Government Orders Inquiry into MG Rover Collapse
The directors of MG Rover are to face a full inquiry into their accounts and management of the collapsed car maker, The Times has reported. The inquiry, to be led by Guy Newey, QC, was ordered by Alan Johnson, the Trade and Industry Secretary, after a preliminary inquiry for the Department of Trade and Industry raised concerns. Witnesses can be forced to give evidence to the inquiry.
Continue ReadingApollo Tyres Suspends Production: Update
Following yesterday’s news of strike action at Apollo Tyres’ Vadodara factory the manufacturer has released more details of the circumstances surrounding the “illegal strike.” The industrial action is being conducted by only one of the three unions representing workers at the plant that employs roughly 3000 people, an Apollo Tyres spokesperson told Tyres & Accessories. None of the manufacturer’s other factories are reported to be involved in the troubles.
Continue ReadingGetting the Message Across
MIRA (Motor Industry Research Association) and RoadSafe welcomed both journalists and ‘opinion formers,’ including representatives from the AA, police and RoSPA, to the association’s test grounds in Nuneaton last month, to host comparative tyre tread depth tests and to promote the industry’s 3mm tyre replacement cause. To read more go to Subjects in Focus
Continue ReadingGetting the Message Across
“The UK aftermarket industry must play a key role in bringing the findings of new research into tyre performance to motorists’ attention” – this was RoadSafe’s message at its recent ‘safety in the wet demonstration,’ a message it successfully managed to impress on guests. MIRA (Motor Industry Research Association) and RoadSafe welcomed both journalists and ‘opinion formers,’ including representatives from the AA, police and RoSPA, to the association’s test grounds in Nuneaton last month, to host comparative tyre tread depth tests and to promote the industry’s 3mm tyre replacement cause. Guests were offered the opportunity to take part in a practical demonstration that aimed to further impact the tyre safety message. Four cars, each with one of the specified tread depths, 8mm, 4mm, 3mm or 1.6mm were available for guests to complete wet braking tests. The results were strikingly clear, the lower the tread depth the longer and further it took to stop the vehicle. A simple exercise, a simple message; yet despite the simplicity a large percentage of motorists drive on illegal levels of tyre tread. What the 3mm working group says is that it’s up to the UK tyre industry to do something about this and promote change.
Continue ReadingBridgestone Recalls 500,000 Valve Cores
Bridgestone is to recall some 500,000 tyre valve cores used in its tyres due to a pressure leak problem. The manufacturer reports that it has informed the Japanese Ministry of Land Infrastructure of its plans to recall the valve cores which were made by Asahi Metal, and produced between October 2004 and May 2005.Bridgestone said it has received reports of 20 cases of malfunction in Japan relating to the valve cores but no accidents. The affected tyres are only said to be available in Japan.
Continue ReadingJiang Xi Federal Tire Doubles Capacity
Federal Tire’s subsidiary in Jiang Xi, China (JFT) will invest $30 million into equipment and people to double annual capacity to 5 million units a year, by the end of 2005. According to the company the investment is required due to an increase in demand for its tyres. The majority of the investment will go towards the purchase of curing presses, tyre building, uniformity inspection equipment and mixers as JFT increases the size of its current tyres and finalises plans for new additions to its product line. JFT manufactures a range of Hero and Federal brand tyres including UHP, PCR, SUV, light truck.
Continue ReadingApollo Tyres Suspends Production at Vadodara Plant
Apollo Tyres Ltd has shut its manufacturing plant in Vadodara, Gujarat. Local media reports attribute the closure to illegal strike action by one section of trade unions in the factory. As a result, shares in Apollo were down 0.8 per cent at 280 rupees in what the Reuters news agency described as “a slightly firm Bombay market”.
Continue ReadingDave Garratt Becomes EGEA Treasurer
Dave Garratt was appointed as treasurer of the Brussels based European Garage Equipment Association (EGEA). The news was announced following at the association’s recent General Assembly meeting held in Bologna on the 20 May. Mr Garratt’s appointment is seen as an important step for the industry as it ensures a close and ongoing association with the European market. Dave Garrat, also chief executive of the Garage Equipment Association (GEA) in the UK said: “The EGEA, which is based in Brussels, plays an important role in lobbying and advising the European Commission. This appointment shows that the EGEA value an input from the UK and proves that the GEA is fully committed to supporting its members in Europe.”
Continue ReadingCooper’s New HP Zeon
Cooper Tire has launched its latest high performance tyre the Zeon XTC to the European market. Aimed at a range of vehicles from a Ford Focus to a Jaguar X-type the tyre is designed to offer a quiet, comfortable and confident drive in both wet and dry weather.
Continue ReadingStill Time for Fulda Challenge Applications
Have you ever considered tackling a 48 kilometre mountain bike ride and a half-marathon in Arctic temperatures? Could you climb a 30m-high ice wall, endure 30 kilometres of cross-country skiing, and navigate a team of huskies through alpine woodland in temperatures as low as –45 degrees celcius? Men and women from around the UK are prepared to give it a go as they apply to be part of the 2006 Fulda Challenge team.
Continue ReadingMEPs Vote to Rein-in Bull-Bars
MEPs have backed EU plans for tighter controls on the use of ‘bull bars’ on cars, in a bid to minimise injuries to pedestrians and cyclists. The European Parliament voted at a first reading on new EU laws setting out tougher safety standards and strict tests for new cars built with frontal protection systems to improve pedestrian safety.
Continue ReadingGoodyear Reorganises Off-The-Road
Goodyear Dunlop has reorganised its Off-The-Road department, promoting Mark Turner into the role of key accounts manager for OTR SBU. Currently farm tyre sales and training specialist, Mr Turner will now focus on key accounts, and the development of farm, industrial, ATV and Terra tyres with dealer customers throughout the UK. In his new role Turner will continue to run the show calendar for Goodyear Dunlop and will maintain his training responsibilities.
Continue ReadingIndian Truck and Bus Tyre Exports Rise
(India/Rubber Asia) Indian truck and bus tyre exports grew 16 per cent in March 2005 compared with the same time last year (222,527 in March 2004 compared with 258,727 March 2005). The Automotive & Tyre Manufacturers Association (ATMA) figures also show that passenger car tyre exports grew, rising from 98,327 units to 107,559 - a 9 per cent increase. LCV tyre export shipments rose 8 per cent to 118,337 units in March 2005 from 109,272 the previous year. Tractor tyre exports were also significantly higher than the previous year, growing 29 per cent (front), 11 per cent (rear) and 46 per cent (trailer) while OTR tyre shipments jumped 37 per cent. Scooter and motorcycle tyre exports shot up 45 and 44 per cent respectively.
Continue ReadingAlonso Snatches Victory
Fernando Alonso snatched victory from McLaren’s Kimi Raikonnen on the last lap of the European Grand Prix. The Renault driver was able to extend his championship lead to 32 points after the Finnish driver crashed out due to the suspension failure caused by the flatspotting of his front right tyre. Williams’ Nick Heidfeld and Ferrari’s Rubens Barichello joined Alonso on the podium, followed by the Red Bull of David Coulthard, the Ferrari of Michael Schumacher, Renault’s Giancarlo Fisichella and McLaren’s Juan Pablo Montoya. Jarno Trulli filled the last point scoring postion.
Continue ReadingFirestone’s Launches World’s Widest Agricultural Tyre
Firestone has launched what it claims it the world’s widest agricultural tyre. At 1250 millimetres wide, the company reports that the agricultural tyre is a full 200 millimetres wider than the nearest competitor.
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