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Communications at Continental Automotive Systems

The Continental Automotive Systems division (CAS) of Continental AG has announced that Dagmar Weiner will assume responsibility for the division’s communications starting 17 January 2005.

She will oversee the internal and external communications of CAS, which specialises in vehicle safety, comfort and power transmission. The division also includes the electronics specialist Continental Temic and Continental Teves. Ms Weiner will report to the Continental executive board member Dr Karl-Thomas Neumann and to the director of corporate communications of Continental, Dr Heimo Prokop.

“I am very much looking forward to the task of communicating the Continental Automotive Systems division as a part of Continental AG, which leads in state-of-the-art technology for automotive safety worldwide,” commented Ms Weiner on her new position with the company.

13th January 2005/by Tyrepress Editors

SMMT Publication Launched

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has launched its annual publication “Motor Industry Of Great Britain – 2004 World Automotive Statistics”.

At nearly 500 pages, the report contains its usual comprehensive, in-depth examination of various aspects of the market, including detailed analysis of car and other vehicle sales. And not just vehicles, as the report contains details of numerous components, including tyres.

12th January 2005/by Tyrepress Editors

Crypton Relaunch Wheelforce

Crypton Technology Group has relaunched the Wheelforce brand with the introduction of a range of high performance wheel balancers and tyre changers. The new range is to be sold exclusively through Unipart Automotive, which includes Partco, Brown Brothers, Serck Intertruck, Plunketts and Express Factors.

11th January 2005/by Tyrepress Editors

French Manufacturers Select Bridgestone for OE

Major French car manufacturers, Renault and Peugeot have selected Bridgestone for original equipment, the company has announced. Both manufacturers will fit 15 inch tyres to their new high-volume small cars.

11th January 2005/by Tyrepress Editors

Cooper to Buy 11 per cent of Kumho Tire

Cooper Tire & Rubber has announced that it has agreed to acquire approximately 11 per cent of the common equity of Kumho Tire. Cooper reports that the acquisition is in connection with a planned initial public offering on the London and Korean stock exchanges. The deal, which is expected to close in the first quarter of 2005, remains subject to a number of government and regulatory approvals.

10th January 2005/by Tyrepress Editors

Michelin Aims to Start Tyre Revolution

The answer is – when it is a Tweel. Michelin has been demonstrating the direction that it would like to take tyres by exhibiting one of its most recent developments at Detroit’s North American International Auto Show.

The Tweel is an airless tyre/wheel concept that consists of a band of tread attached to a set of flexible polyurethane spokes. According to Michelin executives, this design makes for a “virtually indestructible vehicle tyre” that can be tuned for handling. The same executives also concede that any practical applications could be as much as 15 years away.

10th January 2005/by Tyrepress Editors

2004 Car Registrations Remain Flat

In 2004 new car registrations in the UK totalled 2,567,269 units, 0.5 per cent down compared with 2003’s figures. During the same period the number of units manufactured with diesel engines increased 18.5 per cent totalling 835,334 units. Diesel cars now occupy a record 32.5 per cent of the market. Registrations for the month December dipped 7.1 per cent to 144,353 units from 155,452.

10th January 2005/by Tyrepress Editors

Shocking Warning

Tenneco Automotive, has issued a winter warning about the risks of driving with worn shock absorbers, following research carried out by an independent institute.

Tests carried out by GTS and TÜV Rheinland, two independent research institutes located in France and Germany, provided a graphic demonstration of how worn shock absorbers can render ABS, ASR and ESP systems significantly less effective.

7th January 2005/by Tyrepress Editors

SEMA goes hip-hop?

Last year 105,000 people attended the SEMA show. This time around the association expects to have attracted a similar number, roughly half of which are likely to be national or international buyers. According to the association, “early analysis of show activity and reports from members suggests a significant increase in buyer participation and business.” The success of the show has obviously been influenced by the large amounts of publicity that it generates. Tyres & Accessories reviews some of the highlights of a show that has all the glitz and glamour one would expect from an exhibition held in Las Vegas.

Cashing in on the hip-hop culture and its associated appetite for vehicle modification, the SEMA show’s organisers were keen to point out that “car enthusiast celebrities” Snoop Dogg and Usher were present. Not to mention the television production companies responsible for a new generation of fly-on-the-wall automotive tuning programmes including Overhaulin and Pimp My Ride. The show’s organisers also noted the presence of celebrities with just a little less street cred, namely Jay Leno and Hulk Hogan, not to mention motorsport luminaries like Mario Andretti.

In recent times, a number of manufacturers have tried to cash in on the novelty value of both tuning and the lucrative street-culture attached to it. Pirelli tyres, for example make regular appearances on MTV’s Pimp My Ride. The Italian manufacturer’s products have also successfully managed to find their way into the lyrics of various rappers and an association with one of the world’s most famous basketball players.

According to those behind the specialist equipment extravaganza, “the SEMA show has become a magnet for anyone connected with the automotive culture.” And this is exactly what the they want to market the show as, a show that is all things to all people. In the organisers’ words: “Only at the SEMA Show can you find: a classic roadster alongside the newest in off-road racing and performance technologies; a place where Shaquille O’Neal’s DUB-customised Cadillac Escalade competes for attention with the hot new Dodge Magnum or Chrysler 300C alongside Jay Leno’s totally unique Oldsmobile Toronado.”

During SEMA 2004, tyre manufacturers were keen to make sure their products were the centre of attention, with some going to greater lengths than others to ensure that this was the case.

5th January 2005/by Tyrepress Editors

Weber Hydraulik UK Goes It Alone

After nearly three years of preparation, Weber Hydraulik (UK) recently completed a management buyout becoming a wholly independent company. The business was previously managed by parent company Weber Hydraulik GmbH based in Gϋglingen, Germany. As a stand-alone company, Weber Hydraulik (UK) will continue to be a top supplier of hydraulic equipment to the automotive industry. It is now a stand-alone firm, managing sales, service and marketing from its head office at the Broomhills Industrial Estate in Braintree, Essex.

The company’s new senior management team, travelled to Germany to present Weber Hydraulik GmbH’s chief executive, Dr Haselman, with a “big cheque” to conclude the deal. One of the new directors, Doug Tokley, commented: “We will continue to provide the level of service our customers have come to expect and are now looking forward to a very prosperous future.”

5th January 2005/by Tyrepress Editors

Yokohama Launches ADVAN

Having exhibited some of its latest products at the year’s major automotive shows, including the Paris Motor Show and SEMA, Yokohama is officially launching its new ADVAN branded high performance products. The Japanese manufacturer has selected Dubai’s warmer climate as the venue for this event and promises the opportunity to experience the benefits of its products first hand. Tyres & Accessories will report from the United Arab Emirate of Dubai covering all the news on Yokohama’s latest products.

5th January 2005/by Tyrepress Editors

Phoenix AG Sells Vibracoustic Holding to Freudenberg

Continental AG (Hanover) is fulfilling its commitment to the EU Commission to turn over to competitors parts of Phoenix AG, which it has taken over. Freudenberg & Co. (Weinheim/Germany) is taking over the Phoenix AG’s holding in Vibracoustic, previously a joint venture, thus becoming the sole owner. Freudenberg is also purchasing Phoenix AG’s commercial vehicle air spring OEM/OES business.

30th December 2004/by Tyrepress Editors

US Car Makers Interested in Contis APIA

At a news conference held at the Washington Auto Show Continental presented its roadmap for total vehicle safety that will integrate active and passive safety equipment. The company announced that two leading automakers have commissioned Continental to undertake advanced design work on integrating various elements of its comprehensive safety solution, the Active Passive Integration Approach (APIA) concept. “The industry recognizes Continental’s unique ability to deliver total safety solutions,“ said Joe Gaus, vice president, Continental Automotive Systems who also talked about how electronics are leading the way to safer cars by allowing ongoing development of active safety systems that help drivers avoid crashes and mitigate injuries.

21st December 2004/by Tyrepress Editors

Dr Reinhard Meschkat Joins BERU’s Executive Board

Dr Reinhard Meschkat has been appointed to BERU AG’s Executive Board. In his new position he will assume responsibility for production, logistics and quality control of the Ludwigsburg-based automotive supplier. Dr Meschkat, holds a doctorate in manufacturing systems engineering, and has substantial experience in several executive positions as plant manager and managing director at Faurecia Autositze GmbH, a subsidiary of the French group Faurecia S.A.

Prior to his employment at Faurecia, he had worked for Brose Fahrzeugteile as a production manager at a manufacturing plant, responsible for production planning, logistics and quality. He had also successfully implemented Kaizen principles into the production system.

16th December 2004/by Tyrepress Editors

ArvinMeritor Awarded Ford Accreditation

ArvinMeritor Inc has been awarded Q1 certification from Ford Motor Company. The award, which was presented by Terry Revord, Ford North American Supplier Technical Assistance Engineer, recognises Ford suppliers who demonstrate excellence in product quality, on-time delivery and outstanding customer service.

When presenting the award, Revord said: “The Q1 award symbolises that ArvinMeritor Chickasha is among the very best suppliers to Ford Motor Company, with the commitment and processes in place to consistently provide the highest quality parts to our customers.”

“We are very proud to receive Q1 certification today,” added Paul Rogers, director of operations for the Chickasha facility. “Our employees have worked very hard for almost a year to meet Ford’s stringent requirements to be certified Q1. We value our relationship with Ford and look forward to supplying them with superior ride control products for many years to come.”

The Chickasha facility has more than 650 employees and manufactures automotive shock absorbers and MacPherson struts. The Q1 celebration included a cookout served to employees by facility management.

16th December 2004/by Tyrepress Editors