The Fastest Kettle In The World
The Press Association reports that a second attempt to break a century-old world land speed record for steam-powered vehicles is being made by a British team.
Hankook Issues Statement Regarding Court Finding
Career TracksIn an August 18 news story, it was revealed that Hankook Tire Co. and some of its manufacturing plant managers were found guilty of failing to prevent a series of work-related deaths at Hankook facilities.
Ceat Considering 3-5% Price Increases
International NewsCeat managing director Paras K Chowdhary has stated the Indian manufacturer will have to increase tyre prices by up to five per cent in October if rubber prices, which climbed 10 to 15 per cent in the last quarter, remain high. In a video interview with CNBC-TV18, Chowdhary said “if Indian rubber prices don’t come […]
Goodyear introduces AGRI Club
Product NewsGoodyear has introduced a new agricultural club for farmers nationwide. The Goodyear AGRI Club has been set up to encourage the sharing of best practice and industry news throughout the UK's farming community. Free to join, the Goodyear AGRI Club offers members regular e-mail and postal newsletters as well as tyre offers and opportunities to join the Goodyear team at farming shows across the country.
Kumho to Lay off 706 Employees in September
NewsIt is alleged Kumho Tire will lay off 18 per cent of its workforce during September. According to South Korea’s Dong-a Ilbo (East Asia Daily), the tyre maker has filed an application to this effect with the Gwangju Regional Labour Office, and the country’s Labour Ministry stated on August 17 that Kumho will dismiss 706 employees on September 16. In its application, the company cited a number of reasons for its decision, including aggravating business conditions, rising accumulated deficits, and a lower operating rate at its factories due to declining profits. On August 10 Kumho began offering early retirement packages to employees. Only 20 workers have so far applied to take such an offer, however.
Not Our Business – Goodyear Closes Corporate Museum
Career TracksAfter 61 years, Goodyear’s World of Rubber museum in Akron, Ohio has finally lost its bounce. Citing a lack of attendance and the company’s move to a new headquarters building as key motivating factors, the US tyre major has announced the museum’s upcoming closure. Doors at the centre will shut for the last time on August 28.
Improving Recommendation Rates the Key, says J.D. Power
NewsAccording to the findings of the latest J.D. Power and Associates Retail Tire Experience Report, improving recommendation rates amongst sales staff at independent tyre retailers is one of the most effective means of increasing market share. This conclusion was reached after compiling the results of more than 4,000 ‘mystery shopper’ telephone calls to 2,100 retail tyre locations in the US during 2008 and 2009. The report examines which tyre brands are recommended by salespeople at major tyre retailers and how effectively retailers handle telephone shoppers.
Aussie Couple Maxes Out on Fuel Record
Product NewsThree weeks. 9,000-plus miles. 48 states. 67.9 miles per gallon – That’s all you need to know about a world-record trek by an Australian couple who smashed the existing Guinness world record for fuel economy by nine full miles per gallon – all on Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max radials.
Marangoni Promotes Rizzi
NewsMarangoni Tread North America has promoted Don Rizzi to be its first national sales manager. Rizzi, who joined Marangoni in 2005, will oversee both the sales and technical groups for Marangoni. (Tire Review/Akron) Related news: Marangoni cuts ContiTread ties in the Americas SmartWay approval for Ringtread pair Marangoni joins the RTA Marangoni’s Marge Connors […]
NGK Spark Plugs Has New President
NewsNGK Spark Plugs (USA) Inc. has promoted Hideyuki Koiso to president and CEO. Koiso previously served as executive vice president, and is a 31-year veteran of NGK Spark Plugs Co. He also served as vice president in the U.S. from 1997 to 2006. He replaces Shinichi Odo, who is returning to Japan to become director […]
Chinese Company Fined for Producing Fake Conti Drive Belts
Career TracksContiTech reports achieving a further victory in the fight against product forgeries after proving that a large Chinese manufacturer produced fake ContiTech automotive drive belts. "This is a major step in the prosecution of illicit reproduction cases, since it was the first time that we were able to determine the manufacturer directly," reported Helmut Engel, head of the ContiTech Power Transmission Group’s Automotive Aftermarket sector. "Often, only the dealers and importers are held to account, and the producers of the copies remain unknown."
Tyrepac Extends Online Presence into Malaysia
NewsAsia’s first online retail tyre portal, Tyrepac, was launched in Singapore last February. Since that time the website has extended its presence into Hong Kong, China and South Korea. The company has now officially added Malaysia to the growing list of countries covered.
Schaeffler Debt Deal – Paving the Way for a Merger
Career TracksThe Schaeffler Group has moved one step closer towards a merger with Continental AG after reaching an agreement with banks to refinance 12 billion euros in debt. According to a Schaeffler statement, the ball bearing manufacturer’s credit lines have been split into two portions of 4 1/2-year and six-year maturities and will be implemented in several stages. Refinancing deals were arranged with UBS, Royal Bank of Scotland, Unicredit SpA’s HVB Group unit, Commerzbank AG and Landesbank Baden-Wuerttemberg.
Study Reveals High Proportion of Dangerously Worn Tyres in Use
NewsIf Doctor Foster had gone to Gloucester in 2009 he’d have had more to worry about than puddles. According to a three-month study carried out by the Chris Mullins Tyres, more than three quarters of motorists in the southwest town are leaving it too late before they replace worn, damaged and potentially dangerous tyres. Staff at the Gloucester based tyre specialist found that almost 77 per cent of the 3,050 tyres they examined from cars, 4x4s and light vans between May and the end of July were already worn below the legal limit of 1.6mm.
Update on Amtel Bankruptcy to be Given at EGM
Career TracksAmtel-Vredestein N.V. has given notice that it will hold its Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders on September 2 at the Sheraton Amsterdam Airport Hotel and Conference Centre. The agenda for the EGM will, amongst other things, include the company’s 2008 financial statements and an update on Amtel’s financial affairs and bankruptcy. ABH Financial Limited’s restructuring […]
