Now one of the largest tyre-producing countries in the world, China has an indisputable influence on the direction of global tyre trade. The home of both fast-growing up-and-coming brands as well as a burgeoning domestic market, this tag chronicles China’s involvement with the tyre business.
In the USA, the recent United States Trade Representative (USTR) Section 301 investigation exploring potential tariffs on a range of Chinese imports has reported back. After tariffs of 10 per cent were put into place in September, the planned increase to 25 per cent in January was delayed while trade talks continued.
The European Commission reports that applying anti-dumping duties to truck and bus tyres manufactured in China is having the desired effect. According to EC figures, dumped or subsidised imports were 81 per cent lower six months after the measures were imposed than during the investigation period.
Continental isn’t only in the business of making tyres and automotive systems – it also wants your new car to smell nice. The company is striving to improve mobile olfactory ambience with its Acella interior material.
Bridgestone says it “takes seriously any unauthorised use or infringement of its patents, design rights, trademarks, or any other intellectual property,” and in the past the tyre maker has shown itself willing to legally challenge such infringements. It has now announced another court victory: Bridgestone has received a favourable ruling from the Beijing Intellectual Property Court in its design rights infringement lawsuit against major Chinese tyre manufacturer Shengtai Group.
Authorities in India are conducting an investigation into alleged subsidies on truck and bus tyres imported from the People’s Republic of China. According to a document released on Wednesday by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies, a department of India’s Department of Commerce, the investigation is taking place in response to a submission filed by local industry representative the Automotive Tyre Manufacturer’s Association (ATMA) on behalf of tyre makers Apollo Tyres, J. K. Tyre & Industries, MRF and Ceat. Should the allegations be verified, the department will recommend implementing countervailing duties.
SK Innovation reports that it is planning to invest just under 1 trillion won (a little less than US$1 billion) in its second car battery plant, this time in Hungary. The company has selected Komaron City in northern Hungary for the investment of 945.2 billion won.
As leading well-known tyre manufacturers transition into automotive suppliers, and mobility providers and as the vehicle parc become increasingly electrified, the value of entering the battery manufacturing space is obvious.
Motorists in China can now buy Michelin tyres online thanks to an expansion of Michelin China’s partnership with JD.com, the country’s largest retailer. JD.com has launched a first-party flagship store on its platform. The newly-extended partnership will also see Michelin and JD.com integrate their offline automotive service networks; consumers buying Michelin tyres on JD.com will be given priority to choose service networks such as TyrePlus for fitment.
Maxion Wheels, the world’s largest wheel manufacturer, has entered into an agreement to form a new passenger car aluminium wheel joint venture with Dongfeng Motor Parts and Components Group, one of China’s largest automotive parts companies. The new legal entity, Dongfeng Maxion Wheels, will build a new two-million per year capacity plant in Hubei Province, China. Series production is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2020.
In February, the European Commission announced the start of an anti-dumping proceeding concerning steel road wheels imported from the People’s Republic of China. The focus is primarily upon wheels for cars and trucks, however the proceeding also covers wheels for road-going tractors as well as for non-powered vehicles such as trailers, semi-trailers and caravans. The proceeding followed a complaint lodged on 3 January by the Association of European Wheel Manufacturers (EUWA).
The latest global SUV market data shows continued growth around the world. Market analyst Felipe Junoz from Jato Dynamics reports that the shift from traditional cars to SUVs began seven years ago and is still going strong. However, there are also signs that growth slowed during the course of 2018. And what’s more the UK remains a world-leading market.
The US International Trade Commission filed their remand determinations to the US Court of International Trade on January 30, 2019. By a majority of 3-2, the Commissioners have determined:
SD-International recently added the Three A brand to its contract tyre manufacturing portfolio. According to the company, Three A tyres are now available in England, Scotland and Wales across most market sectors including passenger car fitments.
Smithers Rapra is opening a new product testing laboratory in Suzhou, China. The 4,000 square foot facility provides air leak and burst, cleanliness, material properties, salt spray, and pressure, vibration, and temperature (PVT) testing. According to Smithers, the new lab will support the evolving automotive market in China with fluid transfer system expertise, combining with Smithers’ existing labs in Akron, Ohio; Lansing, Michigan; and Shawbury, UK to support global clients.
China has begun establishing a rubber Free Trade Zone (FTZ) in Sri Lanka. The arrangement will help promote the country’s rubber industry and boost sector earnings. In return, China is asking for long-term access to lands and tax concessions, according to various media reports.
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