West European trailer market to increase 15 per cent in 2014
Things are looking up for the Western European commercial vehicle trailer market, which in turn is a good sign for the truck tyre business. Market analysts from consulting firm Clear International reports that trailer demand in the largest seven Western Europe economies is forecast to increase by 15 per cent during the course of 2014. According to the analysts, this is the first report in roughly two years that has not reported a downturn in the economic outlook.
Nexe Tire’s Nblue eco tyre has won the US Green Good Design Award 2014. The awards are organized by the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design in cooperation with the European Center for Architecture, Art, Design and Urban Studies. It selects award winners in the categories of environmentally friendly products, people, organizations and architects, with the Nblue eco being named the winner in the product category at this year’s Green Good Design Awards. Their intention is promote “excellent environmentally friendly design”.
The US Tire Industry Association (TIA) is pleased to announce the names of the 2014 Hall of Fame recipients. This years honorees are Harold Coker, founder of Coker Tire Company, Charles Cornell, the late founder of Tech International and Juanita Purcell, Executive Vice President of Purcell Tire & Rubber Company.
The Mesnac European Research and Technical Center (MERTC) recently announced plans to expand it European activities based in Slovakia, which a focus on further developing tyre building technology. The construction of a new production facility and additional research facilities will take place in the Trencin region and the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2015.
Bryan Robson to attend Federal Tyres’ Moscow event
Federal Tyres has confirmed that Manchester United and England veteran Bryan Robson will be their guest of honour at the Taiwanese tyre company’s 60th Anniversary celebration in Moscow on 30 August, during the Moscow International Automobile Salon [MIAS].
The time since Reifen 2014 can still be measured in weeks, but even now, Messe Essen reports that it has already firmly rented out around 60 per cent of the area in 2014 for Reifen 2016 on 24–27 May, 2016. The more than 150 exhibitors which have already registered include the following manufacturers (amongst others): Alligator, Giti Tire, Kraiburg, Kumho Tyre, Infinity Tyres, Marangoni, VMI and Yokohama. Moreover, the trading companies Bohnenkamp and Reiff have confirmed their participation in the worlds leading trade fair for the tyre sector.
The Tire Industry Association (TIA) reports that it has fed back its views to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Docket Office regarding a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) for tyre identification and record keeping.
L&G Distribution sends Klarius exhausts to French market
LG Distribution based in Nancy and Toulouse supplies the majority of the Klarius emission control exhaust product range from stock in France. Over 2,000 parts references are available covering 95 per cent of market demand for replacement exhausts, plus, associated mountings and fitting kits.
Lennart Pluim and Giles Petitot are co-founders of the company and both have huge experience in the French automotive aftermarket. Giles is a business owner who has worked in the automotive aftermarket distribution business for close to 30 years and Lennart has over 20 years experience managing national auto parts distribution. The result is that with their combined knowledge and experience the company promises to be run extremely well and offer its customers a range of market advantages.
Cooper: Chengshan worth US$440 million, say valuers
Cooper Tire & Rubber Company has reported the results of its long-awaited independent valuation of Cooper Chengshan (Shandong) Tire Company Ltd (CCT). The valuation, which is also the option price, was determined to be RMB 2.722 billion roughly US$440 million at the current exchange rate.
SD International’s ‘increasingly competitive’ Pace and Zeta private brands
Shanghai based Contract Tyre Manufacturer SD-International is presenting itself as an increasingly competitive option for high quality budget truck tyres via its Pace and Zeta private brands.
According to the company, the Zeta and Pace TBR pattern ranges are both exclusively produced in China for SD-International at an “ultra-modern production facility”. Both brands offer a “tested and approved” programme covering all current international quality control standards.
CITExpo aims to break records with its 12th edition
When the 12th edition of China International Tire Expo (CITExpo) opens its doors at the Shanghai Everbright Convention and Exhibition Center between 10 and 12 September 2014 it is set to be the biggest in the event’s history. According to the Organizer, Reliable International Exhibition Services Co., Ltd., the addition of a new hall - hall D - as well as the fast take up of space in halls 1-3 has made the difference this year.
Apollo Tyres extends Manchester United partnership to 69 countries
A year after announcing its initial partnership with Manchester United, Apollo Tyres has announced how the advertising and marketing cooperation has grown from covering just the UK and India initially to a total of 69 countries. The additional 67 countries cover virtually all of what can be called Europe - and even as far as Turkey, but does not include Russia. In addition the number includes the Middle Eastern markets Apollo has invested in developing its retail and distribution presence in recently. Further afield in the Far East - Thailand is also included. These markets are said to have been chosen based on their positions as influential and fasting growing markets. No details relating to the scale of investment associated with the partnership have been revealed. However it is said to have been “satisfactory for both parties.”
Mitas will be showing one of the largest agricultural tyres in the world at the Fendt Field Day in Wadenbrunn, on August 27th. On this occasion a new Fendt 211 Vario will be equipped with Mitas AC65 and exhibited at the Fendt technology pavilion. Another crowd puller is the Mitas 1250 / 50R32 SFT, one of the largest agricultural tyres in the world.
Graham Partners, a private investment firm, has bought a majority shareholding in Desser Tire & Rubber Company and affiliated companies, Aero Wheel & Brake Service Corporation and Cee Bailey’s Aircraft Plastics. Collectively referred to as “Desser” the business is primarily a leading supplier of aircraft tyres and tubes from its Los Angeles and Memphis facilities to customers in over 100 countries.
Apollo Tyres is reporting further inroads into the Kuwait market with the opening up of it first branded retail outlet in the country. The Apollo Zone is designed to provide customers with an enhanced retail experience and a better feel for the brand and products on display, including passenger car, 4x4 and light truck tyres. The new Apollo Zone is located in the up-market Canada Dry Street of Kuwait, and is operated by Federal General Trading & Contracting Co.
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