New Tiger Paw Targets Family Rides
Michelin North America has added the Uniroyal Tiger Paw AS65, a 65,000-mile radial targeting a wide range of vehicle, from compacts to minivans. “The AS65 gives value consumers exactly what they’ve been asking for in a tyre – dependability, performance and long wear,” said Kaz Holley, Uniroyal brand director. “Between the center rib and the block placement, this is the most aggressive tyre we’ve added to the Tiger Paw line. Our customers are sure to notice how well it handles in any road condition.”
Continue ReadingNew Falken Tyre Gets “Rugged”
In the US Falken Tire Corp. has introduced a new, rugged line of all-terrain tyres – the High Country A/T. Falken said the “Falken High Country A/T confidently transitions when surfaces go from smooth to rough and dry to muddy,” and the tyre features a deep tread depth, heavy siping and M+S performance for all types of weather and driving conditions. The tyre is available in 24 P-metric, LT-metric and flotation sizes, ranging from 15- through 20-inch wheel diameters.
Continue ReadingCorghi Opens New US HQ
After years of offering its products through distributors, Italian tyre equipment maker Corghi has opened Corghi U.S.A., with offices in Hamilton, Ohio. Corghi said that, “historically, the North American market has always been one of Corghi’s most important business areas,” and that over the past 20 years the brand “has developed its presence and has become a point of reference for the tire changer industry. “Recognising the strategic importance of the American market, Corghi has decided to enter it directly in order to offer to its customers the complete wheel service equipment product range, and to ensure the highest level of service to tire professionals,” the company said. The new 12,000-square-foot headquarters includes offices, training rooms and a warehouse. The copany also lauched a new Web site – www.corghiusa.us – and a help desk for service with free phone number will be activated as of May 16.
Continue ReadingArvinMeritor to Close Carrollton Wheel Assembly Facility
Global market weakness has been cited as the reason behind ArvinMeritor’s decision to idle its Carrollton facility. Wheel end assembly operations at the plant, located in the US state of Kentucky, will be moved to other facilities in Kentucky and Ohio and the machining and casting activities currently performed on-site will be outsourced. “Although the employees in Carrollton have demonstrated a strong commitment to performance and quality, the continued weakness in the global markets has driven the company to aggressively reduce costs to lower its breakeven point,” said Wayne Watson, general manager, North American Operations for ArvinMeritor. “Closing the Carrollton operation is another necessary step toward improving the company’s overall cost structure.”
Continue ReadingConti Launches Next Generation Commercial Tyres
Continental has announced the launch of its new range of commercial vehicle regional and long distance tyres. The manufacturer has called the launch its “biggest for ten years”, representing four new design features for the second generation of steer and drive tyres, joining the HTR 2, which has been on the market for about a year. The tyres feature entirely new inner liner technology, dubbed AirKeep for its ability to stay inflated for longer, in addition to modifications to the belt, bead and contour design. Conti is backing up its new range with a “Technology Truck” tour throughout Europe, including a visit to the UK in June, to showcase the range to fleet managers and dealers, as well as providing a new electronic tool, based on research conducted by Continental and certified by DEKRA, which calculates the economic and ecological benefits of fitting the new range to customers’ fleets: the ContiCostCalculator. The series 2 regional and long distance tyres will be available initially in the following sizes: Regional HSR 2 (steer) and HDR 2 (drive) – 295/80R22.5, 315/80R22.5, 315/70R22.5; HTR 2 (trailer) – 385/65R22.5, 445/65R22.5. Long-Distance HSL 2 (steer) and HDL 2 (drive) – 295/60R22.5, 315/60R22.5. The HTL 1 series trailer tyre is still available in sizes 385/55R22.5, 385/55R19.5 and 445/45R19.5.
Continue ReadingTRW Opens China Test Facility
TRW Automotive Holdings has announced the opening of a new test track in Heihe, northern China. Work at the site began in 2006 and TRW states that during the last three years a “significant investment” has been made in the facility. The track specialises in winter testing and includes a variety of track surfaces designed to test active safety systems such as advanced braking and steering systems and integrated vehicle control and driver assist technologies. According to TRW, the opening of the test track, which is to receive support from the company’s Shanghai technical centre engineers, completes its footprint to locally engineer products and applications for China-based customers.
Continue ReadingRichbrook Offers ‘Pro Valve’ Bolt-in Wheel Valves
Why do some enthusiast enthusiasts think nothing of forking out a four-figure sum on a decent set of wheels and tyres and then finish them off with a cheap rubber valve? That’s the question Richbrook are asking with the launch of their latest range of high quality low weight wheel valves aimed at so-called “automotive aesthetes.” As the title suggests, these new units are simply bolted into the wheel to not only provide a more secure fitment and seal, but also a subtle visual kick to any style of wheel. They’re also a worthwhile addition to any track car or club motorsport racer looking to remove the worry of rubber valve failure during those more ‘press-on’ moments. Priced from just £12.95 for a set of four, they don’t cost much, but they do make a better aesthetic impact than the standard rubber valves.
Continue ReadingTitan’s Taylor Adds Another Year to His Term
Titan International shareholders returned CEO Morry Taylor for another year as company chairman. At the annual meeting on May 14, shareholders also returned Erwin Billig and Anthony Soave to the board of directors with three-year terms. Billig was also elected vice chairman of the board, and Kent Hackamack was returned as vice president of finance and treasurer and Cheri Holley will remain as vice president and secretary. (Tire Review/Akron)
Continue ReadingGerstenberger Leaving CTNA for Hannover Tyre Retail Post
After spearheading the turnaround of Continental Tire North America’s consumer tyre business, Andreas Gerstenberger will now turn his attention to Continental AG’s retail store business. Gerstenberger was named executive vice president of ContiTrade, which operates company-owned and franchised retail tire stores in 12 European countries. He will relocate to Hannover, Germany, later this year. Bill Caldwell, head of CTNA’s passenger and light truck tire OE business, was named to replace Gerstenberger. He will serve as vice president of sales and marketing. Andreas has played a pivotal role in building an excellent marketing and sales team that contributed significantly to the turn around of CTNAs operations, said Matthias Schoenberg, CTNA CEO. He developed an outstanding team, and together they delivered for us a consistent marketing strategy, which included the revamping of the Continental and General tire brands, developing innovative consumer promotions as well as growing our retail footprint to ensure profitable growth for CTNA.
Continue ReadingMichelin Pays $375,000 to Settle Advertising Complaint
In the US Tennessee state Attorney General, Bob Cooper, yesterday announced a multi-state settlement with Michelin North America “regarding alleged misrepresentations Michelin made in its advertising of Michelin fuel efficient tyres.” The manufacturer agreed to make minor changes in the copy of print advertisements it has run concerning the purported fuel efficiency of its tyres, and is paying $375,000 to cover the alleged cost of the investigation, Tire Review reports. The attorney general, though, “acknowledges that Michelin fully cooperated with the multi-state investigation and the investigation did not question the safety or quality of Michelin’s tyres.” Michelin, which said it followed prevailing Federal Trade Commission advertising guidelines, denied any wrongdoing. The Tennessee attorney general reacted to a complaint filed by Bridgestone Americas, which Michelin claimed was the only complaint filed. However, attorney general spokesperson Sharon Curtis-Flair told Boston media that “the investigation started based on a consumer complaint, not a complaint by Bridgestone.” Other states joining the agreement include Alaska, Arizona, Delaware, Iowa, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas and Vermont. Each will receive a share of Michelin’s settlement payment.
Continue ReadingIrish Tyre Industry Criticised Over Waste Management
The Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government has blasted the tyre industry for its failure to comply to the Waste Management (Tyres and Waste Tyres) Regulations 2007. According to the Irish Trucker website, Department officials met with members of the Irish Tyre Industry Association (ITIA) to discuss complying with the regulations amid growing fears over how tyres are disposed of. Furthermore, the legal requirements have reportedly been sent to all members of the ITIA in the hope that the regulations will be adhered to on a more regular basis from now on.
Continue ReadingMarshal Adopts New Brand Identity
Marshal has adopted a new brand identity. Marshal has been produced by Korean manufacturer Kumho Tire for 25 years ago and is sold in many countries around the world, including Australia, Germany, Italy and the UK – its largest single market. According to a press release detailing the new brand ID, the smart grey and yellow logo will sometimes be used alone and sometimes in conjunction with the familiar red Marshal background. The new ‘signature’ was reportedly designed to better reflect the clean, high-tech image of the brand’s contemporary product range.
Continue ReadingPirelli P Zero Tyre of the Year 2009
Auto Express has named the Pirelli P Zero ‘Tyre of the Year, ahead of three other competing brands. According to the magazine, Pirelli won the award for design a tyre with the best balance of braking and handling in the wet and dry, aquaplaning, rolling resistance and price. Auto Express commented: “Designing tyres is all about trading off performance in one area for a gain in another However, Pirelli has certainly hit on a winning compromise here, as the P ZeroTM starred not only in the wet, but also in the dry. It topped the times on both handling tracks, plus got the honours in curved aquaplaning. No wonder it inspires confidence when the heavens open. A great all-rounder that thoroughly deserves a place on your car.”
Continue ReadingGITI to Replace Entire Product Range by 2010
GITI Tire (Europe) B.V. has announced that it will completely replace its passenger car and truck product offerings by the opening months of 2010. The brand overhaul also includes the renewal of GT Radial brand positioning this as the company’s flagship brand identity. During a detailed briefing, the company produced data apparently showing that GITI’s ambitious aims of competing on the same level as the premium tyre manufacturers, with the launch of the new range of products, are now within reach. According to the company, large-scale investment in research and development has enabled GITI to markedly improve its product’s performance compared with the previous generation and – crucially – to be prepared for forthcoming legislative requirements. Speaking from the company’s European Technical Centre at MIRA in the UK, company representatives told Tyres & Accessories that the R&D department has been planning compliance to the forthcoming s-marking requirements since 2006 and is on-track to conform to the next round of legislation in 2012.
Continue ReadingJohn A. Bailey Jr. Receives ASTM Award of Merit
John A. Bailey Jr., quality systems manager at Continental Carbon Co. in Houston, Texas, has received the Award of Merit and accompanying title of fellow from ASTM International. The Award of Merit is ASTM’s highest organizational recognition for individual contributions to ASTM standards activities. ASTM Committee D24 on Carbon Black recognized Bailey for his exceptional leadership and his contributions in the area of sampling and statistical measurements and the development of new analytical standards.
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