Tag: China
Michelin selling online in China with JD.com
Motorists in China can now buy Michelin tyres online thanks to an expansion of Michelin China’s partnership with JD.com, the country’s largest retailer. JD.com has launched a first-party flagship store on its platform. The newly-extended partnership will also see Michelin and JD.com integrate their offline automotive service networks; consumers buying Michelin tyres on JD.com will be given priority to choose service networks such as TyrePlus for fitment.
Dongfeng & Maxion Wheels form aluminium wheel JV
Maxion Wheels, the world’s largest wheel manufacturer, has entered into an agreement to form a new passenger car aluminium wheel joint venture with Dongfeng Motor Parts and Components Group, one of China’s largest automotive parts companies. The new legal entity, Dongfeng Maxion Wheels, will build a new two-million per year capacity plant in Hubei Province, China. Series production is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2020.
STARCO states opposition to EC anti-dumping complaint
In February, the European Commission announced the start of an anti-dumping proceeding concerning steel road wheels imported from the People's Republic of China. The focus is primarily upon wheels for cars and trucks, however the proceeding also covers wheels for road-going tractors as well as for non-powered vehicles such as trailers, semi-trailers and caravans. The proceeding followed a complaint lodged on 3 January by the Association of European Wheel Manufacturers (EUWA).
Global SUV boom continues…
The latest global SUV market data shows continued growth around the world. Market analyst Felipe Junoz from Jato Dynamics reports that the shift from traditional cars to SUVs began seven years ago and is still going strong. However, there are also signs that growth slowed during the course of 2018. And what’s more the UK remains a world-leading market.
USITC: Chinese truck tyres materially injure US
The US International Trade Commission filed their remand determinations to the US Court of International Trade on January 30, 2019. By a majority of 3-2, the Commissioners have determined:
SD-International introduces Three A tyres
SD-International recently added the Three A brand to its contract tyre manufacturing portfolio. According to the company, Three A tyres are now available in England, Scotland and Wales across most market sectors including passenger car fitments.
Smithers opening new test lab in China
Smithers Rapra is opening a new product testing laboratory in Suzhou, China. The 4,000 square foot facility provides air leak and burst, cleanliness, material properties, salt spray, and pressure, vibration, and temperature (PVT) testing. According to Smithers, the new lab will support the evolving automotive market in China with fluid transfer system expertise, combining with Smithers’ existing labs in Akron, Ohio; Lansing, Michigan; and Shawbury, UK to support global clients.
China establishing rubber Free Trade Zone in Sri Lanka
China has begun establishing a rubber Free Trade Zone (FTZ) in Sri Lanka. The arrangement will help promote the country’s rubber industry and boost sector earnings. In return, China is asking for long-term access to lands and tax concessions, according to various media reports.
Xingda tyre cord opens European office
Chinese tyre cord manufacturer Xingda has opened a European office in Luxembourg. The new European operation has been registered as Xingda Europe Limited and is a subsidiary of Xingda International Holding Company.
Prinx Chengshan invests £19 million in purchasing land for new Thailand tyre factory
Having rejected earlier plans for a new tyre factory in Malaysia, Prinx Chengshan has invested 170.6 million yuan (£19.464 million) in buying at least 433,600 square metres of land in at Tambon Nong Suea Chang, Amphur Nong Yai, and Tambon Klong-Kew, Amphur Ban-Bung, Chonburi province in Thailand. According to stock exchange filings dated 25 December 2018, the deal comprises “several plots of land” and will be funded by the company’s recent global share offering.
Prinx Chengshan the only HKEX-listed tyremaker at Tire+
Based in the city of Guangzhou, the Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition is particularly close to the Chinese off-shore territories of Hong Kong and Macau. Still, despite the show’s proximity to such personal and corporate wealth, Prinx Chengshan unique inasmuch as it was the only Hong Kong stock exchange (HKEX) listed tyre manufacturer at the show.
Wanda Boto Tyre advertising on NASDAQ screen in Times Square
In September 2018 Shandong Wanda Boto Tyre Co Ltd was invited to display some of its advertising on the NASDAQ screen in the world-famous Times Square in New York, USA.
Linglong hosts partner meeting in Turin
Linglong Tire hosted its dealer meeting in Turin recently. The event focused on global cooperation and Linglong distributors and suppliers from all over the world were reportedly present. Dialogue with local partners was a specific talking point.
Linglong awarded China Industrial Award
On 9 December 2018, the fifth China Industrial Award Ceremony was held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Shandong Linglong Tire Co., Ltd. won China Industrial Award, the first tyre enterprise in China to win this award. Wang Feng, chairman and president of Linglong Tire, accepted the award at the Great Hall of the People.
2018 has been ‘Up in the air’
When it comes to reviewing 2018, two words sum up the kinds of talking points virtually everyone has touched on this year: tariffs and Brexit. Indeed it has to be said that 2018’s two meta-themes are not entirely separate from one another. Nevertheless, both have this in common. For most of the last twelve months details of both subjects have been “up in the air”, leaving the rest of us to forecast (which often means speculate) exactly what is going on. See page 32 for further analysis of what has been going on this year as well as coverage of a couple of stories that are emblematic of these themes.
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