Goodyear Produced BioIsoprene Tyres to Feature at UN Conference
Copenhagen is hosting the United Nations Climate Change Conference, and present at the event will be the world's first concept demonstration tyres made with BioIsoprene technology. This breakthrough substance, which replaces a petrochemically produced ingredient used in the manufacture of synthetic rubber with renewable biomass, made its debut in the Danish city in early December. Several tyres, produced in collaboration between Goodyear and industrial biotechnology company Genencor, have been shipped to Copenhagen. One will make appearances at several events during the conference. Others will be displayed in several locations, including at Copenhagen International Airport’s departure lounge through to December 21.
Continue ReadingSurprises Await in Latest Michelin Hong Kong Guide
The second edition of the Michelin Guide Hong Kong Macau, launched November 26, contains information on 205 restaurants in the former British colony and 38 in Macau. In total, the 2010 guide three three-star restaurants, nine two-star establishments and 39 one-star venues – including a premises described by Michelin guide director Jean-Luc Naret as the “most affordable starred restaurant in the world'."
Continue ReadingConti Invests to Expand Production Processes in Romania
Continental has announced plans to expand the production process at its Timişoara passenger car and light commercial vehicle tyre facility in Romania. The expansion will centre upon the construction of a new unit for processing the master batch and, adds Conti, will enable the company to have a completely integrated production unit that permits the local processing of raw materials, a feature that will consolidate the company’s tyre business in Romania and increase the plant’s cost competitiveness. The project will involve a “two digit million” amount, Continental adds, and will in the mid-term lead to the creation of around 200 new jobs.
Continue ReadingGoodyear Chooses CEVA as Logistics Partner in Turkey
Goodyear’s Turkish operation, Goodyear Lastikleri, has selected Ceva Logistics to handle its logistics requirements. Ceva Logistics will provide Full Truck Load (FTL) and Partial (LTL) distribution services from the tyre maker’s factories in Adapazari and Izmit, near Istanbul, to dealers and OEM customers throughout the country. All distribution process will be visible by Goodyear via a web based track and trace system.
Continue ReadingMorgan Stanley: Michelin Revenues to Grow 7% in 2010
Although Michelin managing partner Michel Rollier has expressed doubt that the tyre major’s revenues will increase in 2010, other expert opinions differ. Morgan Stanley Research Europe stated on November 24 that “we expect revenue growth of seven per cent – far more optimistic than Michelin management's recent outlook of no growth.” This prediction is even more optimistic than the Bloomberg survey of analysts that netted an average estimate of revenues rising by 4.3 per cent to 15.4 billion euros. To expand on the Morgan Stanley projection, an expected ten per cent volume growth should be partially offset by a three per cent decline in price/mix.
Continue ReadingTrio of Guides Added to Michelin Library
You’d be bonkers not to have noticed the raft of new Michelin guides hitting the bookshelves in November. Earlier in the month we reported the launch of the latest editions for Germany and Switzerland, but in coming days the gastronomic scribes in the Michelin guide team will release three new European tomes.
Continue ReadingSlowdown in UK Car Production Decline Seen in October
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders report a total of 114,335 new vehicles produced in the UK in October, a 10.1 per cent year-on-year decline. Of this total, 106,400 passenger cars were manufactured, 6.7 per cent less than a year ago, and 7,935 commercial vehicles, a 39.5 per cent decrease compared with October 2008. These figures represent a slowdown in the pace of car output decline, with the month’s shortfall the smallest this year. Commercial vehicle output, however, continues to decline sharply.
Continue ReadingMIRA Opens Brussels Office
On November 19, vehicle engineering specialist MIRA announced the opening of a new office in Brussels. This location, says MIRA, will support the growth of its research and development projects within the EU and be better placed to react to Europe’s evolving political landscape and deliver appropriate technology advice to policy makers.
Continue ReadingToday is Pirelli Calendar Launch Day
Regardless of whether you view ‘girlie calendars’ as art worthy of prolonged admiration or frown upon the exposure of bare flesh, there’s no denying the influence the Pirelli Calendar – the ‘Cal’ to its friends – has imparted upon the genre. In Pirelli’s own words, the Cal is “the icon of Pirelli's communication. A symbol that for over forty years not only celebrates female beauty, but also celebrates the complexity of an art that has been able to transform itself over time.” This evening, the 2010 edition of the famous wall adornment will be launched in London – bookmark tyrepress.com to ensure you don’t miss our coverage of the prestigious event.
Continue ReadingGoodyear Raising North America Prices
As of December 1 prices for Goodyear consumer replacement tyres will go up by as much as six per cent in North America. The company announced these increases are being made in order to offset higher raw materials costs. This is the first Goodyear price increase for this segment since September 2008, when a 10 per cent increase was implemented.
Continue ReadingGPX International to Sell Solid Tyre Business
GPX International Tire Corporation CEO Craig Steinke has announced the company’s entry into a “definitive sale agreement for its Solid Tire business and Starbright manufacturing facility in China”. Steinke states “an investor group will partner with members of the management team to purchase the operations and underlying assets of the Solid Tire business.” The transaction will include the MITL, ITL and Brawler brands, as well as the Gorham, Maine; Red Lion, Pennsylvania; and Hebei, China manufacturing facilities.
Continue ReadingLanxess Results Show Upward Trend
In the third quarter of 2009 Lanxess AG reports delivering a “strong operating performance”, with EBITDA pre exceptionals of 143 million euros. The specialty chemicals company had expected third quarter operating earnings in the vicinity of the 112 million euros earned in the second quarter. EBITDA pre exceptionals were down 26 per cent year-on-year but rose 28 per cent from the second quarter due to an improved macroeconomic environment worldwide, driven by China, as well as savings yielded by the company’s “Challenge09-12” package of measures, which are expected to cut Lanxess’s costs worldwide by about 360 million euros by 2012. Another key performance metric – EBITDA pre exceptionals margin – was 10.4 per cent; higher than the previous quarter and nearly reaching last year’s level.
Continue ReadingEx Conti CEO Wennemer Quits Opel Trust Board
Former Continental AG CEO Manfred Wennemer’s tenure as one of five Opel Trust board members ended on November 7 following his resignation in protest against political interference over the planned sale of vehicle manufacturer Opel. According to Reuters, while Wennemer’s act of protest against the “constant interference” from German politicians in potentially embarrassing to Berlin, his resignation is however “essentially symbolic” following General Motor’s recent change of mind regarding its European subsidiary.
Continue ReadingSolideal USA Buys Distributor
Solideal USA has acquired SPW Industries Inc. SPW is an Atlanta-based service provider and distributor of construction and industrial tyres, wheels and rubber tracks. Solideal said SPW’s 13 locations throughout the Southeast will compliment its own service network.
Continue ReadingTRIB Names Three New Members
TRIB – that’s the Tire Retread & Repair Information Bureau for those of you playing at home – has announced the addition of three new international members. Commenting on their joining, TRIB managing director Harvey Brodsky, said “TRIB continues to add members as more and more companies in the new tyre and retread industries throughout the world realise that TRIB is the only international retread industry association representing new tyre manufacturers, retreaders, suppliers to the retread industry and tyre repair companies.”
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