of 215.9 billion Yen (1.84 billion Euro). Nissan will take a 15 per cent in Renault later on this year.
Continue ReadingIranian Tyre Gap
Mr. Hossein Abouie Mehrizi, Director General of the Non-Metallic Industries Dept. of the Ministry of Industries and Mines in Iran, told delegates at a national tire seminar that there is a shortfall between tyre demand and tyre production in Iran. The countrys 4.6 million cars need 220,000 tons of tyres annually. Since last March, Iran has produced 182,000 tons of tyres for light and heavy vehicles (an increase of 33,000 tons) and imported 40,000 tons.
Continue ReadingIncreases At Sime
Malaysian conglomerate Sime Darby posted a 16 per cent rise in half year net profit and expects to see full year figures ahead of the previous years. However, Simes tyre division, DMIB Bhd posted a net loss of 5.8 million ringgit (1,758,000 Euro) against a previous years profit of 10 million ringgit (3,031,000 Euro). This, according to the company, was due to the closure of plants making golf balls and aircraft tyres which incurred substantial charges.
Continue ReadingFirst B-11 RFID Tags Announced
Intermec Technologies Corporation has announced the commercial availability of RFID tags and readers that immediately support the new B-11 standard established by the Automotive Industry Action Groups (AIAG). The B-11 standard will guide further introduction of RFID technology into the auto industry. Among the first planned applications will be inclusion of an RFID tag on new-car tyres, allowing car and tyre manufacturers and tyre retailers to track product throughout production, assembly and distribution.
Continue Reading2001 Net Loss For Titan International
Titan International has published its 2001 financial results. In the fourth quarter, Titans net sales were $100.6 million (Q4 2000: $113.4 m). For 2001as a whole, sales were $457.5 m ($543.1 m). The net loss for Q4 was $21.5 m ($8.0 m) and Titan turned in a net loss for the year of $34.8 m, compared to a net income in 2000 of $4.5 m. President and CEO Maurice Taylor Jr. described 2001 as difficult for all manufacturers. On the positive side, Titan settled two long-running (39 months and 40 months) labour disputes and received approval to offer agricultural tyres and wheels through the Case New Holland dealership network.
Continue ReadingSchroeder Acquires Dayton Wheel Products Inc.
Dayton Wheel Products, the manufacturer of wire wheels in Centerville, Ohio, has been acquired by Charles G. Schroeder. This is only the third time the business has changed ownership in its 85 year history. The company recently launched a range of alloy wheels, but Schroeder says that Dayton wire wheels have a discerning customer with whom quality will always count - over 80 per cent of customers in the USA ask for Dayton wire wheels by name. The new owner plans to develop the business by concentrating on quality products and capitalising on the loyalty and enthusiasm of his workforce. The company employs 43 people.
Continue ReadingAgreement On Japanese Co-operation For Yokohama and Continental
Yokohama Rubber and Continental AG have confirmed a contract for the creation of a joint venture to supply original equipment to Japanese motor manufacturers and to develop Continental in the Japanese replacement market. The 50/50 joint venture will be called Yokohama Continental Tire and will aim to sell OE tyres to Japanese and Korean vehicle manufacturers. Importation and distribution of Continental tyres, to be sold through Yokohama outlets in Japan, will begin in April.
Continue ReadingAlliance Between Honeywell And GT Petrochem
Leading polyester producer Honeywell Performance Fibers is forming an alliance with Indonesian tyre cord manufacturer GT Petrochem Industries. The aim is to link Honeywells polyester fibre product line with GT Petrochems conversion facilities to provide a world class tyre cord fabric to the global tyre industry. The two companies have been working closely together since 1996 and the alliance will ensure the supply of quality tyre reinforcement products at competitive prices.
Continue Reading2001 Net Loss For Kumho Group
Kumho Industrial recorded a net loss for 2001 of 221.5 billion Won (US$169.5 million) on a turnover of 2.68 trillion Won. This loss is an increase of 114 per cent over the year 2000 loss of 103.4 billion Won. Half the loss is accounted for by sales of assets, such as buildings, at a loss. On the positive side, Kumhos tyre business performed very well, turning in a profit. Kumho is currently involved in negotiations to sell its tyre division for US$1.5 billion in order to reduce group debt.
Continue ReadingNet Profit To Triple This Year For Bridgestone
A poll of analysts suggests that Bridgestones net profit for 2002 will treble. The forecast is for a net profit of 57.7 billion Yen (500.5 m Euro), compared with the 2001 figure of 17.7 billion Yen (152.3 m Euro). Analysts believe that the corporation is slowly putting the Firestone debacle behind it and there are hopes of a reconciliation with Ford. Other factors causing optimism include the weak Yen and an increase in Bridgestones business with GM.
Continue ReadingNHTSA Refuses Firestone Request
The NHTSA has turned down a request by Firestone to open an inquiry into a possible vehicle fault on the Ford Explorer. Firestone alleges that the Explorer has a greater propensity to roll over than other SUVs. The NHTSA admits that SUVs have a higher tendency to roll than other vehicles, but is adamant that the data held by the organisation does not substantiate Firestones claim regarding the Explorer.
Continue ReadingJapanese Duo Boost Chinese Output
Bridgestone and Toyo have both announced plans to boost output in China, destined for the Chinese domestic market. Bridgestone will raise production in total by 40%, with its Tianjin factory producing 13,000 tyres per day, an increase of 30%. Meanwhile, Toyo is looking at methods of increasing production at Jiangsu by 60%.
Continue ReadingInterim Managing Director For Kwik-Fit
In light of questions from bidders about the influence of Sir Tom Farmer on the bidding for Kwik-Fit, Sir Tom and two other directors of the business are taking leave of absence during the expected sale of the fast fit chain. Sir Tom has been named as a possible buyer and is rumoured to be backed by HBOS and the Royal Bank of Scotland. One of the potential bidders for the business which employs 11,500 people at 2,400 outlets, is Deutsche Banks venture capital division. The interim managing director will be Dominic DiMarco, Fords executive director of diversified consumer services.
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