Record Number of Automobiles Sold in Mexico in 2005
(Akron/Tire Review) A record 1.13 million automobiles were sold in Mexico in 2005, up 3.3 percent from the year before, the Mexican Automotive Industry Association, or AMIA, announced on Tuesday.
Continue ReadingCTNA Plans Capital for Mt Vernon, Wants Wage Cuts
(Akron/Tire Review) Just days after announcing significant cutbacks at its Charlotte, NC, tyre plant, Continental Tire North America (CTNA) said it planned a $60 million to $70 million capital improvement effort at its Mt Vernon, Illinois, passenger and truck tyre facility.
Continue ReadingNew R9000 Evolution Sizes
Firestone’s flagship high-speed tractor tyre - the R9000 Evolution (launched in March 2002) now has two more sizes in the range. Initially launched in the popular 540/65 R30 size, it was joined by 440/65 R 24, 440/65 R 28, 540/65 R 34 and 600/65 R 34 early in 2005. There is now a 540/65R34 and a high speed version of the biggest size, 650/65R38. These have been launched to accommodate the new 248 hp Fastrac8250. Rarely for a Fastrac, that means there are smaller tyres on the front, like a conventional tractor. The new JCB is capable of lifting 10,000 kilograms on the rear linkage. The larger tyre sizes are said to allow for an increased load rating whilst minimising soil compaction thanks to the larger footprint.
Continue ReadingDunlop and Jaguar: Performance History
Dunlop has been appointed as the sole supplier of bespoke tyres for the 19 and 20-inch fitments of the new Jaguar XK Coupe and Convertible. According to the company, the Dunlop and Jaguar partnership embraces many of the iconic successes in the history of both brands. Six Le Mans victories were shared between the two companies, with the success story spanning the 1951 Jaguar XK120C through the legendary D-Type era to the Jaguar XJR-9LM that won in 1988.
Continue ReadingExpansion at Amtel’s Kirov Plant Slower Than Expected
Amtel-Povolzhye Tire Complex, Russia’s second largest tyre factory increased output by 35 per cent to 6,543,000 tyres in 2005 – less than the 44 per cent increase expected by analysts. According to Russian investment bank, Centre Invest, production at the factory was expected to increase to 7,000,000 tyres. “Although our expectations proved overly optimistic, we maintain our recommendation and fair price for the company, as its growth far outperformed expected growth rates for other Russian tyre manufacturers,” the analyst’s report commented.
Continue ReadingSun Automatic Test Lane Gets VOSA Approval
The Sun VIC 3000 ATL Automatic Test Lane, from Snap-on Diagnostics, has been approved by VOSA for MoT testing. Terry Smith, European Marketing Manager of Snap-on Diagnostics, said that the VIC 3000 ATL is available in Class IV and Class VII configurations and is one-man operated. He went on: It is very easy to operate and uses a Windows-based software package that guides the operator through the testing procedure using icon driven command sequences for testing brakes, suspension and side slip. It offers rapid vehicle inspection diagnosis, is fast and accurate and also offers the possibility to integrate other Snap-on Diagnostic products into the Test Lane.
Continue Reading‘Bargain Batteries May Invalidate Warranties’ – Motaquip
Aftermarket parts supplier Motaquip has warned that the flood of bargain batteries into the EU from Asian manufacturers pose a direct threat to a vehicles starting capability and could invalidate manufacturer vehicle warranties.
Continue ReadingKumho to Set Up Plant in Vietnam
The Kumho Group plans to build a $100 million automobile tyre plant in Ho Chi Minh, the local Thanhnien news source has reported. Nguyen Huu Tin, deputy chairman of the People’s Committee, said the city had approved the project in principle and suggested a 30 hectare site in Cu Chi District. The plant, which will employ the latest technologies, will make products for both the domestic market and exports to neighbouring countries.
Continue ReadingChina Becomes Second Largest Auto Market
Last year 6 million vehicles were sold on the Chinese market, making China the world’s second largest auto market. According to a Reuters report, China produced more vehicles than third-place Japan, but is still behind the US which remains the world’s largest market.
Continue ReadingFirst Commercial Vehicle Michelin Accreditation
Ashford-based independent retailer Commercial Tyres has become the first truck tyre dealer in the UK to pass a series of stringent quality checks laid down by Michelin Tyre plc. Commercial Tyres, which also operates branches in Aylesford and Crawley, specialises in supplying road transport operators with a full range of tyre services, ranging from fitment through to fleet management.
Continue ReadingLeicester Dealers Closed Following Disposal Checks
Three Leicester tyre dealers were temporarily closed on the 13th January after failing checks to see if they dispose of waste tyre correctly. The survey by Leicester City Council found they could not prove they were disposing of their scrap tyres legally. The dealers in question could now face fines of up to £5,000.
Continue ReadingYokohama OE on Lotus Elise and Exige Ranges
Yokohama has been selected to supply OE tyres to the Lotus’ 2006 Elise and Exige ranges. The Lotus Elise 111R and Lotus Elise Sports Racer are both fitted with the Yokohama Advan Neova AD07 tyre, which has been developed specifically for the demands of Lotus models. Furthermore, the entire Exige range is fitted with the company’s Advan A048 tyres as standard. The A048 is designed primarily for track day users, but is also e-marked and therefore road-legal.
Continue ReadingHonda Racing Signs Agreement With Snap-on
The Honda Racing F1 Team has signed its first commercial association of 2006 – a long-term agreement with Snap-on Tools, who become official tool consultant to the team.
Continue ReadingJK Tyres Increase Prices Again
Rising raw material costs, especially of rubber and petroleum products, have prompted Indian tyre manufacturer JK Tyres to warn that it will raise the prices of its tyres over the next three months.
Continue ReadingBridgestone Opens Shanghai Retail Store
Reports in the Shanghai Daily say that Bridgestone has opened a 1.6 million Yuan (US$ 198,270) Car Wing store in Shanghai. The store covers 789 square metres and is Bridgestones largest in China. It is also the first built by the tyre manufacturer, as its other stores were built by dealers.
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