German Car Registrations Prognosis Revised
The German car industry will this year, for the fourth time, produce more than five million cars, announced the association of the car industry in Stuttgart. The losers in terms of car sales are expected to be the importers. For the year as a whole. it is estimated that there will be 3.33 million new car registrations in Germany – about 50,000 fewer than the previous year. Exports are expected to reach a new record.
Continue ReadingUS Survey Shows Under-inflation Problem
Despite reports suggesting that under-inflation of Firestone tyres was a contributory factor in Explorer rollovers, a survey by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveals that US drivers are not taking the message on board. The pressure of over 11,500 tyres was measured over a two week period and 27 per cent of cars and 32 per cent of vans, SUVs etc. had at least one under-inflated tyre (8 p.s.i. or more below the manufacturers recommended pressure). Vehicles made after November 2003 will have to incorporate a tyre pressure monitoring system as standard, according to NHTSA rules being drafted at the moment. The survey shows how badly such a system is needed, says the agency.
Continue ReadingIAA In The Shadow Of Terror
The tragic terrorist attacks against the United States had an effect on the 59th International Automotive Exhibition (IAA), which took place in Frankfurt from 13th to 23rd of September. For a moment it seemed that, as a reaction to the catastrophes in New York and Washington the whole event would have to be cancelled. However, the authorities decided to continue with the show at a subdued level – which meant that exhibitors cancelled their music and showcases, reducing the programme to pure product presentation level. It was a quiet show, is how Prof. Dr. Bernd Gottschalk, President of the German Car Manufacturers Association (VDA) summed it up. The official opening ceremony with Chancellor Gerhard Schröder was also cancelled. At noon on Thursday 23rd a five minute silence was held over the whole exhibition area in memory of the victims. The first press day of the IAA was attended by around 10,000 journalists who came to report on the 57 world premieres at the show. The news of the apocalyptic terror attacks spread very quickly amongst press representatives and exhibitors alike. In some areas of the exhibition, for example, hall number 10, which was occupied by the garage equipment suppliers, exhibition activities immediately broke down completely. Groups of visibly shocked people followed the TV transmissions. The shadow of extremist terror had touched even this event.
Continue ReadingTwo New Amcast Wheels For General Motors
Amcast Industrial Corporation has announced it has won the contract to supply two new aluminium wheels for General Motors. The wheels will appear on the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu and Cavalier. Shipment will begin during the fourth quarter of 2001.
Continue ReadingFord And Scheele Take The Helm At Ford
To nobodys great surprise, Jacques Nasser has been replaced as Chief Executive of Ford, following losses, a dividend cut and the expensive wrangle over Firestone tyres and the Ford Explorer. William Clay Ford Jr. assumes the role of Chief Executive Officer and Sir Nick Scheele, until recently in charge of Fords European operations, has been appointed Chief Operating Officer.
Continue ReadingService From Vredestein
With its Tyre Information Center, Vredestein is offering a special service for tyre specialists. Under the e-mail address info@vredestein.com, the service provides speedy and competent answers to technical questions regarding tyres.
Continue ReadingLatest News From Kwik-Fit
Kwik-Fit has been trialling a new, three-stage car care concept at a site in Edinburgh, offering motorists a service beyond that of a standard fast-fit operation. Fault diagnosis and mechanical rectification are available on the same site, as well as the usual fast-fit services. The concept is ready to roll out at selected locations in the UK and could transfer to mainland Europe. Five years qgo, Kwik-Fit launched its insurance scheme for motorists. Originally planned only as a telemarketing operation, the idea to offer insurance was an afterthought, which it was hoped would offset some of the costs. Read how the operation has grown to become the biggust outbound call centre in the insurance industry, plus a significant contributor to group profits.
Continue ReadingAnnouncement Secures Future Of Nissan Plant In UK
Nissan has made the decision to build its new Micra model at its Sunderland, UK, factory, rather than France, following approval of a 40 million Pound grant. The news is expected to secure 500 jobs at the plant and has been welcomed by the Government as evidence of Nissans long-term commitment to the north east. It is thought that Nissan will demand that, in the future, more of its component suppliers for cars made at Sunderland submit invoices in Euro rather than Sterling.
Continue ReadingTyre Pressure Sensors To Be Standard On New Explorers
Ford has announced that tyre pressure sensors, which alert the driver when a tyre loses pressure, will be fitted as standard on its 2002 Explorer SUV and on other models from 2005. The company says that fitting the sensors is merely one element of a series of improvements and safety features on the vehicle.
Continue ReadingPAX To Be Offered As Option On Renault Scénic
It is expected to be confirmed at the Geneva Motor Show that Renault is to be the first manufacturer to offer Michelins PAX system as an option on a high-volume production vehicle – from the middle of this year, PAX will be available as an option on the Renault Scénic. The tyre on the PAX system will be called SPACITY, and a version of the Alpin winter tyre will be available later on in the year.
Continue ReadingWheel Market UK
The alloy wheel market in the UK is nothing like the size of , say, that in Germany, and reliable estimates of its size are hard to come by, although one educated guess is £500 m at wholesale prices. Reasons for the comparatively small market are manifold, varying from the way cars are sold in the UK to the effect of the large company car/fleet sector, which accounts for over half of new car sales. Fleet buyers do not welcome anything which increases costs, and alloy wheels fall into this category. Despite this drawback, the UK alloy wheel market is growing, due largely to increasing fitment in the OE sector. In the aftermarket, it is those who have disposable income to spend and who are fashion conscious that buy alloys and, as with most other fashion accessories, this means the young. As with other fashions, there are labels which are in and others which lack street cred and, again as with other fashions, the successful designs spawn many imitations. So, in order to stay ahead of the pack, the leading design labels have to introduce new designs – to reinvent the wheel.
Continue ReadingRenewed Tyre Deal For Bridgestone/Firestone UK
Bridgestone/Firestone UK has renewed its four-year deal to exclusively supply logistics company Hays Logistics UK with new and retreaded tyres. Hays operates a fleet of two thousand vehicles and trailers and the deal is worth around 1 million Pounds a year. Service will be provided by the Truck Point network of independent tyre dealers.
Continue ReadingTyre Offer Pulls In The Crowds For Kwik-Fit
Kwik-Fit GB has resumed its press advertising campaign, offering four tyres from 60 Pounds (two for 35 Pounds), excluding valve and balance. For certain H-rated sizes, four tyres are available for 100 Pounds. Over the Easter week, a record number of customers visited the groups centres and 21 centres recorded their best-ever week for sales.
Continue ReadingRio De Janeiro To Get Second Michelin Plant
The governor of Rio de Janeiro has announced the intention of Michelin to open a second tyre plant in the city. The new plant will complement and duplicate the existing 1.5 million production facility. The new facility is required to meet demand for Michelin tyres in South America, the Caribbean and Cuba.
Continue ReadingBusiness Between Ford And Bridgestone/Firestone Cancelled
Finger pointing between Ford and Bridgestone/Firestone is continuing and has reached the point where the tyre manufacturer has terminated its business relationship with Ford after 100 years. In a written statement, BF-boss Lampe said we believe that the auto maker is attempting to divert scrutiny of the vehicles by casting doubt on the quality of Firestone tyres. The tyres are safe and as we have said before, when we have a problem we will acknowledge that problem and fix it. We expect you (Ford) to do the same. The assumption that Fords Explorer is a problem-car seems to be based also on the fact that Ford felt forced last week to recall more than 50,000 Ford-Explorers equipped with Michelin and Goodyear-tyres, avoiding the word recall but calling it a Customer Satisfaction Program. While the business with Ford accounts for only five per cent of BFs total turnover, virtually everything depends on the success of the Explorer for Ford; the companys best selling car for years and its cash cow.
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