Rapid-Fit To Join NTDA
At the recent conference of the UK National Tyre Dealers Association (NTDA), Chairman of Council Ashley Croft announced that the Rapid-Fit chain of retailers had applied for membership. Rapid-Fit consists of 300+ fast-fit depots, owned by individual Ford car dealers. This will bring the number of centres in NTDA membership to more than 2,000.
Continue ReadingIs General Motors Smashing Opel?
The German GM daughter-company Opel is likely to be smashed by General Motors. So said a spokesman for the Unions in an interview with the German daily newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.
Continue ReadingDr. Kessel Names Pirelli As Ideal Partner
In an interview with the German publication Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Conti boss Kessel said that Pirelli would be an ideal partner for the tyre business, as this would produce significant synergies. To date, there has been no contact with the Italians over this matter.n According to Kessel, Continental need not fear any possible hostile takeover attempt because the car manufacturers would be very interested in maintaining competent and independent suppliers. In addition, the company could rely on strong backing from its individual important shareholders, such as Deutsche Bank, Dresdner Bank and Allianz insurance company, which together hold 16%. Kessel did not mention the fact that, in light of the low stock price, analysts had changed their minds last week and that most, if not all, of them do not regard Continental shares as a buy any longer. Hard times for Continental!
Continue ReadingTrelleborg Wheel Systems Launches Pirelli TM600
The joint venture company Trelleborg Wheel Systems has launched its first product since the company was formed – the Pirelli TM600 radial tractor tyre. TWS specialises in agricultural and forestry tyres and turns over 320 million Euro a year. The new tyre has an 85 series aspect ratio, which is an unusual sector for the company, as Pirelli has in the past concentrated on lower profile tyres. However, Mr. Maurizio Vischi, MD and General Manager of TWS, explained that this sector, although declining, still accounts for 55% of the market. If TWS wants to be the technical leader in all areas of the market (which is its ambition) then it needs an 85 series tubeless tyre. The TM600 will be sold on an added value basis – although it is by no means the cheapest in its class, it offers the customer longer life, better fuel consumption, less soil compaction and increased productivity. These claims are the result of a year’s testing in the field. Initially, the TM600 will be available in 14 sizes, rising to 23 in time. It will replace the Pirelli TM200 and TM300. TYRES & ACCESSORIES spoke to both Mr. Vischi and Mr. Anders Pettersson (President of TWS). Both are extremely pleased with the way the two organisations (Pirelli and Trelleborg) have integrated across Europe and there are hints that the company is looking to grow through acquisitions as well as organic growth. TWS is aiming to expand geographically too and the USA has been targeted as a market with particular potential for the specialist agricultural tyre company.
Continue ReadingSuccessful Dunlop Cloverleaf Comes To An End
Dr. Volker Wingefeld (49), Finance Director of Dunlop GmbH, is leaving the company within the next few weeks to join the board of Buderus AG, responsible for finance. Dr. Manfred Gerresheim (61), board member responsible for technical development and Robert Schäfer (61), chief executive of Dunlop, are considering leaving at the end of this year. The Dunlop management team is completed by its fourth member, Hans-Jürgen Wagner and, during the 90s, was very successful, turning in several record profits in a row.
Continue ReadingNew Drive Traction Radial From Goodyear
In the US, Goodyear has introduced the second in its Wingfoot line of tyres, designed for the cost-conscious customer. The Wingfoot DTR is a drive traction radial initially available in size 295/75 R22.5. Three more sizes – 11R22.5, 11R24.5 and 285/75 R24.5 – will be introduced this autumn. The DTR replaces the G124.
Continue ReadingThe Commercial Vehicles Business Remains Full Of Contradictions
The German automotive association (VDA), organiser of the 58th International Commercial Vehicles Exhibition, which took place in Frankfurt this year due to EXPO utilising facilities at Hanover, has announced record results for the event. 1,318 exhibitors from 42 countries filled the exhibition, including some 725 automotive parts suppliers, more than ever before. In all, 240,000 people attended the show, 85 % of them trade visitors. Bernd Gottschalk, president of the German automotive association stated, The IAA grows in importance as a sales exhibition. He believes that the whole climate at the exhibition was one of optimism and faith in the future of the business. This may be true, but it is only one side of the coin. Despite the pre-event high hopes there remained an apprehension that the recent economic boom might soon come to a sudden end. There are many indicators that the boom may be slowing down: Dramatic decline in sales in the USA, and an accelerating rationalisation amongst manufacturers making trade more intensive for both suppliers and the fleet business. This and high fuel prices and, last but by no means least, the distortion of competition as a result of differing transport regulations within the European Union. In the final analysis, the commercial vehicle business remains as full of contradictions today, as it ever has. Find out more in the November issue of NEUE REIFENZEITUNG.
Continue Reading540 Jobs At Goodyear Great Britain In Jeopardy
On Tuesday 17th October, Goodyear Great Britain submitted an HR1 notice to the Dept. of Trade & Industry. This document contained a number of options for improving productivity and lowering costs, one of which was for 540 jobs to be lost at the companys Wolverhampton plant. The notice effectively gives 90 days notice for management and unions to find agreement. If no agreement is forthcoming at the end of 90 days, a solution can be imposed by management. The total labour force at Goodyear Wolverhampton numbers more than 2,000. This news comes the day after Michelin announced the loss of 950 jobs at its factory in Stoke-on-Trent.
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 ReadingSpirit of Goodyear
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company will call the newest Blimp Spirit of Goodyear in order to honour its 100,000 employees world-wide. The replacement of the former Blimp became necessary because the Spirit of Akron crashed at the end of October.
Continue Reading‘Show Me The Logo’
Michelin has embarked on a major new marketing programme that is designed to further enhance their position as the leading tyre brand in the UK. The campaign involves a series of television commercials using the catchphrase Show me the logo which will centre around customers demanding the Michelin brand when purchasing tyres.The campaign will be supported through dealership promotion.
Continue ReadingBMW US Factory Expands
The BMW factory at Spartanburg (South Carolina), in which in addition to the Roadster ever more X5 off-road vehicles are produced, will soon face production capacity problems. A higher vehicle output could also benefit American wheel suppliers such as Superior Industries or Alcoa/Reynolds.
Continue ReadingSpeedline As An Aftermarket Brand
Speedline is a well-known producer of light alloy wheels for original equipment. However, the Italians want to improve their position in the aftermarket and thus a sales company has been formed for Germany in Ravensburg: SL Corse.
Continue ReadingMichelin Results 1999
Consolidated net sales of the Michelin group climbed to EUR 13.763 million in 1999. Successful areas were North America (+12%), Asia-Pacific, with the exception of Japan, (nearly +9%) and, despite economic problems, South America (+6%). Europe (+1%) remained stable.
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