2009 - Page 115 of 205 - Tyrepress

USW Testifies Against Chinese Imports at ITC

The United Steelworkers (USW) reports that its president, Leo W. Gerard, asked the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) on June 2 to give the U.S. tyre industry a “fighting chance” against consumer tyres imported from China. According to the USW, Gerard told the ITC that the union has used every tool at its disposal to save the US consumer tyre industry from total collapse, including contract concessions, wage increase deferrals and improved productivity.

“But all of these efforts aren’t worth a dime if the market is being pulled out right from under us,” Gerard said. “With a short period of relief, we can start to build a sustainable foundation for the future of the American tyre industry and its workers.”

3rd June 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Maxxis Looking to Appoint More Industrial Tyre Distributors

Maxxis reports that its industrial range – a line-up that includes skid steer tyres purpose-designed for use in a variety of heavy duty applications, including construction, agriculture and dockside loading/ unloading – is selling well and that further distributors are required to help develop business opportunities in a number of sectors.

“Since the range was officially launched in the UK last May we have seen a good level of interest from heavy industry, especially dockside freight businesses, and are now looking to appoint additional distributors to enable us to take full advantage of the opportunities this niche marketplace presents,” states Maxxis International UK’s managing director Derek McMartin. “Our skid steer tyres are designed to tackle the most demanding jobs and are highly versatile, delivering superior traction and wear as a result of their extra strong casings, sturdy sidewalls and specially formulated rubber compound.”

3rd June 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Interstate Appoints Copadex as French Distributor

A statement released by Interstate Tire and Rubber Company announces that the manufacturer has put pen to paper on an exclusive distribution deal in France with Copadex. During a recent meeting, chairman and vice president of the Dutch manufacturer, Theo de Vries and Bruno Clairay (director of Copadex) agreed a long-term cooperation deal.

Interstate’s de Vries explained that Copadex is one of the leading tyre distributors in France with a very professional organisation and an emphasis on added value in terms of service and marketing. The distributor started business in 1980 and now has more then 5,000 different sizes in stock. The complete programme of Interstate Tires will soon be available and is set to be displayed during the Equip Auto in Paris on 13-18 October, 2009.

3rd June 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

JK Tyre Sponsor Indian National Karting Championship

JK Tyre are to sponsor the fifth JK Tyre Indian National Rotax Max Karting Championship, which begins with its first round of the season at Coimbatore. The championship will take off at the Kari Motor Speedway with the qualifying & heat races to be held on Saturday June 6 and the main races on Sunday June 7, 2009. The winners of the 3 classes will have the honour of being declared the National Rotax Karting Champions of India.

The concept of the championship has been formatted to develop the burgeoning field of Indian motor sports. For the first time several teams will be in the fray for the prestigious event, with Amaron-Meco Pro Kart, Red Rooster, Mohites, Indus, AW, Rayo and Meco-City Kart all taking part. Also, for the first time the entries will have an international flavour, with a Scottish driver and an Iraqi girl participating.

3rd June 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Yokohama HPT to Support RX Racing in Portugal

The UK distributor for Yokohama tyres, Yokohama HPT, will be heading south to Portugal next month, as it supports RX Racing when the buggies form part of the first regional final towards this year’s Race of Champions. With the 2009 Race of Champions moving to the Bird’s Nest Stadium in Beijing, home of last year’s Olympics, the organisers of the event have responded to demand from numerous countries to join the Nation’s Cup by creating the first regional final. The event, to be held in the Estadio do Dragao in Porto, the home of FC Porto, will see teams from Portugal, Spain, Italy and Monaco fight for a place in the ROC.

The format for the first final will follow a similar one to the ROC, with teams of drivers from every discipline of motorsport competing on a tarmac course laid out in the stadium. Saturday will see Portuguese drivers going head-to-head for a place alongside local Production car World Rally Championship leader Armindo Araujo to form the four-strong team for Sunday’s competition.

3rd June 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Goodyear Finally Sells Lake Property

After two years on the market, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. was finally able to sell its Wingfoot Lake property near Akron. The 540-acre lake and 150-acre park area was acquired by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Wildlife for a reported $3.2 million.

The sale does not include the tyre maker’s blimp port and hangar there. The state plans to open the park to the public by mid-2010. In 2007, Goodyear announced plans to sell the property as part of its financial plans. Once a company-only facility, the complex includes picnic shelters, playgrounds, ball fields and courts, a miniature golf course and driving range, boat docks, and a snack bar. (Tire Review/Akron)

3rd June 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

New Touring Tyre from Hercules

Hercules has launched the Hercules Roadtour 655, a new all-season touring radial. Available in both H- and T-rated sizes, the Roadtour 655 features a computer optimized tread for treaction and wear, and a nylon over-wrap for stability and treadlife. “The Hercules Roadtour 655 has one of our most aesthetically pleasing sidewall designs to date,” says Joshua Simpson, vice president of marketing.

The tyre features a distinct sidewall design that includes icons representing fuel efficiency, road handling, noise control, all weather performance and spiral wound nylon over-wrap, the company said. “The sidewall icons act as silent salesmen, communicating the tyres’ benefits to consumers,” said Simpson. The Roadtour 655 is being launched in 24 SKUs covering 14- to 16-inch sizes. Hercules said that H- and V-rated sizes will be added later. (Tire Review/Akron)

3rd June 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Michelin Execs Apparently on Missing Flight

Various news reports say that at least two, maybe three – Groupe Michelin executives were aboard an Air France flight that disappeared en route from Brazil to France on Monday.

Dow Jones reports that two executives – the head of Latin American operations and a computing manager for Brazil – were on the Air France Airbus A330 that disappeared over the Atlantic just hours after taking off from Rio de Janeiro. Meanwhile, AFP reported that a third Michelin executive from its corporate offices in France was also on the flight.

Officials say that the flight apparently lost all electronics after hitting a sudden, unexpected storm, knocking out its communications and radar devices. Currently, search teams are scouring the Atlantic off the South American coast. (Tire Review/Akron)

2nd June 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Kumho Opening First US Retail Outlet

June 3 marks the date on which Kumho Tire is opening its first retail tyre centre in North America. The first of Kumho’s “Tires 4U” shops to officially open is located in Beuna Park, California, and will stock a comprehensive range of passenger car, 4×4 and light commercial vehicle tyres plus offer mounting, balancing and alignment services. The new centre is reportedly similar to existing Kumho retail outlets operating in Asia.

2nd June 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Tax at Ruia Group Tyre Companies under Investigation

An article published by the Indian business daily Mint indicates that three tyre companies owned by Ruia Group chairman Pawan Kumar Ruia are being investigated for tax incongruities. The probe is focusing upon the presence of “hawala” activities, a name given to the transfer of money in order to avoid taxes without a corresponding physical or electronic transfer of funds. The companies under investigation are Dunlop India Ltd, Falcon Tyres Ltd and Monotona Tyres Ltd.

2nd June 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Update – Michelin Execs on Missing Flight Named

Updated news releases appear to confirm earlier reports that three senior Michelin employees are amongst those 228 people aboard the Air France airliner missing since June 1. They have been named as Luiz Roberto Anastacio, president of Michelin South America; Antonio Gueiros, its computer systems chief in Rio; and France based engineer Christine Pieraerts.

2nd June 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Watts Tyre Group win Toyota Supplier of Year Award

UK based tyre and wheel producer Watts Tyre Group has been voted “Supplier of the Year” by Toyota Industrial Equipment SA (TIESA) at this year’s supplier conference held in Ancenis, France. This award is the highest accolade Toyota gives to its suppliers and is awarded on the basis of performance against TIESA’s key quality and delivery indicators.

This year also saw Watts awarded “Certified Supplier Status” for the third consecutive year, and the company notes that this honour reflects the exceptional quality performance that has been achieved over that time. Watts has been a significant supplier to TIESA since the factory opened in 1996, supplying tyres and wheels both individually and as complete tyre and wheel assemblies for Toyota lift trucks.

2nd June 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Gripen UK Enjoying ‘Month on Month’ Growth

Over on the other side of the North Sea lies the headquarters of one of the largest and fastest growing wholesalers in Scandinavia and Europe, Gripen Wheels. The Swedish based company delivers tyres to more than 20 countries and operates numerous warehouses throughout Europe. Some 18 months ago the UK joined the list of locations where Gripen boasts a presence, and the Cambridge headquartered operation now supplies customers nationwide from its warehouse in Immingham, near Hull. Tyres & Accessories recently spoke with Gripen’s UK director, Ray Coulson, to find out how the company is progressing in our market.

2nd June 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Sealey Impact Wrench

Sealey have just launched a new ½” Square Drive Limited Torque Air Impact Wrench into their Power Tool range. The SA6035 Impact Wrench features an innovative pin clutch design which limits output torque, preventing over-tightening that can result in wheel/wheel fixing damage. The limited torque allows final tightening of nuts with a calibrated torque wrench to manufacturer’s specification, making this tool ideal for professional tyre shops.

Full torque is still transmitted in reverse direction for rapid fixing removal and anodised fixings enable easy identification as a limited torque wrench when amongst other models. The SA6035 is currently on offer at a special price in Sealey’s Power Tool promotion and comes with a free ½” Square Drive Calibrated Micrometer Torque Wrench.

2nd June 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

In Tyres & Accessories, July 2009:
EMOTR Tyres
CITExpo Preview
Tyre Manufacturing Equipment

Did you Feel the Earth Move?

In recent months a number of so-called ‘green shoots’ of recovery have been witnessed in various OTR/earthmover tyre markets. In April, for example, Michelin’s Luc Minguet reported that the US market had plateaued and was even showing signs of better performance. Furthermore, a number of companies have reported plans to increase investment in and focus their attention upon this segment. Interest in this particular part of the industry has always been considerable, and now that your appetite is whetted Tyres & Accessories is pleased to report that our OTR/Earthmover tyre review is only one month away!

CITExpo Preview

In September T&A will once again be boarding the big silver bird and heading to Asia for the CITExpo exhibition in Shanghai. Now in its seventh year, the 2009 Shanghai show has already attracted a great deal of interest from exhibitors. In July’s Tyres & Accessories we provide a taste of what to expect at this year’s exhibition.

Tyre Manufacturing Equipment

If we’re honest with ourselves, most of us can recall a time in our formative years when we thought tyres were simply made from rubber stuffed into a giant playdough like mould. The truth of the matter is, of course, much more complicated. The manufacturing process used to produce tyres is complex and the range of machinery utilised grows year by year. In July, Tyres & Accessories dedicates a feature to the equipment used to manufacture our favourite black, round objects. Join us next month as we focus on the machines behind the tyres.

2nd June 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

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