North America launch for Giti truck tyres
The Giti brand is joining the commercial vehicle tyre portfolio that Giti Tire offers in North America. Giti Tire (USA) is introducing a Giti line-up for long haul, regional, urban/light duty and mixed service applications, and intends to be active in both the original equipment and aftermarket segments within the region.
Continue ReadingVDR appointed Momo distributor for Benelux
An all-new Momo tyre range has been developed, with Wheelwright appointed UK distributor for these products. For Benelux markets, wholesale S&H Tyres reports that its VDR Autobanden bvba subsidiary will exclusively distribute the Momo tyre and rim line-up.
Continue ReadingRosava ‘restructuring’ as plant readies for larger tyre sizes
Despite a company restructuring that includes the closing down of the private joint-stock company (PJSC) Rosava, the Rosava factory in Bila Tserkva, Ukraine is currently gearing up to begin production of 19-inch tyres following the installation of new plant equipment.
Continue ReadingYanchang continue internationalisation efforts with Duraturn brand
Despite only entering the tyre business during the first decade of the new millennium (2008 to be precise), Yanchang Rubber is continuing to increase in prominence. Already known as a leading manufacturer with strong petrochemical group backing in the domestic Chinese tyre business, recent years have seen the company redouble its internationalisation efforts. One visible example was this was the company’s Tire Cologne exhibition stand, which was bigger and more professional-looking than ever and was placed in a premium position in Hall 6.
Continue ReadingZafco presents new car tyres, promote Thai-made Otani truck tyres
During the course of May’s Tire Cologne Zafco promoted the new Zeetex SU4000 4S – an all season car tyre launched following the success of its predecessor ZT4000 4S. In addition, the stand displayed “the most celebrated summer tyres of Zeetex” including the ZT1000, HP2000 vfm, SU1000 vfm, HT1000 vfm and CT2000 vfm. There is also an array winter tyres such as the WP1000, WV1000, WH1000, WH1000 SUV and WQ1000.
Continue ReadingChinese tyre makers off-shoring in Southeast Asia
At the end of May, anti-Chinese truck tyre tariffs were implemented. They included nominal (as opposed to percentage) tariffs at levels that surprised many. As a result, supply shortages and challenges at distributors were predicted. Shuttering of some of the lowest cost Chinese tyremakers is also expected. However, speaking to affected firms during the recent Tire Cologne reveals that many are already prepared to source tyres elsewhere. Indeed, the largest manufacturers have been off-shoring for some time. As a result, virtually all the leading Chinese tyre manufacturers already have non-Chinese tyre production in place. Let’s take a look at who’s got what.
Continue ReadingBridgestone continues as World Solar Challenge title sponsor
Bridgestone Corporation today announced its title sponsorship of next year’s World Solar Challenge, which will be held in Australia from 13 to 20 October 2019.
Continue ReadingFootball: BKT named title sponsor of Italy’s Serie B
Off-highway tyre maker BKT has taken on title sponsorship of Italy’s second-highest football championship, Serie B. The arrangement covers a period of three years and sees the championship’s official name change to Serie BKT. In addition, BKT gains brand visibility in all Lega Serie B stadiums and during televised matches.
Continue ReadingContinental using Tour de France sponsorship to promote safety message
When stage one of the Tour de France begins in Noirmoutier, northwest France, on 7 July, Continental will launch into its first year as a sponsor of the world-famous cycle race. Through its sponsorship of the Tour de France, Continental not only aims to draw attention to its bicycle tyre range; it also hopes the exposure gained will aid its ‘Vision Zero’ push towards a world without road fatalities and accidents.
Continue ReadingWholesale acquisition: Hankook Tire buys Reifen Müller
Another tyre wholesaler in Germany is now in manufacturer hands. Hankook Tire has announced the 100 per cent equity purchase of independent wholesaler and retailer Reifen Müller. The acquisition gives Hankook Tire ownership of Reifen Müller’s sales distribution affiliate company, Reifen Müller KG, its 44 retail service outlets and the Reifen Müller GmbH & Co. Runderneuerungswerk KG retreading business.
Continue ReadingWanli considering Europe for $1 billion tyre factory investment
Wanli-owner Guangzhou Vanlead Group Co. Ltd. has indefinitely postponed plans to invest US$1 billion in the construction of a tyre factory in South Carolina, USA. Now the company is said to be considering alternative locations including some in Europe
Continue ReadingTrelleborg acquires New Zealand off-highway tyre distributor
Trelleborg Wheel Systems has finalised its acquisition of New Zealand’s TRS Tyre & Wheel Ltd from automotive market company Bapcor Limited. TRS Tyre & Wheel distributes agricultural, material handling and construction tyres throughout New Zealand, specialising in the provision of tyres and complete wheels for tyre and tractor dealers.
Continue ReadingPrinx Chengshan setting up Malaysia tyre factory
Less than two years after Prinx Chengshan Europe came into being, the company has already sold quantities of tyres numbering in the millions across Europe. Not only that, but the Chinese-based firm has also invested in a manufacturing base in Malaysia during the same period of time. Tyres & Accessories met up with European managing director Ivan Majsky and the rest of the European sales and marketing team at Tire Cologne in order to find out more.
Continue ReadingNexen Tire a GCSI winner – again
The Global Management Association, a research evaluation institution operated by South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, has voted Nexen Tire the tyre segment winner of its Global Customer Satisfaction Competency Index (GCSI) for the ninth consecutive year. The tyre maker’s victory is based upon feedback received by the approximately 102,000 respondents to an online survey performed in April 2018. The survey rated companies in categories such as customer satisfaction, customer value, global competency and loyalty.
Continue ReadingZC Rubber to benefit from tariffs
Although present with its Goodride, Golden Crown and Westlake brands at The Tire Cologne, Richard Li stressed that the main focus for the Zhongce Rubber Group (ZC Rubber) during the show was upon the last of the trio. Westlake is, explained the assistant general manager and marketing director, the tyre maker’s “flagship brand in Europe.”
Continue Reading