Mitas launches third generation floatation tyre
As well as promoting its latest fleet gains, Mitas has been using Agrictechnica as a launchpad for its latest floatation tyre, the Agriterra 03. According to the company, this tyre is intended for use on the heaviest agricultural implements, such as slurry tanks.
Continue ReadingVoluntary tyre labelling starts in South Korea
Compulsory tyre labelling is scheduled to be introduced in South Korea in November 2012. As preparatory stage towards its implementation, on 14 November 2011 the country introduced tyre labelling on a voluntary basis. Reporting the commencement of voluntary labelling by South Korea’s Ministry of Knowledge Economy, specialty chemicals firm Lanxess notes that the ministry views tyre labelling as a major part of its overall plan towards a “greener society” and it expects nationwide energy savings of 350,000 TOE (Tons of Oil Equivalent) and greenhouse gas emission reduction by around one million tons of CO2 emissions per year.
Continue ReadingHunter balancer and changer combination – a ‘perfect partnership’
With some standard wheel balancers tricky vibration issues, which may lead to low level background vibration and poor ride quality, are candidates for the ‘too hard basket’. Not so with the Hunter Road Force Balancer (GSP9700); according to distributor Pro-Align, this unit is the only wheel balancer available capable of solving such difficult problems. The GSP9700’s effectiveness in tackling vibration issues begins with the start of the balance process, at which time a load roller is used to apply up to 700 kilograms to the wheel and tyre in order to locate stiff spots within the tyre wall.
Continue ReadingMichelin to invest £50 million in UK manufacturing sites
Michelin Tyre PLC has announced that Michelin Group has agreed to invest up to £50 million in its UK manufacturing sites at Ballymena, Dundee and Stoke-on-Trent over the next six years. This investment plan will be supported by grants from the UK and Scottish governments and will help the company increase production capacity and help secure employment at all three of its UK production sites. Implementation of these plans has already begun at Dundee with the hiring of 140 people to fill newly created positions and the construction of a building extension to house new production equipment. In Stoke work has also commenced with the conversion of an existing building, ahead of the installation of new state-of-the-art equipment for the manufacture of the latest generation Michelin Remix truck tyres.
Continue ReadingHiQ reaches ‘century’ in ATA accreditation
HiQ reports having hit a memorable milestone with the ATA accreditation of its 100th fast fit technician. The tech that gave HiQ its ‘ton’ was Matt Robinson from HiQ Frome; he was congratulated for passing the qualification and accepted an award marking the milestone at HiQ’s national franchise conference in Surrey.
Continue ReadingTEAM Systems offers tyre labelling update
Devon based IT specialists TEAM Systems is offering a range of systems and services designed to incorporate November 2012's forthcoming tyre labelling legislative requirements. TEAM explained that a graphic (pictogram) is displayed at the point of sale so retail customers can view and be sure the tyre they are buying conforms to the new directive, plus they will receive the relevant information on their printed sales invoice.
Continue ReadingTools for electric and hybrid vehicles
Tool manufacturer Facom is introducing a new range dedicated to the safe maintenance and repair of hybrid and electric vehicles. Known as the EVT (Electric Vehicle Tools) range, these insulated tools have been designed specifically to protect mechanics working on electric and hybrid vehicles. The "high voltage" systems in these vehicles can have up to 500 volts running through some cables - enough to cause serious harm or even death.
Continue ReadingThree more join Pro-MOTe
The Unite trade union, Drivers Edge UK and Autoglass are the latest organisations to join in support of the Pro-MOTe campaign launched last month to stop proposals to reduce MOT frequency. There are now 28 organisations supporting Pro-MOTe including the AA, RAC, Brake, British Cycling, the NTDA and the RMI, as well as Kwik Fit, Halfords and Aviva. Transport Ministers have said they want to review the existing frequency of MOT testing which sees cars over three years old tested annually.
Continue ReadingPirelli to set up Indonesian JV plant
Indonesian automotive component company PT Astra Otoparts Tbk has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Pirelli to build a motorcycle tyre factory in a yet to be announced location in Indonesia. This plant, Pirelli’s first in the country, will focus on production to meet both local demand and for export to Asean and other global markets.
Continue ReadingQuality of service counts: Wallaces returns to ATS Euromaster
ATS Euromaster reports having won back a sole-supplier agreement with Scotland’s largest independent wine and spirit wholesaler, Wallaces Express, just six months after the account was passed to a local independent tyre dealer. The Irvine-based fleet, which operates 50 cars and 70 commercial vehicles, initially changed suppliers in an effort to trim its fleet operating costs, but the new provider apparently failed to meet its required service standards.
Continue ReadingNitto ‘makes friends’ with Facebook game
Toyo Tire & Rubber’s Nitto brand will appear in the popular automotive-based Facebook game Car Town thanks to a deal between Nitto Tire U.S.A. and Cie Games. The one-year part multiple phase integrated partnership gives Car Town players the chance to participate in Nitto-branded game missions featuring the company's new line of tyres, and will also offer new in-game activities, virtual items, community contests and giveaways.
Continue ReadingBridgestone Americas acknowledged for habitat areas
Bridgestone Americas has been given the Wildlife Habitat Council’s 2011 William W. Howard C.E.O. (Conservation, Education, and Outreach) Award for its work in creating wildlife habitat areas at its facilities and its ongoing commitment to environmental education and outreach. As opposed to other recognition levels bestowed by the WHC, this particular award honours not a single programme, but rather an entire organisation for its combined efforts.
Continue ReadingATMA and AIRIA call for futures speculation freeze
Leading India tyre and rubber industry associations Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association (ATMA) and the All-India Rubber Industries Association (AIRIA) have asked for immediate suspension of futures trading in rubber following allegations of speculation in the futures market playing havoc with physical markets.
Continue ReadingRubber 'issue' causes temporary production halt at Dunlop Aircraft Tyres
Birmingham-based Dunlop Aircraft Tyres halted new and retread tyre production during the week commencing 15 November after identifying a “potentially sub-standard rubber” supply. According to the Birmingham Mail, managers at the Castle Bromwich plant suspended manufacturing for three days following a “potential issue” with the raw material.
Continue ReadingMitas shod Fendt tractor on show at Agritechnica
In a move demonstrating Mitas recent efforts to elevate its brand to the level of a premium OE tyre, the company supplied AGCO with Mitas AC tyres, 270/80R32 (front) displayed for fitment on the company's Fendt 210 Vario tractor for row-crop application on its Agritechnica stand.
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