According to the China Rubber Industry Association, the 43 major tyre companies belonging to the association’s Tyre Branch increased their production by an average of two per cent in 2012, producing a total of 325.5 million tyres, 287 million of which were radials. Sales revenue for the 43 companies was RMB 205.6 billion (£21.9 billion), a 0.3 per cent year-on-year increase.
Celebrating their 75th anniversary, staff at MAC Tools, the automotive division of Stanley Black & Decker, raised an impressive £4,100 through an auction in aid of BEN, the automotive industry charity. Tony Prueitt, UK Commercial Director of the Industrial & Automotive Division, invited Peter Cottle, BEN's Head of Business Development, to outline the charity's role for all franchisees attending their annual conference. Peter ensured everyone understood the breadth of support available to anyone who works, or has worked, in all automotive and related industries, as well as their dependents.
The latest new motorcycle and scooter figures show February sales overall were down 4.6 per cent compared with the same month last year. Under 50cc scooter sales were down 6.1 per cent in September, while all over 50cc motorcycle sales have decreased by 4.2 per cent.
In the US, Bridgestone recently submitted four Bandag retread products to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for SmartWay verification. Upon approval, Bridgestone will offer a total of seven SmartWay verified retreads following a number earlier approvals. Three Bandag retread products – the B710 FuelTech, B197 FuelTech, and B135 FuelTech – are already on the agency’s list of low rolling resistance retreads.
The 2013 rally season is still young, but Kumho shares it is ”already making its mark” on the UK championships. For example, Alex Allingham's ex-Prodrive Subaru Impreza N10 that took outright honours at the Rally Marketing Mid-Wales Stages event on 3 March did so courtesy of Kumho gravel tyres.
Two Marangoni Ringtread Energeco products, the drive tyre RDA-E and trailer tyre RTA-E, have been approved by the SmartWay programme in the US. Tire Review reports that this month’s verification of the RDA-E, with a tread depth of 19.84mm (25/32-inch), follows the November 2012 approval of the RTA-E, with a tread depth of 9.53mm (12/32-inch).
Janne Laitinen is the fastest driver on ice….in the world. The Finnish test driver teamed up with Nokian Tyres to break the record on the ice covering the Gulf of Bothnia, the Baltic Sea’s northerly cul-de-sac. For the record attempt on 9 March, Laitenen drove an Audi RS6 fitted with size 255/35R20 97 T XL Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 studded tyres. In freezing winter weather, Laitenen’s Nokian-shod car reached an eye watering 208.602 mph (335.713 km/h).
Michelin has released a free downloadable guide advising farmers and contractors how they can better protect their soil. The booklet is titled ‘Protect Your Soil’ and offers a range of hints and tips, from determining the different types of soil to ways to prevent soil damage by compaction.
Add Harrods to your list of Pirelli retailers – the famed department store will display the Italian brand’s P Zero spring/summer clothing range at a pop up shop there throughout March.
SRH Hamburg has extended its fleet contract with Bandvulc Tyres in conjunction with Vergölst GmbH, Bandvulc’s exclusive service provider partner in Germany. This means an extension of three years on the Wastemaster MKIII tyre, much to the delight of Simon Arnold, Bandvulc’s overseas business development manager:
Toyo has a range of SUV/4×4 tyres to cover on and off-road applications, with two tyres available for the high-powered, road-going SUV class. The Proxes T1 Sport SUV was created specifically for the high load and speed demands of the current crop of ultra-high performance SUVs like the Porsche Cayenne Turbo, Toyo says. The tyre extends the fitment coverage upwards of the longer-established Proxes S/T, whose “double V” tread pattern offers high speed stability and wet weather performance.
Bandvulc is upgrading the Galahad fleet management software used by its 23 member Key Partner Network through the introduction of its ‘Gateway’ programme.
Cooper Tire’s 4×4 range has been extended with the introduction of the Zeon LTZ and two new Discoverer models, the S/T MAXX and A/T3. All three tyres are off-road ready, with the Zeon LTZ performing as a hybrid between sport truck and all-terrain applications, with improved road handling and ride characteristics. One of the brand's distributors in this segment, Kings Road Tyres has worked with Cooper for more than 10 years, and purchasing and marketing manager, Tim Bader predicts that the new options could make a big impact, creating “a real buzz among stockists and end users”.
Toyo has agreed to buy Brazilian auto vibration parts manufacturer Produflex for around 1.5 billion yen (US$15.6 million), according to the Nikkei. Produflex manufacturers anti-vibration products for OEMs operating in Brazil including Fiat and, according to online reports, the Brazilian firm has around 430 workers and reported sales of 1.5 billion yen in 2012. The deal was made public on 11 March 2013.
Pirelli Tire North America has launched a new associate dealer programme. It is known as FasTrack, and Tire Review reports that dealers and their sales teams can earn rewards on all eligible Pirelli tyres sold at retail. Those enrolled also will be provided access to Pirelli’s exclusive online training network.
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