Maxxis, Grouptyre Unveil New Dealer Support Programme
An all-expenses-paid trip to Thailand – including a trip to a tyre making plant – is one of the prizes up for grabs for Maxxis’ Grouptyre dealers in the UK as the manufacturer and its exclusive distributor unveil their new incentive programme called Maxxis Rewards. The top ten retailers – based on the volume of Maxxis car, van and 4x4 tyres they purchase during the promotional period of 1 January to 30 September, 2009 – will win a seven-day holiday in Thailand. Flat screen TVs, DVD recorders and digital cameras are among the prizes up for grabs in a series of quarterly draws, while dealers can also pick up Argos vouchers and Maxxis branded merchandise. “Through the Maxxis Rewards programme we want to help retailers gain a better understanding of Maxxis and our aims both here in the UK and the 200 countries in which the brand is sold,” says Maxxis International UK managing director Derek McMartin. “Since retailers will be able to see for themselves the state of the art production facilities involved in manufacturing a million tyres and tubes a day and the scale of our operation, the trip to our Thailand factory will give them a real insight into the brand and their role in its future development.”
Continue ReadingNew Beta Tools Website
The latest Beta Tools web site (www.Beta-tools.co.uk) is designed to offer easy access to detailed product and tooling information, technical data and general assistance, according to company literature. Features include pdf downloads of all current promotional literature including the 2009 “Actions” catalogue, plus a state-of-the-art on line brochure.
Continue ReadingFederal Introduces Xtramile XR01
Federal has introduced its new Xtramile XR01, a tyre designed for “reducing gas consumption”, according to the company. It also states that the tyre will feature “improved grip in a long-lasting tyre by utilising a blend of wear-resistant compound along with increased tread depth to offer prolonged tyre life.” Other features, says Federal, will include a distinctive tread pattern, four bold grooves for stability and increased water expulsion, dual layers of polyester carcass ply and strengthened sidewalls, alongside reduced road noise. Federal dealers will begin selling 12 popular sizes, through 13- to 15-inch rim diameters from 55-70 series. These offerings comprise H- to V-speed ratings and will be available in the first quarter of 2009. A more comprehensive range will be added later. Size Range 195/55R15 185/60R14 195/60R14 195/60R15 205/60R15 165/65R13 185/65R15 195/65R15 205/65R15 165/70R13 175/70R13 165/70R14
Continue ReadingInfleet Adds 500th Tyre Store to Network
Tyreforce (North West) Ltd recently took ownership of three new tyre service locations in the North West, with the company’s Southport store becoming the 500th Tyre Store to be enrolled in the Infleet network. Tyreforce managing director Martin Burrows commented: “We are already a close working partner of Infleet carrying out specialised tyre service work for the RAC Patrol Vans and providing RAC’s fleet customers with Roadside Breakdown and Tyre Maintenance programmes. We are delighted to be able to register Southport and our other two new HiQ Stores in Preston & Manchester with Infleet.” The Infleet call centre is managed by the RAC and it’s commercial division (RAC Commercial Vehicle Assistance) to provide assistance for its members and its corporate customers. RAC has an unrivalled reputation as one of the UK’s most progressive motoring organisations and Infleet MD Bill Hall says “[RAC] is the ideal partner to help us handle the additional complications of breakdowns and accidents.”
Continue ReadingHalf of All Britons Unable to Change Tyres
The population of Britain is in danger of losing skills that have long been considered vital, including sewing, DIY and changing a tyre, according to a poll conducted by the website Ask.com. The survey says that, while particularly under-30 year olds are acquiring essential abilities such as setting up a profile on Facebook more easily than previous generations, that age demographic is also the one least likely to be able to change its cars’ rubber. The problem is not merely confined to the younger generation; only just under half of all Britons would struggle to change the tyre on a pushbike, let alone a motorised vehicle. Though the survey revealed that illegally downloading films and music would represent a comparatively small challenge for many, it did not go into how many know the correct method for sitting on a toilet seat.
Continue ReadingHankook MLB Campaign Debuts at World Baseball Classic
Hankook will kick off its 2009 consumer broadcast advertising campaign, scoring brand impressions during the 2009 World Baseball Classic, which is expected to reach more than 11.4 million viewers in the United States alone. Hankook’s virtual home plate signage will appear in half inning rotations during 33 televised games during the international competition as broadcast on ESPN, ESPN2, MLB Network, ESPN Deportes and internationally on ESPN Star Network. Hankook TV commercials will be broadcast during the 16 tournament games on the new MLB Network as well as on all 39 ESPN Star broadcasts in Asia. Hankook will also have unique 3D signage at L.A. Dodger stadium during the WBC Finals games airing on ESPN and ESPN Deportes March 21-23. “With the upcoming start of the 2009 Major League Baseball season, we saw a natural fit with the WBC broadcasts as the interest in this unique international competition continues to grow.” said Bill Bainbridge, director of brand communications for Hankook Tire America Corp. “Through our virtual signage and commercials during the WBC games, we are able to utilize a unique global platform to effectively present the Hankook brand to millions of baseball enthusiasts.” (Tire Review/Akron)
Continue ReadingA Step Closer to Renewable Rubber
Genencor announced the first transfer of BioIsoprene product – designed to provide an alternative to petrochemically derived isoprene, a key intermediate for synthetic rubber production – to Goodyear. Four containers of the clear liquid were handed over to Goodyear at Genencors Palo Alto, California, research facility. “This is a historical moment, after substantial research on this technology,” said Rich LaDuca, senior director of business development at Genencor. “It signifies a new era in biochemicals. We’re excited to be ushering in a future where tyres and many other products will be produced with renewable materials.” Genencor, a division of Danisco A/S, and Goodyear first announced their research collaboration on the technology and integrated production system for BioIsoprene product in September 2008. BioIsoprene is derived from renewable raw materials, and represents a significant development within the biochemical and rubber industries. Aside from synthetic rubber for tyre production, traditional isoprene is used for the production of a wide range of products, such as surgical gloves, golf balls and adhesives. Thus, the potential for BioIsoprene is substantial, according to the companies. (Tire Review/Akron)
Continue ReadingFormula Two Relaunches on Avon Tyres
Avon Tyres has been unveiled as the official tyre supplier for the FIA Formula Two Championship, which re-launches in 2009 after a 25-year absence from motorsport. The championship, which will feature 24 identical cars designed by the Williams F1 team, has been created as the ultimate feeder category for Formula One, while still being affordable for aspiring young drivers. Sixteen races will take place at eight circuits across Europe, from Valencia and Barcelona in Spain to Donington Park and Brands Hatch in the UK. Headed by Jonathan Palmer, whose MotorSport Vision (MSV) company has used Avon as the control tyre supplier of the Formula Palmer Audi championship since it began in 1998, all the F2 cars will be manufactured to identical specification and run entirely by MSV to ensure driver talent shines through.
Continue ReadingMichelin Halts Silvania Zalau Production
Michelin’s 1,300 staff at the company’s Silvania Zalau plant in Romania will take 18 days enforced leave in March due to lack of orders. Michelin usually produces 600,000 tyres annually at Silvania Zalau, but worldwide financial turmoil has led to a drop in demand, necessitating a drop in that number. The French giant will keep its other two Romanian sites (Romsteel Cord and Victoria Floresti) running, though both will close on Sundays. Michelin closed all three facilities early on 12 December for an extended Christmas break last year, reopening on 6 January, 2009.
Continue Reading“You’re Hired!” – Beissbarth Sponsors Apprentice Scheme
Beissbarth UK, have backed their commitment to training excellence with sponsorship of the Peugeot Service Technician Apprentice of the Year 2008 awards. Six finalists were put through their paces during a challenge of six diagnostic tasks based on the IMI Diagnostic Level Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA). The tasks tested the candidates on braking systems, engine electrical systems, transmission, vehicle electrical systems, engine mechanical systems and vehicle body multiplexing systems. David Trent, apprentice at George Hartwell, Ferndown, Dorset, won first prize with a prize donated by Beissbarth UK, whose MD Philip Hodges said: Training is a vital part of our industry’s future and we were delighted to be able to celebrate the success of these apprentices. The level and range of sophisticated diagnostic and repair equipment will continue to increase and we are indeed fortunate to be able to work with farsighted firms like Peugeot who are leading the way in investing in apprenticeships, so enabling more young people to embark on an excellent career.
Continue ReadingPelmar Group Expects ‘Increased Sales in 2009/10
Despite the current economic crisis Pelmar Group, the pre-owned tyre manufacturing equipment supplier, is reportedly expecting increased sales in the next two years. “More and more tyre and rubber plants worldwide are turning to buy used and reconditioned machinery, due to low capital investments caused by the global economic crisis,” company representatives told Tyres & Accessories. The 42 year old company (which employs 150 workers) reported a 25 per cent increase of sales in the fourth quarter of 2008 and first quarter of 2009. According to company literature, Pelmar Engineering Ltd. is a world leading supplier of refurbished, pre-owned and new machinery to the tire and rubber industry.
Continue ReadingStatutory Negotiations End At Nokian Heavy Tyres
The statutory negotiations at Nokian Heavy Tyres Ltd ended on March 9, 2009. The results of the negotiations were to cut personnel numbers by four office employees and 29 factory employees. Part of the personnel cuts will be carried out through pension arrangements. Adjustment measures will also include temporary lay-offs for all personnel and factory stoppages as needed. In addition, 34 factory employees will be laid off until further notice. Costs will be reduced and operations re-organised in line with solutions which have been mutually agreed with the personnel. The working model of the heavy tyre production will change to discontinued three-shift/five day operations. The reason for the adjustment measures is the decreased heavy tyre demand caused by the global recession, which has created the need to adjust production in line with the lower demand. Following these measures Nokian Heavy Tyres Ltd employs approximately 240.
Continue ReadingB&J Rocket Cancels Autopromotec Participation
B&J Rocket states it will not attend this year’s Autopromotec 2009 trade fair. Com"Our investment focus is on product quality and service", as Andreas Müller, managing director of B&J Rocket Sales AG, emphasises. "The intensive dialogue with our customers worldwide, personal and via our online media, has long been established on an ongoing basis."menting on this decision, the Swiss company notes that the worldwide financial situation compels companies to thoroughly look into their expenses.
Continue ReadingBATO Distribution Center Earns Honors
Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations regional distribution centre at Cecil Commerce Center in Jacksonville, Florida, was named the “Industrial Project of the Year” at the annual National Association of Industrial and Office Properties. The distribution centre, BATO’s largest in the country, is a one-million-square-foot, $44 million facility on 63.3 acres at Cecil Commerce Center. The distribution centre has a significant impact at Cecil and has indirectly created more than 200 jobs at JAXPORT, according to BATO. With capacity for more than a million tyres ranging from small passenger and industrial to commercial truck tyres, this centre supplies tyres and automotive parts to Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. In addition, the distribution centre will ultimately supply the entire U.S. with imports from Latin America and the eastern half of the U.S. with tyres from Japan and other Asian countries. “We are happy to be in Jacksonville — the people of this community have been great to work with,” said Steve Shelton, vice president of logistics and supply chain management, BATO. “The city of Jacksonville, the city council and the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission helped us every step of the way. They’ve proven to us that Jacksonville is a great place to live and do business. We are very fortunate to have such great partners in this endeavor.” (Tire Review/Akron)
Continue ReadingTwo Charged With Stealing Tyre Secrets From Goodyear
Two employees of a US company with links to a Chinese tyre manufacturer has been arrested and charged with conspiring to steal trade secrets from Goodyear Tire & Rubber. Clark Alan Roberts, 46, and Sean Edward Howley, 38, both engineers for Tennessee based Wyko Tire Technology, were arraigned before a federal magistrate in Knoxville, Tennessee on March 6, after being named in a 12-count indictment.
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