BFGoodrich to Compete in World Rally Championship
The 2006 World Rally Championship will not be a battle between Pirelli and Michelin, but BFGoodrich and Pirelli. The French manufacturer has decided to substitute Michelin name for the brand that uses to compete in the Rally Raid World Cup.
Continue ReadingUK and European Registrations Figures Dip
Newly released registration figures show that total European passenger car registrations in May dropped 1.7 per cent to 1,290,933, across the continent, with UK numbers falling 3.4 per cent to 187,900 units. The figure also show that in the UK diesels cars now occupy 36.8 per cent of the market, the highest point so far in 2005. Convertibles have also increased in popularity, with the sector now accounting for a record six per cent of May registrations.
Continue ReadingA Market of Opportunities
In many respects the UK’s geographical position, being part of continental Europe while separated and independent of the mainland, reflects the British Isles’ position in the wider European market place. In the latest of our series of special reports on influential and emerging markets (which has covered China, India and Russia) Tyres & Accessories has looked a little closer to home. The latest supplement focuses on what drives the UK market, while reviewing the current state of UK tyre manufacturing. In addition, while rumours abound about the future of Kwik-Fit as an independent chain, the supplement also asks: “Is there a place for both chained and independent retailers in the UK?” Subscribers can download the complete report as a PDF file in the subscribers' area.
Continue ReadingAssessing the Industry
A scheme to raise standards of car servicing and repair by testing the competence of technicians currently working in the retail motor industry has been launched. Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) is a voluntary assessment system designed to appraise technical competence and in turn raise the professional status and credibility of skilled individuals whilst providing a benchmark for technician recruitment and career development. It is hoped that the initiative will improve consumer confidence in the retail motor sector. The NTDA’s spring conference, held last month, highlighted the tyre industry’s desire to initiate a similar scheme and the Institute of the Motor Industry, IMI, offered its support in moving forward with the idea. The assessments would be based upon National Occupational Standards, and formed in cooperation with industry representatives to ensure that they are updated with changing technologies. The NTDA is currently looking to organise a seminar in July, which will be hosted by the IMI, and invites all interested parties to join the discussion.
Continue ReadingGolf Plus Fits Potenza
Bridgestone has added Volkswagen’s latest Golf model, the Golf Plus, to its list of OE fitments for the Potenza RE050. The new vehicle has a variety of different engine options, ranging from the entry-level 1.4-litre version, to a 2.0-litre GT FSI engine delivering 150PS (148bhp). The Formula One derived tyres are described as complimenting the Golf Plus’ sporty characteristics. Andy Lane, marketing manager at Bridgestone UK, said: “We are thrilled that Volkswagen has chosen Bridgestone tyres for the new Golf Plus. It already looks like mirroring the popularity of the Golf, and the Potenza RE050 tyres will provide the same excellent grip and performance for this exciting new model.”
Continue ReadingPirelli and Roadone Sign Chinese JV Contract
Pirelli and Roadone Tyre have signed a joint-venture contract to manufactue all-steel radial truck tyres in the Shandong Province. The transaction, which is expected to be completed within the year, is subject to the approval of the relevant authorities.
Continue ReadingSmarTire Reports Continued Losses
SmarTire Systems’ results for the quarter ended 30 April show a slight increase in losses. SmarTire recorded a quarterly net loss of $5.31 million compared to a net loss of $2.95 million for the same quarter last year. The net loss for the nine month period ended 30 April, was $11.79 million compared to a net loss of $8.12 million last year.
Continue ReadingF1: Schumacher May Quit Soon
Michael Schumacher, one of Formula 1’s most successful drivers, is not having fun in the sport and may retire soon, his brother Ralph told the Sport Bild Newspaper on Wednesday. “I don’t believe that Michael will be driving for very much longer,” Toyota driver Ralph told the German sports publication.
Continue ReadingAftermarket Show Recruits Sales Manager
The Aftermarket Show, has appointed Sam Gilbert as sales manager in preparation for next year’s show which will run in January at Birmingham’s NEC. Gilbert, who has a background in publishing, exhibitions and also in the automotive industry in both the car and commercial vehicle sectors, will be responsible for recruiting new exhibitors. Commenting on his new role, Gilbert said: “The aftermarket wants and deserves an all-encompassing industry event and we are working with all aspects of the industry to deliver this. We are developing the event every year and, for 2006, are giving The Aftermarket Show a real identity of its own with a dedicated entrance, signage and coloured flooring in hall 6, differentiating it from Autosport International.”
Continue ReadingBridgestone Opens New Education Centre
At the end of May Bridgestone inaugurated its new 3,000 square metre European Education Centre (EUEC) situated within the tyre manufacturer’s European Proving ground at Aprilia near Rome.
Continue ReadingHi-Q Secures Avis Car Rental Deal
Hi-Q has secured a 12-month contract to supply full tyre management services to Avis Rent A Car. Hi-Q’s customer call centre will handle all tyre-related enquiries and tyre repair and replacement services will be provided by Hi-Q’s nationwide network of over 500 centres. Hi-Q will also provide a 24 hour emergency tyre service for Avis customers requiring assistance during the time they rent their car.
Continue ReadingManagement Changes At Goodyear Dunlop in Brussels
Pietro Saletta (38) has been named as marketing director of Truck Tyres for Goodyear Dunlop Tires Europe BV, responsible for the European Union, Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa. He follows Benjamin Willot, who has taken over the position of director of original equipment sales & marketing consumer tyres for the same areas.
Continue ReadingPirelli Supports Le Mans Teams
Pirelli is to support to some “top teams” that it says have “an optimum chance of acquitting themselves well” at this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans race. The legendary French endurance race, which will take place from 18 to 19 June, will see Pirelli support squads entered in three of the four categories permitted.
Continue ReadingRoesler Confirms Interest In Bryan Factory
Roesler Group representatives have confirmed to Tyres & Accessories that the company is interested in buying Continental Tire North America’s (CTNA) Bryan, Ohio, OTR tyre plant. Earlier local media reports had stated that the German company was expected to buy the 312-employe facility this summer. Although Roelsler representatives concurred that a final decision would be made by the end of June, they stopped short of saying that they would definitely purchase the factory. The company would not release details of how much the deal might be worth.
Continue ReadingTitan Announces Second Quarter Cash Dividend
The board of directors of Titan International, has approved a quarterly cash dividend of $.005 (one half cent) per common share for the second quarter of 2005. The cash dividend is payable on 15 July 2005, to stockholders of record on 30 June 30 2005.
Continue Reading