In a statement published yesterday, Pirelli & C. S.p.A. responded to communication from its largest shareholder, Marco Polo International Italy. Pirelli clarified that the proposals submitted to Sinochem to overcome regulatory issues in the USA were “were exclusively and obviously – contrary to that which has been asserted – in the interests of the company and respectful of those of all shareholders.”
The European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (ETRMA) has expressed its strong support of European Commission plans to simplify the REACH Regulation, with certain caveats. It outlined its views in a four-page document submitted as part of the consultation process.
The final regulatory approval needed for the construction of Giti Tire’s first plant in the USA has been granted, however local news sources write that this approval has already been appealed.
The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) is preparing to launch a lobbying campaign when Parliament returns from recess, and will call on MPs to license the automotive retail sector. And what the IMI is calling for is something most of the UK apparently thinks we already have – quoting the results of recent research, the IMI says more than 70 per cent of voters think it’s already a requirement for technicians in the motor industry to hold a licence to practise.
Russian petroleum industry colossus Rosneft reports the closure of its agreement to purchase a 50 per cent share in holding company Camfin S.p.A., which owns a 26.19 stake in Pirelli & C. S.p.A. This acquisition gives Rosneft a 13 per cent indirect share in the tyre maker and the right to nominate candidates for Pirelli’s Board of Directors – a right the company chose to exercise immediately. Five new Rosneft-nominated individuals joined the Board of Directors on 10 July, filling vacancies created by five resignations that were tendered that same day.
Motorists in Italy have until 15 May to change their winter for summer tyres – and some face hefty fines if they fail to do so. Under a new regulation introduced by the country’s Ministry of Transport, M+S and snowflake marked tyres that bear a slower speed rating than the car’s maximum speed must be removed for the summer season. Failure to do so by the 15 May deadline may result in a fine of at least €419 and up to €1,682, and the vehicle needing to undergo a roadworthiness inspection.
The UK government has initiated a market consultation on the subject of tyre labelling. The consultation opened on the 10th April and runs until 11:45pm on the 23rd May. The news comes almost 18 months after tyre labelling came into effect in Europe and almost two years since the market formally started communicated labelling details between the various parts of the business. In response industry bodies such as the NTDA have been quick to urge members and other tyre industry professionals to participate in the open consultation regarding the UK enforcement of the tyre labelling regulations.
Trials of a new specification standard for eco tyres began in China on 1 March, the China Rubber Industry Association (CRIA) reports. Standard number XXZB/LT-102-2014, which was originally proposed by the association, is the Chinese tyre industry’s first self-regulating green tyre standard and is based on the draft the CRIA opened for industry comment between 27 December and 20 January.
Tyre, rubber, plastics and composites specialist Smithers Rapra has announced that its operation in Suzhou, China has been certified to test to the United Nation’s Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) R117 standard by TÜV NORD. The company says adding the ECE R117 standard test capabilities for rolling resistance and road noise will support international tyre makers with testing systems that ensure the highest product integrity.
Coach travel’s status as one of the most fuel efficient modes of transport will be boosted further by an increase of the EU weight limit for passenger service vehicles to 19 tonnes. To maximise the efficiency and profitability further – as well as to comply with safety requirements – premium tyre manufacturers in particular are readying their commercial vehicle ranges, with specialised lines delivering load capacity increases and improved, coach-specific characteristics. Goodyear states that its Marathon Coach and Ultra Grip Coach tyres have been developed with load capacities in anticipation of regulation changes proposed by the European Union.
Following the publication of an informational poster last year on the subject of TPMS, the Scandinavian Tire & Rim Organization (STRO) subsequently issued a market newsletter questioning whether TPMS actually had to be working in order for cars to pass the Swedish national equivalent of the MOT. Writing in a newsletter published on 10 December 2013, the STRO explains that debate broke out at the end of last year and has yet to be resolved, but the gist of it is that there is a significant different of opinion (or perhaps) interpretation.
As reported on the e-bulletin of the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation, the EU looks set to finalise its requirements for vehicle testing in a format which will allow the UK’s MoT regime to remain in its present form. The agreement follows many months of hard lobbying both in Brussels and here in the UK.
Pirelli and Formula One teams will be allowed to hold a tyre test using 2013 cars next week after the FIA gave its consent in the form of a regulation change. At a meeting of the F1 Strategy Group and the Formula One Commission in Paris on 9 December, the FIA agreed that instead of […]
Canada’s transportation regulatory body, Transport Canada, has outlined a number of changes in regulations pertaining to tyres. The new regulations, announced by Transport Minister Lisa Raitt on 20 November, are intended to enhance the safety of tyres manufactured for the Canadian market; they also bring Canadian regulations more closely in line with those enforced in the United States. Manufacturers have until 1 September 2014 to comply with the regulations.
As the market approached the first anniversary of tyre labelling, at the start of October industry body ETRMA expressed the need for consistency and sustainability in regulation across Europe. “The European Tyre and Rubber Industry has a strong manufacturing presence in Europe and needs a sustainable regulatory framework, well-coordinated among different policy areas, to remain competitive despite this long economic crisis”, said Patrick Lepercq, President of ETRMA at the association’s board meeting today.
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