Delphi Adds 290 Part Numbers
Delphi has added 290 new shock absorber references to its 2005 aftermarket parts catalogue, giving the company 97 per cent coverage of the European vehicle parc. Delphi’s shocks are categorised as either “Delphi de Carbon Comfort” twintube or “Delphi de Carbon Performance monotube.” To help customers find the right part quickly, each vehicle marque is listed alphabetically and then in numerical order according to model and engine size. Columns across the page show the correct monotube and twintube references suitable for the front or rear of the vehicle.
Continue ReadingA Good Time to Blame the Industry – Plimsoll Analysis
Industry analysts Plimsoll Publishing asks, if the market suffers a recession this year, which companies in the Tyre Manufacturers and Distributors sector will be most affected and which couldnt care less? It also asks which companies are already at risk and will use any talk of a slow down to bury bad news? The new publication (Plimsoll Portfolio Analysis, Tyre Manufacturers & distributors 3rd Edition 2005) examines the current financial state of the top 240 companies in the sector and the study has revealed four distinct profiles of company behaviour.
Continue ReadingNatural Rubber Prices Reach New High
Natural Rubber Prices have reached a new high at $1.70/kg and resulting tyre prices increases could be on their way. The cost of natural rubber has increased 45 per cent since January and 30 per cent when compared with the average price in 2004. This price surge, reportedly +30 per cent in two months, will impact the tyre manufacturer’s balance sheets in four to six months, Deutsche Bank analysts predict. The analysts also suggested: “After two sets of price increases, both in 2005 and in 2006, we expect the industry to remain disciplined and would expect a further price increase in 2006.”
Continue ReadingExide’s New X-tra Power Range
Exide has launched a new range of high-performance batteries, which it says benefit from Exmet technology, a feature designed to boost engine starting power and battery life. The X-tra EXpanded METal technology means the battery contains grids of lead, calcium and tin alloys which are said to enhance starting power by as much as 30 per cent. In addition Exide says it produces lower water consumption, eliminating the need for topping-up.
Continue ReadingNew Dansk Porche Catalogue
Euro Car Parts has released its new Porsche catalogue for 2005/06 packed with high performance exhaust systems and accessories from Original Equipment Manufacturer Dansk. Dansk manufacture for the whole Porsche range, including the 356, 912, 914, 911, 964, 993, 996, 924, Boxster and Cayenne models. According to Euro Car Parts, the famous Dansk engineering produces the distinctive Porsche sound that owners demand.
Continue ReadingHankook Tire Denies It’s Walking Away From Slovakia
Hankook Tire Co, Korea’s largest tyre manufacturer said it is still considering Slovakia as the site for a 500 million euro ($603 million) plant, contradicting a Korean newspaper report that the plan had been scrapped. Now the Slovak government is saying that it has up until 31 August to come with a new offer for Hankook, local media sources have reported. The cabinet rejected the original investment proposal due to investment incentives of 21 per cent of the total investment. Now the government insists that six per cent will remain the maximum level of the investment stimuli for the company.
Continue ReadingBridgestone Eyes Hungary For New Plant
(Akron/Tire Review) According to an Associated Press report, Bridgestone Corp. is looking to build a new tire plant in Tatabanya, Hungary. Construction on the plant, estimated at $229 million, would start next year.
Continue ReadingIndian Tyre Output Climbs 10 per cent in May
Indian tyre production levels went up 10 per cent in May compared with last year. At the same time exports jumped 62 per cent. May’s overall tyre production total stood at 5,176,732 units compared with 4,712,642 in 2040, according to ATMA figures. A large part of the growth was attributed to the increase production of light commercial vehicles tyres, which went up 24 per cent year-on-year. Meanwhile, passenger car tyre production increased 13 per cent, truck and bus tyre production increased 10 per cent. In the two-wheeler segment, motorcycle tyre production increased by 14 per cent, while scooter tyre production dipped by three per cent. Exports during May increased by 62 per cent with 472,477 units exported, as opposed to 291,427 units in the same month last year. Passenger car tyre exports most, increasing 96 per cent, while trucks tyre exports went up 40 per cent in May this year.
Continue ReadingConti Appoints New Commercial Manager
Continental has appointed Mike Nyren as its truck and remould brand manager. In his new role Mr Nyren will be responsible for the development and implementation of strategies for the Uniroyal and Semperit truck tyre brands. Nyren comes to Conti from Daimler Chrysler, where he worked as marketing executive for the commercial vehicles business. Talking about his recent appointment he said: “I am really looking forward to my new role, especially working at Continental which is renowned for its high standards of engineering and product quality.”
Continue ReadingNew Bandag Dealers In Egypt and Romania
Cairo-based Internile for Tyres Ltd and HL & H Prod Com SRL have joined Bandag’s retreader network, along with Internile Tyres, Egypt Bucharest-based HL & H Prod Com SRL recently went into business operating as a joint venture between two experienced specialists from the Israeli tyre sector. Since then, the Bucharest public bus company Filaret has reportedly been full of praise for Bandag retreaded tyres. Filaret actually bought its retreads from Hatzav, the Israeli parent company of Bandag Dealer TGL (Aviation) Rubber Company, in Acre, Israel.
Continue ReadingMichelin Launches US Ticket Refund Process
Michelin have began the process of refunding US Grand Prix ticket holders after tyre failures turned the race into a six-car disappointment. Michelin North America and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway said all those who had bought race day tickets for the 19 June event were eligible. Some 120,000 fans attended the race and details of how to claim were provided through the US Grand Prix website.
Continue ReadingYokohama Thai Subsidiary Officially Opens
(Akron/Tire Review) Yokohama Tire Manufacturing (Thailand) Co, a subsidiary of The Yokohama Rubber Co, held its grand opening ceremony on 15 July.
Continue ReadingNew China Aftermarket Forum Launched
(Akron/Tire Review) MEMA’s Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) has established the China Aftermarket Forum, a new discussion group for aftermarket executives heading their businesses’ Chinese operations. The China Aftermarket Forum will meet quarterly to discuss industry issues and solutions, share best practices and network with peers.
Continue ReadingBFNAT Workers Set to Strike Friday
(Akron/Tire Review) A 16 July report in the Nashville Tennessean said that workers at Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire’s (BFNAT) medium truck tyre plant in Warren County, Tennessee, would indeed go out on strike at midnight 22 July.
Continue ReadingMichelin F1 Tyres The Answer?
Renault F1’s executive director of engineering, Pat Symonds, has spoken of his confidence that Michelin can provide the tyres that will help the team win at the German Grand Prix.
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