Getting to Specifics
During this past year operating costs have, more than ever, become a prevalent theme within the materials handling industry. Awareness of the need to rein in these expenses wherever possible is strong, and efforts to this effect are being paired with attempts to maximise productivity. Such heightened sensitivity to costs has led to ever more operators carefully monitoring tyre costs over the entire life of the tyre in order to select the most cost effective tyre for each specific application.
Continue ReadingBeissbarth Easy 3D Aligner
The patented Easy 3D wheel aligner from Beissbarth is the first of its kind and, says the company, offers workshops a completely new 3D wheel alignment method, comprising highly accurate cameras and an integrated reference system to ensure reliable results. Classic features of the Easy 3D include easy use, reliable technology that is robust and easily mobile - suitable for use with any lifting platform or wheel alignment pit. Using the Easy 3D, one workshop technician needs roughly seven minutes to carry out precise wheel alignment on a car. This represents a time saving of 50 per cent compared with conventional devices. Accuracy is ensured by the use of two high-precision cameras per wheel. The sensors can be positioned wherever convenient in the workshop without time-consuming calibration. The Easy 3D wheel aligner is suitable for aligning all types of cars, through to light transporters and commercial vehicles. The standard indicators enable vehicles with a wheelbase of up to 340 centimetres to be aligned. With the larger rear indicators available as optional equipment, vehicles with a wheelbase of up to 430 centimetres can be aligned.
Continue ReadingGM Files C11, Chrysler Sale OK’d
Once mighty General Motors formally filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in New York this morning. The pre-packaged bankruptcy is expected to last 30 to 90 days, and GM will receive some $30 billion in US-guaranteed loans. GM is expected to emerge from bankruptcy considerably smaller, after shuttering or selling an estimated 14 plants as part of its bankruptcy. Debt-holders and the United Auto Workers will end up with a stake in the remaining company, while the US government will be GM’s largest owner. Meanwhile, a federal bankruptcy judge has approved the sale of most of Chrysler assets to Italian automaker Fiat. The sale approval presumably clears the way for Chrysler to exit its own court protection within 60 days. Chrysler’s plan gives a 55 per cent share of the new company to a UAW trust for retirees, a 20 per cent stake to Fiat and smaller shares to the US and Canadian governments. Fiat’s share could grow to 35 per cent under the plan. (Tire Review/Akron)
Continue ReadingGoodyear Headquarters Moving Forward
Moving forward on plans for its new world headquarters, Goodyear has sold some of its Akron properties to Industrial Realty Group (IRG). In turn, Goodyear signed a multi-year lease agreement with IRG and, as part of that agreement, will remain in its existing buildings until its new headquarters located adjacent to the companys Akron Technical Center is completed. In connection with the sales, Goodyear will record a non-cash, after-tax charge of between $40 million and $45 million in the second quarter of 2009. (Tire Review/Akron)
Continue ReadingNYC Tyre Dealer Now GCR
Horseheads, New York, dealer Twin Tier Tire is now a GCR Tire Center. Bridgestone Americas added Twin Tier Tire to its GCR stable after its owner decided to retire. Already a Bridgestone dealer and Bandag retreader, the location will continue to offer retail tyre and vehicle services in addition to its commercial tyre services. (Tire Review/Akron)
Continue ReadingAudi Opts for Yokohama’s Advan on Q7
Audi’s list of requirements for its Q7 4x4 include a tyre capable of handling the vehicle’s considerable performance output. The manufacturer has thus decided upon the Yokohama Advan as original equipment on its first full-size, luxury SUV, and is offering the Advan in two sizes – 275/45R20 110Y or 265/50R19 110Y – for both the front and rear wheels. The tyre was selected, comments Yokohama, for its high level of overall performance – proven stability and comfort at high speeds (300 km/h and above), as well as excellent braking. The Q7 is the third Audi model to have Yokohama tyres fitted as original equipment, joining the S6 and S8 in Audi’s top-class S series.
Continue ReadingTyremaker Gets EPA Partner Nod
Yokohama Tire Corp. has been named a “partner” by the EPA SmartWay programme. Yokohama’s new partnership status is in the “shippers” category, which means that the company ships more than 50 per cent of its products on SmartWay-certified transport carriers. According to the EPA, Yokohama’s freight efforts will contribute to the goal of eliminating 33 to 66 million metric tons of carbon dioxide and up to 200,000 tons of nitrogen oxide per year by 2012. (Tire Review/Akron)
Continue Reading45 Years with Avon Tyres
Wiltshire tyre dealer Melksham Tyre Supplies is celebrating its 45th year in partnership with local tyre manufacturer Avon Tyres, offering promotional giveaways including Avon goody bags and jackets. The company sells some 500 Avon tyres a week – or 26,000 a year – having been a partner since its inception in 1964. Avon Tyres account manager, Graham Mitchell, said: “We are proud to have been part of MTS’s success for the past 45 years. Through outstanding customer service, MTS has successfully provided local people with access to quality, locally-produced tyres. We look forward to another 45 years working with them!”
Continue ReadingCooper Texarkana Plant Earns Environmental Certification
Cooper Tire & Rubber’s Texarkana facility, located in the US state of Arkansas, has been granted the IS0 14001 environmental management system certification. Adherence to the ISO 14001 standard, which specifies requirements for a facilitys environmental management system, is intended to help minimise a facilitys impact on the environment through the use of standardised processes and regular performance audits. Earning this certification demonstrates the commitment by our Texarkana plant to operating an environmentally friendly facility,” said Carl Montalbine, vice president of Global Quality, Operational Excellence and Information Technology. “Especially as all of us are trying to conserve energy, reduce waste and preserve the environment, we felt that attaining this ‘green standard was simply the right thing to do.
Continue ReadingFurther UK Growth in the Pipeline, Says NDI
Since the recent appointment of Ian Smith as managing director, West Midlands based industrial tyre wholesaler NDI Tyre & Tube Supplies has begun a new chapter in the company’s growth within the UK market. Smith began in his new role on March 2 and brings with him more than two decades of industry experience, including 21 years at Pirelli. NDI states that it will now concentrate more actively upon working closer with its parent company, Denmark’s Nordisk Dæk Import AS. This leading Scandinavian wholesaler of wheels and tyres, founded in 1970, is already respected throughout Europe as a leading player in the market. The company is based in the town of Brørup and boasts a sizeable presence in its home market.
Continue ReadingSoopa Toobs Emphasise Diversity of ATV Applications
All Terrain Vehicles are so named due to the broad and diverse range of off-road and increasingly on-road applications for which they are used. These machines are becoming ever more sophisticated with electric start, selectable four wheel drive, lights, power take off drive shafts, more powerful engines and differentials to improve traction and ride in the turns. Aside from their use in recreational pursuits a variety of accessories, attachments and implements are available enabling the machine to perform many duties such as weed control, pest control and hunting, livestock feeding, snow clearance, haulage duties around the farm, estate, park, garden or wherever they are used. Of course, alongside the wide offering of parts and peripherals, the different roles the machines undertake and the varied terrains on which they are used have led to the development of a wide range of tyres. Tyres for sports machines tend to have a flat profile while utility machine tyres usually have a round topped profile. The sports tyres lend themselves to powersliding and provide good stability on medium to hard surface trail riding while the round-top tyre will perform better in soft terrain, biting deeper while also providing a softer ride. Many of the new generation of tyres designed by Carlisle are now of radial construction to offer increased traction, better puncture resistance and improved ride comfort.
Continue ReadingMagna to Rescue GM Europe
The car parts manufacturer Magna International has agreed to a deal rescuing GM Europe from insolvency. Fiat, who were said to be putting together a bid, decided to decline the option of attending negotiations, which were attended by the German government. Chancellor Angela Merkel, business ministers and representatives of the German states in which GM plants are located will hold a meeting in Berlin on the evening of 29 May to discuss their potential approval of the deal. GM Europe owns auto-makers Opel and Vauxhall, while its American owners General Motors are widely expected to declare Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Monday 1 June.
Continue ReadingHiQ On-Track for 175 Branches in 2009
Tyre manufacturers, especially those with large OE commitments, have really felt the pain of recession with most announcing double-digit falls in year-on-year sales for the first quarter of this year. However, the continued development of the revamped HiQ chain exemplifies how the downturn hasn’t been all bad for the wider tyre industry. In fact, in the retail business there are even examples of the ‘down’ market actually helping companies grow. Tyres & Accessories recently met with HiQ retail director Juergen Titz and found out how the network’s expansion plans are progressing. There are currently 140 HiQ centres across England and Wales, however the plan according to Juergen Titz is to establish 175 by the end of 2009 - and another 100 by 2012. When you consider that HiQ franchised off the 106 formerly Goodyear Dunlop owned sites only last year, clear progress is being made towards the HiQ rapid expansion goals. Despite the fact that Goodyear Dunlop’s decision to run the network as a hard franchise operation represents a significant change in direction for the company, there is real sense of optimism (amongst both managers and franchisees) about the company’s future.
Continue ReadingCopadex Appointed French Distributor For Interstate
Interstate Tire & Rubber Co. has appointed Copadex as the exclusive distributor of Interstate tyres for France. During a recent meeting, Theo de Vries (vice president of Interstate Tires) and Mr. Bruno Clairay (director of Copadex) agreed on a long-term co-operation. Theo de Vries explained that Copadex is one of the leading tyre distributors in France with a very professional organisation and emphasis on added value in terms of service and marketing. Copadex began trading in 1980 and now has more then 5,000 different sizes in stock. The complete program of Interstate Tires will soon be available and will also be displayed during the Equip Auto show in Paris from 13-18 October 2009.
Continue ReadingBoy Falls off Tyre, Mother Blames tReds Shoe Store
Shoe retailer tReds decision to employ tyres as seating in its 18 stores has come in for some stick from a customer whose two-year old son fell off the rubber when attempting to dismount. According to reports in the Hastings & St Leonards Observer, Rachel Jordan has called for the shoe chain to remove its recycled tyres: “Kids look at the tyres in the shop and think, oh great, something to play on. I understand accidents happen but it was one that could have been avoided.” She described the events that led to her son Zane visiting the hospital: “He got on to the tyre, then went to get off it, caught his foot and fell headfirst on to the floor.” The managing director of tReds Steve Kavanagh has offered to send an email to staff at the company’s outlets asking staff to remind parents that the tyres were not for climbing on, but stopped short of ceding to Jordan’s request that they be removed. A spokeswoman for the company stated, “The seating arrangements are an integral part of our unique shop design and shopping experience. In view of these facts, the company will not be removing them from Eastbourne or any other store.”
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