The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has been recognized as one of America’s most trustworthy companies by Audit Integrity Inc. and Forbes magazine.
Goodyear ranked sixth on the magazine’s second annual listing of companies with market capitalization of $5 billion or more. The list is based on Audit Integrity’s independent research and evaluation of the transparency, reliability and risks of corporate accounting and governance practices.
Robert Bosch LLC has finalised its acquisition of Accu Industries Inc. The closing clears the way for the integration of Accu Industries facilities, operations and associates into the diagnostics business unit of Bosch’s North American Automotive Aftermarket division.
According to Bosch, the integration will strengthen the overall Bosch Diagnostics North American operation and position the division for long-term growth and profitability in the future. (Tire Review/Akron)
MAM Software, a leading UK provider of aftermarket IT solutions, announced on March 28 that three aftermarket automotive suppliers – Pearl Automotive, Solid Auto (UK) Ltd and Sovereign Rotating Machines are installing MAM’s Autonet B2B Seller electronic trading solution to power their e-commerce initiatives. Their participation takes the total number of suppliers Autonet-enabled to almost 70.
Autonet B2B Seller will integrate with each supplier’s existing MAM Autopart systems and allow them to trade electronically with their individual motor factor customers. Autonet B2B Seller is fully compliant with the recently announced PACT protocols and will, says MAM, allow communication with most systems currently used by motor factors, including MAM’s own Autopart.
The Powertrain Division of Continental AG is to be restructured worldwide in an attempt to make the most of its production facilities within a two-year period and address production cost issues. According to Continental this restructuring programme is the result of a thorough analysis it conducted into the division’s strengths and weaknesses.
“We offer a broad range of products and we are convinced that they hold significant market potential that we will be able to fully exploit in the near future,” commented Continental Executive Board member Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. “But to achieve this we have to ensure that we are properly structured. We will undertake a global restructuring programme with the aim of optimising production within a period of around two years and achieving a much better balance between high-cost and low-cost locations.
This year sees Vellco make its first appearance at Reifen 2008 in a move that also marks the company’s first show involvement outside of the UK. Vellco, which describes itself as “one of the largest and most successful truck tyre casing collection specialists in the UK” will be exhibiting in hall 6, stand 322, and is seeking to capitalise on the progress the company has made in European truck casing markets in recent years. According to company representatives, Vellco’s recent European progress has “enabled significant advances” for the North Yorkshire based company.
TMD Friction, the world’s leading manufacturer of friction parts for original equipment in the automotive and brake industries, is increasing its manufacturing capacity. Since 2002, around 37 million euros have been invested in modernisation and expansion at its plants in Coswig and Hamm, Germany, focussed on the growing commercial vehicle market.
Derek Whitworth, CEO of TMD Friction, says: “This is our reaction to the global rise in demand for brake friction parts for trucks. Thanks to investing early and to our strong OE market position we were able to profit from a booming market in 2007. We can now better meet customers’ requests for larger volumes, even at times of peak demand.”
Not strictly tyre-related, but nevertheless a significant event for the UK automotive industry. On March 26 the Ford Motor Company announced its entry into a definitive agreement to sell its Jaguar Land Rover operations to India’s Tata Motors. The transaction, says Ford, is the culmination of its August 2007 decision to explore “strategic options” for the Jaguar Land Rover business while accelerating its focus on its core Ford brand and One Ford global transformation.
The total cash amount to be paid by Tata Motors for Jaguar Land Rover upon closing will be approximately US$2.3 billion. At closing, Ford will then contribute up to approximately $600 million to the Jaguar Land Rover pension plans. The sale is expected to close by the end of the next quarter and is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of applicable regulatory approvals.
The organiser of Automechanika Moscow, held between March 4 and 6, 2008, has reported a successful show. During the three days 5,086 trade visitors attended the fair, and 139 exhibitors from at least 15 countries exhibited their products at the Expocentre in Moscow’s Krasnaya Presnya.
“The automotive parts and equipment industry and the car maintenance sector grow in size and importance every year,” said Eugen Alles, General Manager, Messe Frankfurt, Russia. “This situation is reflected in the high quality to be found at Automechanika Moscow. Three halls, a large number of visitors and wide representation from companies from all over the world set the pace for the whole of the coming year. We are keen to pre-serve the B2B character of the fair and work carefully on acquiring trade visitors. Our exhibitors get a real opportunity to develop and strengthen their business in the Russian market.”
2008 will see Maxxis maintain its title sponsorship of the Xtreme Rock Racing (XRRA) Series for a second year. The Maxxis XRRA Series is covered extensively on cable’s Speed network and started this March with the first race in the western division, followed by the eastern division opener in April. US finals are scheduled for September, while the series also has international perspective – the German Championship runs between April and October.
“I believe that we are starting to see the industry recognising the series as the Maxxis XRRA. With the factory support we receive, not to mention the individual event support of Creighton King, we believe this is a great opportunity to capitalise on our momentum coming out of 2007. With this momentum and branding, 2008 is certain to outpace any previous race season,” said Jodi Weaver, president of XRRA. Brad Williams of Maxxis’s automotive department added: “Maxxis is very excited to sponsor XRRA for a second great year. The XRRA team is outstanding and we’re delighted to be working with them.”
Maywood Equipment Group has announced that Gavin Masterton has retired from day to day responsibilities for the group, but will continue in a consultative position. This means, while he leaves the sales side of the business in the capable hands of Sales Managers Carlo Aloroni and John Baron, he will continue in his role as the groups, publicity and advertising coordinator.
Gavin Masterton has worked in the Automotive industry all his working life, having started as an apprentice with Smiths Industries when they were famous for dashboard instruments, Bluecol, antifreeze and KLG spark plugs. He then spent 10 years with the Brown Brothers as a salesman, Branch Manager and Branch Sales Director before returning to Smiths Industries to become a director for the companies that Smiths had purchased including Affiliated Factors and Godfrey Holmes. During that period he also became managing director of Long Life Accessories, a chain of 100 retail motor accessory shops before that business was sold to Motorist Discount Centres in 1982.
On March 14 a ceremony was held to officially mark the opening of Bridgestone China’s new tyre testing facility in Yixing City, Jiangsu Province. More than 100 people attended this significant occasion for the tyre major’s Chinese operations, including Hideki Yokoyama, vice president and officer for Product Planning and Business Development, numerous municipal and city officials and media representatives.
At the opening ceremony Mr. Yokoyama commented that the new Bridgestone (China) Tire Assessment & Development Co., Ltd. test facility would further strengthen the development of Bridgestone’s tyre production and sales in China, and thus contribute to the development of China’s automotive industry.
Maxxis has confirmed its status as Official Tyre of Best in the Desert with a new three-year deal. “Best in the Desert is very, very proud to have Maxxis with us,” said series owner Casey Folks. “We’ve had about 30 Best in the Desert vehicles with Maxxis on them and by going with Maxxis, we’ve had zero problems. Our relationship is outstanding, and as we go forward we’re making Maxxis synonymous with Best in the Desert – and when you think about it, what a great combination.” Brad Williams of Maxxis’s automotive department was equally enthusiastic, saying: “Best in the Desert is recognised as one of the premier desert racing series among top teams and sponsors. We are pleased to be part of their growth and feel we have a found a great partner for years to come.”
Continental AG is reportedly set to recruit another 1,350 people for its factories in Timisoara, Carei and Arad, Romania, by the end of the year. As a result the total employees count in the area is expected to reach 7,500. Continental’s tyre factory in Timisoara intends to hire 200 people during the course of 2008, Bucharest’s Ziarul Financiar reported. Currently, Continental runs five production facilities in Romania with 6,150 employees, a figure that includes 2,300 graduate engineers. If the proportion of engineers remains the same, the company will recruit around 500 engineers this year.
Hella Inc., best know for its automotive lighting and electronics, has entered the TPMS market. The company introduced the TC-400 TPMS system, which the company said “meets or exceeds the same specifications as all OE-installed systems.” In addition to monitoring tyre inflation pressure, the new Hella unit also monitors tire temperature. Hella said its TPMS “is extremely flexible and can be installed in any vehicle that is not originally equipped with an OE system or has been fitted with upgraded or custom wheels.”
Champion Laboratories has added Mary Blair to its team as vice president of global procurement. Brought in to execute Champ Labs’ corporate initiatives and goals, Blair, in her new position, will be responsible for leading all procurement activities into one centrally-led body while reducing spending, generating greater speed and improving processes and relationships with key supplier partners in the Company’s worldwide supply chain. Blair will lead worldwide procurement with a more strategic focus.
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