Schrader to pay US$31 million for TPMS patent infringement
On 14 February 2020, Schrader was found to have contributed to and induced infringement of Wasica Finance GmbH and BlueArc Finance AG’s 524 patent. The patent relates to tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) technology. As a result, the claimants were awarded US$31.2 million in royalty damages.
Continue ReadingGoodyear acquiring German wholesaler Reifen Baierlacher
Goodyear plans to acquire a tyre wholesaler in Germany. Should the deal gain approval from the relevant antitrust authorities, Goodyear Dunlop Tires Germany GmbH will purchase Weilheim, Bavaria-based wholesaler and retailer Reifen Baierlacher. The tyre maker has not disclosed how much it will pay for the family-owned business.
Continue ReadingDunlop extends MXGP World Championship support
The promoter of the FIM MXGP World Championship has extended its partnership with Dunlop. Infront Moto Racing has signed the tyre brand up to a new three-year partnership agreement to be an official tyre supplier of the series.
Continue ReadingMeasuring tyre wear & pressure in one pass – Michelin Partners with HGV network AS 24
Michelin is teaming up with AS 24, the HGV service station network that fuel company Total runs in 28 countries across Europe, to launch a new automatic tyre inspection service – Fleet Diag 24. The partners will launch their diagnostic offer in March. The rollout begins in a small way, with Fleet Diag 24 initially offered at just three sites in France, however, we can expect to see it introduced at many more of the 986 AS 24 outlets in the UK and Europe.
Continue ReadingWarburg Pincus investing £117 million in Apollo Tyres
Private equity firm Warburg Pincus is investing around £117 million in Apollo Tyres via a subsidiary. On 26 February, the tyre maker’s Board of Directors approved the issue of up to 108 million compulsorily convertible preference shares, each with a face value of Rs 100, to Emerald Sage Investment Ltd. The transaction is subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals.
Continue ReadingTRS Tyres goes live with CAM and e-jobsheet
TRS Tyres has gone live with CAM software solutions and e-jobsheet. The Lancashire company will use the systems to support its commercial tyre service function, as well as enabling the casing company to control its inbound and outbound stock effectively, with greater visibility of product across its two sites.
Continue ReadingMichelin wins Tire Manufacturer, Technology of the Year at TTI Awards
Michelin and VMI were the big winners at the Tire Technology International Awards for Innovation and Excellence. Tire Manufacturing Innovation of the Year was won by VMI for its Synchro Crown Drum, while Michelin sealed the Tire Technology and Tire Manufacturer of the Year double, the former in recognition of its airless tyre, Uptis. Tire Industry Supplier of the Year was Eastman, while Environmental Achievement of the Year was RubberJet Valley’s environmentally friendly High-Pressure Water Jet technology.
Continue ReadingDayco and Politecnico di Torino strengthen hybrid electric vehicle research partnership
Dayco, a leading engine products and drive systems supplier for the automotive, industrial and aftermarket industries, has strengthened its relationship with the Politecnico di Torino to develop hybrid electric systems for vehicle manufacturers across the globe.
Continue ReadingKlarius strengthens Staffordshire University partnership
The UK’s largest aftermarket manufacturer of emissions control components, Klarius Products showed its support for Staffordshire University by taking part in the institution’s Business Breakfast during National Apprenticeship Week. The company said this underlines the company’s commitment to place education at forefront of its strategy.
Continue ReadingMichelin explains retail network brand simplification to motorcycle dealer partners
Michelin’s motorcycle partner dealers were given an in-depth market review and briefed on the business’s strategy for the year ahead at the annual Michelin Two-Wheel Conference.
Continue ReadingFintyre’s insolvent businesses: All unpaid employees now receiving benefits
All employees of the Fintyre Group’s 16 subsidiary companies in Germany who didn’t receive their wages or salaries for January have now received insolvency benefits – which Fintyre will ultimately pay for, one way or another.
Continue ReadingCooper Tires relaunches plant after acquiring Mexico JV
After purchasing its former partner’s 42 per cent share in the Corporación de Occidente S. A. de C.V. (COOCSA) joint venture in Mexico, Cooper Tire & Rubber halted passenger and commercial vehicle production at the site and re-hired the workforce there as employees of Cooper Tires. Brad Hughes, the tyre maker’s president and chief executive officer, reports that Cooper Tires is “now in the process of ramping production back up” at the site. Restructuring the plant will cost the company around US$10 million, an expense that will mainly occur in the first quarter of 2020.
Continue ReadingProtyre becomes latest Goodyear agri range distributor
Micheldever group company Protyre is once again distributing Goodyear agricultural tyres within the UK market. It will supply the Goodyear Farm Tires range from its 20 agricultural centres across the country; it already reports high levels of customer interest from Protyre outlets in areas such as Cumbria, Pembrokeshire, Derbyshire, Bristol and Essex.
Continue ReadingTyre connectivity can reduce new-to-worn stopping difference by 30%
Goodyear Tire & Rubber says its road testing and customer field tests involving connected tyres recently surpassed the 3-million-mile mark with initial studies showing these connected tyres can reduce stopping distance lost between a new and worn tyre by 30 per cent.
Continue ReadingVenson Automotive Solutions publishes tyres white paper
Venson Automotive Solutions has published a free white paper on tyres for fleet decision-makers and company car and van drivers. The company states that “all too often price wins over vehicle use, age and mileage when it comes to buying and replacing tyres,” compared to the investment devoted to preparing vehicles for the latest connected technology.
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