Continental AG is to rename its industrial tyres business unit as “Commercial Specialty Tires” (CST). According to the company, the changeover process started in October 2012 and will be finalized by January 2013. Continental reports that the move is part of a global strategy and “paves the ground for future growth in the segment of commercial tyres.”
TYM International is signing up to Cameo from CAM Systems to go live at the beginning of January 2013. The purchase of the Cameo suite is intended to enable the Norfolk-based tyre wholesaler to meet customer requirements by delivering transactional efficiencies through real-time reporting and management views as well as streamlining its processes to reduce its reliance on paper, thereby saving costs.
Financial analysts have stated their concern that tyre manufacturer Pirelli reduced its performance projections in several key areas when publishing its 9-month results recently. However, at the same time Morgan Stanley market watchers in particular reassured investors that the reductions were unlikely to results in any “material downgrades” but did warn that the stock could be impacted by the lowered premium volume guidance.
Pirelli will increase its British Superbike presence from 2013 when the manufacturer becomes the sole tyre supplier and title sponsor for National Superstock 1000 and 600 classes. The Triumph Triple Challenge series will also use Pirelli control tyres. The brand has been the single tyre supplier in the Superbike and Supersport categories since 2008. Pirelli will offer the Diablo Supercorsa tyres for all three championships.
After 14 years as a board member of Trelleborg AB, including 11 years as chairman, Anders Narvinger has confirmed that he will not be standing for re-election at the 2013 Annual General Meeting.
While announcing its five-year business management plan in which it expects to spend 280 billion yen ($3.3 billion) in calendar year 2013 to expand tyre capacity in emerging markets, Bridgestone Corp. also said it aiming at annual sales growth of 5 per cent and 10 per cent operating income ratio, the tyre manufacturer said it would seek diverse sources of raw materials and combine products and services in pursuit of its goals.
In its 18 October-announced Mid-Term Management Plan 2012, Bridgestone reported it plans to spend an average of 250 billion yen on capital expenditure projects, half of which will be for strategic tyre projects. Further to this company announcement, a Japan-based reporter for Reuters writes that in the 2013 calendar year Bridgestone will spend 280 billion yen (£2.2 billion) to expand capacity in emerging markets, including India and Thailand.
Fines for drivers of all motor vehicles – including motorcyclists, – who are caught without a breathalyser kit, will be implemented in France from March 2013, according to the Institute of Advanced Motorists. The fines were due to be enforced from 1 November 2012.
France has long been associated with fashion, and the organiser of the upcoming Pneu Expo 2013, which takes place next March in Lyon, has ensured visitors to the tyre industry show don’t miss out on this French tradition. Organiser Editions VB says that on the exhibition’s opening night visitors will be able to attend a fashion show, in which “graceful models will parade in sexy outfits composed of…recycled inner tube.”
China Tires & Rubber Technology Fair, a trade show and conference jointly organized by Shandong Rubber Industry Association and Qingdao Jinnoc International Exhibition Co. Ltd, it promoting the dates of its 2013 exhibition.
Ford has once again chosen Goodyear’s Eagle SuperCar G:2 as original equipment on its most powerful Mustang, the Shelby GT500. The 2013 Shelby, which is now available in North America, is fitted with the Goodyear tyre in size P265/40ZR19 on the front axle and P285/35ZR20 on the rear.
The wait is over for those hungry to read up on Michelin’s latest gastronomic tips – the Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2013 arrives in bookshops today, priced at £14.99 (€16.99 in Ireland). This year’s guide sees three restaurants promoted from one to two Michelin stars. Sketch, in Mayfair, opened in 2002 and received its first Michelin star in 2005; L’Enclume, in Cartmel also opened in 2002 and was awarded its first Michelin star three years later; while Michael Wignall at the Latymer, Bagshot, opened in 2007 and won its first Michelin star in 2009.
Metzeler has announced that its new sport touring Tourance Next tyres will debut on the BMW R 1200 GS at international motorcycle, scooter and bicycle show, Intermot, which runs from 3 to 7 October in Cologne, Germany. Metzeler has been a BMW development partner for its GS line since 1980 with street enduro products and since 1999 with its Tourance-branded tyres. The Tourance Next is the third generation of the range and was specifically designed for the latest generation of street enduro and adventure touring bikes. The tyre is original equipment on the BMW R 1200 GS in sizes 120/70 R19 M/C and the 170/60 R17 M/C, having been developed in cooperation with the Bavarian manufacturer.
The British Rally Championship will move to a seven-round format in 2013, with the Scottish Rally returning after a seven-year break and Rally North Wales back as the opening round. Rallye Sunseeker will host the season’s finale in October. Pirelli has been the series’ official tyre supplier since 2007.
During the IAA Commercial Vehicles show in Germany, Hankook UK sales director Barrie Horrocks shared with Tyres & Accessories that the tyre maker plans on launching its own bead-to-bead retreads in the first quarter of 2013, and the UK has been chosen as the pilot market for the new range. The retreaded products will be marketed under the ‘Hankook Alphatread’ name and will be initially available in three sizes that mirror new tyre patterns.
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