New location for Bridgestone’s Shenyang plant confirmed
Bridgestone Corporation says it has acquired the land where its Shenyang, China truck and bus tyre plant will be relocated to. In accordance with Shenyang City development policies, which were revised following the urbanisation of the area surrounding the Bridgestone (Shenyang) Tire Co., Ltd plant, production will be moved to the Shenyang Chemical Industry Park. The new site will encompass approximately 395,000 square metres and relocation will involve a total investment of US$99.9 million.
Continue ReadingToyo-supported Robby Gordon takes Stage 11, 2nd in Stage 12 at Dakar
Toyo Tires supported driver Robby Gordon won Stage 11 and finished second at Stage 12 of the 2013 Dakar. Gordon’s victory at Stage 11 came after the competition portion was shortened amid safety concerns. Originally intended to run from La Rioja to Fiambalá in Argentina, the Stage was cut at the first checkpoint, taking the distance down from 219km to 70km, since heavy rains had flooded two rivers along the route.
Continue ReadingPlimsoll: Tyre dealer business will pick up in 2013
With 2012 behind us, perhaps tyre dealers can look forward to a more prosperous 2013. That is certainly the view of analysts at Plimsoll Publishing Ltd, who recently predicted a year of growth. A new market report produced by Plimsoll, which looks into the financial performance of the UK’s largest 693 Tyre Dealers, found average growth was as high as six per cent. However the 2013 Tyre Dealers report concludes that this is by no means widespread as this successful growth is being driven by a quarter of the industry – an “elite” band of 190 companies to be precise.
Continue ReadingPirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP fitted to MV Agusta F4 range
MV Agusta has chosen to fit Pirelli’s Diablo Supercorsa SP tyres as original equipment on the basic, R and RR versions of its 2013 F4 range. The tyre is manufactured as a race replica version of the SC (Special Compound) mix version used in the World Supersport, Superstock 1000 FIM Cup and UEM European Championship in 2013. The racing street tyres in sizes 120/70 ZR17 on the front and 200/55 ZR17 on the rear are the latest fitment deal in a series of inter-Italian partnerships between the motorcycle brand and the tyre supplier.
Continue ReadingBridgestone to open Thailand tech centre
Bridgestone Corporation has announced plans for its Bridgestone Asia Pacific PTE Ltd (BSAP) subsidiary to establish a technical centre in Thailand. The total investment of the project is said to be around 3.7 billion yen, with the opening pencilled in for July 2013.
Continue Reading2012 'challenging' for European car market
Further details from ACEA’s 2012 European car registrations data reveals that the Volkswagen Golf continues to be Europe’s best-selling car, despite a sharp drop of 11.1 per cent in 2012 sales compared to 2011. Even with a 12.7 per cent drop the Ford Fiesta overtakes the Volkswagen Polo for second place in 2012, while the Volkswagen Polo comes in third, with sales down 19.8 per cent.
Continue ReadingMaxxis raises funds for Macmillan at Autosport
Maxxis used its Autosport stand to raise funds for the fight against cancer. The combination of motorsport stars, the company’s own ‘Maxxis Babes’, and a host of racing cars and bikes proved something of a draw for NEC show-goers, with Maxxis turning its pulling power to the Macmillan Cancer Support’s advantage by selling calendars to boost the charity’s coffers.
Continue ReadingMichelin survey shows UK resistance still strong against winter tyres
With temperatures sinking well below freezing and roads around the country dusted with snow, Michelin has found that many UK motorists are still resistant to fitting cold weather tyres to their vehicles. In a survey of motorists, the manufacturer found that 13 per cent of drivers claim not to know of winter tyres’ existence, while even those who may consider fitting cold weather tyres to their vehicle are put off by the cost and inconvenience of having to change their tyres.
Continue ReadingAutopromotec details Aftermarket Meeting 2013
Aftermarket show Autopromotec has announced details of 2013’s International Automotive Aftermarket Meeting (IAAM13) on 23 May 2013. Previously known as the EAAS (European Automotive Aftermarket Symposium), the conference aims to provide companies and professionals involved in the after-sales sector with an insider's perspective on the trends and developments within the aftermarket industry in Europe, as well as further afield. It will focus on new international channels for sales and marketing activities, both within Europe and selected strategic countries, such as those of the BRIC group (Brazil, Russia, India and China).
Continue ReadingLess “uncertainty” about Pirelli F1 tyres – Button
One of the more critical drivers of Pirelli’s P Zero and Cinturato Formula One tyres has stated that he expects teams to “go into this season feeling more assured about the Pirelli tyres.” McLaren’s Jenson Button told the team’s website that he expected a more settled start to this years’ campaign, contrasting with the undeniably exciting opening stages of the 2012 season, which saw seven different Grand Prix winners. Button’s first taste of Pirelli’s 2013 rubber came during free practice at the season closing Brazilian Grand Prix, with the Italian firm bringing two extra sets of prototype tyres for teams in addition to the usual allocation.
Continue ReadingGoodyear avoids Fayetteville layoffs, achieving cuts with buyouts
The Goodyear Tyre & Rubber Co.’s Fayetteville, North Carolina plant has successfully filled the nearly 200 buyouts required to avoid layoffs. The company had announced the need to cut 200 jobs in Autumn 2012, offering staff the option to take buyout packages. Local news sources estimated around 135 employees’ buyouts had been completed on 16 January, with the staff leaving their jobs in phases.
Continue ReadingAl Dobowi expanding European team
Al Dobowi representatives recently shared details of the company’s plans to expand its European commercial team. During the opening months of 2013, Al Dobowi plans to strengthen customer-facing areas at its European head office in London through the appointment of new personnel with particular focus on sales, marketing and customer service.
Continue ReadingBEN reveals Motorcycle Rally 2013 route
Following the enormous success of last year's inaugural event, BEN has revealed details of the route for its 2013 motorcycle rally. Between the 22nd and 25th June, entrants will embark on a ride through four countries to reach the second highest road pass in the Alps and one of the most challenging routes in the world - the Stelvio Pass in Italy.
Continue ReadingConti predicts 1 billion euro free cash flow, EU-bottom out soon
Continental AG expects its full-year 2012 free cash flow to come in at around 1 billion euros. Speaking at an investor’s presentation in New York, Conti CEO Dr Elmar Degenhart upped its previous assessment of about 750 million euros by a third. The statement came as a surprise to financial analysts and apparently even for the CEO himself, who reportedly only found out in the last few hours.
Continue ReadingTrelleborg gets “A” grade from AGCO Fendt
Trelleborg recently received the highest rating – an ‘A’ – in AGCO Fendt’s supplier evaluation for 2012. The assessment scored Trelleborg’s overall performance on quality, service, logistics and environmental commitment.
Continue Reading