More Tyres Sold In Germany In 1999
The German rubber industry recorded sales of 18.9 bn Marks (+3.9%) in 1999, of which 11 bn Marks (+5.6%) were tyres. German tyre sales (+6.3%) grew stronger than exports (+4.0%). The dramatic increases in prices of raw-materials is a source of worry for the rubber industry, announced the rubber association W.d.K. (Wirtschaftsverband der deutschen Kautschukindustrie).
Continue ReadingHans-Joachim Brand Leaves Continental
Hans-Joachim Brand (53), who, until the end of 1999, was responsible for the British tyre retail chain NTS, left Continental last month.
Continue ReadingTurnover Up, Profits Down – Nokian’s First Quarter Figures
Nokians net sales in the first three months were up 18.4% over last years figures, reaching 67 million Euros (1999 Q1: 57 million Euros). Operating profit was -4.4 m Euros (2.7 m Euros). Manufacturing made a profit of 2.9 m Euros (5.8 m Euros) while the retail chain made a loss of -6 m Euros (-2.9 m Euros).
Continue ReadingGoodyear Focused On Growth And Profitability
Goodyear Chairman, CEO and President Samir G. Gibara announced increasing growth and profitability at the companys annual shareholder meeting for 2000: Early indicators show encouraging signs that our strategy is working he said. Much of the growth will come from the more profitable replacement tyre market than from sales to auto makers.
Continue ReadingGoodyear Turnaround “On Track”
After a bad year in 1999, Goodyear has announced that the company is now on track with its turnaround strategy.
Continue Reading“Snowprox S950” – Toyo’s New Winter Tyre
In the autumn Snowprox S950 will be available in 55/50/45/40-series. According to Toyo, which celebrates its 25th anniversary in Germany this year, the new winter tyre has (compared with its predecessor M+S 920) improved its performance dramatically.
Continue ReadingEagle F1 Tread Pattern In Le Mans
While, for example Michelin, declares the demands of Le Mans comparable with Formula 1, Goodyear is fitting the Corvette of the official Chevrolet team and a private BMW prototype with the Eagle F1 street tread pattern.
Continue ReadingSignificant Decreases For General Tire USA
A spokesman for Continental, in answer to a question from NEUE REIFENZEITUNG, agreed that the figures from General Tire for the first half of this year are significantly less than figures for the same period last year. Continental will officially release the half year figures on August 9th.
Continue ReadingDTM: Opel Changes To ATS
During a racing series, changes from one tyre or wheel supplier to another one are very rare. In the very popular German Touring Cars Championship (DTM – Deutsche Tourenwagen-Masters) Dunlop is the exclusive tyre supplier. Now Opel-Phoenix has decided to change from BBS wheels to conventional cast alloy wheels from ATS, so that the Bad Durkheim-based wheel manufacturer is now the biggest supplier of racing wheels in this series. AMG-Mercedes has also used ATS wheels since the beginning of the series.
Continue ReadingNew Vice President For Hayes Lemmerz N. A. Cast Wheel Operations
Hayes Lemmerz has appointed Jesus Bonilla-Valdez to the position of Vice President Operations responsible for its six-plant cast wheel operations in North America.
Continue ReadingNew Plan Aims To Make National Tyre Service Profitable Within Five Years
When Continental bought the UK retail chain National Tyre Service a decade ago, the company regarded its equity as a way of gaining a foothold in the market and increasing its market share. To put it simply, National was merely a vehicle for moving tyres. In the last few years, the German parent has realised the strategic importance and benefits of having its own chain and has re-thought its attitude. National turns over £150 m annually and it is no secret that the company has been making a loss over recent years but this, says Chief Executive Adrian Dunleavy, is due to change within the next five years, with the aim being profit and a sustainable market share. In an exclusive interview with TYRES & ACCESSORIES, Dunleavy discusses the details of the plan and the investment promised by Continental. He also gives frank answers to the critics of National’s two tyres for the price of one offer, who regard this as being responsible for today’s price cutting. And how does he respond to the widespread condemnation of the National Motor Dealer offer, which was designed to encourage motor dealers into the tyre business? The five-year plan requires time and investment and Continental have granted both. Dunleavy accepts that the pressure is on him to deliver results within the designated time frame.
Continue ReadingGold-Mine For Pirelli
Pirelli sold a 90% share (Cisco holds 10%) in the very young company Optical Technologies. OT has around 100 employees and a first half-year turnover of US$ 12 m. Turnover for the whole year is expected to be US$ 30 m. Optimistic observers speculated that the price would be around US$ 1 bn, while Pirelli in fact received slightly over US$ 3 bn (after tax) in cash. According to the management, acquisitions in the tyre field are unlikely, but it may be that Pirelli can bring forward the introduction of its MIRS system faster than expected. Pirelli is, and will remain, in partnership with Michelin and Goodyear to promote the PAX system.
Continue ReadingQuality Award For Dunlop
Dunlop Germany has been awarded a top level Formula Q award by the Volkswagen Group. Dunlop was the only tyre producer to gain the award for Supply Reliability, Productivity and Error-free Quality. Every year Volkswagen awards 20 of its 8,000 suppliers for their outstanding performance.
Continue ReadingProduction Cut By Bridgestone/Firestone
In a move unconnected, according to Bridgestone/Firestone, to the recall, production is being cut at three tyre production plants in response to oversupply. Cutbacks will affect LaVergne, Tennessee, Oklahoma City, and at Decatur, Illinois. Some 450 employees are also being laid off indefinitely at the Decatur plant, centre of attention in the recall.
Continue ReadingCarbon Black Price Increase From Degussa-Hüls
Degussa-Hüls AG, the worlds second largest pigment black manufacturer with production sites in Europe, North America and Asia, has announced a price increase of 1,500 (one thousand five hundred) Euro per tonne for its extra conductive carbon black grade, effective from January 1st , 2001.
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