Lanxess to share latest rubber research at Tire Technology Expo
In addition to showcasing its latest tyre industry developments at next month’s Tire Technology Expo in Hannover, Germany, the Tire and Specialty Rubbers (TSR) business unit of specialty chemicals company Lanxess will deliver two presentations on research into potential ways to further optimise tyre rubber compound.
Continue ReadingPlatinum v4 – Caterpillar awards Yokohama’s Onomichi tyre plant
For the fourth year in a row, Yokohama Rubber’s Onomichi plant in Japan has been instrumental in the tyre maker earning Caterpillar’s premier supplier award: Platinum Level Recertification in its Supplier Quality Excellence Process (SQEP). The Onomichi factory produces original equipment and replacement OTR tyres for a wide range of equipment, and supplies the construction and mining machinery manufacturer in a range of countries, including the UK, USA, China and Japan.
Continue ReadingYokohama Rubber opens winter tyre proving ground
A ceremony held on 20 January marked the official opening of Yokohama Rubber’s new winter tyre testing facility in Japan. The ribbon on the Tire Test Center of Hokkaido (TTCH) was cut by a number of dignitaries, including Yokohama Rubber president Hikomitsu Noji and Masahito Nishikawa, mayor of host city Asahikawa.
Continue ReadingOctober-December profits up 20% at MRF Ltd
India’s largest tyre maker, MRF Ltd, has announced its unaudited standalone results for the quarter ending 31 December 2015. The company reports total income of Rs 33786.3 million (£349.9 million) for the period, 2.9 per cent less than the October to December 2014 quarter. Net profit stood at Rs 3881.5 million (£40.2 million) for the quarter, 20.0 per cent higher than a year earlier.
Continue ReadingCooper Tire sets up Brazilian sales office
Cooper Tire & Rubber is interested in expanding its presence in Latin America. Last November the tyre maker signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Argentina’s Fate SAICI, an agreement that initially covers distribution but may be extended to R&D and offtake production, and this month Cooper announced it has established a sales office in São Paulo, Brazil.
Continue ReadingContinental to build new headquarters – towns bid to host facility
Continental has outgrown its headquarters in Hanover, Germany, and is in the process of identifying a suitable site to build a new, larger premises. The city of Hannover has already made Continental an offer in order to keep the tyre maker and automotive industry supplier at home there, however towns in the surrounding region are also attempting to lure the company to a new location so that they may benefit from Conti’s local business taxes.
Continue ReadingBridgestone’s Russian plant – update
The 2016 opening of a Bridgestone tyre production facility in Russia, as reported by Tyrepress.com on 22 January, is the culmination of a joint project agreed upon almost three years ago. On 12 April 2013, Bridgestone Corporation concluded an investment contract with co-investor Mitsubishi Corporation and with the Ulyanovsk Oblast government and Ulyanovsk Region Development Corporation, to build a ¥37.5 billion (£221 million) passenger car radial tyre plant in the Zavolzhye Industrial Zone in Ulyanovsk Oblast, Russia.
Continue ReadingUK car manufacturing at 10-year high
In 2015 the British car manufacturing industry made more cars than any year since 2005 when 1,595,697 vehicles were produced, according to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Data released on 21 January shows that production increased 3.9 per cent on 2014, with output at 1,587,677 overtaking pre-recession levels for the first time.
Continue ReadingDriveRight R&D moves into MIRA
DriveRight, a leading independent supplier of international automotive, wheel and tyre data, has established its UK R&D team and wheel and caliper consultancy at MIRA Technology Park, near Hinckley. DriveRight recently announced plans to expand further, and the move to MIRA Technology Park (now part of the Horiba MIRA group) is the first step in its expansion plan.
Continue ReadingApollo sites first Indian ‘Go The Distance’ pitch in Mumbai
The establishment of dual-branded Apollo Manchester United Go The Distance community pitches was said to be a key part of Apollo’s Man U sponsorship when it began back in August 2013. The first such pitch was officially opened a year after the relationship began just outside the h
Continue Reading95% of diesel cars are breaking emissions limits – Which?
VW has borne the brunt of criticism for its admitted use of defeat devices in order to manipulate test results. However, the latest research from Which? found that many other manufacturers are breaking emission limits too.
Continue ReadingNokian announced ‘operational structure and management team’ changes
Alexej von Bagh is to take over the responsibility for global Process development at Nokian Tyres as of 1 April 2016. Mr von Bagh will have responsibility for the overall process architecture and process development. Mr von Bagh reports to the president and CEO. “Alexej has been a strong driver in Vianor’s success. Vianor’s processes are world class and business is growing. He will take the planning and execution of the whole company’s process architecture to the top level”, says Ari Lehtoranta, president and CEO of Nokian Tyres.
Continue Reading2016 Ford Focus RS fitted with Michelin tyres
Ford’s new Focus RS models will be equipped with Michelin Pilot Super Sport and Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, depending on customer requirements. Unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show in September 2015, the new Ford Focus RS will be fitted with Michelin’s flagship Pilot Super Sport road tyres in 235/35 ZR19 front and rear and Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres are available as an option in the same size.
Continue ReadingMagna Tyres to exhibit at Bauma
Off-road tyre manufacturer Magna Tyres Group has confirmed its presence at the event billed as “the world’s largest trade show for construction and mining equipment and machinery”. The company says it will present its latest Magna and MTP brand tyres at the show.
Continue ReadingQingdao carbon black JV now wholly Orion-owned
Carbon black supplier Orion Engineered Carbons S.A. shares that its acquisition of the remaining 64 per cent share in the Qingdao Evonik Chemical Co. Ltd. (QECC) carbon black business in Qingdao, China has now been completed.
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