Yokohama Geolandar A/T4 launch announced in Japan, Europe and North America
Following its arctic preview at the start of March, Yokohama Rubber has simultaneously announced the launch of the Geolandar A/T4 all-terrain tyre for SUVs and pickup trucks in Japan, Europe and the North American markets.
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Tyre and automotive investments key to China’s Ironclad friendship with Eastern Europe
When Chinese premiere Xi Jinping landed in Belgrade on 7 May 2024, the Serbian government literally rolled out the red carpet. As well as providing security, the president Xi’s escort of MIG-29 fighter jets was another way of honouring what has become known as the ”ironclad friendship” between the countries. After Serbia, Hungary is the next stop on president Xi’s tour of Eastern Europe. Since both countries have also become home to significant tyre and automotive manufacturing investments in recent years, it appears that the influence of China and Chinese companies in Eastern Europe is growing.
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SRI collaborating with Thai university on sustainable natural rubber research
Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. (SRI) has commenced a collaborative research venture with Khon Kaen University, focusing on advancing techniques in rubber tree tissue culture. The Falken tyre brand manufacturer formalised this agreement at a signing ceremony held at the university’s campus in Thailand.
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Divestiture of non-core assets “progressing well”
In November 2023, Goodyear announced that its Chemical business, OTR operation and Dunlop brand rights were all being “strategically reviewed” with a view to raising more combined revenue of north of $2 billion from their sale.
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Goodyear reports net loss of $57 million in Q1 2024 figures
While Goodyear reported a net loss of $57 million in the first quarter of 2024, other metrics suggest that the company’s financial situation is offering signs of improvement. A strong showing from the Asia Pacific region and the welcome “stabilisation” of truck tyre demand in EMEA were both notable examples of improvement alongside the impact of Goodyear’s well-documented Goodyear Forward transformation plan.
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Kenda Europe to debut new all-season tyres
Kenda Europe’s Tire Cologne stand will include new summer and winter tyres for compact and mid-size SUVs, but arguably the highlights will be the introduction of a new all-season tyre for vans and an all-season extension to the Kenda Klever series.Kenda Europe’s Tire Cologne stand will include new summer and winter tyres for compact and mid-size SUVs, but arguably the highlights will be the introduction of a new all-season tyre for vans and an all-season extension to the Kenda Klever series.
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Prinx partners with United Soccer League
The United Soccer League (USL) and the clubs it represents across the United States of America now have a tyre tie-in. The USL recently entered into a multi-year partnership with California-based Prinx Chengshan Tire North America (Prinx Tires), naming the company the league’s first Official Tire Partner.
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Linglong Tire, JD.com sign partnership agreement
On 28 April, Linglong Tire and JD.com business JD Auto Care signed an agreement that, according to the tyre maker, officially establishes a “long-term, stable, and comprehensive strategic partnership between the two parties.” Under this agreement, Linglong Tire and JD Auto Care will cooperate in regard to product sales, omnichannel service networks and omnichannel marketing.
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Michelin investing in Poland, China car tyre production
Michelin recently confirmed plans to end truck tyre production at its Olsztyn factory in Poland and in Shenyang, China, as well as the shutdown of a semi-finished products metal reinforcement operation in Shanghai, China. Parallel to these planned closures, the company intends to invest in passenger car tyre capacities. In addition to expanding car tyre production at its Shanghai plant, Michelin says it will grow passenger car tyre capacities in both Olsztyn and Shenyang.
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Kal Tire & Pitcrew AI forge strategic alliance
Kal Tire’s Mining Tire Group has entered into a global mining partnership with Pitcrew AI, a pioneer in autonomous vehicle inspection systems. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by the two firms solidifies their existing collaboration and designates Kal Tire’s Mining Tire Group as Pitcrew AI’s preferred global partner. Kal Tire says the agreement capitalises on its extensive customer network and will leverage its established presence in key mining regions to ensure widespread accessibility to Pitcrew AI’s technology.
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Enhancements at Nokian Tyres’ Finland plant driving productivity & efficiency improvements
Nokian Tyres’ Nokia factory in Finland continues its developmental journey, with ongoing enhancements in tyre production processes. Notably, last year witnessed a notable increase in productivity and efficiency alongside a reduction in waste. These strides reflect the factory’s commitment to continuous improvement principles, where incremental changes yield substantial impacts. Safety also remains a core focus area at the factory, with significant strides made over the years despite a slight dip in 2023.
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Former Michelin Russia operations renamed Davydovo
Following the news that the former Michelin Russia tyre factory will be producing tyres under the Farlight and Selna brands in futures, according to the Russian Tyre Manufacturers Association (TMA), the tyre manufacturing operation has rebranded as Davydovo Tire.
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ZC Rubber exhibits at Intermat, Paris
At the end of April 2024, ZC Rubber showcased its latest Westlake, Tianli and Yonggu branded off-the-road and industrial tyre and track products.At the end of April 2024, ZC Rubber showcased its latest Westlake, Tianli and Yonggu branded off-the-road and industrial tyre and track products.
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Raw materials to become a headwind for tyremakers in 2H24 – analysts
Publishing its latest tracker of premium European tyremakers financial fundamentals, financial analysts report that pricing is currently a headwind and raw materials a tailwind year-to-date, however, raw materials will shift to a headwind in the second-half of 2024.
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Sailun sets sights on 100% sustainable material usage by 2050
Yuan Zhongxue, director of the National Engineering Research Center for Rubber and Tire and honorary chairman of the Sailun Group, announced sustainable development goals (SDGs) for the tyre maker during the recent 2024 China Rubber Conference. The SDGs aim to progressively increase the utilisation of sustainable materials in tyre production, targeting 40 per cent by 2030 and striving for 100 per cent by 2050. Additionally, Sailun aims to reduce per tyre energy consumption and carbon emissions by 30 per cent, compared to 2022 levels, by 2030.
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