Leading European tyremakers investigated as part of price-fixing investigation
Unannounced inspections, investigations, visits, raids. Whatever you call them, having the European Commission come knocking uninvited is not how any tyre manufacturer wants to start 2024. Nevertheless, that is exactly what happened at the tail-end of January across “several member states” within the European Union.
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Continental consolidates tyre warehousing at Czechia tyre plant
As part of measures to centralise warehousing in the local area, Continental has officially opened a fully automated high-bay warehouse at the site of its tyre production plant in Otrokovice, Czech Republic. This 10,000 square metre, 43-metre-high facility – approximately as tall as the Statue of Liberty – has the capacity to store more than 930,000 tyres.
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Michelin confirms it has been investigated in EC antitrust case
Following the news that the European Commission has opened a price-fixing investigation across “several member states”, Michelin has officially confirmed that it too has been investigated as part of EC antitrust case. Nokian, Goodyear, Continental, Pirelli and Bridgestone have also been investigated as part of the EC case.
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ETRMA not subject to EC inspection
Yesterday the European Commission announced it was “carrying out unannounced inspections at the premises of companies active in the tyres industry in several Member States.” So far, we’ve learned that Bridgestone, Continental, Goodyear, Michelin, Nokian Tyres, and Pirelli received visits from EC officials.
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European Commission ‘conducting antitrust inspection’ at Bridgestone
Bridgestone joined four other manufacturers in confirming to Tyrepress that it has been part of the European Commission’s series of unannounced inspections at tyre makers active within several European Union member states. A representative told Tyrepress: “Bridgestone can confirm that the European Commission is conducting an inspection at its European Headquarters. As a responsible company that is committed to fair practices and transparency, Bridgestone is fully cooperating.”
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Pirelli confirms EC antitrust inspectors visit
Pirelli has confirmed that it is among the tyre manufacturers in European Union member states receiving an unannounced visit from European Commission investigators today, according to Tyrepress sister site PneusNews. The EC is concerned that companies producing replacement market tyres for cars, vans, trucks and busses may have “violated EU antitrust rules that prohibit cartels and restrictive business practices.” A Pirelli spokesperson said the company “has always acted in total compliance with all rules and regulations,” adding that “it is guaranteeing full support” to investigators.
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European Commission investigators make unannounced inspection at Continental
The European Commission’s unannounced inspections at European tyre company premises today included Continental. The Hanover, Germany based manufacturer said, “We can confirm that as of today investigations by European antitrust authorities are taking place at Continental in Germany.” A representative added that the company could not comment further on an ongoing investigation. The EC is investigating concerns of price coordination on new replacement tyres for passenger cars, vans, trucks and busses sold in the European Economic Area.
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EC launches tyre industry antitrust investigation in “several member states”
The European Commission is carrying out unannounced inspections at the premises of companies active in the tyre industry “in several “member states”. The reason? “The commission has concerns that the inspected companies may have violated EU antitrust rules that prohibit cartels and restrictive business practices”, according to an official statement. So far, Nokian Tyres, Continental, Goodyear, Pirelli, and Bridgestone have confirmed they have received an unannounced inspection.
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Timing is key for 2024 motorcycling season
We’ve done Covid-19 and grown used to rising energy prices. Now it’s 2024, and our crise du jour involves an important sea lane and those intent on disrupting its navigation. The situation is making itself felt in many parts of the tyre business, including the two-wheeler tyre segment.
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Toyo Tires dissolving Europe Project Development Department, appoints Murase GM of EMEA Sales
Toyo Tire Corporation has announced changes related to its business within Europe. Effective 1 February, the company is “constructively” dissolving its International Production Division’s Europe Project Development Department. Meanwhile, Takanori Murase will become the new General Manager of Toyo Tire Corporation’s Europe, Sales Department and Sales Division for the Africa & Middle East region, effective 1 April 2024.
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Sailun ups Cambodia expansion to 12 million tyres
Following on from an October 2023 announcement that it will extend annual passenger and light commercial vehicle tyre capacity in Cambodia by 6 million pieces, Sailun Group has approved additional investment in its plant. It will invest a further RMB 773.69 million (£85.05 million) to expand the capacity expansion project from 6 million to 12 million tyres a year. In total, Sailun is investing RMB 2.25 billion (£247.33 million) in its Cart Tire Co. Ltd. project, which will result in a facility capable of making 21 million semi-steel radial tyres a year.
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Remember This? – January 2024
Our monthly magazine column looks back at the biggest news events from the tyre industry five, 10, 15 and 20 years ago. This months edition looks back to January issues from 2004, 2009, 2014, and 2019 for some of the biggest tyre industry news of those months. Click the month and year to access the digital edition of the relevant issue of the magazine from Tyres & Accessories’ expanding digital archive.
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Bridgestone set to invest $5 billion in enhancing EV tyre offering
Bridgestone is planning to invest around 800 billion yen ($5.38 billion) over the three years between now and 2026, with the money earmarked for the development of electric vehicle and mining tyres along with decarbonization technologies, according to a Nikkei report.
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Departures & arrivals – changes to Borbet’s management team
Three managing directors are parting ways with wheel manufacturer Borbet, and not all are going voluntarily. One is Oliver J. Schneider, who as managing director of Borbet Vertriebs GmbH is in charge of aftermarket business. He is leaving at his own request, and Borbet has yet to name his successor. Two other members of the Borbet GmbH management team also ended their tenures with the company in the past week.
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Biomass butadiene plant inaugurated at Michelin site
Together with partners IFPEN and Axens, Michelin has brought an industrial scale bio-based butadiene demonstrator plant into operation in France. The facility is located at Michelin’s Bassens site near Bordeaux. The aim is to develop and commercialise butadiene from plant biomass-derived ethanol as a replacement for petrochemical-based butadiene.
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