Chains
The top three UK tyre retailers have presented their views how TPMS will be implemented in the market following questions from Michelin’s Fleet Panel at the end of June. Their answers, which are the most comprehensive response to this topic yet, show that the while all three market leaders report they are ready for TPMS, their views on what this may mean for fleet customers and indeed consumers varies.
Stamford Tyres Corporation Limited recently announced its financials for the year ended 30 April 2012. They reveal that the company experienced a 6.7 per cent increase in sales to S$364.1 million growth across all key markets.
Two years ago, at Reifen 2010, Starco marketing manager Brian Lorentzen told Tyres & Accessories off the record that the company was in the process of developing plans involving the agricultural sector. At this year’s show the news was finally made public as Starco announced its entry into the tractor radial tyre market. The Danish company describes this agricultural debut, which centres on a new distribution agreement with the tyre manufacturer ATG (Alliance Tire Group), as “a move that breaks with the past and indicates the shape of things to come.” Under the agreement, Starco will now distribute ATG’s Galaxy tractor tyre range in Denmark, Sweden, Poland, Germany and the Benelux countries.
Michelin reports that it has written to ATS Euromaster, Kwik Fit and National Tyres to ask how the three largest tyre retailers in the UK will deal with the introduction of Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS). According to the company, the move was prompted by concerns raised by Michelin’s Fleet Panel. Panel members, who represent some of the biggest leasing companies in the UK, shared their views on the introduction of TPMS at a recent meeting and several said they do not believe they have been given enough information about the equipment which will be fitted to all new models of car from November this year.
June's magazine is now available hot off the virtual press. Containing special features on high performance tyres, retail chains/buying groups, and recycling and collection, the latest edition of Tyres & Accessories also looks at the latest in wheel alignment technology. The June issue also features our annual ranking of top tyre manufacturers. Subscribers can view this now by clicking more below.
Pirelli has acquired 100 per cent of Däckia Holding AB, one of the main multi-brand tyre distribution chains in Sweden from private equity group Procuritas Capital Investors IV LP (and minority shareholders) for 625 million kronor (approximately 70 million euros). Reporting the news, Pirelli explained that the move is in line with its strategy of reinforcement on markets with strong growth in high-end, high margin segments. In this case this is likely to mean the sale of winter tyres.
Hankook reports that five per cent of its annual revenue is directed towards research and development, an investment it says allows the development and production of the very latest in market-specific tyre solutions. Such investment is considered by the Korean manufacturer as key to ensuring optimum quality and technology within its high performance portfolio – a range it says is specifically designed to suit all types of motorists.
Following the publication of our recent overview of developments in the UK tyre retail landscape (Retail: Hold it steady), Tyres & Accessories has now published the accompanying data in table format. This is now available to view 24 hours a day through our tyrepress.com website. Subscribers need only click more to view the details.
The introduction of tyre labelling is likely to be the greatest change tyre dealers will experience this year. In fact some say it is the biggest adjustment to the business experienced in this tyre retailing generation, something that is likely to be true irrespective of country. Whatever your view, the introduction of this legislation comes at a time when European financial markets remain in turmoil and some of the continent’s largest tyre markets – including the UK – have returned to recession. And this at a time when incoming product prices remain high as a legacy of the last couple of years of raw material cost increases. It all adds up to significant pressure on the retail sector.
A Lancashire company responsible for growing, packing and distributing vegetables across the UK has signed a three-year tyre contract with Michelin Fleet Solutions, covering its fleet of 48 tractor units, 56 temperature-controlled trailers and 42 tipper trailers. Under the agreement, Preston-based Huntapac Produce's in-house transport division, W&J Hunter Transport, will operate its Scania and DAF tractor units on a pence-per-kilometre (PPK) deal, while its trailers will be charged on a standard tyre purchase basis. The policy sees tractor units fitted with Michelin XZE2+ tyres on the steer and mid-lift axles and XDE2 Remix tyres on the drive axles. The trailers will operate on a mixture of Michelin new and Remix XTE3 tyres – all specific fitments for regional and national operations.
The April issue of Which? magazine put a total of 26 tyres (sizes 165/70 R14T and 205/55 R16V) to the test and ranked each according to its performance in the areas of dry and wet braking and handling, wet grip on straights and bends, noise, fuel consumption and wear. Continental, which received a “best buy” recommendation for its ContiEcoContact 5 in the 14-inch category and ContiPremiumContact 5 in the larger fitment, reports its satisfaction in being the only tyre maker to receive this distinction for both sizes.
While progress in its campaign for increased safety checks on take-off, or second hand commercial wheels entering the UK market was delayed by the UK government’s back-tracking on proposed MOT changes, Motor Wheel Service has continued to develop its forged aluminium xlite brand, on which it has a worldwide distribution deal, launching its “next generation Xbrite” single part, transparent finish. The protective coating was specially developed for MWS, offering what it calls “the highest levels of corrosion resistance and unrivalled shine for xlite forged aluminium wheels”. In other news, a change in truck racing’s technical regulations will allow forged aluminium wheels to be fitted to the outside of the rear axle from 2013 onwards, responding to the wishes of 10-time British Truck Racing Championship, Stuart Oliver, who said of xlite: "lighter wheels mean less unsprung weight on the axle, creating less wear and tear to surrounding parts and greater grip between the tyre and the circuit.”
During last month’s Daimler Supplier Award ceremony in Germany, the vehicle manufacturer bestowed a “Special Award for Partnership” upon its Japanese suppliers, including Bridgestone. The award was given to 34 Japanese key suppliers in recognition of their efforts to overcome the disruption caused by last year’s earthquake and tsunami and for the solutions they found to keep the supply chain running, with minimal effect on Daimler business.
In the space of three months Falken has launched a trio of new tyres; first came the Azenis FK453CC SUV tyre, then in February the tyre maker launched the Wildpeak WP/AT01. Now Falken has unveiled the Ziex ZE914, a tyre the manufacturer says places a focus on both wet grip and better fuel efficiency.
With TPMS becoming mandatory on new car models this year, Rema Tip Top Automotive believes understanding tyre pressure technology is critical to tyre businesses.
Referring to it as, “one of the most topical and important issues in the automotive industry at this time”, company representatives pointed out the environmental and safety benefits of effective tyre maintenance through TPMS. Optimised fuel consumption and reduced tyre wear, the company suggests, can be seen as great financial incentives for any customer wishing to adopt such a system, but crucially – the say – the road safety benefits for the customer and other road users must be treated with equal regard.
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