Pioneer Industrial Systems celebrates 10th anniversary
Pioneer Industrial Systems is celebrating 10 years of precision robotic tyre spraying. According to the company, 10 years ago this month Pioneer Industrial Systems introduced its first FANUC Robotic Green Tire Spray System. A decade later the firm reports that its precision fluid delivery system is in action on over 123 units (53 with robots) in 37 different tyre plants.
Continue ReadingEmissions inspections push Chinese tyremakers to the brink
With a headline like that, you could be forgiven for thinking that this month’s column refers to the ongoing geopolitical sabre rattling taking place between China’s North Korean neighbours and the USA. However, as important as the hint of nuclear escalation is, here we focus on how the overheating Chinese tyre market is as close as it has ever been to boiling over. Two key subjects have raised the temperature in the People’s Republic during the last month or so: The European Commission’s (EC) decision to initiate an anti-dumping investigation against Chinese-produced truck and bus tyres; and the even more imminent effects of local environmental emissions investigations within China itself, which have led to the suspension and even closure of numerous businesses in the country (see below).
Continue ReadingFirenza reports truck tyre product innovation
Singapore-based international contract tyre producer – Firenza are established in the UK and Europe as a supplier of value and mid-range truck and bus tyres. According to the company, the Firenza TBR range is manufactured within “leading international production facilities in China and Vietnam”.
Continue ReadingYokohama Geolandar OE on New Jeep Compass in North America
The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has begun supplying its Geolandar G055 as original equipment for the all-new Jeep Compass, which went on sale in North America in June 2017. The new Compass will come factory-equipped with 225/55R18 98H size tyres. In addition, Yokohama’s Geolandar SUV is original equipment on the Jeep Compass launched in China in late 2016.
Continue ReadingPirelli partners Fisker “EMotion”
Pirelli is working with Fisker Inc. to create low rolling resistance tyres for the new Fisker EMotion luxury electric vehicle, set to launch in late 2019. Pirelli will develop summer P Zero tyres in 285/35R24 (F) and 305/35R24 (R). The focus of this development will be on low rolling resistance, “spirited handling” and extra comfort due to tall sidewalls.
Continue ReadingTrelleborg exhibiting VIP system at Farm Progress Show 2017
Trelleborg will display VIP – Variable Inflation Pressure - system at Farm Progress Show 2017 in Decatur, Illinois, from 29 to 31 August. Andrea Masella, Brand Manager for Trelleborg’s agricultural and forestry tyres in North America, said: “The Trelleborg VIP system represents a major step forward and a great new advancement that producers will benefit from in North America.
Continue ReadingBridgestone to benefit from £500 million Aston Martin UK-Japan trade deal
Aston Martin Lagonda has agreed a trade and investment deal between the United Kingdom and Japan worth up to £500 million over the next five years of its second century business plan. The investment program was announced by Dr Andy Palmer, Aston Martin president and chief executive officer, during his visit to Japan as part of the UK delegation accompanying British Prime Minister Theresa May.
Continue ReadingPirelli to supply inaugural Suzuka 10 Hours in exclusive agreement
Pirelli has added the inaugural Suzuka 10 Hours to its portfolio of international GT races and championships. The race is scheduled for 23-26 August 2018. The race, featuring GT3 cars, will be the first-ever encounter between Japanese Super GT300 and international GT cars, all running on Pirelli P Zero tyres on one of the most exciting and demanding circuits in the world. Pirelli states that its association with the world’s most prestigious car brands, and premier championships such as the Blancpain GT Series, contribute to its global leadership in ultra-high performance tyres.
Continue ReadingSolvay reports second quarter sales of 3 billion euros
Raw materials supplier Solvay has announced increased sales and profits in its second quarter 2017 results, with net sales of 3 billion euros (US$3.5 billion), up 11 per cent compared to the same period in 2016.
Continue ReadingMaxion Wheels to show car wheel innovations at IAA Cars 2017
Wheelmaker to make joint product announcement with Michelin on 13 September 2017.
Continue ReadingGoodyear using soybean oil-based rubber in tyres
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company is using soubean-oil based rubber in the development of tyre products in conjunction with the United Soybean Board (USB). The USB is a group of farmer-directors who oversee the investments of a checkoff programme on behalf of all US soybean farmers. The USB provided some funding support for the development of Goodyear’s soybean oil application in tyres.
Continue ReadingTyres in Stock launches new webshop
Tyres in Stocks online shop has details of more than 30 million tyres. The firm reports that it has always done its best “to make the process as quick and simple as possible”. However, recently Tyres in Stock rebuilt its online presence to accommodate the growth that the firm is expecting.450 suppliers already offer their products through Tyres in Stock, which is active in over 15 European countries. The new software allows the business to pursue what it perceives to be growing international possibilities.
Continue ReadingMAK furthers European football advertising
Italian wheel brand MAK is extending its football advertising presence beyond its home market. On the back of “good experiences” within Italy’s Serie A league, MAK is now advertising in the German Bundesliga.
Continue ReadingUnion members overwhelmingly approve US Goodyear contract
According to the United Steelworkers (USW) union, its members have ratified a new collective bargaining agreement with Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company on behalf of about 7,200 workers at five plants in the USA. Members approved the agreement covering the Akron (Ohio), Danville (Virginia), Fayetteville (North Carolina), Gadsden (Alabama) and Topeka (Kansas) facilities by a three-to-one margin.
Continue ReadingMRP acceptance slow but steady, says Lehigh Technologies
When we spoke to Lehigh Technologies’ Kedar Murthy in 2016, he commented that smart tyre makers were well aware that they wouldn’t enjoy bargain basement raw material prices forever. What none of us realised at the time was that we didn’t have long to wait before prices went through the roof. Although the cost of natural and synthetic rubber has now come back from the peaks we saw in the first few months of the year, they’re still sitting comfortably above 2016 levels. This is good news for micronised rubber powder (MRP) specialist Lehigh Technologies.
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