Test Centre To Close, Says Smithers
Smithers Scientific Services, the research and consulting firm, has announced that it will close its tyre and automotive testing complex at Pecos, Texas, due to lack of demand. 31 staff are affected and will be offered equivalent jobs at other facilities. The closure comes despite attempts to broaden the client base. The 5,800 acre facility, which Smithers bought from Uniroyal-Goodrich Tire in 1987, will be put up for sale.
Continue ReadingReshuffle at Goodyear
Goodyear has announced a reshuffle at its European businesses. Sylvain G. Valensi, the outgoing president of the European Union business unit, will be on special assignment, reporting directly to Robert Keegan, Goodyears president and COE. Valensi will be replaced by Michael J. Roney, who transfers from the Eastern Europe, Africa and Middle East Business Unit. Roney is in turn replaced by Jarro F. Kaplan, who previously held the post of managing director for Goodyear UK, and latterly of Goodyear Germany. Both Roney and Kaplan will report directly to Robert Keegan.
Continue ReadingO.E. Aims of Michelin
Michelin wants to capture half of the global O.E. market for high performance tyres. To help achieve this the company is counting on its C3M automated manufacturing system, now in place at seven plants around the world.
Continue ReadingStrike At Cord Manufacturer Affects Korean Manufacturers
The largest supplier of tyre cord in Korea, Hyosung Corporation, is currently suffering a strike. The countrys three tyre manufacturers, Hankook, Kumho and Nexen, have all expressed concern if the strike is prolonged. To obtain sufficient supplies of tyre reinforcing materials, the companies have been talking to Kolon Industries, the second largest supplier of these materials, and are also investigating the possibility of sourcing outside Korea.
Continue ReadingNew Danish point S Members
Danish group Dek Ringen, with 31 members and 35 outlets, has joined the European point S network. The cooperation already had 700 outlets in France, Germany, Italy, Belgium and The Netherlands. The European Tyre Coordination Committee (ETC) coordinates all activities of point S members across Europe.
Continue ReadingBrake-By-Wire-System From Bosch
The electro-hydraulic brake (EHB) in vehicles will replace the traditional mechanical-hydraulic brake within the next few years. This concept of the future has become commonly-known by the term brake-by-wire and will be a milestone in the total car electronic network. Continental subsidiary Teves is also developing such a braking system, but the EHB system about to be introduced on the market by Mercedes-Benz was developed by Teves competitor Robert Bosch.
Continue ReadingTruck Grand-Prix With Continental
Truck Racing at Nürburgring is traditionally a highlight of the racing season in Race- and Super Race-series for big trucks. Once again, 200,000 visitors came to see the competitions combined with a big entertainment programme. The smell of diesel and rubber, lots of sausages and beer, country music and a little bit of Western romance – these are the basic ingredients of this three-day-long fun and sports event. The important tyre manufacturers like Goodyear, Fulda and Pirelli were there too and used this occasion to communicate with their customers in an atmosphere much more relaxed than normal. The only tyre supplier for Truck Racing, Continental, had invited almost 2,000 guests for the races. For twelve years the German tyre manufacturer has supported European truck sport. And the involvement means more than just supplying the tyres. Technical support on the race tracks, mounting and professional advice are also part of the programme of sponsoring different teams. Since 1991 all teams of the Super Race-class have driven exclusively on Continental. With up to three trucks weighing 30 tons, the Continental service team accompanies the competitions all over Europe. Two service vehicles have space for 200 truck tyres each – enough to satisfy the needs of all the teams for a complete race weekend. Besides the enthusiasm for motor-sports Continental’s involvement has other practical reasons. Firstly, all target groups from the original equipment sector to the end user can be reached. And secondly, the racing itself provides concrete proof of the high performance and resistance of Continental’s truck tyres.
Continue ReadingIncrease In Turnover For Pirelli
Turnover for Pirelli SpA in the first half of the year rose by 9.7 per cent to 3.946 billion Euro (3.598 bn Euro for first half 2000). Profits rose too; operating profit before interest and taxes was up 14 per cent to 243 million Euro (2000 1H: 213 m).
Continue ReadingPortrait Of Marangoni Tyre GmbH
The German subsidiary of the Italian tyre producer Marangoni was founded six years ago in Wedel near Hamburg. The foundation of Marangoni Tyre GmbH took place at the beginning of May 1999, with General Manager Dirk Rohmann and Area Manager Martin Werner the only two people to work for the German company daughter up till now. One of their most important tasks is to increase the low awareness and attention the tyre brand receives from the end users at the moment. It was for this reason that the company held an international press conference in Rapallo in March 2000 that was attended by more than 100 journalists from all over Europe. The effect was a very positive one; Marangoni tyres have been represented in some summer- and winter-tyre-tests of international magazines, in which they performed quite well. The number of countries that are managed from Germany has increased from 16 to 22 in the previous one and a half years. New countries are: Ireland, Iceland, the Netherlands, Slovakia and Romania. The present market share in Germany amounts up to one percent – representing 400,000 tyres. The products are delivered directly on trucks from Italy. Twelve distribution partners handle the local distribution in Germany. In the western part the coverage is more ore less complete, whereas in the eastern part there are still some holes, that are due to be filled by spring next year. Furthermore Rohmann and Werner want to employ a third person who will keep a close contact with the 250 German tyre dealers where Marangoni products are sold.
Continue ReadingRubber Manufacturers Association Cuts Tyre Forecast
Underlining the news from Goodyear, the US trade group the Rubber Manufacturers Association has cut its forecast of tyre shipments for 2001 from 316 million tyres to 303 million. Last years figure was a record 321 million tyres. July tyre shipments to car manufacturers were 5 per cent down on the same month last year, while commercial market shipments fell by 32 per cent. The RMA predicts shipments of 304.4 million tyres next year and 317 million in 2003.
Continue ReadingEurope Tries To Have Brazilian Retread Ban Removed
The European Commission, and BIPAVER are in negotiation with Brazilian and Argentinean authorities to try and raise the prohibition of the ban on retread imports which the EC considers protectionist and a restriction on Free trade. The EC is preparing to take the case to the World Trade Organisation, which will allow compensation claims to be made and possible commercial retaliatory barriers to be imposed.
Continue ReadingAVS Decibel From Yokohama
Japanese tyre manufacturer Yokohama presents, as a highlight, its new tyre, the AVS decibel, which will be distinctive due to its smooth running – even at high speeds and after thousands of kilometres. It will unite athletic driving with pleasantly quiet running noise, as well as providing dynamic performance and stability. The market launch is planned for 2002. The AVS decibel will replace its predecessor, the AVS TW.
Continue ReadingMagneti Marelli To Close UK Aftermarket Operation
Following a review of its UK activities, Magneti Marelli has announced that its UK aftermarket operation will close on December 31st. This comes as a result of weak demand within the UK replacement parts market. Business managers will work with customers up until then to assist in areas such as alternative product sourcing. Selected products, such as the aftermarket lighting programme, will continue for key accounts, supplied through the central warehouse in Milan. Magneti Marellis other aftermarket businesses in Europe are unaffected.
Continue ReadingLower Profits Warning From Nokian
Nokian Tyres has warned that its profits for its tyre chain in the fourth quarter, and for the year as a whole, will be lower than expected, although group sales and profits developed as expected during the autumn. The reason cited for lower sales was the mild winter so far in Nordic countries, which depressed sales of winter tyres.
Continue ReadingLatest News From Berliner Reifenwerke GmbH
Until today, the German Berliner Reifenwerke GmbH has been an example of the incompetence of authorities, banks and others. NEUE REIFENZEITUNG has already reported developments in detail, up to the appointment of the official receiver. Part of around 80 million Deutschmarks, which were originally supposed to build up Berliner Reifenwerke, have either been thrown away or squandered in order to support the lifestyles of some company leaders, and of which the creditors are unlikely to see a penny again. But things are not so bad, because the investment bank Berliner Investitionsbank has already managed other flops. The truly sad thing is that loyal employees of many years’ standing have been dismissed, and they are now without jobs or prospects. The fact that Berliner Reifenwerke – today called Berliner Runderneuerungswerke –, is still alive, can be attributed to both the official receiver and the RuLa shareholders’ delegates. Berliner Runderneuerungs GmbH was founded by RuLa and, because time is short, the plant is being leased from the official receiver, but for the moment this factory will stay in mothballs. Although the huge pressure of time has been relieved, conclusive decisions are needed for the medium-term, as the whole plant cannot be leased for a long term if the contractual partner is an official receiver. Soon, investors will run off.
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