September 2011 saw the launch of six GT Radial branded trailers in partnership with Micheldever Tyre Services, GT Radial’s exclusive UK distributor. The liveried trailers will are in addition to Micheldever’s existing logistic fleet of 52 units, all manufactured by Montracon.
Sailun has appointed a new marketing and administration controller to its team based at the Sailun European Head Office in Birmingham. According to the company, Isabelle de Grailly brings multi-lingual communication skills and “a wealth of experience and knowledge in the handling and controlling of product logistics.”
Independent tyre dealers network Point S has more than 1,950 locations in 20 countries, and continues to pursue its international development programme with the announcement that it has entered the Turkish market. The Master Franchise agreement between Point S, represented by its managing directors Jürgen Benz and Christophe Rollet, and Senturkler Holding, represented by co-owner and vice-chairman Senturk Mehmet, was signed in June. The first flagship store was officially opened on 21 September in presence of Senturkler and Point S representatives as well as numerous local politicians, journalists and manufacturers.
Hankook Tire America has officially opened a new distribution centre in New Jersey, reports Tire Review. The new 400-000-square-foot warehouse is Hankook’s fifth in the US – the others are located in Tennessee, Texas, Illinois and California – and it will service customers in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. The centre’s opening ceremony was attended by some 100 guests, including Hankook Tire America President Soo Il Lee, Frank Gambatese, the mayor of South Brunswick, and Hankook dealers and employees.
Gregory Distribution’s Davidstow-based milk collection fleet will use Michelin’s XDN2 Grip Remix policy on its drive axles following successful trials over the last 18 months. Francis Doney, transport manager in Davidstow, says: “Initially we put the XDN2 Grip Remix tyres on a single vehicle. This delivered strong results so we upped the trial to six tankers last winter. The tyres made a significant difference and we were able to complete the majority of all milk collections throughout winter 2010/2011, despite the heavy snow.”
The high cost of fuel remains the biggest cause for concern amongst haulage operators, according to the July 2011 update of the Freight Transport Association's Manager's Guide to Distribution Costs. Commercial vehicle operators continue to be squeezed by rising operating costs and pressure for earlier payment terms from suppliers whilst facing downward pressure on haulage rates and lengthening payment terms from customers.
Chinese tyre manufacturer Sailun is planning to invest over US$100 million in a Vietnam subsidiary, according to online media reports. Yicai.com quoted an official filing as saying the auxiliary company will produce “tyres and other rubber products.”
Former Kwik-Fit Fleet boss Mike Wise has joined the largest online retailer in Europe, Delticom AG, to head up a new online fleet tyre business. Wise had a long and distinguished career in the tyre business and during his time as managing director of Kwik-Fit Fleet build up a commanding market share for the company in this sector.
Taiwan manufacturer has thanked its distributors for running a “successful” inaugural Federal Month promotion in North America. Its distributor, Tire Dealer’s Warehouse, launched a month long promotion titled “Fly away with Federal”, where both customers and TDW sales team members were competing to earn Federal Fun bucks or Southwest Airlines travel vouchers. The manufacturer incentivised the TDW team in addition to customer rebates, which the manufacturer says led to sales targets being exceeded.
Canadian specialist yard management and dock scheduling software solutions provider C3 Solutions reports that Nokian Tyres has adopted its C3 Reservations system in its key European manufacturing facilities and distribution centres. The Finnish manufacturer’s sites in Nokia and in Vsevolozhsk, Russia are two locations named as beneficiaries of the new system, which is intended to optimise the scheduling of raw materials and finished products to, from and between the company’s facilities.
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has appointed Stephen R. McClellan as president of the company’s North American Tire business unit. McClellan will succeed Curt Andersson, who plans to pursue other professional interests. McClellan will continue to be responsible for North American Tire’s consumer tyre business until a successor is named.
“Steve brings strong leadership and a proven track record of delivering results,” said Richard J. Kramer, Goodyear’s chairman, president and CEO. “Steve’s career of more than 20 years at Goodyear has included progressively larger leadership positions within North American Tire. His success in running the North American consumer and commercial tyre businesses and his strong relationships with customers make him a natural successor to the role.
In the US, Toyo Tires has introduced the M157 free-rolling axle tyre for long haul highway operations. The company reports that the M157 is EPA SmartWays verified and features Toyo Tires’ proprietary e-balance technology.
Stapleton’s managing director Kenji Murai and trading director, Steve Parker, have resigned from their positions as directors of Stapleton’s. Yutaka Kimbara has now been appointed as managing director of the leading tyre wholesale business and take over the leadership of the company with immediate effect. The news followed a board meeting yesterday (26 July 2011), which resulted in Stapleton’s directors communicating “a number of changes to its composition.”
The Firenza brand has been established in the UK truck market for a number of years now and the range, which is produced by Sumo Tires, is steadily growing. Firenza commercial vehicle tyres are said to be backed by the latest production technology and include design features such as a solid shoulder area construction, a zero angle steel band that prevents irregular wear plus a tread groove to combat casing damage and stone retention.
Website AlignMyCar.co.uk has explained the value of four wheel alignment to families driving to their summer holiday destination, in terms of safety and costs. Drivers of misaligned vehicles see tyre wear increase in rapidity, fuel bills rise and potential dangerous distractions such as vehicle pull or a crooked steering wheel. “Many families will be preparing for an intensive period of motoring during the summer months, and having a four wheel alignment check can help to ensure it is as carefree and economical as possible,” explains Paul Beaurain, whose distribution company Pro-Align is behind the wheel alignment website.
If you would like the latest news from the Chinese tyre industry in Chinese, visit our partner site TyrepressChina.com. Or click below to continue on Tyrepress.
