A Dream Realised for Cimcorp
Finland’s Cimcorp has long held the desire to develop a tyre factory in which every stage of the operation – from tyre assembly to final shipping – was automated. This idea has formed the core of the company’s so-called “dream factory” concept, and Cimcorp reports that in the past year this dream has become reality. The company’s path towards a fully automated tyre plant began some time ago, and outside the tyre industry.
Continue ReadingIndia’s ATMA Seeking 7.5% Natural Rubber Duty
India’s national budget is due to be delivered on July 6, and the nation’s tyre manufacturers are hoping that a sought after reduction in natural rubber duty will be forthcoming. As in the past we are looking forward to the correction of the inverted duty structure,” said Rajiv Budhraja, director-general of India’s Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association (ATMA). “That is the first and foremost demand. According to a Reuter’s news brief, the ATMA has requested the government reduce the customs duty on natural rubber to 7.5 per cent; previous news reports indicated the ATMA was seeking a 10 per cent duty. Regardless of the desired rate, the association’s goal is to provide manufacturers some relief from what is seen as an unfair tax structure. While natural rubber currently attracts a customs duty of 20 per cent, the tax on imported finished tyres is only half that.
Continue ReadingBridgestone’s Dahl Appointed To US Certification Body
For some 37 years the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) has existed as a US based independent, non-profit organisation whose main purpose has been to improve the quality of vehicle repair and service through the testing and certification of repair and service professionals. At present, about 400,000 professionals hold current certifications. On June 22, Bridgestone announced that Glenn Dahl, senior coordinator of Technical Educations for Bridgestone Retail Operations (BSRO) has been appointed to the ASE Board of Directors.
Continue ReadingBottas Wins Kumho-Shod Masters of Formula 3
Victory in the 19th Masters of Formula 3 race, fought out over the weekend of June 13 and 14, went to Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas. But the race, which returned to its ‘ancestral home’ of Zandvoort in the Netherlands after two years at Zolder, was also a victory of sorts for Kumho Tyres: The manufacturer supplied each and every tyre utilised in the meeting – about one thousand in total – continuing a support of the series that dates back to 2002.
Continue ReadingWinschiers Named Managing Director, Continental Tire Canada
Continental Tire North America (CTNA) has appointed Oliver Winschiers, formerly director, Corporate Purchasing for its Automotive and Rubber Groups in The Americas, to the position of managing director of Continental Tire Canada. Winschiers will be based in Ontario and take on responsibility for the profitable growth and overall operation of the company’s Canadian division. Winschiers’ career with Continental began with the Siemens VDO acquisition – he joined Siemens AG in Stuttgart, Germany in October 1997 as a regional sales manager, and progressed through a number of roles. During his time with Continental, Winschiers has also been responsible for the direct material purchasing for Continental Tire North America, including the overall operation of the Aldora Mills cord fabric plant in Barnesville, Georgia.
Continue ReadingMyers Names New EVP, COO
Myers Industries has named David Knowles as its new executive vice president and COO, effective immediately. Knowles will be responsible for all manufacturing and distribution operations, sales, marketing, research and development and supply chain functions. John Orr, Myers president and CEO, said, “David brings an extensive operating background in the plastic materials and specialty products arena. His leadership success in business development, sales and market share growth, lean manufacturing and organizational development will be an asset as we focus on the growth strategy in our businesses. I look forward to his contributions and to the value he will help create for our shareholders, customers and employees.” Since 2003, Knowles was president and CEO of Aristech Acrylics LLC, a manufacturer cast acrylic sheet and solid surface product. (Tire Review/Akron)
Continue ReadingWolfrace Launches New Bari and Milano Wheels
Wolfrace GB has launched two new alloy wheels – the new Bari and Milano. Bari (pronounced ba-ri) is a new multi-spoke design finished in Black with a high quality polished surface. Available with a three-year warranty and a wide range of sizes including 7.0x15, 7.5x16, 8.0x17 and 7.5x18 the Bari has recently been approved by Renault as an aftermarket alloy solution for Renault cars. For those looking for a more OE alloy for their ride, there’s the new Milano. The simple multi-spoke design, twisted slightly for extra effect, looks great on hardcore rides built to impress with under-stated elegance. The Milano is finished in a new Titanium colour and as well as an enviable range of sizes catering for small hatchbacks to larger vehicles, sizes include 5.5x14, 6.5x15, 6.5x16 and 7.0x17. The Milano also offers the Wolfrace GB range’s unique five year warranty.
Continue ReadingRMA: Scrap Tyre Re-use Continues to Rise in USA
A new study by the RMA shows that nearly 90 per cent of tyres that are replaced every year are put to a new productive use. In fact, the study shows, the reuse rate of scrap tyres tops most recovered waste materials including glass bottles, paper and aluminum cans. The RMA said the report “shows continued progress in scrap tyre management practices across the nation resulting in significant reduction of scrap tire stockpiles and continued progress in putting waste tyres to new uses.” In 2007, 89.3 per cent of the scrap tyres generated in the US by weight were consumed in end-use markets. By comparison, in 2005, about 82 per cent of tyres were consumed by weight, and in 1990, only 11 per cent of tyres were consumed on a per tyre basis. The total volume of scrap tyres consumed in end-use markets in the US in 2007 reached approximately 4105.8 thousand tons of tyres – the largest amount ever since RMA began tabulating scrap tyre statistics. RMA estimates that about 4,595.7 thousand tons of tyres were generated in the US in 2007. Scrap tyres were consumed by a variety of markets, including tyre-derived fuel, civil engineering and ground rubber applications. The RMA publication, “Scrap Tire Markets in the U.S.; 9th Biennial Report,” is available free for download at www.rma.org. (Tire Review/Akron)
Continue ReadingInterstate Launches Van Tyre Line
Interstate Tire & Rubber Co added a commercial van line to its range. The Interstate Van IVT-1 tyre is designed for the new generation vans, combining high mileage with driving comfort. According to the company, the tyre’s wide tread design increases load-capacity through its spiral carbon belt and improves grip on wet roads. The ISST low noise technology reduces noise levels and increases a durable performance for intensive commercial use, consistent wear and resistance to aquaplaning make this tyre an excellent choice. The Interstate Van IVT-1 is available in sizes 195/70R15C and 205/65R16C. Another seven sizes in 8-ply will be available soon. The complete programme of Interstate Tires will be on show during the Equip Auto in Paris at October 13-18, 2009.
Continue ReadingAvon Tyres Wishes Customers ‘Best of British’
Avon Tyres is celebrating all that is ‘Best of British’ on two and four wheels, with a competition and poster campaign. All you have to do to is log on to www.avon-tyres.co.uk. Bikers can win a trackday at Castle Combe on Avon VP2 tyres, while visitors to the car site can win VIP hospitality tickets to the season finale of the Avon Tyres British GT Championship at Brands Hatch on 20 September. Runners-up from each competition will be given the chance to win exclusive limited-edition Avon watches. Cooper Tire Europe (Avon’s parent company) managing director, Julian Baldwin, said: “We are extremely proud of Avon Tyres’ British heritage, both as a manufacturer and a prime mover in the world of motorsport. Two years ago, our parent company’s faith in the quality of our British engineering skills was illustrated by the siting of the firm’s entire European design and technical centre in Melksham.”
Continue ReadingNortenha Puts Retreads to the Test
Portuguese retreader Recauchutagem Nortenha and Kraiburg Austria recently joined forces in a series of spectacular demonstrations, aimed at illustrating the quality of Kraiburg patterns and retreading. The vehicles used included buses and tankers and they were subjected to a series of tests, including overturning while cornering (the vehicles were fitted with stabilising wheels), aquaplaning and skidding. The stringent tests subjected the vehicles and tyres to load impacts and transverse forces which never occur in normal driving. Customers were invited to the promotional event and the invitation was taken up by representatives from over 40 well-known companies from Portugals freight forwarding, passenger transportation and construction industries, keen to explore the products behind the slogan More miles in full safety! The aim was to show existing customers and potential new cus¬tomers that retreads most definitely stand comparison with new tyres.
Continue ReadingSchrader Honoured by Frost & Sullivan
Frost & Sullivan has recognized Schrader International with the 2009 North American Frost & Sullivan Award for Industry Innovation & Advancement of the Year. The company has an extensive line of TPMS sensors and tools, and holds considerable market share among vehicle OEMs. (Tire Review/Akron)
Continue ReadingUnipart Pledges Support For Motor Industry Code Of Practice
In recognition of the need to maintain high standards within the independent garage sector, Unipart Automotive has confirmed its support for the Motor Industry Code of Practice for Service and Repair. Unipart will be encouraging all existing Unipart Car Care Centres (UCCCs) to sign up to the Code of Practice and it will become compulsory for any new UCCCs joining the network to participate. To help the network benefit from the industry standard, Unipart will contribute towards the cost of signing up to the Code for its Car Care Centres.
Continue ReadingAustralian Commission Instigates Marine Cartel Court Action
It has been more than a year since UK-based trio Peter Whittle, David Brammar and Bryan Allison were sentenced for their role in a well-publicised global marine hose cartel, yet investigations into the affair continue. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has commenced court action in response to allegations that the cartel took advantage of some of the nation’s largest oil production projects.
Continue ReadingSoon You Will Only Be Able to Fit Type-Approved CATs
The Department for Transport has confirmed that the draft regulations limiting the fitting of replacement CATs to type approved products only are expected to be presented for ministerial consideration this month (June). There is scope for amendments to be made by the minister, but in essence these draft Regulations implement mandatory European requirements, and are expected to become law about four weeks after signature by the minister. The Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) will then be responsible for policing and enforcement of a law requiring replacement catalytic converters intended for cars and light vans registered from 2001 to be fully type approved. Paul Hannah, business development director at Klarius Group commented: “In relation to vehicles to which the requirements apply, the Department for Transport have confirmed that the result of supplying or fitting a non-type approved CAT will be to make the company or business responsible and ‘potentially certain officers or equivalent of the company or business’ liable to prosecution with a maximum fine of £5,000. Professional Motor Mechanics need to learn quickly about what to do to adhere to the law and protect themselves; their customers, their employers and suppliers.”
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