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At a meeting on 14 March, the Supervisory Board of German tyre and automotive systems maker Continental approved the next stage of one of the largest organisational changes in its history. Several new appointments at Executive Board level were announced, including the transfer of Nikolai Setzer to the company’s Automotive Group.
Kumho Tire reports that models of the BMW X3 manufactured at the BMW America plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina are being fitted with the Kumho Crugen HP91 as original equipment. The sport activity vehicle rides on the Crugen in size 245/50R19 105W; the tyres are manufactured at Kumho’s Gwangju plant in South Korea.
When Rinspeed presented its microSNAP, a vehicle system with interchangeable chassis and bodies, at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, eagle-eyed visitors may have spotted the display vehicle’s Hankook rubber. It wouldn’t wear anything else: Hankook Tire has been named official tyre partner to the microSNAP project, and the vehicle is kitted out in size 195/40R17 Hankook Ventus S1 evo tyres.
The regency of the Nokian Tractor King has reached a new dimension with the addition of eight new dimensions – these join the seven-size launch portfolio introduced last year. From July 2019, the following sizes, now available for order, will be ready for delivery: 500/65R28; 600/60R28; 540/65R30; 600/70R30; 620/75R30; 600/65R38; 650/85R38; 710/70R42.
Maxion Wheels, the world’s largest wheel manufacturer, has entered into an agreement to form a new passenger car aluminium wheel joint venture with Dongfeng Motor Parts and Components Group, one of China’s largest automotive parts companies. The new legal entity, Dongfeng Maxion Wheels, will build a new two-million per year capacity plant in Hubei Province, China. Series production is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2020.
Yesterday the Federation of Chemical Workers of Hungary (VDSZ) announced the start of an indefinite strike at the Hankook Tire factory in Rácalmás, Hungary. With this measure, the trade union is placing pressure upon the tyre maker to modify the terms of the wage increase it announced for 2019. What then is Hankook Tire offering plant workers, and why doesn’t the VDSZ like it?
Providing an update on its USA factory project, Nokian Tyres reports it is on schedule to begin producing tyres at the Dayton, Tennessee site in 2020. Progress made so far on the facility’s construction, it adds, has been “significant”.
As reported yesterday, wage negotiations between management at Hankook Tire’s factory in Rácalmás, Hungary and the union representing plant workers have reached a stalemate. Today, the Federation of Chemical Workers of Hungary (VDSZ) announced the start of an indefinite strike at the factory.
In 2017, Michelin stated that hydrogen “ticks all the boxes” for its vision of sustainable mobility. The company’s activities in this area are now moving forward with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to create a new joint venture that will bring together all of Michelin’s fuel cell related activities, including its subsidiary Symbio, with those of automotive parts manufacturer Faurecia.
A new replacement tyre option exists for owners of classic cars, particularly Japanese models from the 1960s and 70s. The Yokohama G.T. Special Classic is being launched this summer in European markets in three sizes – 165/80R15 87H, 175/80R14 88S and 165/80R14 85S.
On Friday, Michelin announced its acquisition of 88 per cent of Indonesian tyre maker PT Multistrada Arah Sarana TBK (Multistrada) for US$480 million. The share purchase was completed in line with the terms announced on 22 January 2019 and after obtaining all necessary approvals. As part of the transaction, Michelin also takes on a 20 per cent stake in the tyre retail and automotive service chain PT Penta Artha Impressi, as well as 50 hectares of land.
The trade union representing workers at Hankook Tire’s factory in Hungary warns further strikes will take place unless pay rise demands are met. In a statement, the Federation of Chemical Workers of Hungary (VDSZ) warns that strikes could occur as soon as today.
Alloy wheel manufacturer Borbet intends to invest around 5 million euros in the expansion and modernisation of its Bad Langensalza plant in Germany. According to local media sources, the project includes the installation of a pad printing centre. This facility will enable Borbet to keep abreast of the trend towards more individualised rims. Construction work is expected to be completed in June.
Former Michelin executive Stan Chandgie has been named vice-president of consumer sales at Yokohama Tire Corporation. He replaces Larry Kull, who was has become vice-president of sales and business operations within Yokohama Rubber’s North American operation.
Another tyre test from the Auto Bild family of magazines. This time, Auto Bild Sportscars has looked at 11 products in the size 245/45 R18 100W/Y. The exercise was happily free of major dramas, with testers Henning Klipp and Dierk Möller not reporting any serious safety issues amongst the candidates.
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