NFDA seeks clarification on Job Retention Scheme
On 27 March, National Franchised Dealers Association wrote to Kemi Badenoch MP, exchequer secretary to the Treasury, to seek clarifications on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, following the release of further details which have created confusion among employers. “We urge the Government to clarify its guidance on the Job Retention Scheme as the latest information is creating uncertainty in the sector”, said Sue Robinson, director of the NFDA.
Continue Reading![Goodyear’s sentiments slide in Q4 2019 due to challenging environment – GlobalData](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/goodyear-globaldata-sentiments.png)
Goodyear’s sentiments slide in Q4 2019 due to challenging environment – GlobalData
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.’s (Goodyear) sentiments declined in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2019 (Quarter ending December 31, 2019) compared to Q3 2019, due to the automotive industry’s challenging environment and distributor concerns, says data and analytics company GlobalData.
Continue ReadingAnalysts upgrade Conti despite OEM shutdowns
Financial analysts have upgraded Continental AG shares to buy on the basis that car manufacturer shutdowns will only be a limited measure. Writing in an investors note dated 25 March, Jefferies analysts explained their rationale:
Continue Reading![The tyre business is keeping countries rolling](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/asphalt-blurred-car-car-lights-566862.jpg)
The tyre business is keeping countries rolling
By the time you read this a quarter of the world will be on some kind of lockdown along with virtually every car plant in Europe and many tyre factories. We are in uncharted territory. And, as ETRMA secretary general Fazilet Cinaralp said recently, we have to brace ourselves for “one of the biggest challenges our industry has ever faced”. And yet there have already been numerous examples of endeavour, enterprise and generosity in the face of such adversity.
Continue Reading![Ferrari to re-start car manufacturing on 14 April 2020](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Ferrari_Roma_04.jpg)
Ferrari to re-start car manufacturing on 14 April 2020
In a welcome bit of news for the original equipment business, on 27 March Ferrari N.V. announced that it plans to resume production on 14 April 2020.
Continue ReadingHalf a century of Michelin tyre making ends in Dundee
Michelin’s tyre plant in Dundee, Scotland has produced its last tyre. Although the facility wasn’t scheduled to close until mid-year, Michelin now says it won’t resume operations after the coronavirus crisis - indeed, it considers doing so “unviable and unwise”. The decision has been taken in agreement with the Unite union, and the company will pay plant workers all wages they’re entitled to through to the planned closure date.
Continue Reading![Trelleborg reorganisation brings greater prominence to tyres](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Trell-1.png)
Trelleborg reorganisation brings greater prominence to tyres
At the end of February, Trelleborg invited key dealers to the company’s Swedish homeland in order to further develop connections with its UK distributors and share the details of recent developments at the well-known agricultural and off-road tyre and wheel manufacturer. Tyres & Accessories spoke with Trelleborg’s Agricultural Segment Leader – EMEA, Bruce Lauder in order to find out more.
Continue Reading![Sumitomo Rubber Industries temporarily shuts South Africa tyre plant](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/sumitomo-south-africa.jpg)
Sumitomo Rubber Industries temporarily shuts South Africa tyre plant
Sumitomo Rubber Industries, the manufacturer of the global Falken tyre brand has temporarily shut down its factory in South Africa on government orders. All of its other tyre manufacturing facilities are currently operational, though staff at the Falken Tyre Europe headquarters in Germany are working remotely where possible, or following social distancing guidelines.
Continue Reading![ZC Rubber expanding work with rubber recycling](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/ZC-Rubber-recycling.png)
ZC Rubber expanding work with rubber recycling
Earlier this month, Zhongce Rubber Group Co., Ltd. (ZC Rubber) and Nanjing Lvjinren Rubber & Plastic High-tech Co., Ltd. (Nanjing Lvjinren Rubber) agreed to expand their capacity to produce recycled rubber from end of life tyres. The two companies are working on a project to boost capacity for recycled rubber at their pilot plant by 20,000 tonnes a year. ZC Rubber says this will be “fully operational” by September 2020 and will be the “leading” Industry 4.0 recycled rubber intelligent plant and pilot recycling project within China’s tyre industry.
Continue Reading![Despite postponement, Bridgestone remains committed to Olympics](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/bridgestone-olympic-smll.jpg)
Despite postponement, Bridgestone remains committed to Olympics
Tokyo has experienced more than its fair share of misfortune when it comes to hosting the Olympic Games. Confirmation came this week that, for the second time in modern Olympic history, the event wouldn’t take place as scheduled in the Japanese capital. The Games of the XXXII Olympiad are now expected to take place next year.
Continue ReadingNokian Tyres stopping production for two weeks in April
Employee cooperation negotiations concerning Nokian Tyres’ workforce in Finland have concluded. The outcome of these negotiations is that all 1,630 employees of Nokian Tyres plc, Nokian Heavy Tyres Ltd, Vianor Holding Oy and Vianor Oy will be temporarily laid off. The length of time that each employee will be laid off depends upon their function within the company, however Nokian says nobody will be laid off for more than 90 days this year or, in the case of Vianor Oy, between now and February 2021.
Continue ReadingNokian Tyres withdraws financial guidance for 2020
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak and the uncertainty it has created within the automotive and tyre market, the Board of Directors of Nokian Tyres plc has decided to withdraw the company’s financial guidance for 2020 that it published on 4 February 2020. Due to the prevailing uncertainties, the Board is not in a position to give a new guidance.
Continue Reading![Hankook launches CMF LAB design database](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Hankook-Model-Solution-sml.jpg)
Hankook launches CMF LAB design database
Hankook Tire will support its product development with a new in-house creative database that offers “unique industry insights and new concepts.” The tyre maker has set up this ‘CMF LAB’ database together with Model Solution, its prototype and manufacturing solutions company. Model Solution will use the CMF LAB as a strategic springboard for new business expansion.
Continue Reading![Aftermarket suppliers can remain open in Covid-19 lockdown](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Wendy-Williamson-IAAF-Chief-Executive.jpg)
Aftermarket suppliers can remain open in Covid-19 lockdown
The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation has gained clarification from government that businesses in the automotive aftermarket supplying garages, namely motor factors and suppliers, can remain open during the Covid-19 lockdown. Garages are exempt from the enforced closure of retailers, but motor factors can stay open in order to supply workshops who continue to support logistics providers, local councils, blue light services and key workers.
Continue Reading![The Tire Cologne on why it moved to 2021](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/TTC.jpg)
The Tire Cologne on why it moved to 2021
In light of the news that Koelnmesse took the decision to delay The Tire Cologne until 2021, Tyres & Accessories interviewed communications manager, Voelker de Cloedt in order to find out more about the thinking behind the move as well as the particular dates the company has chosen. The conversation began with a question about the nature of physical exhibitions in light of analysts reports suggesting we could be witnessing to transition of the sector to virtual shows.
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