Russian Tyre Exports Down 8.6% in 1H 2009
Russian tyre manufacturers appear to have been offering significant discounts in the first half of 2009 with unit export figures falling far slower than export values. The latest data compiled by the Russian Discovery Research Group Russian tyre shows exports totalled 3,259,440 in the first half of 2009, down from 3,566,469 in the first half of 2008 (-8.6 per cent). Passenger-car tyre exports fell 7.1 per cent in the period, with truck tyre exports down 14.9 per cent. However, exports of light truck tyres countered the trend by growing 40 per cent.
Continue ReadingBridgestone Launches B250 in Middle East
Bridgestone recently launched its B250 tyre in the Middle East. According to publicity material released to coincide with the launch, the B250 promises “comfortable, low-noise journey, achieves better braking, regardless of the climate, and high level of running turning, which eventually guarantees travelling in comfort and safety with extended durability.”
Continue ReadingKumho: Vietnam Plant Sale Reports “Completely Wrong”
Kumho Europe representatives have quashed rumours that the South Korean tyre manufacturer is negotiating with Bridgestone over the sale of its new Vietnam factory. Wi Yun, Kumho Europe’s marketing manager, told Tyres & Accessories the suggestions published by Jaccar Investment are “a completely wrong statement.” Dismissing the report as “rumours” Wi added: “There have never been any negotiations nor discussion concerning this matter.”
Continue ReadingNew Zealand to Consider Winter-Regular Tyre Mix Ban
New Zealand could become the first country to ban the use of winter and regular tyres on a single vehicle by as early as 2010 when its government considers a change in the rules proposed by the Transport Agency.
Continue ReadingTransense Signs MOU With Mesnac
Transense has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Qingdao Mesnac Co. Ltd, the parent company of the Sailun brand’s tyre manufacturing division. According to an official statement, Transense and Mesnac have entered into an agreement to combine their individual areas of expertise, for the purpose of developing Transense's patented tyre pressure monitoring sensor technology for the attachment or embedding of these sensors into tyres. Under the terms of the agreement Mesnac have agreed to an initial upfront payment and will pay additional sums for technology transfer/engineering support on an as required basis. Transense shares rose 17 per cent following the news.
Continue ReadingCooper Sales up 40% in China
During the first half of the year Chinese market sales of Cooper Tire & Rubber’s passenger car tyres increased 40 per cent, beating the company’s own 34 per cent target. Truck and bus tyre sales, which account for 65 per cent of Cooper’s China business, grew by double digits in the first half.
Continue ReadingUS Tariffs – Compatible with WTO Rules?
As Reuters notes, the decision as to whether or not the US will impose tariffs on Chinese made consumer tyres is not a straightforward one. As the news service pointed out on August 26, Chinese trade sources indicate that these tariffs may not line up with a safeguard mechanism China agreed to when it joined the World Trade Organisation.
Continue ReadingPhase 2 of Yokohama’s ‘Forever Forest’ Completed in Thailand
Some 5,000 trees have been planted at the Yokohama Rubber tyre factory in Thailand as part of the company’s tree planting programme. The second phase of the plant’s "Yokohama Forever Forest" project – the first phase two planting conducted at a Yokohama facility outside of Japan – took place on August 12. Around 1,100 employees, family members, local residents and other volunteers planted 26 varieties of tree under the supervision of Sirin Kawlaierd, tree planting expert employed by the Thai Imperial Household Agency and Akira Miyawaki, an expert in physiognomy and Professor Emeritus of Yokohama National University.
Continue ReadingChina's Rubber Imports Jump 25% in July
China's natural rubber imports jumped 25.8 per cent to 165,876 metric tons in July. Malaysian news sources cite customs reports that show the figure is close to an 11-year high which last peaked in March. China buys rubber from main producers Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia, as well as Vietnam, Cambodia and West Africa. The high comes off the back of China’s strong passenger car sales in July, which jumped 70.54 per cent from a year ago.
Continue ReadingLockout Declared at South Korean Kumho Plants
The Korea Times has reported lockouts at three of Kumho’s facilities in South Korea. According to the paper, the company lockouts – the first Kumho has enacted in 15 years – began on August 25 in response to a union strike against its downsizing plan. Employee access to the Gwangju, Gokseong and Pyeongtaek facilities was blocked as of 4am on August 25, following 20 failed negotiation sessions.
Continue ReadingTGI & GITI Tire USA Announce Distribution Agreement
Group International and GITI Tire USA have announced a distribution arrangement through which TGI will distribute GT Radial branded tires in South Florida. TGI will carry the full line of GT Radial tyres, including the Maxtour line, Champiro 128, Champiro 228, Champiro 328, Champiro 528, Savero H/T, Adventuro A/T II and Adventuro M/T lines. The GT Radial line up will be stocked in the company’s Miami distribution centre.
Continue ReadingNokian Moving US Headquarters
Nokian Tyres will move its headquarters from LaVergne, Tennessee, to Colchester, Vermont, in an effort to consolidate its operations. The relocation, which the company expects will be finalised by spring 2010, will place the headquarters near Nokian’s wholesale operation, University Wholesalers Inc. Nokian Tyres, the North American subsidiary of Finland-based Nokian Tyres P.L.C., also owns […]
Continue ReadingNynas to Supply Lanxess Rubber Production Following DAE Ban
To maintain its production of synthetic rubber after its utilisation of DAE oils ceases, Lanxess AG will enter into a strategic co-operation with Swedish oil producer Nynas. Lanxess will end the use of DAE oils in its synthetic rubber production as of December 1, 2009, ahead of next year’s European and Japanese bans on the substance.
Continue ReadingUnion OKs New Contract With Michelin
United Steelworkers locals approved a new three-year master contract with Michelin North America. The pact covers some 2,500 workers at MNA’s plants in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Continue ReadingTIA, RMA Weigh in on NHTSA Fuel Efficiency Plan
TIA still feels it would be the best option to conduct consumer-level tyre fuel efficiency education, while RMA challenges that NHTSA’s proposed fuel efficiency rating system is inadequate. Those were the themes behind both groups’ comment filings late last week, just before NHTSA’s August 21 deadline for comments on its mandated tyre fuel efficiency rating system.
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