Vettel Not Yet Burning Rubber
BMW-Sauber Formula One team test driver Sebastian Vettel has disclosed that he and the team are struggling to get their best out of the new Bridgestone tyres.
Based in Japan, Bridgestone Corporation is the world’s largest tyre and rubber company.
Tag Archive for: Bridgestone
Loan to be Used in Bridgestone/Bandag Buy
Product News(Akron/Tire Review) Bridgestone Corp. said yesterday that it will use a bank loan to facilitate Bridgestone Americas Holding’s acquisition of Bandag Inc., announced earlier this week. BAH is buying the retreading giant for $1.05 billion in cash, with Bandag becoming an operating subsidiary of BAH. The deal is expected to close by mid-2007.
Thumbs Up to Bridgestone
Product NewsToyota F1 driver Ralf Schumacher, brother of retired world champion Michael, has voiced his approval of the new 2007 Bridgestone tyres after testing at Spain’s Circuit de Catalunya.
Following Michelin’s withdrawal from Formula One all drivers will compete on Bridgestone tyres as of next year, and despite concerns raised by other drivers Schumacher stated that he was pleased with the tyres.
Bridgestone Continues Red Tyre Rule Campaign
Product NewsBridgestone is still firmly in favour of the proposed new tyre rule that would see Formula One teams using both hard and soft compounds during the 2007 grand prix season.
Sabanci Purchases Indonesian Tyre Yarn Company
Product NewsAs part of its plans to expand into east Asia, Turkish corporation Sabanci has agreed to purchase a controlling stake in the Indonesian tyre-yarn firm PT Branta Mulia Tbk.
Bridgestone Shares Rise on Back of Bandag Acquisition
Product NewsBridgestone shares rose three and a half per cent to 2,550 yen, the greatest gain in two months, after the tyremaker agreed to purchase retreaders Bandag Inc.
Bridgestone Buys Bandag for US$1.05 billion
Product NewsBridgestone’s North American subsidiary, Bridgestone Americas Holding (BSAH), has bought Bandag Incorporated for US$1.05 billion. The deal sees the two companies enter into a merger agreement pursuant to which BSAH will acquire the outstanding shares of each class of Bandag stock for US$50.75 per share in cash. Bandag’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the agreement. The transaction is expected to be completed late in the first quarter or early in the second quarter of 2007, subject to the receipt of shareholder and regulatory approvals and the closing conditions. In 2005 Bandag had worldwide sales of US$921 million.
Bridgestone Tyres Enhance Brera’s Handling
Product NewsThe Brera coupé is the latest of three Alfa Romeo launches in 2006 to come fitted with Bridgestone tyres and features the F1-derived, ultra-performance Potenza RE50As as an original equipment option. This product is also available on the new Alfa 159 and 159 Sportwagon.
Two Promoted at BFNAT
Product News(Akron/Tire Review) Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire has named Tim Dunn as director of brand/supply chain marketing, and Steve rammer as director of consumer tyres retail. Both will report to Phil Pasci, BFNAT’s vice president of consumer marketing. Dunn succeeds Pasci, who was promoted earlier this year, in the director position, and will advertising, retail marketing, product planning and supply chain marketing. Rammer will be responsible for BFNAT’s north and south retail regions, Canada and corporate accounts.
Arthur MacDonald Leaves Bridgestone
Product NewsBridgestone motorcycle marketing manager, Arthur MacDonald is to leave his job after six years working in motorbike tyre sales, according to a Bike Tyrestore (BTS) newsletter. Bridgestone’s motorcycle division will be led by consumer director Brett Emerson while a permanent replacement is found. In the meantime Bridgestone is preparing to launch the new BT-021. BTS also reported that Bridgestone has published a 3 per cent price increase on two-wheel products effective 1 March 2007.
Bridgestone Wins Fiat Qualitas Award
Product NewsBridgestone was honoured with the Qualitas Award at the Fiat Suppliers’ Convention 2006. In a ceremony at the Lingotto location in Turin, Bridgestone was cited for its constant pro-activity and support in the development of tyres for Fiat Group car models. The convention is an annual event at which Fiat informs suppliers of current status and future programmes, as well as acknowledging partners who have distinguished themselves through high-quality performance during the previous year.
Sava Picks BTS as UK ATV Distributor
NewsBike Tyrestore has announced that Sava’s range of ATV tyres will be available in the New Year and that it is now the manufacturer’s sole UK trade distributor. Bike Tyrestore joint managing director, Peter Smith, told Tyres & Accessories the company would like to make contact with ATV tyre specialists, with a view to setting up area distributorships for this product range.
“This may be of particular interest to farm tyre specialists and anyone else for whom ATV tyres are a major part of their business,” he explained adding: “We’ll be showing this new range at Expo in January (14 to 16 January, Stoneleigh-Park Exhibition Centre).” Quad magazine is expected to publish the first UK test soon. Further information is available from David Nolan on 0800 281 413.
Bike Tyrestore Relocates Call Centre
Product NewsMotorcycle tyre retailing requires a different kind of knowledge and professionalism to the car or truck segments. And that’s why Bike Tyrestore sees itself as unique compared with other wholesalers. Perhaps one of its most appealing offers is its Free technical training, leading to a certificate of competence as a Motorcycle Tyre Specialist Technician is available to all BTS’ “World Of Bike Tyres” customers.
Bike Tyrestore recently announced that its call centre will now run from the same site as its warehouse (effective 4 December). The new address is: Tyburn Trading Estate, Ashold Farm Road, Birmingham, B24 9QS. The company’s phone, web and email contact details all remain the same.
Kings Road Tyres to Offer Products Online
Product NewsKings Road Tyres began wholesaling over 30 years ago and was one of the few companies that, back then, saw the need for an alternative supply chain into the market. Since that time KRT has developed a nationwide delivery system operating from its own distribution centres throughout the UK and Ireland, using its own fleet of vehicles, and over the years has built a consistent and reliable distribution service. The most recent development at the company sees KRT keep pace with future trends. From the early part of 2007 the wholesaler will offer its products online via the Internet. Full details of this service will be available soon.
Sheffield Dealership Gets a New Look
Product NewsA Sheffield First Stop tyre dealership is marking its twentieth anniversary with an investment in stunning new-look premises. Since opening its doors in 1986, Steadfast Auto Centre has evolved from a small, family-run business into an award-winning dealership spanning two prime city sites and affiliated to Bridgestone. To celebrate the 20-year milestone, the company’s flagship depot has been extensively refurbished – a move that will enable the business to expand still further.
