25 years of Supertracker: from cottage industry to 14,000 units
Southampton based alignment equipment supplier, Supertracker is 25 years old this year and Tyres & Accessories visited managing director Trevor Lovesy and alignment specialist, Jerry Barker to celebrate the milestone. Having been established by Lovesy’s parents in 1987 the company has moved from a cottage industry needing to sell 26 units in its first year to a major supplier of alignment equipment to Kwik Fit. It is indicative of the company’s quick progress that 1987 actually saw 87 sales, with the first units manufactured in August.
Continue ReadingEmbracing changes, building relationships: KRT at 40
Kings Road Tyres is 40 years old this year. While you could be forgiven for associating the more famous Kings Road in Chelsea with the Group’s name, it actually derives from the Richmond street of the same name, where what was Thames Haulage decided to get into the tyre business due to its large outlay on rubber for tipper trucks. Though it has evolved during the last 40 years from these beginnings to comprise divisions dealing with tyre wholesaling, tyre services and a retail outlet, the company places great emphasis on the continuity of its personnel. Indeed, KRT’s 40th anniversary as a company is also credit control manager, Barry Hill’s 40th year with the company, while the company’s owners – Commercial director Mark Cooper, Financial director Simon Lister and managing director Adrian Bader – have industry experience of over a century, much of which is with the KRT Group. The Group employs over 200 people, with a sales team of over 25 in Wholesale, over half of which has been with the company for 20 years. “KRT is where it is because of the continuity of people,” Bader says.
Continue ReadingMichelin demand data highlights serious demand challenges in mature markets
As part of its third quarter/nine month financial results, global tyre manufacturer Michelin also published its latest tyre demand details, which give a view on how markets are performing in different segments in various parts of the world. The figures are broken down by region and segment and are then split by OE and replacement market demand.
Continue ReadingPossible EU legislation on winter tyres?
Szabolcs Schmidt, head of the European Commission's road safety unit, said he agrees that winter tyres could improve road safety. He announced there will be a 2013 EU study to evaluate the role that tyres could have in increasing road safety. Schmidt spoke at a policy breakfast at the European Parliament hosted by German MEP Dieter-Lebrecht Koch, who is vice chairman of the body's transport committee. The event was organised by Mobivia Groupe with the support of the European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers' Association.
Continue ReadingCharges dropped against ex-Bridgestone scientist
All charges against a former research scientist at the Bridgestone Americas technical centre in Akron have been dropped, reports the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Xiaorong Wang, 50, of Hudson, Ohio, is "very relieved," his lawyer, Paul Adamson, told the newspaper.
Continue ReadingHankook expands European Technical Centre
Hankook is expanding its Europe Technical Centre (ETC) and will officially inaugurate its new facilities in Hannover this Friday. Hankook’s European R&D focuses on the development of tyres for the European markets as well as original equipment. According to the company, the expansion reflects the growing importance of Hankook’s OE supplies in Europe.
Continue Reading2012 plan outlines Bridgestone’s aim to be ‘undisputed no.1’
Bridgestone Corporation’s 2012 Mid-Term Management Plan (MTP2012) leaves little scope for misinterpreting the company’s aim. In its latest plan, announced 18 October, the Japanese firm states that its ultimate goal is to become the “undisputed world number one tyre and rubber company in both name and reality.” The plan covers the five years from the start of 2013 to the end of 2017, and Bridgestone says MTP2012 reflects “changes in the operating environment” since the formulation of MTP2011.”
Continue ReadingAcquisition report pushes Cooper shares upwards
Shares in NYSE listed tyre maker Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. gained seven per cent yesterday following the publication of news regarding a potential acquisition by India’s Apollo Tyres. Neither Cooper Tire nor Apollo Tyres has commented on the acquisition reports.
Continue Reading@Goodyear_UK is top social tyre brand
Another leading name may be the top brand in terms of both prominence and sentiment according to our annual online brand equity survey (see ‘Michelin top again, but is lead eroding?’ for more on this), however there is a new top social tyre brand in town. A year after we kicked off our coverage and analysis of this segment in last years’s e-Commerce feature, Goodyear has shown itself to not only be the faster riser, but also the top overall tyre brand when it comes to social media influence.
Continue ReadingChanges to MOT certificates to prevent 'clocking'
VOSA has announced that the MOT certificate must now record the mileage of a vehicle for the current test, as well as the mileage recorded on the last three certificates. This change comes into effect on 18 November 2012 and means a more accurate vehicle history can be relayed to the potential buyer of a used car.
Continue ReadingNo tyres in top 100 brands list
Leading international branding consultancy Interbrand has just published its 13th Annual Best Global Brands report, listing the world's 100 most valuable brands. However, it has to be pointed out that despite the size of some of the industry’s leading brands – and despite their ability to communicate their various brands online (see separate article) – there are no tyre brands in the top 100 this year.
Continue ReadingMichelin updates 2015 guidance
Over the summer, Michelin reviewed its capital expenditure programme and 2015 financial outlook. The review followed on from the Group’s interim 2012 earnings performance, which Michelin describes as “robust” and says reflected its strategic vision, competitive strengths and management.
Continue ReadingSilent auction winners enjoy Pirelli Monza prize
The winners of a silent auction enjoyed a trip to the Formula One in Monza last weekend where the prize winners received paddock passes and hospitality courtesy of Italian tyre firm Pirelli. The auction was held in July at Evolution in Battersea as part of Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity’s annual Formula One party. Pirelli donated two paddock passes to the individual who placed the highest bid on the night.
Continue ReadingApollo Tyres featured in ‘Around the World in 80 Brands’ book
Apollo Tyres is one of the brands featured in the CoolBrands book Around the World in 80 Brands, which aims to share stories with opinion formers around the world. Part of an overall concept that includes online seeding and sharing via social media, guest lectures at universities and workshops, the book includes articles about visionary people, smart brands and trendy destinations. “Apollo Tyres is pleased to be part of this global storytelling project,” comments Rob Oudshoorn, CEO of Apollo Vredestein.
Continue Reading70% of motorists still unaware of tyre labelling
Over 70 per cent of motorists are still completely unaware of the impending tyre labelling legislation and the fuel efficiency benefits associated with it. The figure comes from a survey of 3,000 UK motorists conducted by OnePoll and commissioned by tyre Chemical supplier Lanxess. It also shows that almost all UK motorists (99%) vastly underestimate the impact tyres have on their fuel bills, and that over half still prioritise upfront cost when buying their tyres. Less than 20% take fuel consumption and long term costs into consideration.
Continue Reading
