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Goodyear investing 16.5 million euros in Montluçon motorcycle tyre production, ends light-truck tyre making
Christian Marx/Profil VerlagFollowing the news that it is consulting on the closure of the Cooper Melksham tyre factory, Goodyear has announced that it is set to invest 16.5 million euros into the “modernisation” of its Montluçon, France tyre production plant over the next 18 months. The news also marks the end of light truck tyre production at Montluçon. Prior to the announcement, the production of two-wheel tyres accounted for 50 per cent of the site’s activity and the site has also made motorsport tyres during its recent history.
Tyre manufacturers to lose $2bn in OE revenues due to semi-conductor shortage
Pok RieAstutus Research says that the shortage of semi-conductors and other vital components will lead to $2 billion (around £1.5 billion) in lost original equipment tyre revenues in 2021. The analyst notes that demand for new cars is not a factor in the slump in OE stream sales versus expectations, and that a rebound is expected in the coming years when component supply has returned. Astutus Research is currently offering a new report series via Tyrepress, presenting tyre industry forecasts in the wake of Covid-19, which takes into account such dynamics. The series, entitled ‘Beyond Covid-19’ offers market leading data on global original equipment and replacement passenger car and light truck tyre segments. It also offers region-specific PCLT tyre data for Europe, the Americas, and Asia Pacific. A full summary of the 11 available PDF reports with accompanying Excel data-books is available here.
Vredestein Pinza AT debuts in Times Square
VredesteinAfter launching the Vredestein brand across North America in September 2020, Apollo Tyres Ltd presented its new tyre on a Times Square billboard in New York, USA. According to the company, the new Vredestein Pinza AT features ‘Silent Groove’ multi-pitch technology for quieter operation “than competing all-terrain tyres”; a three-ply triplex casing for enhanced durability and protection against external damage; and a “severe snowflake marking”.
New managers for Continental’s African tyre plant
Continental Tyre South Africa (CTSA) has appointed a new senior management team for its tyre manufacturing plant in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth). The appointment comes as Continental gears up to increase the site’s role as a supplier of light commercial vehicle tyres to global markets.
Pirelli announces USA price rise
Pirelli is increasing prices for the car and light truck tyres it sells in the USA. From 1 July 2021, increases of up to six per cent will take effect, varying by line and tyre size.
BFGoodrich OE on re-engineered Hilux AT35
Artic TrucksArctic Trucks is an authorised converter of off-road vehicles, and its latest offering is the Toyota Hilux AT35, which has been specially developed to handle the most challenging landscapes with ease. The re-engineered vehicle is fitted with BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tyres – the company’s toughest on/off road fitment – as original equipment, in size LT315/70 R17.
Goodyear to regain number 3 global PCLT tyre volumes ranking – Astutus Research
With the addition of the Cooper Tire business, Goodyear will return to the global number three ranking in passenger car and light truck (PCLT) tyre volumes in 2021. After previously holding the clear number three ranking behind the world’s largest tyre manufacturers, Bridgestone and Michelin, Goodyear was joint third with Continental in both 2017 and 2018. In 2019, Goodyear fell behind Continental to fourth position in 2019 and 2020. Working on a pro forma basis combining original equipment and replacement market tyres, Astutus Research data reveals some interesting facts about the nascent conjoined organisation, with reference to their largest tyre business segment in terms of volume.
USA retains duties on PLT tyres
Tyrepress.com / Stephen GoodchildThe USA will continue to apply anti-dumping and countervailing duties to passenger vehicle and light truck (PLT) tyres from China. The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) decided against ending the charging of duties, which have applied to these products since 2015, after determining that doing so would “likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time.” Unsurprisingly, the United Steelworkers union applauds the decision.
Tread durability up 38%: Goodyear EfficientGrip Cargo 2
Goodyear has brought out a second generation of its summer van and light truck tyre. The first sizes in the new Goodyear EfficientGrip Cargo 2 range began arriving in December, and the full range of 23 SKUs for 14- to 17-inch rim diameters should be available by the end of October 2021.
Michelin raises light truck- and car-tyre prices in North America
Michelin North America recently announced price increases on selected Michelin and BFGoodrich passenger and light truck tyres.
Good September LCV sales, but YTD total down
SMMTThe UK new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market grew by more than a quarter (+26.4 per cent) in September, according to the latest SMMT figures. In total, 52,096 vans, pickups and 4x4s were registered in the month, up some 10,880 units on a weak September 2019, when regulatory changes distorted the market.
Connected, autonomous tech driving global LCV market toward recovery
Tordiantor; PixabayGlobal sales of Global Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) are projected to reach 9.49 million units in 2020, with pickups contributing to 4.62 million units. According to research by Frost & Sullivan, the global economic impact of COVID-19 caused the market to decline by 19 per cent in global LCV sales from 11.72 million units in 2019. The European market is said to be worst hit, with countries such as Italy and Spain facing an average decline in LCV sales of 35 per cent to 50 per cent in 2020.
Bridgestone raising tyre prices 4 per cent
BridgestoneBridgestone EMIA (Europe Middle East India and Africa) has announced a price increase of up to 4 per cent.
