TBC Brands president Marty Krcelic retires
Marty Krcelic, president and chief operating officer (COO) of TBC Brands and executive vice president of TBC Corporation is set to retire effective 30 June 2021. Under his leadership, TBC Brands has become one of the largest distributors of proprietary brand tyres in North America. Geoff Doster will succeed Krcelic to lead TBC Brands as senior vice president of sales. His responsibilities will be expanded to include oversight of TBC Brands operations, customer service, commercial truck tyre sales and equipment and non-tyre sales.
Continue ReadingBBS plans to exit OEM wheel business
Wheel manufacturer BBS intends to gradually withdraw from the original equipment segment and concentrate on aftermarket business. This decision was announced by Stefan Prutscher, regional secretary of the IG Metall trade union. According to the union, BBS will cut 160 jobs at its Schiltach and Herbolzheim sites in Germany. The wheel manufacturer, which filed for bankruptcy for the third time in summer 2020, will retain 280 jobs.
Continue ReadingAutomechanika Frankfurt will be a “Digital Plus” event in 2021
Automechanika Frankfurt 2021, which takes place from 14 to 16 September, will be run according to a ‘Digital Plus’ format for one year only. This means, that, in addition to a compact physical exhibition, Automechanika’s primary focus is on offering all participants the opportunity to network and present their companies digitally. Next year, the leading international trade fair will return to its familiar format on the Frankfurt exhibition grounds from 13 to 17 September 2022.
Continue ReadingTruck/bus tyre label arrives as new EU rules take effect
From 1 May, the new EU rules on the energy labelling of on-road tyres apply at consumer level. Updating the label first introduced for car and van tyres in 2012, the new rules require that tyres for buses and lorries must now be labelled – and offer a new pictogram, where relevant, to highlight tyres suitable for use in snow or in extreme, icy conditions.
Continue ReadingJürgen Titz becomes partner of German wholesaler Gamma
Almost a year after Jürgen Titz announced his departure from Goodyear after more than 22 years of service, he is back in the tyre industry. The experienced manager, who most recently served as Goodyear’s managing director consumer Europe Central and chairman of Goodyear Dunlop Tires Germany, has now taken on a partnership role within the tyre trade.
Continue ReadingCooper shareholders approve Goodyear merger
Cooper shareholders approve proposed merger with Goodyear Cooper Tire & Rubber Company’s stockholders have voted overwhelmingly to approve the planned merger with The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. The vote was held at a special meeting of Cooper stockholders today. Cooper reports that approximately 99 per cent of votes cast were in favour of the transaction. Read our coverage of Goodyears acquisition of Cooper here, or in our special 12-page e-paper supplement.
Continue ReadingContinental grows commitment to rubber supply chain sustainability
Continental is extending its commitment to sustainability in the natural rubber supply chain. The tyre maker and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) have agreed to significantly expand their project to ensure full traceability within the natural rubber supply chain in the Indonesian province of West Kalimantan (Borneo).
Continue ReadingBKT becomes LGT World Women’s Curling Championship presenting sponsor
BKT has become presenting sponsor of the LGT World Women’s Curling Championship. Contested on 30 April at the Canada Olympic Park in Calgary, Canada, the World Curling Federation event is the second to receive BKT sponsorship; the OTR and agricultural tyre manufacturer was the title sponsor of the World Men’s Curling Championship in Calgary between 2 and 11 April. BKT said the number of curling enthusiasts has grown significantly worldwide over the last two years and the sport is particularly popular in key markets for the brand, like Canada’s rural population.
Continue ReadingBelshina launching 33.00R51 mining tyre
Belarus-based tyre maker Belshina is expanding its portfolio of off-highway tyres to include a product suitable for mining dump trucks carrying loads of around 130-tonnes. It produced the first prototypes of its size 33.00R51 Belshina Bel-785 in February, and the tyre is now undergoing testing.
Continue ReadingKumho gains Red Dot award for Ecsta V370
A further Red Dot accolade for Kumho, which has won a Red Dot Design Award 2021 in the ‘product design’ category. The Red Dot team honoured Kumho for its latest street legal competition tyre, the Ecsta V730. Kumho launched the Ecsta V730 in the US market earlier this year.
Continue ReadingGoodyear-Cooper takeover gains Chinese antitrust approval
Goodyear’s US$2.8 billion takeover of Cooper has passed a significant milestone, following the deal’s approval by antitrust authorities in China. According to official filings, the merger between Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company and Cooper Tire & Rubber Company was approved by the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) on 23 April 2021.
Continue ReadingYokohama sells Hamatite to Sika Group
Yokohama has sold its Hamatite automotive and construction sealent business to Swiss company Sika Group AG in a transfer that is scheduled to be completed on 1 November 2021. Yokohama hasn’t released exactly how much Sika is paying for the Hamatite business, but management expects to post a gain on the sale of about ¥5 billion (£33 million; 38 million euros; US$46 million – after tax). However, the exact amount is said to be “subject to change”.
Continue ReadingContinental announces plan for Aachen site – production ending in 2022
Tyre production at the Continental plant in Aachen, Germany will cease at the end of next year, if not earlier. This is one of the outcomes of talks between the company and representatives of Aachen plant employees. Continental has also published details of upcoming retraining programmes.
Continue ReadingEuropean EV battery producer, InoBat announces first CV partnership
European electric vehicle battery developer and producer, InoBat Auto (InoBat) has today announced a landmark agreement with SOR, one of the largest producers of city and intercity-buses in Central Europe, with the intention to design, develop and supply batteries for a new urban, intercity and long-distance electric bus fleet.
Continue ReadingBYD EA1 debuts on Chaoyang tyres
Chinese car maker BYD debuted its new EA1 electric hatchback at the 2021 Shanghai Motor Show, and ZC Rubber is proud to share that the car was unveiled with Chaoyang tyres as original equipment. The EA1 wears Chaoyang RP76 tyres in size 195/60 R16.
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