European Replacement For Bridgestone/Firestone
Bridgestone/Firestone is offering to replace, free of charge, a small number of tyres fitted to European Ford Explorers even though there have been no tyre related roll-overs in Europe. The tyres are P235/75R15 and P255/70R16 Wilderness AT with DOT numbers ending in 4, 5, 6, or 7. Additionally, these tyres with the last three digits of the DOT number from 108 through to 188 are also included.
Continue Reading“Classic” Status For Goodyear Blimp
The Corporate Design Foundation has named the Goodyear blimps a business and design classic; an accolade bestowed in the past on such well-known icons as the paper clip and the Coca-Cola bottle. Every year in the USA, the Goodyear blimp is seen live by 60 million people at sporting events, and by millions more on TV.
Continue ReadingKaizaki Makes A Point
Yoichiro Kaizaki, in a circular letter to Bridgestone management, has made it clear, that the sum of up to 50 bn $ claim for damages referred to by some American attorneys is totally false. American subsidiary Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. has already made, according to Kaizaki, an initial charge of 450 million US-$ for the tire recall itself and has now pledged an additional reserve of 450 million US-$. This should be in accordance with what all involved counsels believe will be the maximum cost for the American subsidiary. There is no financial danger for Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. Obviously it is a question of American lawyers trying to increase public pressure on Bridgestone Japan with the intention of talking up the claims for damages in order to encourage an out-of-court settlement. Kaizaki has countered this by saying that from now on every baseless attempt to do this will immediately be discussed in public debate.
Continue ReadingOne Fifth Of DaimlerChrysler Workforce To Go
DaimlerChrysler has announced that it is to cut 26,000 jobs globally over the next three years, which equates to 20 per cent of the groups workforce. Production will be stopped or curtailed at 13 factories, cutting capacity by 15 per cent. DaimlerChrysler has also told suppliers to reduce prices by 5 per cent.
Continue ReadingMotorsport Earns Five Billion Pounds For UK
A report commissioned by the Motorsport Industry Association and researched by various universities and management schools has concluded that the motorsport industry is worth nearly 5 billion Pounds a year to the UK economy. It also earns over 2.2 bn Pounds in export earnings; more than steel and agriculture combined, as well as employing 40,000 people. Three quarters of the worlds single seater racing cars are made in Britain and, in F1, 7 of last years 11 teams were based there.
Continue ReadingTwo New 4×4 Tyres From Michelin
Michelin has introduced two new tyres for the 4x4 market, the Synchrone and Diamaris. The new tyres are aimed at the majority of 4x4 vehicles which rarely, if ever, venture off-road. The Synchrone replaces the Michelin XPC and is aimed at family orientated 4x4s such as Land Rover, Mitsubishi Shogun and Toyota Land Cruiser. The Diamaris is W rated and above and has been designed for super luxury high performance 4x4s like the BMW X5.
Continue Reading2000 Figures From Nokian
Nokian Tyres has released financial results for last year. Net sales were 398.5 m Euro, 23.5 per cent higher than 1999. Allowing for acquisitions made during the year, the figure was 359.8 m Euro, or 11.5 per cent higher. Operating profit was 39.4 m Euro (1999: 42.1 m), affected by a 1.7 m Euro loss incurred by the tyre retail chain. Net profit was 19.8 m Euro (1999: 25.7 m).
Continue ReadingContinental Buys 60 Per Cent of Temic
Continental has announced that it has bought 60 per cent of auto components manufacturer Temic, subject to regulatory approval. Conti paid DaimlerChrysler (DCX) between 623 and 633 million Euro – the exact price is dependent on when the tyre manufacturer decides to acquire the remaining 40 per cent. Until that time, DCX will retain the 40 per cent shareholding. Last year Temic turned over 1.1 bn Euro and the company employs 5,800.
Continue ReadingVice President For RubberNetwork.com
Ron Wells has been named as Vice President of Business Development for RubberNetwork.com. Wells has over 22 years experience with the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, having successfully implemented brand development programs on a global level and with experience in purchasing and marketing management.
Continue ReadingMinimum Order Levels From Continental UK
The Continental Tyre Group has reviewed its next day delivery service in the UK. From 1st May, the following minimum order levels will apply per delivery: Car/van: 4 tyres, Truck: 2 tyres, Agricultural/Industrial: 1 tyre (unchanged). The company says that the move will ensure better quality of service and prompt delivery.
Continue ReadingNo Comment From Pirelli Group On Lucent
Pirellis cable and fibre optics firm has declined to comment on its position regarding a bid for Lucents fibre optic operation after the collapse of discussions on the proposed $23billion merger between Lucent and Alcatel.
Continue Reading84% Drop In Pirelli Profits
Pirelli reported a first quarter fall in profits to 148m Euro, an 84% drop on the first quarter of 2000. The company stated that the slump was artificially large as Q1 2000 figures included proceeds from the sale of two cable companies to Cisco Systems. Profits before tax, however, are up, sales are up, and operating profit rose by 5.6% to 57 m Euro. Pirelli expects full year net profit to be at least in line with that of 2000.
Continue ReadingFirst Ferrari President’s Prize Awarded To Bridgestone
Bridgestone became the first winner of Ferraris Presidents Prize, one of only two to be awarded to suppliers of Ferrari and Maserati, marking excellence and innovation. Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo presented the award to Shoshi Arakawa, president and CEO of Bridgestone/Firestone Europe at a ceremony at Ferrari HQ. Also present was EC president Romano Prodi. The award was in recognition of Bridgestones role in helping Ferrari to the F1 Constructors and Drivers championships and for tyre development for Gran Turismo cars.
Continue ReadingBoard Appointment For Goodyear
Philip A. Laskawy, (60) who retired as chairman and chief executive officer of Ernst & Young LLP on June 30, has been elected to the board of directors of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. Mr. Laskawy successfully led Ernst & Youngs re-engineering effort that resulted in higher levels of customer service, greater diversity and outstanding revenue growth, said Goodyear chairman and CEO Samir G. Gibara. His experience and focus on change management will be a valuable addition to our Board as Goodyear seeks to get even closer to its customers.
Continue ReadingTyre Monitoring Proposals Made
The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has proposed new federal standards for the installation of tyre pressure monitoring systems in passenger cars, light trucks and SUVs. The first option requires that the driver be warned when the pressure in one or more tyres, up to a total of four, has fallen to 20% or more below the recommended cold inflation pressure, or a minimum pressure specified in the new standards. The second option is that the warning is given when the pressure in one or more tyres, up to a total of three, falls below 25% of the recommended cold inflation pressure, or a minimum pressure specified in the new standards. These US recommendations are bound to give impetus to the marketing and development of tyre pressure monitoring systems throughout the market.
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