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Conti Misses Mark in China Sales

(Akron/Tire Review) Continental AG fell short of its stated 2006 sales goal in China, posting 230 million euro in sales, according to China Business News. Conti had established a goal of 350 million to 400 million euro in sales of its automotive systems products.

The sales figures do not reflect products made in China and exported, the report said.

Conti has a 50/50 joint venture with Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp., and has announced plans to build two technology centres in China this year.

21st March 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Tech Chief Named to Hankook Board

(Akron/Tire Review) Hwi Joong Kim, Hankook Tire Co.’s chief technology officer and chief production officer, has been named to that company’s board of directors. The appointment was made March 16, according to the company.

Kim’s appointment to the board, according to Hankook, “will streamline the decision making process at Hankook.” Kim has been with Hankook since 1970.

“Technological innovation has been a cornerstone in fueling the profitability of our company and enhancing the reputation of the quality of our products,” said Kim. “This is a natural progression to further enhance the role of technology and product quality, critical in the competitive global automotive industry.”

21st March 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Goodyear Close on Unit Sale

(Akron/Tire Review) Tyre and rubber industry analysts expect Goodyear to sell off its engineered products unit within the next few weeks, according to media reports. Continental AG has repeatedly said it was interested in acquiring the business from Goodyear, but it is not known if the German tyre and automotive system maker is close to a deal.

The sale price, according to the reports, could exceed $1 billion.

Among its product portfolio, Goodyear’s engineered products unit produces automotive belts and hoses, and industrial conveyor belts.

21st March 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Russian Tyre Committee to Convene in April

The first sitting of a Russian government subcommittee focusing upon the development of the nation’s tyre sector will be held April 6. The deputy director general of Sibur-Russian Tyres, Igor Karavaev will be acting in the capacity of subcommittee chairman.

As previously reported in Tyres & Accessories, the subcommittee’s emphasis will be centred consolidating the efforts of Russian based tyremakers in order for them to participate effectively in the development of legislation and to provide equal competitive opportunities for tyremakers operating in Russia’s automotive market.

21st March 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Ex-Michelin Man Ghosn Out at Nissan N.A.

(Akron/Tire Review) Former Michelin North America chief Carlos Ghosn has stepped down as CEO of Nissan North America, which recently relocated from Los Angeles to Nashville. Ghosn will retain his posts as CEO of both Nissan Motor Co. and Renault SA.

Ghosn is the second top Nissan North America executive to step down in recent weeks, and the second former Michelin executive to do so. Jim Morton, vice chairman of Nissan and former PR chief at Michelin North America, announced his retirement in late February.

Automotive observers praised Ghosn’s move, saying the company needed more focus in North America, and hinted that further shake-ups at Nissan may be in the offing.

20th March 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Federal Tyres Looks to Middle East Markets

Taiwanese tyremaker Federal Tyres has entered into an agreement with Dubai-based tyre distributor Al Saeedi Middle East to import tyres into the United Arab Emirates, a market into which more than six million tyres are imported each year.

Federal Corporation president Chen Da stated that not only have the levels of imports entering the UAE been growing annually, but the country is also an important re-export hub for global tyre manufacturers. “So we believe it is time to strengthen our presence in the UAE as well as in other GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries in association with a strong local partner. In Al Saeedi Middle East, which has more than two decades of excellent track-record in the UAE tyre business, we have found a strategic partner.”

19th March 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

New Sales Director for Viking International

Kevin Peck has been appointed sales director for tyre, exhaust and battery wholesaler, Viking International. Kevin, 45, has worked for the Axle Group – which includes Viking International, National Tyres and Autocare – for eight years as sales director for national fleet, and has acquired a good deal of experience in senior sales management within the fleet and automotive sector, including working for GE Capital and ALD. He has also spent some years working in the banking and finance industry.

Kevin commented “Viking has an impressive product portfolio and distribution network. I look forward to building on this and strengthening their position within the tyre wholesaling marketplace.” John Kemp, managing director for Viking added, “Kevin has the right vision and skill to help drive Viking forward. His extensive field sales and management experience and keen knowledge of the tyre industry, makes him the ideal choice for sales director.”

19th March 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

GAAS Panel Looks at Impact of Aftermarket Changes

(Akron/Tire Review) Automotive aftermarket industry leaders will discuss how the changing automotive aftermarket impacts global sourcing, collaboration and customer relationships at the upcoming Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium, set for May 8 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare, Chicago. “There are many challenges inherent in today’s automotive aftermarket,” said Steve Handschuh, president and COO of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) and panel moderator. “We have truly become a global industry and changes and transitions are happening with almost blinding speed.”

14th March 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Two Further Goodyear Appointments

On the same day that Goodyear Tire & Rubber announced the appointment of a new company president came the news of two further appointments. Darren Wells has been appointed senior vice president of finance and strategy for the company as of March 14. Wells, 41, previously served as Goodyear’s senior vice president, business development & treasurer.

With the announced appointment of Chief Financial Officer Richard J. Kramer to run the North American Tire Business as its president, Wells assumes Kramer’s former responsibility for the company’s overall strategy development. In addition, Wells retains his finance responsibilities, which include treasury, investor relations, business development and tax.

14th March 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Prodrive Founder buys Aston Martin

One of the UK’s oldest automotive marques has changed hands for US$848 million. Aston Martin, founded in 1913 and most recently owned by Ford, has been sold to rally driver and founder of prodrive David Richards plus several smaller stakeholders. Ford retains a minority shareholding in the carmaker.

13th March 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Siemens Sticks to Plan for VDO Automotive Unit IPO

(Akron/Tire Review) Siemens said it is sticking to its plan for an initial public offering of up to half of its automotive engineering unit VDO despite interest from potential buyers.

13th March 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Conti Conducts Study into Hybrid Vehicle Acceptance

A European study conducted by Continental’s Automotive Systems division reveals that a quarter of all motorists in Germany are considering purchasing a hybrid vehicle. These findings are based upon a survey of one thousand motorists, and are a favourable finding for the division, which produces a number of components used in the production of this type of car.

7th March 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

New Rubber for your Laptop

When people think of green – or interesting – products, they rarely think of laptop bags, but one company has chosen to fly in the face of this general perception.

Environmentally aware bag manufacturer Tread has produced a range of laptop bags that are tailored from recycled Columbian truck tyres. The bags are lightweight and very rugged, a reflection upon their ancestry, and provide a unique alternative to adding to the world’s growing stockpile of waste tyres.

28th February 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Toyo Hires New Director of Marketing Communications

(Akron/Tire Review) Julie Sediq, the former communications manager for Anaheim’s Honda Center arena, has been named director of marketing communications for Toyo Tire (USA) Corp. Sediq spent the last eight years as director of media and communications for the arena, formerly known as Arrowhead Pond.

28th February 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Auto Parts Maker Announces Closure

The bankrupt US automotive parts manufacturer Delphi Corp. announced on February 22 that it plans to close its Puerto Real factory in Cadiz, southern Spain. A union representing employees at the plant has stated that as many as 1,650 workers will be affected by this closure.

28th February 2007/by Tyrepress Editors