GTE attracting more exhibitors
The number of exhibitors registered for the 2013 Global Tire Expo, held in conjunction with the SEMA Show, already exceeds last year, according to the Tire Industry Association.
Posts
Falken launches new all-season tyre
NewsFalken has launched the Euroall Season AS200, which is – as the name would suggest – an all-season tyre. According to the company, Falken's new all-year-round tyre offers improved traction on dry, wet and even snowy roads without compromising on comfort. The Euroall Season AS200 also features significantly reduced tyre rolling noise and shorter braking distances. The tyre will be available at specialist tyre dealers from July 2013 in a total range of 27 dimensions.
UK car manufacturing grows 1.1% in 2013 H1
NewsCar manufacturing in the UK has grown during the first half of 2013, with acceleration to 4.6 per cent coming in the second quarter and a 10.4 per cent rise in June. The SMMT says that while four out of five cars built in the UK are exported, higher output for the home market, up 24.4 per cent, has boosted volumes.
EU passenger car registrations down -5.6 per cent in June
NewsACEA figures show that, in June, EU new passenger car registrations totalled 1,134,042 units, declining by 5.6 per cent compared to the same month last year. In the first half year of 2013, 6,204,990 new cars were registered in the EU, or 6.6 per cent less than in the first six months of 2012.
Toyo’s US expansion plans – update
NewsFollowing publication of news that Toyo Tire & Rubber may be looking to increase production in the US, a representative from the Japanese tyre maker contacted Tyres & Accessories to clarify the information presented in our text from 10 July.
Goodyear Dunlop arranges DACH fleet business under 4Fleet banner
NewsReflecting the growing significance of fleet management and leasing companies, as of 1 July 2013 Goodyear Dunlop has bundled its fleet business in Germany, Austria and Switzerland under its GDHS subsidiary, 4Fleet Group GmbH. According to the company, the aim is to further expand the 4Fleet Group, which currently boasts a network of 1,200 service outlets in the three countries, into the leading tyre management service provider within the region.
New date for Pirelli board meeting
NewsPirelli’s Board of Directors will now meet to review results for the six months ended 30 June on 5 August 2013, instead of on 29 July as previously announced. Other planned dates remain the same; Pirelli will present its new 2013-2017 Industrial Plan to the financial community on 6 November 2013, after the approval of results for the nine months ending 30 September 2013, scheduled for 5 November, as previously announced.
June motorcycle sales "encouraging" says NMDA
NewsThe latest new motorcycle and scooter figures for June show sales overall were up 3.6 per cent against June 2012. Sales of scooters under 50cc were down 16.3 per cent in June, while all larger over 50cc motorcycle sales have increased by 6.4 per cent.
Next week is National BEN Week
NewsBEN, the automotive industry charity will be celebrating its 108th birthday and the arrival of a new member of staff, Benjamin Bear, during the week 15th – 21st July 2013. The annual celebration, National BEN Week, has become a focus for many supportive industry concerns and this year, with the new theme 'Bear Us In Mind', fundraising expectations are running high. The ‘Bear Us In Mind' theme aims to encourage automotive companies to get their staff involved in having fun whilst raising awareness and funds for the charity. The suggested minimum target of £108, in recognition of BEN's age, reflects 108 years of care and support for automotive industry people.
TIA: ‘Tire Safety Starts With TPMS’
NewsUS trade association TIA has released “Tire Safety Starts with TPMS,” the second in a series of consumer educational videos slated for 2013.
The video is a 5-minute overview of the safety benefits associated with TPMS and knowing when tires are underinflated.
Part-worns shown the door in Ghana
NewsThey’re still legal in the UK, but many other countries are choosing to distance themselves from part-worn tyres. Ghana is the latest to announce it will enforce a ban on these products. The country’s governmental road safety authority, the National Road Safety Commission, will begin doing so in September 2013. Prior to this date the NRSC will run a public education campaign to prepare motorists.
US production expansion on Toyo’s cards
NewsToyo Tire & Rubber appears likely to increase production in the US. Company president Akira Nobuki has been quoted by Bloomberg as saying that US manufacturing is “making a comeback” and that Toyo can “can picture the scenario of jobs coming back” and expansion occurring in this market.
Conti Eurobond worth €750M
NewsContinental reports its latest Eurobond has a nominal amount of €750 million; it is expected to be issued on 16 July and has a term of five years, with a 3.0 per cent annual interest rate. Interest will be payable semi-annually in arrears. The issue price is 98.95 per cent. The bond will be listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange’s Regulated Market and BNP Paribas, Citi, Deutsche Bank, ING and UniCredit will as joint-bookrunners for the transaction.
Conti to offer another Eurobond
NewsContinental has released details of its upcoming Eurobond offer. It says it will issue a bond with a volume of at least €500 million and a term to maturity of five years, and intends to use the issue proceeds thereof for the partial refinancing of its bond issued in September 2010. The offer is open to investors residing outside the US, Canada, Australia and Japan. The issue volume and bond conditions are expected to be determined in the next few days.
New car demand recovering, registrations break million car mark in June
NewsThere are signs that new car demand is recovering as the SMMT reports that new vehicle registrations broke the million car market in the year to June 2013. This represents growth of some 10 per cent in the first half of 2013 totalling some 1,163,623 units. It was the 16th successive monthly rise in June, with this figure growing 13.4 per cent to 214,957 units.
All sectors grew, but private demand increased the most over the first half of the year, up 17.1 per cent, after a 21.3 per cent rise in June.
