Florida legislator proposes used tyre age bill
The problem of growing part worn tyre sales in the UK has been much discussed within the industry this year, though while it can be seen as symptomatic of certain sections of the British market’s attitude to tyre purchases, the problem is reaching a level that appears to warrant government intervention in at least one US state. Tire Review reports that Florida State Representative Jason Brodeur has proposed a bill that tackles both the sale of used tyres and tyre aging, backed by an Orlando law firm. The still unnamed and un-numbered proposal would require “retail used tyre dealers” to inform buyers of the ago of the used tyres they are buying and provide “certain warnings relating to the age of used tyres.” While the Bill is primarily concerned with the age of sold tyres, it has strong implications for those selling part worn tyres, making the dealer more responsible for knowing the provenance of their products.
Continue ReadingYTC Promotes Hamaya to COO
Tire Review reports that Takayuki Hamaya has been promoted to COO of Yokohama Tire Corp, effective 19 November. Hamaya will also retain his position as company executive vice president and CFO. In his additional role, Hamaya will be responsible for US tyre sales in all segments, accounting and finance, corporate planning, supply chain and operations, and internal audit.
Continue ReadingVision West Nottinghamshire College tour Dunlop Motorsport factory
Dunlop has hosted a visit by Vision West Nottinghamshire college students at its Dunlop Motorsport factory in Birmingham. The 11 motorcycle students, aged over 18, were given a tour of the facilities courtesy of Dunlop employees.
Continue ReadingMichelin rewards long-standing Stoke employees
Michelin Tyre has held an awards ceremony at Crewe Hall, Cheshire celebrating its UK employees with 25 and 40 years of service. The event took place on Friday 16 November and was attended by staff and friends. There were 23 recipients of the Long Service Awards; 14 who have been with the Company for 25 years, and nine who have reached the 40 year milestone. The staff members are from various roles, ranging from factory workers and commercial teams through to group services.
Continue ReadingTructyre Fleet Management buys PK Commercial
Tructyre Fleet Management has nearly doubled its size following the strategic acquisition of one of its competitors, the PK Commercial group of companies. Based just off the M3 near Winnall in Winchester, Trucktyre Fleet Management manages and maintains tyres on large commercial fleets of trucks and vehicles for customers such as large supermarkets, hauliers and other transport companies, principally covering the south coast up to the M4 and London and Weymouth to Portsmouth.
Continue ReadingApollo's Cooper plan stalled by concerned shareholders
India’s Economic Times reports that Apollo Tyres has “put on hold its plans of going ahead with the acquisition” of Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. Tire Review writes that the newspaper, which first reported about the possible acquisition deal back in October, reported yesterday that “sources with direct knowledge” said the plan was put on ice because Apollo “did not get a favorable response to its qualified institutional placement (QIP) from the institutional investors who were worried about the end-use of the funds.”
Continue Reading1,400 vehicle recycling fleets signs to use Michelin tyres
Michelin will supply tyres to recycling and resource management company SITA UK across its fleet of 1,400 vehicles after signing Michelin’s largest ever pence-per-vehicle-per-month deal with a “stop loss” policy incorporated. The three-year deal is structured to give both companies a shared financial incentive to reduce tyre damage over the longer term, particularly when it comes to SITA UK’s operations on landfill sites and in waste collections where tyre damage is more likely to occur.
Continue ReadingMaxxis unveils $150m Shanghai proving ground
Maxxis International has held a grand opening ceremony attended by nearly 400 domestic dignitaries and overseas partners for its new Maxxis Proving Ground in Kunshan City, directly adjacent to the company’s Shanghai manufacturing plant. The 860,000sqm comprehensive testing facility is estimated to have cost more than US$150 million, and is thought to be the first proving ground on such a large and all-encompassing scale in China. Cheng Shin Rubber Ind. Co., Ltd., doing business as Maxxis International, calls its new testing facility the country’s “first international standard proving ground”. Backing up this claim, Tyres & Accessories/Tyrepress.com was informed at the opening that at least one European original equipment manufacturer – Mercedes – had given Maxxis input into the facilities required at the proving ground to continue to build its OE supply, while a construction firm from Japan was consulted, though it was built by the Chinese.
Continue ReadingTata interested in Aston Martin – AM Online report
Writing on the website AM Online (Automotive Management), Jeremy Bennett reports that Indian manufacturer Tata is showing an interest in Aston Martin. The article quotes a Birmingham Post source that Tata is “one of several potential buyers for Gaydon-based Aston Martin, alongside the likes of Toyota and Mahindra & Mahindra.”
Continue Reading1,000th Vianor sales outlet in Germany opens
The Vianor tyre retail and car service chain opened its 1,000th sales outlet in Germany. The new outlet is situated in Friedrichshafenin southern Germany. Vianor is owned by Finnish manufacturer Nokian Tyres and currently operates in 24 countries. In addition to tyre services, the sales outlets also provide comprehensive car maintenance services.
Continue ReadingJLR/Chery JV to produce Jaguar and Land Rover branded vehicles
British automotive success story Jaguar Land Rover is to produce Jaguar and Land Rover branded vehicles in China via its joint venture with Chery Automobile Company Ltd. The two companies laid the foundation stone for their new manufacturing facility in China on 18 November 2012 following formal approval from the Chinese Government for their joint venture and a licence to manufacture Jaguar Land Rover vehicles and new models for a partnership brand in China.
Continue ReadingContinental renames industrial business as Commercial Specialty Tires
Continental AG is to rename its industrial tyres business unit as “Commercial Specialty Tires” (CST). According to the company, the changeover process started in October 2012 and will be finalized by January 2013. Continental reports that the move is part of a global strategy and “paves the ground for future growth in the segment of commercial tyres.”
Continue ReadingMotorists want rules changed for emergency vehicles
Almost half of motorists believe that traffic stopped at an incident should keep a lane space free for emergency service vehicles, according to the latest poll by the Institute of Advanced Motorists. They also agree that those who fail to get out of the way of an emergency vehicle should be fined. This approach is being trialled in Europe.
Continue ReadingIGA launches free websites for members
"The Independent Garage Association (IGA) has now launched its website building service to its members, helping to bring additional business into their workshops and an opportunity to market their garage to the modern consumer" said Stuart James, RMI IGA Director.
Continue ReadingPRA reacts to AA fuel price report
"Contrary to reports, independent fuel retailers have helped to lead fuel prices down recently with several reporting that they had dropped prices below local supermarket competition" said Brian Madderson, Petrol Retailers’ Association (PRA) chairman.
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