Commercial Vehicle Tyres
In the last five years, Continental, claims to have reduced CO2 emissions by more than 30 per cent per product tonne. “The current discussion in the European Union surrounding climate protection and the latest CO2 targets for the automotive industry underline the fact that, especially with our hybrid systems, we are offering forward-looking technology,” stresses Manfred Wennemer, chairman of the Continental Executive Board.
After several years of intensive research and development Michelin’s US R&D department and Honeywell, one of the world’s leading automotive technology suppliers, have announced the launch of the eTire II battery-less TPMS for commercial vehicles. The eTire II system is based on Transense’s surface acoustic wave (‘SAW’) technology, which Michelin licensed in 2001 for in- and on-tyre applications. The news follows intense market speculation about the nature of Michelin’s product release. Some reports even suggested the technology could later be transferred to passenger car tyres.
Continental AG’s two tyre divisions – Passenger and Light Truck Tires and Commercial Vehicle Tires – are addressing the company’s vision of making individual mobility safer and more comfortable with about 850 employees in the field of research and development (R&D). In order to manage the balancing act between scientific curiosity and practical use both tyre divisions have implemented an innovation management system. The tasks of the system include actively seeking new business fields and motivating staff to incorporate new ideas.
ATS Euromaster has ordered 100 more Penny Hydraulics Single Wheel Lifts to promote safe and efficient tyre handling on its fleet of commercial dual purpose and truck service vehicles. According to Penny Hydraulics, the Single Wheel Lift has become the preferred choice by ATS Euromaster because it allows all sorts of tyres and wheels to be lifted on and off service vans without the need for manual handling which helps reduce the risk of personal injury to service technicians and enables the company to comply with health and safety regulations.
Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has announced that its Advan Sport (V103) tyre has been approved by Brabus GmbH of Germany for its Brabus Rocket. Tyres will supplied n size 255/35ZR19 (96Y) for the front and 285/30ZR19 (98Y) for the rear. Yokohama Rubber have also been approved for the Brabus MV12 sport utility vehicle (SUV).
Continental AG is profiting from the growing demand for commercial vehicles. The international automotive supplier expects to achieve sales this year totalling nearly 2.0 billion euros in the commercial vehicle original equipment and replacement business. “We are counting on further growth in the coming year,” said Dr Hans-Joachim Nikolin. In the Commercial Vehicles Tires division, Continental’s capacity exceeded 7.0 million tyres this year. The plant in Puchov, Slovakia, and the Continental Sime Tyre operations in Malaysia have been expanded, and production got started in the new facility in Camaçari, Brazil.
Continental AG has just opened its new tyre plant in Brazil and said that it should be operating at full capacity within the next 18 months. “The new low-cost production capacities play a key role in our concept for the future passenger tyre business in the loss-making NAFTA region. At the same time, the capacities allow for profitable growth,” CEO Manfred Wennemer said in a statement released in Germany.
The Indian tyre lobby has convinced the government to initiate anti-dumping proceedings against imports from China and Thailand. Tyre makers allege that over 35,000 bus and truck tyres are being imported from China and Thailand every month at huge discounts compared to global and domestic prices, India’s Economic Times reported.
Continental Truck Tyres has introduced a ‘cradle to grave’ ContiLifeCycle tyre management concept, which it claims can reduce tyre operating costs by as much as 25 per cent.
The manufacturer’s aim is to encourage hauliers to think beyond the tyre management basics of purchase price, service life and reliability, and to consider the impact correct tyre maintenance can have on vehicle running costs.
As a consequnce of the continuing cost increase of the sector’s key raw materials and energy, Pirelli Tyre has announced an increase of its list prices, differentiated by area and segment.
The increase will be 4.5 per cent in Europe and North America for car, SUV and commercial vehicle tyres, and all Group brands; and 6 per cent worldwide for all Motorcycle Tyre brands.
In recent months a letter originating from Michelin Tyre PLC commercial director, Chris Bloor, has circulated among the tyre distribution community highlighting the availability of parallel imported Michelin branded 295/80R 22.5 XZE2+ commercial vehicle tyres. Tyres & Accessories approached Mr Bloor for further clarification, and asked what was behind the memo.
RTS Engineering has launched a completely autonomous ‘energy module.’ Billed as “the ultimate” in mobile tyre fitting equipment, the new product is made up of an engine, a hydraulic pump and a hydrovane compressor.
Releasing its first quarter 2005 results, Continental’s management reaffirmed the company’s desire to achieve ambitious targets. During the first quarter, consolidated sales rose by 8.9 per cent to 3,253.1 million euros, with newly acquired Phoenix contributing 237.7 million euros.
At the same time EBIT increased by 9.5 per cent to 281.7 million euros, according to the company. Phoenix is reported to have generated an operating result of 11.3 million euros. Consolidated earnings climbed to 167 million euros, representing a 24.8 per cent increase. Earnings per share rose to 1.15 euros.
The latest report to come from Research and Markets Ltd analyses the replacement van tyres industry.
The ‘Replacement Van Tyres Global Industry Guide,’ available now, includes information on market size and segmentation, textual analysis of the key trends and competitive landscape, and profiles of the leading companies.
Despite the challenges presented by raw material price inflation, Apollo Tyres has no intention to increase its own prices during the current quarter, India’s Hindu Business Line has reported. “I am not looking at this quarter for price increase. There are too many things happening in the market (budget, VAT etc) that have to be factored in before taking any decision,” Neeraj Kanwar, chief operating officer (COO), told the publication.
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