20 Inch Goodyears on 2002 Dodge
Dodge has launched its first 20-inch wheel package on the 2002 Dodge Ram. The Sport-truck models feature 20-inch Eagle touring performance tyres and 20-inch Wrangler light truck tyres. Goodyears Doug Calaman said the firms engineers had worked closely with Dodge to develop the Eagle LS P275/55R20 touring tyres for the 4x2 truck – P275/60R20 are featured on the 4x4 truck. The 20-inch wheels allow the Dodge trucks to offer the largest-in-class braking system.
Continue ReadingGoodyear And The Dunlop Acquisition
A comprehensive article in TYRES & ACCESSORIES (We were hoping for architects, but so far we have only seen cost-cutters) commented critically on the Goodyear acquisition of both the Dunlop activities in Europe and North America and the joint venture with Sumitomo in Japan, with all their particular opportunities and consequences. While Goodyears CEO Sam Gibara accepted that the facts had been reported correctly, he did not agree with much of the analysis. At the Goodyear head office in Akron, Ohio around Easter time, he gave a detailed and exclusive interview, in which he explained the reasons for, and the background to, the acquisition and the joint venture. Furthermore, Gibara was forthcoming about why cooperation with Dunlop is so important that he is even willing to accept a temporary interference in the balance sheet.
Continue ReadingTyre Hearing Claims Disputed By Goodyear
Goodyear has disputed data cited at the congressional hearing into the Ford/Firestone dispute. The company claims to have submitted its own safety data and is questioning the committees interpretation of the data they have already received. According to Goodyear the Ford data of damage claims of five parts per million is based on a Ford standard and that a damage claim does not reflect a defect. Goodyear added that the use of relevant data and comparisons by the committee will remedy any consumer confusion of fears.
Continue ReadingSmuggled Tyres Hurt Ethiopian Economy
Tyres smuggled into Ethiopia through the port of Djibouti cost the Government 64 m. Birr (8.8 m Euro) in lost import duty every year. The illegal trade has affected the Addis tyre factory, which has cut production and laid off workers. Losses incurred by the factory and importers are estimated at 196 m Birr (26.98 m Euro). The problem is a serious one: Berhanu Mewa, President of the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce, warned that failure to control the smuggling would cripple the countrys economy.
Continue ReadingNew presidents For Goodyear Chemical And Engineered Products
Tim Toppen, former president of Goodyear Chemical, has been named as president, Goodyear Engineered Products. This follows the sudden death of Tave Mallamaci, president of GEP since August last year. Toppen has been with Goodyear since 1978. His replacement as president of Goodyear Chemical is Jonathan Rich, who was director of chemical R&D, and who joined the tyre company last September. Both moves are effective immediately.
Continue ReadingNew Customer For Tirex Recycled Rubber
Canadian company Tirex has announced that Animat Inc. of Quebec has placed an order for recycled rubber to produce rubber mats. The order runs initially for a year and is for a monthly minimum of 100,000 lbs of Rutextm, the recycled rubber product produced by Tirexs cryogenic tyre recycling technology.
Continue ReadingNow Pirelli Approved For Jaguar X-Type
Pirelli P6000 Powergy and PZero Asimmetrico tyres have been approved for five models of Jaguars new X-Type compact sport saloon, for the European markets. The tyres chosen are 205/55 R16 91V (Powergy) and 225/45 ZR 17 91Y (PZero Asimmetrico), and the contract continues a relationship that began in 1985. Recently, Pirellis Wheel and Tyre Assembly Division, which started operations in 1999 to supply Jaguars car plants in Coventry and Castle Bromwich, recently produced its one millionth wheel and tyre assembly during a production run of PZero tyres for X-Type.
Continue ReadingTyre Industry United Relief Fund
The Tire Association of North America (TANA), the Tire Retread Information Bureau (TRIB), the International Tire & Rubber Association (ITRA) and Tire Review have announced the creation of The One Fund. A unified effort to collect and distribute donations to the victims of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Centre. Donations will be accepted through until February 2002 and will be distributed to named benefactors.
Continue ReadingContinental “Expects To Sell National Tyre Service This Year”
Manfred Wennemer, management board chairman of Continental AG, is reported to have said that the company expects to sell its UK equity chain National Tyre Service by the end of this year. Earlier this year, Continental UK closed Nationals truck tyre operations when it formed ContiNetwork; a partnership with independent truck tyre service providers. This left 210 retail outlets in the National chain. A spokesman in Hanover confirmed Mr. Wennemers comment, but would not reveal any further details. The news was only revealed because Continental had to enter a figure into the fourth quarter accounts which was picked up by analysts.
Continue ReadingSharp Decline In Continental’s North American Business
Continental Tire and Continental Teves North America are expecting a massive decline in original equipment business in the fourth quarter. The shortfall will probably be as much as 500,000 car and light truck tyres, or 15 percent of Continentals oe volume. In November it is planned to cut production. The oe business of Continental Teves will be reduced by 20 percent.
Continue ReadingIntelligent Tyre From Siemens And Conti
It is reported that the German company Siemens has developed an intelligent tyre in collaboration with Continental. The tyre incorporates small sensors that can give advance warning of wear, low pressure or imminent sudden deflation. They can also detect on-road hazards such as black ice and can help to keep the car under safe control in these conditions. In addition to the sensor technology, the tyres will be more fuel efficient and last longer. Testing in extreme conditions is currently being carried out and Siemens says that the tyres should be on the market in 2001. Not so, is the reaction of those close to the market, saying that there is no way that the tyre could be produced as a range this year. Nobody from Continental was available to comment.
Continue ReadingCut In Earnings Forecast By Bridgestone
In Tokyo, the Bridgestone Corporation has slashed its earnings forecast for the year by 81%. The revised forecast is US$ 116 million, down from the August estimate of US$ 596.6 million. Bridgestone also said that it would take a US$ 750 million charge to cover the costs of the recall and possible lawsuits; more than double the original charge estimate of US$ 350 million.
Continue ReadingInternet Motorcycle Tyre Guide Launched By Dunlop
Dunlop Online has launched what it says is the most sophisticated guide to motorcycle tyres on the net. It gives surfers tyre fitment and pressure data for their motorcycles, along with the recommended Dunlop tyre for their machine. Details are on ww.dunloptyres.co.uk/motorcycle
Continue ReadingReshuffle At Cooper-Avon
Cooper-Avon Tyres has reshuffled many of its management team. André Korynevsky – responsible until now for retreading materials – has been appointed European Sales Director, liaising with the companys offices in Germany, France and Switzerland. He will continue to manage the retread materials business. Phil Caris is the new European Sales & Marketing Director with responsibility for multi-brand strategies, coordinating global product management. As European Major Accounts Director, Steve Cundy will head a team of three, which will service the business with European retail chains, marketing Avon house and private brands, as well as developing fleet business.
Continue ReadingSubsidiary Company To Develop Nokian Intelligent Tyre Technology
Nokian has established a subsidiary company for commercialising and internationalising its recently-created intelligent tyre technology (ITT). The company is called RoadSnoop Ltd. and it will be responsible for the product development, production and marketing of ITT. Called the RoadSnoop Safety System, it consists of lightweight sensors installed in the tyres which monitor tyre pressures and temperatures. Should the pressure drop, the system sends an alert to the drivers mobile phone, in-car computer, or even to a separate display at a garage forecourt.
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