Regaining a Foothold in Motorcycle Retreads
Tomahawk has been through some major changes since its inception eight years ago. Set up in Wolverhampton, following two and a half years of research and testing it was the first business of its kind to retread motorcycle tyres in the UK. It was business as usual for the company until an American firm approached it two years ago, wanting to join forces to develop the retreaded motorcycle tyres for the US. Tomahawk entered into a commercial agreement with Cycle Tires, a subsidiary of aircraft tyre technologist, Desser Tire & Rubber and hasn’t looked back.
Continue ReadingSibur Discusses Future with Dealers
Russian tyre company, Sibur, has conducted a conference for its dealers in which to discuss the future development strategy of the business and to form a plan to increase the effectiveness of the regional commercial partners. The company directors gave a presentation on the current state of the business, emphasising that an increase in the effectiveness of the tyre business is the company’s top priority. The company has already initiated a new development strategy for the tyre business in April last year, in order to improve the quality of production and to meet the requirements of today’s market.
Continue ReadingBridgestone Gain IMI Accreditation
Bridgestone UK’s assessment centre has gained the Institute of Motor Industry (IMI), approval, making it the first tyre company to hold the status for all its training modules. The award follows a detailed audit by the IMI of Bridgestone UK’s training resources and assessment procedures. It will now mean that a technician qualifying through one of the company’s training schemes will achieve recognition from the IMI via its Quality Assured Awards (QAA) initiative.
Continue ReadingCars Produced for Export Hit Record Total in 2004
The number of cars produced for export hit a record level last year, rising three per cent to 1,179,753 units, says the Office for National Statistics. However production for the UK market fell 9.1 per cent bringing last year’s total to 467,020 units, compared to 513,799 in 2003. More than seven out of every 10 cars made in the UK are now destined for export markets, says the SMMT, adding that output for export markets rose for the third year in a row.
Continue ReadingGrowth in CV assembly in 2004
Commercial vehicle output in the UK rose 10.8 per cent in 2004 according to provisional data released by the Office for National Statistics. However CVs produced for the home market fell 17.2 per cent for the three months to December because of a focus on meeting European demand. “The 2004 figures show UK commercial production figures over 10 per cent up on the previous year,” said Christopher Macgowan, SMMT chief executive. “Last year was a record breaker for CV registrations in the UK and it is encouraging to see production climbing too. European demand has helped export figures increase by 25 per cent and new UK product developments will help keep those figures up. Its great to have so much good news from the CV sector.”
Continue ReadingNTDA Promotes ‘Cold Weather Tyres’
In the last 12 months Tyres & Accessories has covered the ongoing winter tyre debate in some detail. Now, after the NTDA held a successful seminar alongside January’s Aftermarket Show, the topic is once again the subject of attention. The NTDA organised the seminar in response to demand from members who discussed the subject at the annual conference in Marbella. According to national chairman, Martin Rowlands, the subject of winter tyres was “by far the most popular topic,” along with the three millimetre replacement market and serving female customers.
Continue ReadingToyo’s Best Autosport Show Ever
In its recent first half 2005 results, Toyo Tire & Rubber reported that operating income rocketed 120.8 per cent. This was said to be due to a 25.9 per cent increase in sales of high value products, with general sales improving by 8.7 per cent. Now, having exhibited at the Autosport Show, Toyo is claiming to have “kicked into overdrive” with its “best show ever.” Tyres & Accessories took the opportunity to catch up with marketing director, Mike Rignall.
Continue ReadingSmithers Taps Michelin Veteran
Michael Bair, former senior technical and regulatory advisor to the legal department at Michelin North America, has been named senior manager of technical services and sales for Smithers Scientific Services. In his new role, Mr Bair will be responsible for the development of new tyre business, project management and product analysis. He will focus on business opportunities with various tyre manufacturers, suppliers, government agencies and military organisations, says Smithers in a recent news release. “Mike has an excellent technical understanding about tyres, their performance characteristics, and proper selection and application,” said Raymond Farmer, Smithers’ vice president and chief operating officer.
Continue ReadingYokohama Designs New ‘Intelligent’ TPMS System
Yokohama is claiming that the days of stability control systems could be numbered, due to a new programme developed by the company. Yokohama explains that the system uses a sensor fitted to the wheel rim meaning that the device takes its measurement directly from the tyre. The thinking behind the product is that it will only function when a driver really needs it, for example when a tyre loses grip. This contrasts with other designs, which have been criticised for ‘nannying’ drivers.
Continue ReadingMichelin win Malcolm Transport Contract
The Malcolm Group, one of Scotlands largest road transport companies, has signed a three year contract with Michelin for the supply of truck tyres for its fleet. The deal covers 335 tractor units and 1,000 trailers, all to be fitted with Michelin E type tyres.
Continue ReadingSteve Tidmarsh Becomes Kumho MD
Kumho Tyre has announced that Steve Tidmarsh has been appointed as managing director and chief operating officer of Kumho Tyre (UK). The appointment became effective on 1 January 2005. Following Mr Tidmarsh’s promotion, YD Yoon, president of Kumho Tire Europe, will assume the role of chief executive officer. Commenting on the appointment, YD Yoon said: “Under Steve’s leadership I am certain that our team at Kumho Tyre (UK) will be in excellent shape to meet the challenges of the UK and Irish markets. His energy and drive will be invaluable as we move ahead with our strategic plans for Europe.” Steve Tidmarsh joined Kumho Tyre (UK) in December 2002 as sales director, becoming executive director in 2004.
Continue ReadingGoodyear Dunlop Win Slovenian Award
Dick Johnson, general manager of Goodyear Dunlop Tyres UK, has been awarded the title ‘Foreign Manager of the Year for 2004’ by the Slovenian media.
Continue ReadingLoeb Wins Monte Carlo Rally
Sébastien Loeb has won his third Monte Carlo Rally. The French driver’s success brings Michelin’s total to 20 wins in the principality since the creation of the World Rally Championship in 1973. In a repeat of last years Monte Carlo classification, Citroën and Ford secured first and second places. Sébastien Loeb and the Michelin-shod Citroën Xsara WRC dominated the seasons opening round from start to finish and Michelins tyres were competitive from the very first group of stages, which saw Loeb pull out a significant early lead. This years Monte Carlo Rally also marked the introduction a new tyre regulation which, for this event, allowed drivers to use a maximum of 55 tyres from their allocated quota of 80 asphalt tyres and 50 snow tyres (although the latter werent actually fitted given the conditions). After consultation with their engineers and Michelin technicians, the drivers had to finalise their choice on the Monday before the event. The 80 asphalt tyres included the three or four compounds they believed would be competitive but the difficulty was determining the ideal quantity of each option for the three-day event. According to Michelin, its one-two finish in Monaco shows that the work put in by its technicians and partner teams and drivers in pre-event testing paid dividends.
Continue ReadingSilverstone Withdraws from Motor Show
The Silverstone motor circuit has pulled out of the running to host the British International Motor Show. The SMMT confirmed the racetrack had withdrawn leaving three major venues – the Birmingham NEC, Earls Court in London and the Docklands Excel centre -- pitching for the 2006 exhibition. An SMMT spokesman said a final decision on the show’s future location would be made in February.
Continue ReadingGoodyear in Talks with Titan
Goodyear is in discussions about the sale of its agricultural tyre division in North America and sources have reported that Titan would be a potential buyer. It is said that both parties are close to an agreement. As far as Europe is concerned, the management has suggested it is willing to keep this business.
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