Michelin’s Commercial JV in India
Michelin-Apollo Tyres (MATL) has entered a joint venture with Tata Motors and Ashok Leyland, India’s two biggest commercial vehicle makers, in a bid to sell radial tyres. The $85 million venture, to manufacture truck and bus radial tyres will commence by June 2006, reports BS Online, adding that the Pune plant will reach a capacity of 350,000 units by 2009-10.
Continue ReadingAirgo-Lift Prevents Manual Handling
Hofmann Megaplan has introduced the new ‘Airgo-Lift’ a wheel lifter for assisting tyre technicians with heavy wheel assemblies. Operated by air the machine fits under the shaft of a balancer and can raise wheels up to 70kg in weight. It can also move the wheel horizontally over the shaft to allow easy location of studs when flange plate mounting.
Continue ReadingBandvulc At ATS
Bandvulc Tyres will be showcasing Bandvulc Tyre Contracts (BTC), its tyre management system, at this years CV show, having committed £1/4 million to create semi-intelligent reporting software. A selection of tyres will also be on show, including the BD04 295/80R22.5 new generation drive axle tyre, the BDE1, 225/75R17.5 bead-to-bead remould and the B2K 385/65R22.5 super single tyre for trailers.
Continue ReadingFirestone Sponsors PPIR
Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, (BFNT) has signed a new sponsorship agreement with Pikes Peak International Raceway (PPIR). The Firestone brand will now serve as the official tyre of PPIR for the Indy Racing League’s Honda Indy 225 IndyCar Series race on 21 August. “Becoming the Official Tyre at Pikes Peak International Raceway provides us a tremendous opportunity at Firestone,” said Al Speyer, executive director of motorsports, BFNT. “PPIR is in a great setting, with Pikes Peak and the Rocky Mountains as a majestic backdrop, and in the middle of a growing Colorado market where the Firestone brand is assured of receiving excellent exposure. Were quite pleased with the agreement and look forward to building on the Firestone-PPIR relationship to make racing even more popular with area fans.”
Continue ReadingKwik-Fit Criticised for Prices
A recent survey conducted by the Sunday Times has shown Kwik-Fit to be one of the most expensive tyre fitting chains in the UK. The publication’s research found the company charged up to 120 per cent more for certain types of tyre than outlets in the same area.
Continue ReadingContinental Reports Records on All Levels
The Continental group has reported a record-turnover of 12.6 billion euros (16.4 bn $US) for 2004. It has also posted an EBIT of 1096.4 million euros (1.418 bn $US). Its net profit reached 673.8 million euros (872 million $US). The company’s net debt also decreased by 473.6 million and stood at 695 million euros (899 million $US) at the end of 2004.
Continue ReadingATD Supplies GM Dealers
(Akron/Tire Review) According to its most recent Securities and Exchange Commission 10-K filings, American Tire Distributors (ATD) has entered into a contract to supply tyres directly to some 3,700 General Motors brand auto dealers in the US.
Continue ReadingWin with UK Equipment
John Bean is offering visitors to the ATS/CV show the chance to win a GPS satellite navigation system. In association with UK Equipment Group John Bean will be running a ‘3D Alignment Time Trial’ where, the person who aligns the car in the shortest time wins the system. Competitors will be using the Visualiner 3D Arago, which the company says is one of the fastest alignment systems on the market. The system uses 3D digital imaging technology, and does not require run-out compensation or levelling of the measuring targets. It’s Windows XP software guides the operator through the measuring procedure and provides full alignment readings within four minutes says UK Equipment Group.
Continue ReadingWill Bridgestone and USWA Resolve Differences?
(Akron/Tire Review) Even after reports that negotiators had to take a break to accommodate the upcoming NCAA men’s basketball championships in St. Louis and the United Steelworkers of America’s (USWA) April national convention in Las Vegas, there remain concerns on whether the USWA and Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire (BFNAT) can resolve their apparently deep differences and reach agreement on a new master contract.
Continue ReadingEuropean Replacement Market Weak
The first two months of this year were disappointing for all tyre manufacturers present in Europe. The European replacement market volume for passenger car tyres dropped six per cent and nine per cent for truck tyres. In comparison the Americans performed better. The replacement market grew three per cent for passenger car tyres and10 per cent for truck tyres.
Continue ReadingKmart Exec Joins ArvinMeritor
(Akron/Tire Review) Former Kmart executive James Donlon has been named senior vice president and CFO of ArvinMeritor, effective 1 April. Mr Donlon served as senior vice president and CFO at Kmart. In this new position, Mr Donlon will drive ArvinMeritors financial performance, as well as provide comprehensive financial direction and guidance to the corporation.
Continue ReadingGlobal Off-Road Shortage
(Australia/Tyre Review) There is no immediate end in sight to the global off-road tyre shortage, according to a recent report from Australia, and most tyremakers in Australia say things will remain tight for at least another year – perhaps longer. According to the news report, the causes of the shortfall include the Chinese economy, which is taking large numbers of OTR tyres directly, heavy Chinese demand for raw materials which has increased demand for rubber-tyred mining equipment, worldwide rubber shortages, and a lack of investment in expanding tyre production.
Continue ReadingSumitomo Establish New Company
(Akron/Tire Review) Sumitomo Chemical has announced plans to establish a new company in southern China to manufacture and sell polypropylene compounds for automotive applications. The new subsidiary, Sumika Polymer Compounds (Zhuhai) Co, will be 55 per cent owned by Sumitomo Chemical and 45 per cent owned by Toyo Ink Manufacturing (not related to Toyo Tire & Rubber Co.). The planned facility, which should open in mid-2006, will have an initial capacity of 10,000 tons/year, with a target of 20,000 tons/year at full capacity.
Continue ReadingBig Three Regaining Ground in Canada
(Toronto/Tire Review) Canadian Press reports that the Big Three automakers – Ford, GM and DaimlerChrysler – continue to lose market share in the United States but are regaining ground in Canada. US sales by the Big Three have declined by six per cent so far this year, reducing their market share to 59 per cent – the fifth consecutive month below 60 per cent – said the report released Monday, citing research by Scotiabank. Meanwhile, the Big Three led the way in Canada last month, with volumes advancing 16 per cent year-over-year – the best performance in more than five years.
Continue ReadingAircept System Works In Practice
Before launching its Greatec single drive tyres, incorporating the Aircept safety system, on to the market, Bridgestone subjected it to prolonged and extensive testing. For the record, the Aircept system consists of an inner tube which, in the case of a tyre blow-out, expands to support the tyre at around half its normal pressure and enables the driver to continue his journey.
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