Avon Azaro Does Well In Tests
Avon Tyres new Azaro II motorcycle tyre performed well in a series of tests conducted by Motor Cycle News, the UKs leading bike newspaper. Seven brands were tested on six different motorcycles and the Azaro was placed first or second in these.
Continue ReadingPrice Increase For Rubber Blacks From Degussa-Hüls In Europe
Degussa-Hüls AG, the worlds second largest carbon black manufacturer, with production sites in Europe, North America, Africa and Asia, has agian announced a price increase of 50 Euro per metric ton for its range of rubber blacks, effective from September 1st, 2000, in Europe. A continuing combination of the weakness of the Euro and unprecedented high prices for crude oil and crude oil products is leading to substantially higher carbon black production costs.
Continue ReadingKwik-Fit Buys Majority Of Montinex
It has been confirmed that Kwik-Fit has purchased the vast majority of depots which made up the Montinex group retail chain. Montinex was put up for sale by the Administrative Receiver in early August and the deadline for receipt of bids was 18th August. The Kwik-Fit deal was finalised less than two weeks later. Kwik-Fit would not reveal the exact number of centres involved, but said that the company would study them in detail in order to determine the best way forward for each - at this early stage no decisions have been made.
Continue ReadingFirestone Defence Becomes More Aggressive
During a highly emotional press conference in Tokyo, Bridgestones boss Kaizaki again asked Ford to shoulder more of the blame. Kaizaki again pointed out that the recall in the USA is precautionary and, to date, no technical failure has been found. In Saudi Arabia, for example, the tyres have not caused - according to a joint investigation by Firestone and Ford - the problems. Firestone has never tried to cover up the facts, said Kaizaki (67). He refused to resign and said that he would take the responsibility for re-establishing the Firestone brand. A management shake up in Nashville seems likely, as soon as the recall is over. John Lampe, Executive Vice President for Bridgestone/Firestone USA, said during the hearing of the Senate Commerce Committee that Ford should share the blame. Official data on 16,000 Explorer rollovers, related to 600 deaths, show that in only a very few cases were there problems related to tyres. Bridgestone management is annoyed that, during Nassers call to Sam Gibara at the end of August, the Goodyear chief said that he had no knowledge of Goodyear problems in connection with the Explorer. Goodyear supplied two million tyres for the Explorer and there have been numerous proofs and photographs showing that Explorer accidents and rollovers had occurred with Goodyear tyres.
Continue ReadingCompetitive Pressure Suppresses Adequate Conti Price Increase
Continental remains under price pressure across Europe, with on-going raw material price increases being only partly covered. According to Continental, in remarks made at the Paris Motor Show, the pressure in the tyre field is mainly coming from Michelin.
Continue ReadingWarranty Changes At Bridgestone/Firestone USA
In a step at rebuilding consumer confidence in the Firestone brand Bridgestone/Firestone announced an extension of its limited warranty and 30-day money back guarantee in the United States. The range covered by the warranty will be extended from 53 product lines to 97 covering almost all the companys products. The programme will replace tyres that become unusable for any reason attributed to workmanship or factory defect for the first three years of ownership, the first four years after manufacture, or until the tyre tread depth is worn down to 1/16th of an inch, whichever comes first. The 30 day money back guarantee remains as it says, if the customer is unhappy, he will get his money back if he returns the goods within 30 days of purchase.
Continue ReadingFirestone/Ford Issue Hits Courts
Lawyers from both plaintiffs and defendants argued in front of a panel of federal judges in Washington as they tried to decide how to deal with the 200 pending lawsuits. The judges will decide within two weeks whether to combine all the evidence and gather all the suits in one process. Ford, Firestone and lawyers for some plaintiffs argued for consolidation, saying it would simplify the process. Others say it might drag out the process unnecessarily. The multi-district panel hearing has caused the postponement of a hearing scheduled for 16th October. This latter case being sought by the Center for Auto Safety (Ralph Nadars organisation), seeks to widen the recall of Bridgestone/Firestone tyres. The alleged death toll has risen to 119, with injuries increasing to 500, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Continue Reading4×4 By Michelin
Michelin is to introduce two new off-road tyres. Prototypes were shown to the public for the first time at the Essen Motor-Show. The Diamaris is primarily designed for street use and will be available in sizes up to 20 inches. Synchrone has been developed mainly for off-road use.
Continue ReadingGroup In Crisis: Pacific Dunlop Ltd.
Pacific Dunlop itself is in deep water, but now also the daughter company South Pacific Tyres, which is a 50:50 joint-venture with Goodyear, going back almost 15 years, is itself experiencing big problems. The company will cut 495 of 1,865 jobs at its three Melbourne-plants and stop making truck tyres altogether. South Pacific Tyres will import 100 % of its truck tyre needs.
Continue ReadingMichelin To Enter Formula 1
Speculations have come to an end: Michelin will participate in Formula 1 racing from the 2001 season. Initially, the company will supply tyres to the BMW/Williams team and, at some time before 2003, Michelin will team up with Team Toyota, who confirmed their entry into the sport earlier this week. Michelin has competed in F1 before, from 1977 to 1984, winning three Drivers and two Constructors titles. The reason for entering the sport now is to increase world-wide recognition for the Michelin brand.
Continue ReadingMotorway Retreads Consultation Ends
Employees at Motorway Retreads have accepted that the proposal to move all car tyre retreading to the EWS (Environmental Waste Solutions) groups Durham site (Colway) is the only commercially sensible decision. Staff numbers will be reduced, primarily through voluntary redundancy. Production of truck retreads will continue at Motorways Knighton site and sister company Waste Tyre Solutions will operate a casing inspection hub. EWS is the parent company of the retreaders Colway and Motorway Retreads.
Continue ReadingReuters To Sponsor BMW-Williams Formula 1 Team
The news group Reuters has been named as sponsor of the BMW-Williams F1 team for three years. In December, BMW and oil company Castrol announced that they would work together but the main sponsor was only revealed today.
Continue ReadingYokohama Shares Rise
Yokohama Rubbers share price surged by at the end of February. Analysts are speculating whether this marks the beginning of a new round of consolidation in the tyre industry.
Continue ReadingA Job With Future, But Vacant
The image of jobs in tyre repairing and fitting is not the best in Germany. In spite of being a job with future and a high level of unemployment (more than 10 per cent) not enough young peoble wants to occupy the vacancies.
Continue ReadingDegussa-Hüls Increases Prices for Rubber Blacks in Europe
Degussa-Hüls AG, worldwide the second largest carbon black manufacturer with production sites in Europe, North America, Africa and Asia, again announces a price increase of 25 Euro per metric ton for its range of rubber blacks effective May 1, 2000, in Europe.
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