Oliver Rubber Introduces Envelope Spreader For 16-58” Retreads
Michelin North American subsidiary Oliver Rubber recently introduced a new envelope spreader for use in the retreading process, which helps mechanically facilitate enveloping prior to curing. With a push of the foot pedal, Olivers 1137 Envelope Expander uses preset adjustments to mechanically stretch the envelope to the optimum diameter, thus minimising envelope stretch and in turn increasing envelope life. The new Oliver spreader was developed and manufactured by the companys Salisbury Machinery Division in Salisbury, North Carolina.
Continue ReadingI’ll Have Four ViaductRock Tyres Please….
According to the much used childhood retort, sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me. This, however, doesn’t apply to companies whose vocabulary includes words suspiciously similar to well-known trademarks…. On February 17 Bridgestone Corporation gave notice that its complaint of trademark infringement against two Chinese tyre manufacturers has been upheld. Bridgestone claimed that the companies in question, Shandong Santai Rubber Co., Ltd and Hangzhou Bridgesteel Rubber Co., Ltd, attempted to infringe on the goodwill established by certain Bridgestone intellectual property through the use of their respective brand names, Rockstone and Bridgesteel.
Continue ReadingTakata From Wolfrace
Wolfrace has added a new wheel to its Asia-Tec Black range; a range of wheels with a Japanese bias. The wheel is called Takata and features a dark grey Graphite matt finish, offset by a durable red anodised rim. The target market for the Takata is large, powerful, Japanese vehicles and hot hatches and it comes in two sizes (7.0x17 and 8.0x18) with both four and five stud fitments, to fit a variety of different models.
Continue ReadingAuto4 to Supply Stapletons Tyre Services
Auto4 has been appointed by Stapletons Tyres to supply workshop equipment and consumables. Auto4 has reportedly won the contract to supply tyre consumables to Stapletons retail and dealership networks.
Continue ReadingTyreSafe Promotes Bike Tyre Awareness
In the run-up to April’s Bike Tyre Safety Month, TyreSafe is calling on tyre retailers to help raise awareness of the importance of tyres in bike safety. Statistic from VOSA reveal that in 2007/08, defective or illegal tyres was recorded as the fourth most common MoT failure defect. Worryingly, the number of MoT failures attributed to defective tyres has grown year on year for the past three years, increasing from 2.8 per cent of motorcycles tested in 2005/06 to 4.8 per cent in 2007/08. Meanwhile, motorcycle fatality rates remain high, with Department for Transport figures showing that in 2007, 588 motorcyclists died in road traffic accidents, accounting for 20 percent of all fatalities on the road.
Continue ReadingBridgestone Won’t Colour MotoGP Compounds
Though its different compounds in Formula One were coloured last season to generate interest among spectators, Bridgestone told motorsport news sources that it has no plans to incorporate a similar scheme into its tyres for the new MotoGP season, of which it is the sole tyre supplier. While the move to slicks in F1 in 2009 will make it as hard for the company to continue its colouration as it would to colour motorcycle tyres, it has been suggested that the company will colour the sidewall of its softer compound tyre green, where last year’s F1 tyre had a white stripe in the softer compound’s tread pattern. The same cannot be said for its plans in MotoGP: “Presently there is no plan to differentiate tyres in MotoGP as is done in Formula One,” a Bridgestone spokesman told crash.net.
Continue ReadingSPD May Support Schaeffler State Aid
Germanys Social Democratic party (SPD) is reportedly “open in principle” Continental AG major shareholder Schaeffler Group with state aid, SPD chairman Franz Muentefering told reporters in Berlin. “Situations can arise in which you need to help many, many families in order to prevent a catastrophe…Then you need to do it,” Muentefering added. The politician didn’t give any details of how government discussions on how the government’s discussions with Schaeffler could work out.
Continue ReadingIndia’s Birla Temporarily Shut Orissa Plant Again
Indian news sources are reporting that Birla Tyres – part of the BK Birla Group’s company Kesoram Industries – has closed its plant in Orissa temporarily for the second half of February. The current slide in the market has been blamed for necessitating the measure. The closure follows similar action in the back end of January 2009, as reported on Tyrepress.com. More than 4,000 people work at the plant, which has a capacity of 1.5 million units per year. It produces tyres, tubes and flaps.
Continue ReadingSTL Gets Global Award Nod
Standards Testing Laboratories was nominated for a Tire Technology International Award for Innovation and Excellence in the Tire Industry Supplier of the Year category. The awards are sponsored by Tire Technology International magazine, and will be presented on 18 February in Hamburg, Germany. Were honoured to be considered for the Tire Industry Supplier of the Year award as we focus on company growth that allows us to serve tyre and wheel customers throughout the world, said Cheryl Schnuth, STL vice president of marketing. Our expert team of engineers, scientists and technicians devotes each day to conducting high-quality, unbiased testing that delivers accurate, reliable data. (Tire Review/Akron)
Continue ReadingCapitalize Placed in Charge of Pirelli UK Motorcycle Segment PR
Pirelli has handed London based agency Capitalize responsibility for promoting its motorcycling activities in the UK. Initial projects for the agency will include a PR campaign for Pirelli and Metzeler’s racing activities, to publicise the company’s growing product range through specialist and trade motorcycling media as well as to a wider audience through motorsport, national and consumer lifestyle outlets. Pirelli’s racing portfolio ranges from sole control tyre for the World Superbike Championship and British Superbike Championship to its presence at landmark road racing events including the Isle of Man TT, North West 200 and Macau GP as well as widespread club racing events. The company has also claimed victories in the 2008 MX1 and MX2 Motocross Championships, bringing its tally to a respectable 51 World Championship crowns.
Continue ReadingConti Canada Sponsors BMW Program
Continental Tire Canada said it is continuing sponsorship of the BMW Winter Driver Training programme. The programme includes the BMW Winter Driver Training, recently held at the International Club Academy Racing (ICAR) in Mirabel, Quebec, which teaches participants key maneouvres such as emergency braking and avoidance, front and rear wheel skid control, 180-degree turns, and drifting. “We are very proud to support BMW in its new programme”, said Maiti Leinss, Continental Canada’s marketing coordinator. “We see this programme as a great initiative for more safety on Canadian roads by promoting the importance of a good winter tyre and a trained driver.” (Tire Review/Akron)
Continue ReadingApollo Tyres to Receive OTR Investment Loan from BEML
In 2007 Apollo Tyres entered into an agreement to supply OTR tyres to Indian mining equipment manufacturer BEML, and on February 13 the tyre maker announced it will receive a Rs 1 billion (£14.45 million) loan from the state-owned enterprise to cover the costs of a new facility that will meet anticipated BEML demand. The first phase of Apollo’s new OTR tyre facility in Gujarat, being built at a total cost of Rs 1.2 billion (£17.34 million), will be dedicated to output for the equipment manufacturer. Further investments to boost the production of radial OTR tyres will also be made over the next three years, Apollo announced. While the first batch of tyres from the new facility has already been shipped to BEML, the factory is expected to commence continuous production in March.
Continue ReadingWages Frozen at Michelin North America
Wages for Michelin employees in the US, Canada and Mexico are to be frozen throughout 2009. The company, whose net income dropped more than 53 per cent in 2008, is also eliminating bonuses this year for the five or so per cent of Michelin North America employees normally eligible for such an entitlement. In light of the severe and continuing global economic downturn and its impact on the tire markets, Michelin is taking additional actions to protect cash flow, reduce costs and maintain competitiveness,” said Michelin North America chairman and president Dick Wilkerson. The company is profitable in North America. We are taking what we think is prudent action.”
Continue ReadingJohnson Controls Improves Varta Website
Johnson Controls has made a number of improvements to its Varta website, aimed at making navigation of the site easier for retailers and end users. Greater focus has been placed on the Varta product range, with an easy-to-follow menu and information tools for stockists and motorists. The current marketing campaign theme is also integrated in the website. A download feature allows retailers to access sales folders, flyers, press information and photographs, while motorists can use the database to select the correct battery for their car, plus a list of local stockists. A bulletin board contains news on latest technologies and recycling systems. The website can be found at www.varta-automotive.com and, to mark the overhaul and new marketing campaign, a newly-designed battery stand is available to automotive battery retailers in the UK.
Continue ReadingMichelin, Valeo Partner on Hybrid Systems
Valeo and Groupe Michelin are combing efforts to develop electric and rechargeable hybrid vehicle systems. The pair will work on such systems as drive train, engine and battery cooling management, climate control, lighting, energy management and tyres. “Michelin and Valeo are convinced that by joining forces they will help to accelerate the emergence of electric vehicles in France and worldwide,” the companies said in a statement. (Tire Review/Akron)
Continue Reading