IMI forecasts 31 per cent drop in EV qualifications for Q2 2023
According to the latest IMI EV Technician Forecast Report, the total number of technicians trained to work safely on electric vehicles by the end of Quarter 1 2023 was 42,400, representing 18 per cent of all technicians in the UK. However, the number of newly-qualified EV technicians in the first three months of this year is actually 10 per cent lower than the same period in 2022. More concerning, the IMI projects that for the second quarter there will be an even more substantial decline of 31 per cent in technicians obtaining EV qualifications compared to Quarter 2 2022.
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Kumho appoints Brückner to German OEM role
As of 1 July 2023, Stephan Brückner is responsible for Kumho Tire’s original equipment business with all German vehicle manufacturers as Senior Sales Account Manager. He joins Kumho from Hankook Tire Europe, where he most recently served as OE Account Manager.
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Goodyear appoints 3 Elliott-approved directors, begins operational review
The open letter that Elliott Investment Management L.P. sent to The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company on 11 May 2023 was met with a promise to review the shareholder’s recommendations, which included the initiation of an operational review and the appointment of “five new highly qualified independent directors.” While Goodyear hasn’t met this wish list in its entirety, today the company announced three additions to its Board of Directors in connection with a cooperation agreement with Elliott.
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Stephan van Santbrink to become Arlanxeo CEO
Stephan van Santbrink will become chief executive officer of Arlanxeo on 1 October following Donald D. Chen’s retirement from this position. Chen will remain involved with the company in a senior advisory capacity until 1 February 2024 to ensure a smooth transition of leadership and the continuation of important strategic projects.
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Malcolm Smith named Prometeon’s UK, Eire, Nordics agricultural sales manager
Prometeon Tyre Group UK has appointed Malcolm Smith as Agricultural Sales Manager for UK, Eire and Nordics. He will be responsible for brand development and sales for Prometeon’s Agricultural tyre products and services covering all farm machinery, trailers, tractors, sprayers, combines and loadalls throughout the UK, Ireland, and Northern Europe, North Atlantic, including Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.
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Autotech Group appoints Armitage to commercial director role
As of today, Mark Armitage, FIMI, is commercial director of Autotech Group. In this newly created position, Armitage will drive the growth of Autotech Group’s four divisions – Recruit, Training, Academy and Connect.
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New executive appointments at Toyo Tire Holdings of Americas
Iori Suzuki will retire as chairman, president and chief executive officer of Toyo Tire Holdings of Americas Inc. (TTHA) on 31 July 2023, and two will fill the roles he vacates the following day. Tatsuo Mitsuhata is to become chairman and chief executive officer of TTHA, and Nobuo Yoshida has been named the business’s president and chief operating officer.
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Bridgestone’s Ferner to chair TIA EV Council
Mark Ferner, Bridgestone Retail Operations (BSRO) senior manager, technical operations will become chair of the Tire Industry Association’s Electric Vehicle Advisory Council (EVAC) on 1 August. He takes over from Big O Tires and Grease Monkey franchisee and former TIA Board member Ron Lautzenheiser, the original council leader since its foundation in June 2022. Lautzenheiser will continue to serve the council as a member.
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Gaboriaud named Michelin representative on Enviro board
Fabien Gaboriaud is Michelin’s new representative on the Scandinavian Enviro Systems (Enviro) board. Gaboriaud, who is senior vice president Sustainable Materials and Circularity at Michelin, expresses pride in his new assignment and considers his appointment to the board evidence of the tyre maker’s very strong commitment to Enviro.
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Toyo Tires appoints Ralf Gutena to drive growth in Europe
As of 1 July, Ralf Gutena is the new director of sales and marketing at Toyo Tire Holdings of Europe GmbH. Switching to Toyo from Kumho Tire Europe, Gutena is based in Germany and responsible for increasing market penetration in Europe.
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IMI ‘Perceptions’ campaign aims to tackle 20-year high in automotive vacancies
With the automotive sector facing a 20-year high in vacancies, the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) is aiming to change outdated perceptions “at the heart of the recruitment challenges”. IMI’s “Perceptions” campaign will centre on “real voices telling real stories about their positive career experiences.”
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New President & CEO at Toyo Tire Serbia
As of 1 July 2023, Yoji Imura has taken on new responsibilities at Toyo Tires. The former president of Toyo Tire Serbia LLC is now chairman and chief executive officer of the Serbian business. Kadir Aykut Gidergi, previously plant manager in Serbia, is now president and chief operating officer of Toyo Tire Serbia LLC, effective 1 July.
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Michelin names Miatton group employee experience manager
As of this month, Simone Miatton relinquishes command of Michelin’s business in Italy and joins the company’s Human Resources Management team at corporate level, in the role of group employee experience manager. Matteo De Tomasi is the new chief executive officer of Michelin Italiana, effective 13 July 2023, a position he holds in addition to his remit as commercial director.
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Rich Allen appointed International Tyres commercial director
Rich Allen has become commercial director at International Tyres & Trading Ltd. Allen brings with him 12 years of experience within the commercial tyre trade, specifically with Goodyear (truck) and Yokohama TWS (speciality).
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