Goodyear has announced Kadex Aero Supply as an aviation distributor. The family-owned Canadian business has been distributing parts from more than 50 manufacturers to operators ranging from general aviation to airlines since 1994. Goodyear wants the partnership to expand its reach in Canada.
Trico has revealed its new UK distributor – Pearl Automotive – through which all Trico products are now available, including its Flex, Exact Fit and Neoform lines. For nearly 50 years, Pearl Automotive has been a major distributor of workshop consumables to the aftermarket, supplying national accounts, buying groups and independent motor factors.
The Al Dobowi Group has discussed its strategies for the support of its Infinity and Eternity brands in Europe. The Infinity brand has been present in the European market for more than ten years; it is the brand with which Al Dobowi has established itself in Europe. The Dubai based group embellishes its offer with exclusive distribution agreements and continuous investments to increase the popularity of the brand. Tyrepress sister site PneusNews.it explains how the group’s partners in Europe have supported its brands during the pandemic in 2020, and what its future plans are on the continent. “We want to further accelerate the Eternity project across Europe,” said Riccardo Costa, general manager of Al Dobowi Europe.
Cooper Tire Europe has appointed Fintyre as the exclusive distributor of its light vehicle tyres to the Italian market. Under the deal, Cooper will supply passenger car, SUV (sport utility vehicle) and van tires through Fintyre. By joining forces with Fintyre, Cooper will enhance its supply chain in this key European market.
Kumho is opening a major new tyre warehouse in Hamburg, Germany with leading European logistics company Fiege. Located adjacent to the city’s harbour, Kumho states the new facility will allow it to supply stock to the majority of German tyre dealers within 24 hours. It will also supply some Kumho distributors in Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and Austria. Fiege Logistics will be responsible for all warehouse processes, including tyre handling from the arrival of product by container to delivery and shipment tracking.
Hankook Tire concedes that its response to last year’s “extremely challenging” business environment and the rapidly-changing trends influencing the tyre industry was “not fully sufficient” to combat downward pressure upon its business. Hyun Shick Cho, vice chairman and chief executive officer of Hankook Technology Group, has addressed this issue in a letter to shareholders, discussing means of responding preemptively to these changing trends.
STARCO has taken on distribution of the Alliance and Galaxy agricultural, forestry and construction tyre lines in Switzerland under a newly-negotiated agreement with Alliance Tire Group (ATG). As authorised partner for the representation and distribution of Alliance and Galaxy tyres throughout this market, STARCO will provide its warehouse and distribution facilities as well as its expertise and skills in order to make ATG’s products more accessible to Swiss customers.
Micheldever Tyre Service (MTS) states that it offers “the most comprehensive car mid-range tyre brand availability across the current market.” The wholesaler is exclusive distributor, or has preferred supplier arrangements, for some of the worlds’ leading manufacturers of mid-range brands, including Falken, General Tire, GT Radial, Sumitomo and Kormoran.
Autogem has begun 2020 with an exclusive agreement to become sole trade distributor of Michelin Pro-Series Hybrid wiper blades. Autogem said the new addition to its portfolio fits its philosophy of assisting its installer partners with industry-leading products which save time, improve engagement and increase revenue streams. Examples of this can also be seen in Autogem’s Groove Glove and i-sensor TPMS tools, which the company states are amongst the fastest selling universal TPMS solutions anywhere.
CEVA Logistics will continue to handle warehousing services and inventory management for Michelin at its Valladolid facility in north western Spain for another three years. Using around 55,000sqm within its facility, CEVA Logistics handles warehousing services, inventory management, and picking and loading of transport bound for Michelin customers, automotive manufacturers and spare parts and maintenance companies. CEVA also handles a range of tires for luxury touring vehicles, agricultural vehicles and trucks. Together these comprise some five million items per year.
Linglong Tire hosted its first European Dealers Conference in Cyprus between 11 and 13 October. With nearly 60 European distributors gathering to discuss the company’s achievements and challenges in overseas market development, brand promotion, and product innovation as well as strategic planning, the company said the event was “a success”.
Shipping plays a vital part in the world of tyre wholesaling. Managing the volatility of freight rates with efficient and transparent service is paramount in maintaining the competitiveness of distribution operations. Maritime Cargo Services, a freight forwarder with significant ties to the UK tyre industry, tells Tyres & Accessoires about the factors affecting the global shipping industry, and how its fluctuations, illustrated by this chart, which shows at a glance the trends of the last 12 months, must be managed effectively to allow tyre wholesalers to operate efficiently.
South-East Grouptyre member, Grouptyre Wholesale Ltd has opened the doors to a new state of the art warehousing facility in Potter’s Bar, Hertfordshire. The wholesaler, which covers a wide area across the South East, including London and the Home Counties, states that it had outgrown the satellite facility in Brentwood, Essex and decided Potters Bar was the ideal location for the move, with easy links to the A1, M1, M25, M40 and M11 motorways.
An agreement has been struck between Hella and Hengst, to enable Hella to add Hengst’s commercial vehicle (CV) filters to its comprehensive product portfolio. Two years ago, an alliance was formed between the two companies to create Hella Hengst, a unique brand for the passenger car and light commercial vehicle sectors. However, this new arrangement means that Hella can now distribute a complete filter programme across the entire aftermarket.
Giti Tire has extended its exclusive distribution agreement with Micheldever Tyre Services (MTS) for its GT Radial and Runway brands for a further four years. The new deal, which runs until 2022, will continue to cover the passenger car, 4×4 and light truck tyre segments. Tyrepress understands that certain car and SUV sizes of Giti Tire’s eponymous Giti brand will continue to be available via Micheldever, where no equivalent GT Radial-branded tyre is currently available. The brand was first added to Micheldever’s inventory in 10 such sizes in 2018.
Trico
Al Dobowi Group
Cooper
Kumho