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New CEO for Bridgestone Europe

From 1st April 2006, Takashi Urano becomes Chairman, CEO and President of Bridgestone Europe (BSEU). He succeeds Minekazu Fujimura, who is retiring. Mr. Urano joined Bridgestone in 1974, soon after graduating in economics from Keio University, Japan. By 1999, he had risen to become General Manager of the Asia and Oceania Division – and, a few months later, took over as General Manager of the China Department. At the beginning of 2004, he was appointed Director of the Middle East, Africa and Russia Division.

5th April 2006/by Tyrepress Editors

Floor Space for Tyrexpo Africa Selling Fast

(Southern Africa/SA Treads) The launch of Tyrexpo Africa 2006 has been met with excellent response from both national and international exhibitors. Reaction from the local sector to the show – scheduled to take place from 12-14 September 2006 at the Sandton Convention Centre – Johannesburg, has not only been positive, is has secured buy-in from major players in the industry and confirmed our own suspicions – a dedicated tyre show of this kind was long overdue in our corner of the world! Already, at this early stage, over 50 percent of stand space has been booked up.

28th March 2006/by Tyrepress Editors

Delphi Commits to Indian Production Joint-Venture

Delphi Product & Service Solutions has established a joint venture with Roulunds Braking Systems SAS, a leading European supplier of OE and aftermarket automotive friction components. The new company, called Alliance Friction Technologies, has already developed a purpose-built manufacturing facility near New Delhi (India), dedicated to supplying Delphi with OE equivalent quality brake pads for sale throughout Europe and to other countries supplied by Delphi’s European operations.

22nd February 2006/by Tyrepress Editors

Pirelli Tops South African Tyre Survey

Pirelli has come top in JD Power’s South African tyre satisfaction survey. But it wasn’t all good news for the tyre business. The research also found that many of the tyre brands fitted to new vehicles are below the industry average in terms of local customer satisfaction.

Pirelli retained the top spot for a second consecutive year with an overall CSI (Customer Satisfaction Index) score of 841 based on a 1000-point scale. Five index points separate Pirelli from second-place Michelin (836). Bridgestone (815) and Yokohama (798) also achieved above industry average scores. However, Firestone (769), Goodyear (780), Dunlop (781) and Continental (789) tyres were all ranked below the average of 790. The two lowest-ranked tyre brands were Korea’s Kumho (766) and Hankook (752). BFGoodrich, General, India, Kelly, Kleber, Toyo and Uniroyal were all included in the study, but not ranked due to insufficient sample size.

21st February 2006/by Tyrepress Editors

YHI Looks to Eastern Bloc and South Africa for Expansion

Automobile tyre-maker YHI International started its aggressive overseas expansion only in the 1990s and yet it already has presence in nearly every continent. Not content with its achievements, it is now focusing on faraway reaches like South Africa.

Up until the 80s, YHI could claim only Singapore and Malaysia as the markets for its tyre distribution business. But the company realised that it had to expand beyond these two markets for further growth. That’s why, in the early 1990s, YHI started to make inroads into China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Australasia.

7th February 2006/by Tyrepress Editors

Apollo Acquires Dunlop International – Update

International News

Further details of Apollo Tyres’ acquisition of Dunlop International (also known as Dunlop South Africa) have emerged. Firstly Dunlop Nigeria (estimated turnover of $65 million, £40 million) is not included in the sale. Apollo representatives gave no reason for this. Furthermore, the Indian company confirmed it would keep the troubled Dunlop Zimbabwe business.

“Dunlop is the only tyre manufacturer in Zimbabwe and it is a profitable operation,” Apollo spokesperson Kankana Das told Tyres & Accessories. However in light of inflation rates as high as 800 per cent any profitability must be difficult to maintain. “Any operation can be profitable as long it is able to pass on price increases to cover the cost push. The Zimbabwe operations have been able to do this,” Das added.

7th February 2006/by Tyrepress Editors

The New Sava Perfecta

Sava is introducing a new range of summer tyres for cars and Multi Purpose Vehicles (MPVs). The Sava Perfecta range will be available in new popular sizes and is said to offer longevity, reliability and a competitive price tag. The main benefit of Sava Perfecta is greater mileage. Other benefits are shorter wet stopping distances, reduced risk of aquaplaning, better driver control and less noise.

Koos Nooi, Sava brand director Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: “The Sava Perfecta fulfils the requirements of possibly the largest consumer segment of the European tyre market because it is designed to meet the needs of the rational and safety conscious driver who drives a compact car or MPV. We have tested this tyre against competition, which it has outperformed. Sava Perfecta has met all parameters we set for it.”

7th February 2006/by Tyrepress Editors

Marangoni Makes Sales and Marketing Appointments

Marco Mandrioli, will assume responsibility for Marangoni Retreading Systems and Materials sales and marketing in Europe, Middle East and Africa effective 1 February 2006. Marco Mandrioli, joined the Marangoni Group after 11 years of experience in marketing and product management at Olivetti and six years as marketing director of the Passini Group. In his new position Mandrioli will coordinate and oversee both Marangoni Tread and Ellerbrock commercial activities in Europe and will assume the position of managing director sales and marketing for the German subsidiary of the Italian Group.

31st January 2006/by Tyrepress Editors

Apollo Tyres Buys Dunlop International

Apollo Tyres Ltd is to buy Dunlop Tyres International (Pty) Ltd (Dunlop South Africa) for US$62 million. The all-cash deal will see Apollo take on 100 per cent equity for 2.9 billion rupees (£37.3 million). The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals in both countries, including that of the South African Competition Commission, and a number of conditions. The Durban, South Africa-headquartered company also owns subsidiaries in Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom. The news follows speculation that Apollo Tyres was interested in purchasing Dunlop Zimbabwe.

30th January 2006/by Tyrepress Editors

Michelin Celebrates 100 Years in the UK

On 12 May this year, an exclusive gala dinner was held at Forbes House in London, commemorating 100 years of Michelin in the UK. Special guest at the event was Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, patron of the Transaid charity, which aims to promote mobility in Africa and of which Michelin is a founder.

30th November 2005/by Tyrepress Editors

Michelin Man Features on Pin Badge Appeal

Michelin has worked with transport and logistics charity Transaid to design a set of four exclusive charity pin badges featuring the Michelin Man character. The badges are available from ATS Euromaster service centres across the UK for a suggested donation of just £1 each. Those who donate to Transaid direct will also receive a badge as a thank you.

28th November 2005/by Tyrepress Editors

“Excellent Response” to Tyrexpo Africa Launch

The recent launch of Tyrexpo Africa 2006 has been met with excellent response from both national and international exhibitors. The show is scheduled to take place from the 12 to 14 September, 2006 at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg and stand bookings are now being confirmed.

South Africa represents the biggest domestic market for vehicles in Africa, accounting for some 80% of the continent’s production and constituting approximately 50% of Africa’s purchasing power. It has the largest economy in Africa and has by far the largest and most dynamic automotive manufacturing, retail and aftermarket business environment on the African continent. South Africa’s population of 45 million and a growing tourism industry still represent the continent’s best growth prospects for increasing vehicle sales and aftermarket revenues.

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23rd November 2005/by Tyrepress Editors

T&A Expands Global Consortium

Canada’s Tire News and Pneu Mag, published by Publications Rousseau & Associes, have joined the global tyre publication consortium formed by Europe’s Tyres & Accessories and Neue Reifenzeitung with America’s Tire Review nearly a year ago.

With the addition of the Canadian magazines, which cover all aspects of Canada’s tyre industry from coast to coast, the consortium now encompasses eight highly respected tyre publications. Besides Tire Review, Tyres & Accessories and Neue Reifenzeitung, the group includes Southern Africa Treads (South Africa), Rubber Asia (India) and Australian Tyre Dealer (Australia).

22nd November 2005/by Tyrepress Editors

Alcoa Forges 4 Millionth Wheel in Hungary

Alcoa Wheel Products achieved a European record when the Székesfehérvár, Hungary plant produced its four millionth forged truck wheel on 6 October 2005.

Alcoa sees the achievement as a reflection of the company’s position as the largest forged aluminium wheel supplier in Europe. Customers include European truck manufacturers Scania, Volvo, Renault, DaimlerChrysler, MAN, DAF, Iveco, and European trailer manufacturers such as Feldbinder, Spitzer, Benalu, Schmitz, Krone, to name just a few.

18th November 2005/by Tyrepress Editors

Dunlop is Online for Enthusiasts

Dunlop has launched a new website for motorcycle and car enthusiasts. Injection.tv aims to support Dunlop’s ‘Drivers Know’ brand strategy and offers features such as driving simulation, screensavers, driving tips, as well as the latest ‘must-have’ accessories.

Jose D’Alessandro, director motorcycle tyres for Dunlop Europe, Middle East and Africa said: “The new Injection.tv online concept has been launched with the objective of providing our key audience of motorcycle and car enthusiasts with both excitement and the possibility to chill out. A proposition thus far absent from the world of online motoring.”

15th November 2005/by Tyrepress Editors