Michelin Debuts Energy Saver All-Season Tyre in US
Michelin’s Energy saver all-season tyre will go on sale in North America this summer following its unveiling at the 2009 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in January. Promising drivers in this market a synthesis of all Michelins skills and expertise in tyre engineering and design, the manufacturer states that the Energy Saver combines fuel savings with superior grip and safety, as well as long tread life and all-season performance. The tyre is being targeted at consumers with passenger car vehicles who drive less than 10,000 miles per year and appreciate the environmental benefit of the Energy Saver All-Season tyre, says Michelin.
Continue ReadingBridgestone Reports Steadily Increasing Motorcycle Tyre Sales
For many years, Bridgestone has dedicated a major research and development programme to the production of motorcycle tyres. Today, the company’s range meets the needs of very different customer sectors, from top-class professional racers to sports enthusiasts, long-distance tourists and everyday commuters. And this R&D is paying dividends; Bridgestone reports a steady increase in the sale of its motorcycle and scooter tyres. In particular, significant gains have been made in the sport/touring radial segment, where Bridgestone Europe (BSEU) has a current market share of more than 30 per cent.
Continue ReadingKumho Opens New US Warehouse
Kumho Tires recently opened a new tyre warehouse in the US, the seventh it operates in this market. Based in New Jersey, the 150,000 square foot facility will provide storage space for up to 225,000 tyres and support distribution and dealer partners in ten states.
Continue ReadingTyre Manufacturing a Job Loss Area in 2009, Says Survey
The tyre manufacturing segment has been identified by industry intelligence provider IBIS World as one where job losses are most likely to occur this year. In its survey of industries most at risk in 2009, IBIS World names tyre manufacturers along with real estate agents, car salespeople, investment bankers, bricklayers, boat builders and, surprisingly, prawn fisherman as being amongst those most at risk.
Continue ReadingNokian Launches Hakkapeliitta 7
Nokian Tyres is introducing a new Hakkapeliitta winter tyre. Called the Hakkapeliitta 7, the studded tyre has been developed for demanding and quickly changing winter conditions. Nokian says the tyre, which replaces the Hakkapeliitta 5, combines its winter properties with driving comfort. Driving comfort was chosen as an essential target for improvement, the Finnish manufacturer adds, and has been enhanced without compromising levels of grip.
Continue ReadingAutomechanika Shanghai Attracts More than 30,000 Visitors
The organisers of Automechanika Shanghai report that 30,845 visitors from 104 countries and regions visited China’s number one event for the automotive part, component and aftermarket industry. A total of 1,982 exhibitors from 23 countries and regions displayed their products during the December 2008 exhibition. Automechanika Shanghai is organised by Messe Frankfurt, together with the China National Automotive Industry International Corporation (CNAICO). The next show will take place from 9 to 11 December 2009.
Continue ReadingEuropa Tyres Becomes UK OTR Brand Distributor
Europa Tyres has announced that as of 1 January, 2009 that it has become the UK’s (except NI) Official Master Distributor for the OTR brand of tyres. OTR was set up in 1987 by Fred Taylor in Rome Georgia, where it began to manufacture and distribute wheels and tyres to the Southeast of America. In 1995, the organisation set up another new company called Blackstone, which specialised in the aerial lift industry. Since then, it has expanded with nine new facilities opening worldwide. The manufacturer hopes to become fully world integrated over the next few years, with a programme of investment continuing.
Continue ReadingPressure Czech
“For Mitas and its CGS TYRES subsidiaries, 2008 was a highly successful year,” comments Andrew Mabin, sales and marketing director at Mitas/CGS Tyres, summarising the past twelve months. Mabin, who took up his new post on 1 September, 2008, is responsible for global activities in Original Equipment and the replacement market. He succeeds Werner Flebbe, who retired in October of this year. Previously Mabin was head of the British subsidiary of Mitas. CGS Tyres is the international distribution organisation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mitas a.s. Mitas develops, produces and markets agricultural tyres internationally under its own brand name Mitas, as well as under the Continental, Semperit and Euzkadi brand names, which are under long-term licence. The company says that it is Europe’s second largest manufacturer of agricultural tyres.
Continue ReadingKwik-Fit Ushers in January Tyre Sales
Kwik-Fit has issued its round of January promotions with offers on premium label tyres. The promotion includes 30 per cent off four, and 15 per cent off two premium tyres, including brands such as Pirelli, Dunlop, Goodyear, Firestone, Continental and Bridgestone. Customers can get a further reduction, which equates to 20 per cent off two tyres, if they book online at kwik-fit.com.
Continue ReadingAnalysts Expect “Very Bad” 4Q Figures from Michelin
Financial analysts have cut their 2008 operating income estimate for Michelin from 1.15 billion to 1.05 billion (-37 per cent compared with 2007). Deutsche Bank’s reduced estimate comes off the back of sharp falls in tyre demand in mature markets. According to the analysts, mature markets (such as Europe and North America) represent 70 per cent of Michelins volumes. “We estimate tyre demand fell sharply in the fourth quarter (-15 per cent) both in OE and in replacement - in passenger as well as truck markets. We believe this weak demand, coupled with a destocking effect, led to a high 25 per cent production cut in the fourth quarter,” the analysts commented, explaining that the magnitude of this volume drop is not sustainable:
Continue ReadingConti US OE for Mercedes-Benz GLK
Continental’s Conti4x4Contact has been chosen as US market original equipment for the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK. The tyre will be fitted to the new 4x4 in size 235/50R19 99H.
Continue ReadingR H Claydon Reviews “Challenging” 2008
Wholesaler R H Claydon reports that the year of 2008 drew to a close after a prolonged period of factors which made the function of stocking and marketing land based tyres, agricultural and construction somewhat challenging. Like many others, the firm experienced worldwide commodity prices to the manufacturing industry continuing to rise, thus affecting the price of the finished product. Rising oil prices, which greatly affected all industries, alongside currency fluctuations prompted widespread re-evaluation of delivery and servicing to contain the high levels of road fuel costs and yet maintain the service. The wholesaler says that, “the most frustrating and punitive situation all experienced in 2008, was shortage of product, a factor especially prevalent, says RHC, in radial tractor tyres.
Continue ReadingHankook Resumes Production in Hungary
Hankook’s factory in Dunaujvaros, Hungary resumed production on the afternoon of January 8, following a stoppage the previous day due to gas shortages. The tyre maker had previously anticipated that the factory would remain out of operation until the evening of January 9, reported Hungary’s MTI news agency on January 8.
Continue ReadingThe Days of Simple Tyre Selection are Gone
A few years ago council workers, farmers and private amenity contractors had straight forward requirements. Tractors had two types of tyres, small on the front and larger at the rear. Ride-on mowers were simply attired with rubber. According to Stowmarket-based tyre and wheel supplier, Fieldens, when today’s farmer or fleet manager comes to order tyres, the list of requirements covers several pages. Earlier it was floatation or narrow tyres, today there is the requirement for speed with a high payload, but – “oh yes, we don’t want to sacrifice floatation as we must avoid damage to soil structure and ultimately plant growth.” Fieldens reports that amenity operators face a similar challenge – they need to move quickly from site to site, but then work with heavy equipment on a sensitive sports ground. Alternatively there is the problem of kerbing and blowing out tyres of ride-on mowers. “What can you do about that – but we’d like some wider tyres at the same time so we can carry on working during bad weather like we’ve had in the past two summers?” Then there’s the spraying contractor carrying increasingly heavy loads. It’s not just the tyres that have to be up to the job but the wheels too – especially if the machine has to work across sidling ground with all the stresses and strains that brings.
Continue ReadingWorker’s Union Prepared for More ‘Agitation’ in PTL Factory Lockout
The unions representing workers involved in the PTL factory lockout in India are said to have bolstered their resolve following the breakdown of their second discussion with company management. According to India’s Express News Service, union leaders are accusing the Apollo Tyres supplier of changing their demands each time employees agree to the previous set. The workers have already agreed to the conditions put forward by the management for capacity utilisation in the wake of recession,” said Premier Tyres Employees Union president K N Raveendranath. “But, the management is behaving with certain ulterior motive and putting forward fresh set of demands every time.
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