Tyre cord manufacturer Teijin Ltd. has announced the reorganisation of its High Performance Fibers Business Group into two new groups, to be named the Aramid Fibers Business Group and Carbon Fibers Business Group. As of April 1, 2009 these two groups will separately handle business related to aramid fibres and carbon fibres, increasing the number of business groups operated by Teijin to eight.
4×4 Tyres
In these trying economic times the popularity of 4x4s is not what it once was Buyers are avoiding new off road vehicles in droves in order to cut down on motoring costs, and dealers are resorting to heavy discounts in order to clear unsold stocks. However the 4×4 is by no means an endangered species in the UK, despite costs, taxes and action groups such as the Alliance Against Urban 4x4s.
Acknowledging the problems faced by the motorsport and high-performance sectors, Toyo’s stand displayed the company’s commitment to two of its most important markets. In erecting an imposing stand, Toyo was clearly aiming to make an impact at January’s Autosport International Aftermarket Show, hosted by Birmingham’s NEC. Toyo’s determination to make their presence felt was exemplified by the attitude of Sarah Clavey, Toyo UK’s senior marketing executive: “At a time when uncertainty prevails, we were determined to show our commitment to grass roots motorsport and to showcase our range of tyres for 2009. We know that Autosport delivers our classic target audience and we wanted to put on a show that all visitors would remember. Our stand was much larger than in previous years and was designed to deliver impact”.
In addition to highlighting its involvement in more than 15 motorsport championships – covering hill climb, drag racing and modified production among numerous other series – the Japanese brand put on head-turning performances via their interactive stage shows. Over the four days they were delighted to be able to engage with many of the show’s 79,000 enthusiastic visitors. The motive behind this vibrant, interactive format was to attract and involve new enthusiasts and to bring the Toyo brand to life amongst one of its primary target markets.
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Michelin announced today that it would become the title sponsor of the “Michelin Green X Challenge,” supporting its stated commitment to a cleaner, more fuel-efficient race series. Beginning at the 2009 ALMS season opener in Sebring, the award will be presented at each race to one prototype and one GT team demonstrating the best overall performance, fuel efficiency and least environmental impact throughout the length of the race.
“Stretching fuel in competition wins races. Lowering fuel consumption for consumers stretches wallets at a time when saving money and saving the planet are both top concerns,” said Scott Clark, COO, Michelin Americas Small Tires. “Providing support to the American Le Mans Series through the ‘Michelin Green X Challenge’ is a natural fit for us and together with our partners, we can help encourage teams and manufacturers to demonstrate a cleaner, more fuel-efficient way to race, while maintaining performance and the spirit of competition.”
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. is recalling certain Goodyear Eagle RS-A tyres, size P235/55R18 99V, manufactured during the week of 7 January, 2008. According to NHTSA, the tyres fail to conform to FMVSS 139 labeling requirements because they don’t have the correct tyre identification number displayed. The correct TIN appears on one sidewall, but not on the other. Goodyear will replace the recalled tyres for free, and will notify customers. (Tire Review/Akron)
Michelin North America’s recall of 597 Michelin Pilot Alpin PA2 ZP winter tyres in size 225/50 R17 94H sold in the U.S. came because of a sidewall labeling issue. The mis-labeling was because the letters “DOT” are missing from both sidewalls of the affected tyres. The recall only applies to tyres containing DOT TIN identification code “6U0A 5JEX” and DOT TIN date codes between 3806 and 2308 inclusive.
“These tyres meet all performance criteria, but we must recall the affected tyres because they were produced without the required letters ‘DOT’ on the sidewall of the tyre.” said Francois Jacquin, passenger and light truck replacement tyre quality director for Michelin North America. “The issue has been corrected and consumers who purchased the affected tyres will receive new tyres that have the required ‘DOT’ letters free of charge.” (Tire Review/Akron)
German news sources are reporting that Schaeffler Group is planning seems for most of its 25 German locations to work on short-time schedules for half a year. According to Tyres & Accessories’ German sister publication, Neue ReifenZeitung, the reports were confirmed by Schaeffler spokesman Detlef Sieverdingbeck on 2 February. The specific terms reportedly differ depending on location. The news mainly affects employees in the Automotive division, according to the Financial Times.
Meanwhile, at the end of last week Chancellor Angela Merkel reportedly turned down Schaeffler Group’s application for federal loan support. Schaeffler, the majority shareholder of Continental AG, is currently carrying around 22 billion euros of debt after taking over Conti. In an interview with Germany’s Bild newspaper, Merkel said: “We won’t pay the bill for risky company decisions.” For his part, Christian Wulff, prime minister of Lower Saxony, said the Schaeffler family and banks need to act before the government does anything. So while the chances of federal loan support are slim, the possibility of the regional government guaranteeing the 3 to 5 billion euros of new capital the company is said to be asking for, is not completely out of the question.
During his ninth day in office, new US President Barack Obama placed his signature on the first bill to become law under his administration. And with this stroke of his pen a legal fight that traces its origins back to a Goodyear plant’s shop floor has finally been settled. Some 18 months after the US Supreme Court declared Lily Ledbetter’s fight against her employer unlawful due to the delay between the alleged grievance and complaint, Obama has overturned the ruling in a move many are viewing as a landmark decision for American women.
India’s Ceat Ltd has reported a net loss for the quarter year to December 21, 2008. According to the tyre maker, losses for the period amounted to Rs 216.4 million (£3.1 million). During the corresponding quarter of 2007 the company posted a net profit of Rs 192.3 million (£2.7 million).
A net loss was recorded despite an increase in quarterly sales. In a filing with the Bombay Stock Exchange, Ceat reported company earnings rising from Rs 5.69 billion (£80.4 million) in the final three months of 2007 to Rs 5.93 (£83.8 million) billion last year.
Some 18 months after opening, the TyreGenics recycling joint venture in Baglan, South Wales, has been placed into administration. The £4 million, 80 tonne per day capacity facility was developed by major shareholder Credential Environmental along with BOC, FieldTurf Tarkett and RTI Cryogenics, and began operation in July 2007. From the outset it was announced that FieldTurf had committed to purchasing 70 per cent of output for the first three years, yet in spite of this assured market the facility has been affected by dwindling demand.
The Autoparts Exhibition has become an important meeting place for the representatives of the automobile industry for exchanging information and experiences. AutoParts 2009 will present automobile parts, engines and mechanics, accumulators, electric equipment and electronics, gearboxes, exhaust systems, steering control, break systems, suspensions, automobile accessories, audiosystems, technical maintenance of automobiles, production equipment and tuning. The AutoParts exhibition is intended for exhibitors who supply materials, equipment and services for the automobile industry and automobile operation. Iteca Caspian LLC and the ITE Group are the organisers of the exhibition and The Ministry of Transport of Azerbaijan, Head Office of State Road Police and Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation offer official support. For the first time there will also be a wide range of tyres from the world’s leading manufacturers and automobile car-washers for commercial transport at the exhibition.
Over 50 leading brands from European and Asian countries have confirmed their participation in the exhibition so far. Companies from Japan, Italy, Germany, Turkey, UAE, Iran, China, India, Russia, Belarus and Finland have confirmed their participation.
Both the Azerbaijan automobile market and the AutoParts exhibition are increasing in size. The demand for spare parts and accessories from different manufacturing countries is not only based on local repairs, but also for buses, agricultural machinery and company cars and the many companies and entrepreneurs that are involved in the Azerbaijan automobile business. The AutoParts 2009 exhibition provides an opportunity to demonstrate and promote products from global manufacturers for repair and maintenance of automobile. AutoParts 2009 will also present the possibility to increase international contacts, sign contracts and demonstrate to visitors new products available within the Caspian market.
Companies who may be interested in exhibiting or attending this show please contact:-
Babek Amashov
Project Manager
ITE Group Plc / Iteca Caspian LLC
Baku, Azerbaijan
Tel: + 994 12 4474774
Fax: + 994 12 4478558
Mob: + 994 55 348 80 55
E-mail: auto@iteca.az
www.autoparts.iteca.az
European online tyre retailer Delticom has expressed ‘delight’ that its online shops have been given the seal of approval by German certifier TÜV. Starting with the company’s German ReifenDirekt.de site, fifteen of Delticom’s shopping websites have been awarded TÜV S@fer Shopping status, and the company hopes this distinction will signal to customers a safer and comfortable online purchase.
There are strict requirements for the TÜV award, which is renewed every year in extensive tests. The certification focuses on a number of areas, including user-friendliness and transparency. Amongst other site qualities, TÜV requires that online customers find a clear menu navigation that allows them to complete the purchase process easily. Whether or not a site assures the protection of consumer data is another important factor taken into account.
During the last week of January, US based fibre producer Performance Fibers announced it had laid off a fifth of the workforce at its Salisbury, North Carolina facility. The plant, which includes HMSL tyre yarn in its production portfolio, is one of the local area’s ten largest employers – although the precise number of employees affected by the layoffs is not known as Performance Fibers holds the size of its workforce at Salisbury confidential for competitive reasons.
“This reduction in the workforce is part of a year-long effort at Performance Fibers to right-size our manufacturing footprint to better align with the needs of our customers’ demands for our products,” said company spokesman Jay Pomeroy. “While some of these reductions were due to the economy, they are more tied to the long-term strategy of serving our customers and keeping our business profitable.”
Sales wise, last year was a good one for Shandong Linglong. The Chinese manufacturer of car, truck agricultural and OTR tyres reported for the first time ever sales in excess of RMB 10 billion. The company’s 2008 sales, which reached a total of RMB 10.2 billion, (£1.03 billion) in the words of general manager Mr. Feng Wang, “not only exceeded our expectations but also hit a new historical high.”
Serbia’s Tanjug news agency reports that Michelin intends to open a logistics centre within the country. Michelin Group managing partner Michel Rollier met with Serbian deputy Prime Minister Bozidar Djelic during the Davos economic forum, says Tanjug, and plans were made for to establish such a facility before the middle of 2010.
Also on the agenda was production capacity: “We discussed the possibility of increasing production from six million tyres a year, the current output of Tigar–Michelin Company and we will keep working on that,” added Djelic.
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