Lassa has announced that it will be exhibiting at the Autopromotec 2005 show in Bologna on 18 – 22 May. Autopromotec 2005 is attracting an increasing number of national and international visitors, according to the company. Demonstrating its faith in the show, Lassa describes the exhibition as a “valuable opportunity to further penetrate the Italian and international markets, and primarily to support their key customer base within Italy.”
At the end of February Continental Tyres South announced that it had become the first manufacturer to produce run-flat technology in the country, South Africa Treads reports. The company reports that it is both “proud” and “excited” by the news, and will be embarking on comprehensive training programmes with its dealer network around the country. The SSR will grace the new generation BMW 3-series, scheduled for release in June.
While exhibiting at this year’s Geneva International Motor Show, Pirelli highlighted 2005 as “the year of innovation.” In the wake of strong business results (the company recently reported a 42 per cent increase in operating profit), Pirelli Tyres reports that it has begun 2005 with a strategy of expansion in some of the faster growing emerging markets plus North America, as well as extending its MIRS automated production process in the United Kingdom, Germany and the US. And that is not all. The company says that its research into tyres of the future will reach concrete conclusions in 2005. Pirelli goes on to explain that this year will see the start of a series of products that will “revolutionise the concept of the tyre, which will become a more active product that ever before, and will be able to communicate with the car and driver.”
Roll containers are proving the most efficient method of distributing goods in the supply chain, according to Bekaert Handling. In recent months the company reports that it has seen the use of roll containers rise sharply throughout a variety of different industries. The company claims that it is unique in offering a complete bespoke design capability, developing innovative solutions to storage and handling problems.
Four years after launching the Meteo Esc, Marangoni Tyre has updated its winter tyre range by releasing the Meteo HP passenger car tyre. As the name suggests, the Italian company’s latest product is designed as a high performance winter offering. The new tyre will be available in time for next season (2005/2006) in 15 popular sizes with indices mainly between T and H, but with three going all the way up to V. The Meteo HP will be available in 15 to 18 inch diameters and in 65 to 40 series ratios. Tyres & Accessories spoke to Marangoni Tyre’s global sales and marketing director, Derek Carruthers, and asked how the company planned to market its new winter tyre in the UK.
Bridgestone Corporation has announced that it achieved a 29 per cent increase in net income during 2004. Total net income rose to $1.1 billion on sales of $23.2 billion, a 5 per cent increase over the prior year. The company reports that operating income rose 8 per cent to $1.9 billion.
In the Americas, Bridgestone Americas Holding (BSAH) has reported that 2004 net sales and net income (profit) were $9.15 billion and $183 million, respectively. The results achieved in 2004 represent a 12 per cent increase in total sales revenue over 2003. According to the company, the 2004 growth is attributable to several factors, including passenger and light truck tyre unit sales, increases in the replacement market, a strong performance in unit sales of truck and bus tyres, and very strong growth in sales in the company’s diversified products and Latin American businesses.
Dusseldorf based, Degussa AG has announced that it will increase the capacity of its carbon black plant in Paulinia, Brazil, to 100,000 tonnes per year. The company first announced this project in September 2004. Now that the management board has approved the plans, the way is clear for work to start immediately.
Carlisle Tire & Wheel Company has reported a 19 per cent increase in 2004 net sales, compared with the previous year. According to the company, most of the increase came from sales in commercial and consumer power equipment, lawn care products and ATV wheels and tyres.
A fire at ContiTech’s Dannenberg facility is likely to cost millions of euros, the company reports. The recent blaze, which broke out on the morning of 29 January, completely destroyed one machinery hall and partially damaged another. The fire also spread to a warehouse and a laboratory.
Although the flames were strong enough to require 300 fire fighters, no casualties have been reported and local residents are not said to have been in any danger. The majority of production was also able to resume the same day.
The Dannenberg factory belongs to two divisions of ContiTech Antriebssysteme GmbH and Vibration Control GmbH. The plant produces a range of automotove products including drive and timing belts for industrial purposes.
In the US, Goodyear has released two new premium tyres aimed at SUV and light truck drivers. The Wrangler and Fortera both feature one of the company’s latest innovations, SilentArmor technology.
When Goodyear says its tyres use this technology, it basically means that the products include three distinct features. Firstly they use an “armour zone” that is comprised of a layer of DuPont Kevlar, a material five times stronger than steel. In addition, they feature an extra durable sidewall in order to resist punctures and cuts. On top of this the products include a rugged rim guard that helps protect wheels from rim damage. On the comfort side, the Fortera tyre features a layer that is designed to “soak up” road noise and vibration.
In its recent first half 2005 results, Toyo Tire & Rubber reported that operating income rocketed 120.8 per cent. This was said to be due to a 25.9 per cent increase in sales of high value products, with general sales improving by 8.7 per cent. Now, having exhibited at the Autosport Show, Toyo is claiming to have “kicked into overdrive” with its “best show ever.” Tyres & Accessories took the opportunity to catch up with marketing director, Mike Rignall.
Ford has started using Hankook’s Ventus Prime tyre on its new Ford Mondeo. The vehicles will use 205/55R16V and 205/55R16H sizes. The company reports that Ford will also fit its Focus and Fiesta models with Hankook tyres. Both models are made at the Ford’s factory in Valencia, Spain.
Pirelli is claiming victory at the SEMA, in terms of product exposure. According to the company, a third of the vehicles on display were fitted with Pirelli products. For the Italian manufacturer, the highlight of the show was the Ford stand where the company’s new Mustang was exhibited with “every imaginable” tyre and wheel combination.
The tyre producer also took the opportunity to exhibit its P Zero ultra-high-performance passenger tyre and its Scorpion Zero SUV and light truck radial. The company reports that more than 35 per cent of the wheel specialists in the show’s South Hall fitted their designs with Pirelli tyres.
During Las Vegas exhibition, SEMA recognised the new Mustang as the most accessory friendly new vehicle for aftermarket tuners. Pirelli and Ford celebrated by hosting a Beach Boys concert and reception.
Continental has released third quarter profits that show what the company calls “another record-breaking performance.” The international automotive supplier increased its consolidated sales in the first nine months of 2004 by 8.6 per cent. In the first nine months the figure, including foreign exchange effects and consolidation changes, totals at 9.214 billion euros compared with 8.485 billion euros the same time last year. The was little mention of the costs incurred by the company’s failed Russian joint venture.
Analysts have suggested Superior is taking a “last man standing approach” while the company reports relatively weak third quarter results.
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