GiTi Incorporates New UK Truck Subsidiary
On 26th January 2009 GiTi Tire Europe BV incorporated a new UK truck tyre subsidiary. Company representatives report that the Chinese tyre manufacturer initiated the move in order to enable the company to focus better on the specialist needs of the truck tyre market. Planning for the new subsidiary began in mid-2008, and the company now has premises, a third party logistics operation and three sales people on the road. The next appointment scheduled in the company’s lean business plan is the recruitment of an operations manager to oversee the truck tyre subsidiary’s back office operations.
Continue ReadingA Global Concern
The increasing globalisation of the automotive industry is an indisputable fact. Today’s leading companies, such as Toyota, General Motors, Renault/Nissan, Volkswagen and a handful of others, view expansion into as-yet untapped markets as a means of ensuring the profitable growth that established – and increasingly saturated – markets cannot deliver. A replacement for the masses of two and three wheeled vehicles still serving as family transport in various parts of the world is a well recognised need, and in several emerging markets the race is on to introduce “people’s car” that offers the right blend of modernity, efficiency and price. Exactly who will be first to produce such a widely-accepted car remains to be seen: It may be one of the smaller international manufacturers that seizes the inititave, or perhaps an emerging market company such as India’s Tata or China’s Chery. What is more certain, however, is that the the companies best placed to grow in the future are those that locate their centres of production in the markets where growth is taking place – and this is every bit as true for wheels as it is for the vehicles they are fitted to.
Continue ReadingWheels India and MRF Supply Nano Wheels and Tyres to Tata
Wheels India, part of the TVS group companies, and leading Indian tyre maker, MRF, are supplying the original equipment wheels and tyres for Tata Motors’ pint-sized ultra-mini the Nano. Wheels India managing director, Srivats Ram, told Hindu Business Line: “The wheel that was developed is lighter than any other passenger car wheel in the country and the first wheel to my knowledge in passenger car wheels to have three bolt-holes instead of the conventional four.”
Continue ReadingMichelin Power One Delivers Road and Race Performance
Technology developed through Michelin’s participation in motorcycle racing has been integrated into its new Power One range, reports the French manufacturer, resulting in a line-up of hypersport tyres that are – depending on the variant chosen – fine-tuned for road, track day or dedicated racing use. Every component of the Power One, from architecture to tread design, represents the state-of-the-art in high-performance motorcycle tyres, comments Michelin. The range, recently introduced at a worldwide press launch at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve racetrack near Portimão in Portugals Algarve region, is available in two key sub-categories in order to enable riders to select a tyre most suited to his riding style, motorcycle and intended use.
Continue ReadingYokohama Rubber Lowers Annual Projections a Second Time
Projected sales and earnings for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2009 will be lower than previously announced, Yokohama Rubber has stated. Company management now projects consolidated net sales of 520.0 billion yen (£3.7 billion), down 5.7 per cent from the previous fiscal year; consolidated operating income of 11.5 billion yen (£82.1 million), down 65.3 per cent; and a consolidated net loss of 8.0 billion yen (£57.1 million), down from a consolidated net profit of 21.1 billion yen in the previous fiscal year. The revised projection for net sales is 0.6 per cent lower than the projection Yokohama announced on January 21; the projection for operating income 17.9 per cent lower; and the projected net loss is 1.0 billion yen (£7.1 million) larger.
Continue ReadingUniWheels – Now Number Three in Europe
The early 2008 acquisition of the ATS-Group’s European interests by the UniWheels group has led to the emergence of an aluminium wheel business that ranks number three in the European market. Subsequent to the purchase, which followed the insolvency of ATS Beteiligungs in July 2007, UniWheels has assumed the number three market position in Europe behind Ronal and Borbet (who produce approximately 12 million wheels per annum each) and ahead of Hayes Lemmerz and Turkish supplier CMS.
Continue ReadingOZ Releases Range for Tuning Newcomers
A new entry-level range from OZ is catering for newcomers to the tuning scene that don’t want to look like beginners. Called the X-Line, the rim line-up is, says OZ, intended for those wanting a “taste of tuning”, and the manufacturer reports buyers will be “rewarded with real OZ rims at an entry-level price.” Three different products are currently available in the X-Line range. The Adrenalina is a five double-spoke rim design that is available in polished matt black or titanium. The outer struts of the spokes and the rim bead between the spokes is always silver turned. Six sizes are available. The five-spoke Energy features, says OZ, no edges or protruding angles. The manufacturer adds that the slightly lowered centre of the wheel gives the outer struts a fresh impetus, therefore rendering an elegant touch. The wheel is available in matt black or matt silver, and in three sizes.
Continue ReadingMichelin’s Bad Kreuznach Plant Reaches the Quarter-Billion Mark
Michelins factory in Bad Kreuznach, Germany has produced its 250 millionth tyre, an Energy Saver 175/65 R14 82T. This event gave the site the opportunity to celebrate with the plants manager, Cyrille Beau, the head of the Michelin Germany/Switzerland /Austria region, Dieter Freitag, the town mayor, Andreas Ludwig and some 200 site employees. The factory first entered production in 1966. Our technology is excellent and we have modern equipment and assembly lanes,” commented plant manager Cyrille Beau. “But, first and foremost, what distinguishes us from our competitors is our personnels know-how and commitment.
Continue ReadingAudi, Corvette Claim Victories in Michelin Green X Challenge
Proving their race cars to be both faster and greener than the competition, Audi and Corvette scored the prototype and GT race wins respectively while winning the first Michelin Green X Challenge awards at the Twelve Hours of Sebring, the opening event of the 2009 American Le Mans Series season. Making its first race appearance, the low sulphur diesel powered Audi R15 TDI prevailed in an epic 12-hour battle against archrivals from Peugeot to claim the race victory while also using less energy. The pairs of cars from the two teams exchanged the lead 23 times in the 12-hour race that produced new records for race distance and average speed.
Continue ReadingGoodyear Agrees State Aid Deal to Retain Topeka Jobs
In the US, Goodyear agreed on Friday to a ten-year guarantee on the 1,400 jobs situated at its Topeka, Kansas plant in exchange for $14.2 million in state financing. The additional funds are to be used to support the refurbishment of the outdated production machinery housed at the plant. Previous reports had put the figure requested by Goodyear at $37.5 million, with the tyre maker wanting to invest $250 million in the proposed refitting. The commerce secretary David Kerr – who had voiced concerns at the size of the initial figure – stated to the Topeka Capital-Journal that the Kansas state Impact programme would support the issuance of incentive bonds for Goodyear’s benefit. The debt will be repaid through revenue generated by the company’s state payroll tax, he said.
Continue ReadingCooper in Third Year as Atlantic Series Sponsor
Cooper Tires said it will continue as presenting sponsor of the Cooper Tires Presents The Atlantic Championship Powered by Mazda for 2009. In addition, Cooper has upped its participation in the 12-race series to raise the series’ overall purse to $3 million. “Cooper’s partnership with the Atlantic Championship continues to pay tremendous dividends,” said Chris Pantani, Cooper director of motorsport and event marketing. “Our involvement provides a great research and development environment, as well as marketing opportunities. It also provides an excellent platform for Cooper to showcase its ultra-high performance racing products and technological capabilities to enthusiasts throughout the race season.” (Tire Review/Akron)
Continue ReadingFirst Stop Employees Maximise Their Retail Potential
Employees across the First Stop network have passed a new customer-centred training course with flying colours. The active learning course, entitled ‘Maximising Sales Potential in the Retail Tyre Business’, has been established by Bridgestone UK and accredited by the Institute of Motor Industry (IMI). The bespoke training programme focuses on the key specific processes within tyre retailing, concentrating on all the essential elements required to maximise sales potential, from initial enquiries to the satisfied customer. Due to its success, the course is being offered to Bridgestone’s network of dealers throughout the UK. Mark Fereday, from the First Stop network, said: “First Stop is committed to investing in its staff to ensure they are equipped with a wide range of skills. We firmly believe in rewarding excellence, and in the current climate, we recognise the importance of developing great customer service skills and giving staff the knowledge and confidence to maximise their sales potential.”
Continue ReadingJohnson Controls: Check Your Bike Battery for 2009
Johnson Controls, the manufacturer of market-leading Varta motorcycle batteries, is reminding riders that they can take advantage of a free battery check at their nearest participating stockist. In addition a new 2009 pocked-sized Varta motorcycle battery catalogue is available to help riders choose exactly the right replacement battery to match the unit supplied with the bike or scooter as original equipment. The pocket guide has been updated to include over 300 new models, including the latest BMW bikes such as the R 1200 HPZ sport, and the F 800 GS. Varta’s range provides 98 per cent coverage of the UK two-wheel market. For commuting and sports bikes, VARTA LF AGM batteries are the ideal solution. They are vibration, spill and leak proof and 100 per cent maintenance free. They offer high starting performance and longer lifespan, while a low self-discharging rate means that they can withstand longer periods out of use.
Continue ReadingStapleton’s Exclusive and Private Brands ‘Lead the Way’
As one of the largest distributors of passenger car tyres in the UK, Stapleton’s claims to be “leading the way” when it comes to private brands. The company offers a range of private and exclusive brands and offers dealer support packages that reward customer loyalty. Prestivo, Stapleton’s own brand range of tyres, is positioned as a quality mid-range tyre and. According to company representatives, new sizes and tread patterns are scheduled for release later in the year. The range is available exclusively to members of Stapleton’s Prestivo Partners scheme, which offers dealer support including: exclusivity, attractive rebates, branded clothing, not to mention posters, POS material and other branded support items.
Continue ReadingApollo Board Approves Share Buyback Proposal
The Apollo Tyres Board of Directors has given its approval for a buyback of equity shares, as allowed by India’s Companies Act. The March 19 decision paves the way for a buyback programme of up to Rs 1.222 billion (£16.48), around 10 per cent of the company’s paid up capital and free reserves as of March 31, 2008. The buyback will be for a minimum of 67,00,000 equity shares, and the maximum buyback price is Rs 25 per share, on a face value of Rs 1.
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