Workers at the Pirelli factory in Carlisle, UK, will enjoy a longer-than-usual break this Christmas. The plant will be closed from Christmas Eve to New Year’s Eve, instead of re-opening as planned on December 28th. Pirelli UK says that the move is in accordance with a decision by the parent company to reduce stock levels worldwide and it has been taken with the full agreement of the Unions. The Carlisle factory produces 10,000 tyres a day.
Michelin and Porsche have signed a partnership agreement with Porsche for the exclusive supply of racing tyres, effective from the first of January 2002. It concerns all Porsche’s competition activities, the national Porsche cups, plus the current and future official entries of Porsche Motorsport. The Porsche Super-Cup, which traditionally runs alongside several Formula 1 Grands-prix, including the Indianapolis GP, will henceforth be known as the Porsche Michelin Super-Cup. The German Porsche Carrera Cup will also be run under Michelin colours. Michelin, as the official partner, will be involved in all future motorsport development for Porsche.
Reports in the Straits Times claim that a 20 day detention order has been issued against Gajah Tunggal President Sjamsul Nursalim on money-swindling charges. There has been speculation that the move, which is one of a number against businessmen, might be politically motivated. A separate report asks whether the group will have to sell off assets to repay debts.
The 40-month long strike by United Steelworkers of America against the Titan Tire Corporation at its Des Moines plant has been settled, with union members approving a labour agreement effective up to the year 2006. Maurice Taylor Jr., president and CEO of Titan International, said the company will now focus on growth and returning to pre-strike profit levels.
As announced in a press conference in Tokyo, car manufacturer Suzuki will supply 3,000 so called minicars a month to Nissan from 2002 onwards. With this agreement Nissan will enter the small car segment – with a maximum capacity of 660 cc – which already has a market share of 30 percent in Japan.
Goodyear has reached an agreement with the Spanish Institute of Magnetism and electronics manufacturer 3BYMESA to develop a prototype tyre wear sensor for possible mass production. Initial development has been by the Institute of Magnetism, further development of the sensors, antennae, transmitter and receiver will be the responsibility of 3BYMESA.
Ford and Goodyear made arrangements to allow Ford customers to obtain Ford-approved replacements for Firestone Wilderness AT tires at no charge to the customer. In addition, the tire manufacturer is making arrangements to ensure adequate availability of Goodyear tires at Ford and Mercury dealerships through its own network of independent tire dealers and Goodyear company-owned stores. Goodyear has increased tire production significantly at seven North American manufacturing plants to make tires available for use in the replacement program.
Cooper Tire and Rubber Company has filed tentative agreement to settle 32 lawsuits brought against the company in the past 10 months. This involves a five year plan offering free replacement tyres for all Cooper produced steel-belted radial tyres, made between 1985 and 2001, that suffered tread separations.
The “Sachs Korea Suspension Company Ltd.” joint venture with Kasco will take over the shock absorber and pneumatic spring activities from the leading manufacturer of automotive components with headquarters in the Pusan area and supply the Korean car manufacturers.
McLaren International and Michelin today announced that they have entered into a long term agreement for the supply of tyres to the ‘West McLaren Mercedes’ Formula One racing team with effect from 2002. In 1984 this successful pairing claimed 17 race wins and both the constructors and drivers world championship.
Malaysian tyre manufacturer Simex Aircraft Tyre Company has signed an agreement to supply Boeing with radial tyres for the 777. Although Simex began aircraft tyre production in 1975, this will be the first time that the company has made radial aircraft tyres and production will begin next year. Simex has named Sumitomo Rubber Industries of Japan as its technical partner in the two-year deal.
Nokian Tyres has entered into negotiations to start tyre manufacturing in Russia as soon as possible. The possible partner has not been named.
Carlyle, the US private equity group, is said to be on the verge of paying Continental one billion Euro for its ContiTech division. Analysts say that the money will be used to finance purchases aimed at achieving Conti’s ambition to become a “chassis management” company rather than just a tyre manufacturer.
Watts Industrial Tyres (WIT), the UK market leader for industrial tyres, has signed a joint venture agreement with its Brazilian distributor to manufacture and distribute Watts brand solid tyres in Brazil. The company is ‘Souza Pinto Industria e Comercio de Artefatos de Borracha Ltda.’ and production begins this month at a new factory near Sao Paolo.
There are reports that Goodyear is planning to return to the Indy Racing League and the Indianapolis 500 as the sole tyre supplier for the 2003 season. An earlier return is not possible, as Bridgestone/Firestone has an exclusive agreement until 2002.Goodyear has supplied tyres to the IRL in the past, but ceased in 1999.
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