Nokian 1H profits double, sales up 41%
Nokian Tyres reports that the group’s net sales increased by 41.4 per cent to 628.0 million euros during the first six month of 2011 (444.2 million euros in the first half of 2010). Operating profit grew faster still, almost doubling to 165.6 million euros (2010: 82.0 million euros) and earnings per share increased to 1.06 euros (2010: 0.58 euros).
Continue ReadingBloodbath at the stock exchange
The bloodbath at the stock exchange continues, with share prices of all the leading tyre makers falling sharply. The attention grabbing headline news is set-against strong half year figures from all leading tyre manufacturers which range from very good to excellent. And it is more than likely that the industry will set new record figures at the end of the year in terms of turnover and profit, which in normal circumstances virtually guarantees rising share prices. However, for the last 10 days the contrary has been true.
Continue ReadingTyrespot saves time with EDIWheel
MAM Software has announced that Tyrespot is using its EDIWheel tyre ordering module. Almost all of Tyrespot's tyre purchases are now conducted electronically, saving the company hours of administration and paperwork.
Continue ReadingContinental AG manager investigated for Corruption
One of Continental AG’s managers is reportedly under police investigation relating to corruption allegations. Following an article in Germany's Bild newspaper, Bloomberg reported that Frankfurt prosecutor’s office confirmed that such an investigation is underway.
Continue ReadingMichelin operating income, margin stable as 1H sales increase
Michelin has released its first half financial results, showing stable operating income of €971 million for a 9.6 per cent operating margin, with net sales up 21 per cent. The Group says the figures are in line with its corporate “road map”, revising its full year sales volumes objectives upwards – after 12.6 per cent market growth in the first half – and reconfirming its profitability estimates. The Group suggests market growth should accelerate in line with long-term trends by the end of the year, targeting an 8 per cent growth in full-year sales volumes.
Continue ReadingContinental ups 2011 sales and EBIT forecasts
Continental is raising its outlook for 2011, based on what it called “a very successful first half-year” that included double-digit growth rates for sales and EBIT. “We had previously forecast sales of more than 28.5 billion euros, but we are now expecting at least 29.5 billion euros. We are also targeting an adjusted EBIT margin of around 10 per cent, slightly more than the good 2010 figure of 9.7 per cent,” said Continental executive board chairman Dr. Elmar Degenhart on Friday 29 July on publishing figures for the first half of the year.
Continue ReadingAnalysts on Pirelli results: ‘fewer tyres…more profits’
Following the publication of second quarter/first half 2011 financial results showing Pirelli doubled net profits year-on-year, financial analysts have lauded Pirelli “over any other auto part or tyre maker in EU.”
Continue ReadingPirelli to raise European prices 6% in September
Following the release of its second quarter financial results yesterday, Pirelli announced that it would implement a further round of price increases at the end of the summer. The latest six per cent prices hike will be effective in all European markets across the company’s car, SUV and van tyre product ranges from 1 September. The company reported that the it has had to raise prices as a consequence of the rising costs of “key raw materials, in particular natural and synthetic rubber, and oil.”
Continue ReadingHankook Q2 “disappointing” – Deutsche Bank analyst
While Hankook’s second quarter represented a record in terms of sales, a Deutsche Bank report has provided a metaphorical cold shower with the “disappointing” news of a 34 per cent slide in year on year operating profit. On a consolidated International Financial Reporting Standards accounting basis, pre-tax profit was also down 20 per cent, while operating profit margin fell to 7 per cent from 12.8 per cent.
Continue Reading90% UHP surge in Europe helps Hankook to quarterly sales record
Hankook Tire has announced second quarter global sales of KRW 1,580 billion (£917 million), a rise of 21 per cent year on year, and the company’s best ever quarter. Operating profit for the quarter was KRW 110.7 billion. The region where the company experienced the greatest growth was the emerging Russian market, where Hankook nearly doubled its sales. In other major territories, sales grew by between a third and a half, with European figures at the top end of this scale. Hankook said its figures demonstrate the “increased recognition” of the quality of its tyres, as the ultra high performance segment outstripped total sales growth in its major markets, most notably in Europe, where the Korean manufacturer sold 89.6 per cent more UHP tyres year on year. Original equipment sales in the segment were also up 90 per cent in consolidated non-domestic markets.
Continue ReadingGoodyear to announce 2Q 2011 financial results
Goodyear’s Richard J. Kramer, chairman and chief executive officer, and Darren R. Wells, executive vice president and chief financial officer will participate in an investor conference call following the company’s second quarter 2011 financial results report. The report will be delivered before markets open on Thursday, 28 July, with the call following at 10:00 EST (15:00 GMT). The financial information will be posted on Goodyear’s investor relations website at around 9:45 EST. Goodyear also says that the call can be accessed on the website or via telephone by calling (706) 643-2869 before 9:55 on July 28. A taped replay will be available later that day by calling (404) 537-3406, Conference ID 83080825, and on the website.
Continue ReadingGITI arranging US$225 million loan
Six banks have reportedly agreed to support a Deutsche Bank-arranged US$225 million 3.5-year term loan for China’s GITI Tire. According to Thompson Reuters’ ifre.com website, unnamed banking sources shared the information with the publication. No details of what the loan is intended for have yet been released, but it looks likely to be a refinancing tool. GITI has not officially commented on the reports.
Continue ReadingRhein Chemie buys Wacker’s tyre release agents business
Rhein Chemie Rheinau GmbH has opted to expand its product range for into tyre release agents by acquiring this part of Wacker Chemie AG’s operations on 8 July 2011. The two parties agreed to keep the purchase price confidential. According to the companies, Wacker’s tyre release agents business achieved sales amounting to a mid single-digit million euro amount in 2010. The acquisition reportedly makes Rhein Chemie the world leading supplier of tyre release agents. Rhein Chemie is itself a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lanxess from Leverkusen, Germany.
Continue ReadingItochu: Kwik-Fit and Stapleton’s to remain separate
The Itochu Corporation has sought to re-iterate its position that its Kwik-Fit retail business and its Stapleton’s wholesale operation will be run as “entirely separate entities.” Answering questions raised widely within the market following the appointment of Stapleton’s MD Kenji Murai as Kwik-Fit head, an Itochu representative explained: “Subsequent to the recent departure of Kwik-Fit CEO Ian Fraser, Kenji Murai is temporarily leading both Stapleton’s and Kwik-Fit. This is an interim measure that was forced upon us. We can confirm that the two businesses will continue to be run individually and an announcement regarding the organisational structures of both companies will be made within the coming few weeks.”
Continue ReadingComment: A change will do you good?
As the July issue of Tyres & Accessories went to press, Kwik Fit Group announced the arrival of Stapleton's boss Kenji Murai as its new group head. Of course we are all aware of the fact that Itochu now owns both Stapleton’s and Kwik Fit (who could have missed all the coverage reporting the purchase from 2 March onwards?); and it is of course natural that a company will want to have their own people integrated into a business they have purchased (and congratulations and best wishes to the new boss); but there are at least two reasons why this news will raise some eyebrows.
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