(Akron/Tire Review) Kumho Tire USA Inc will be relocating its US headquarters and its California warehouse from Fontana to Rancho Cucamonga, California, during the weekend of 10-11 December, and plans to be up and fully operational on Monday 12 December. Kumho said the new 830,300-square-foot building, named the Haven Distribution Center, is more than three times the space of its previous home. The facility features 136 truck docks and 144 trailer stalls.
The new Renault Clio, which uses Bridgestone B250 tyres as original equipment, has been named Car of the Year 2006, beating-off stiff competition to win the prestigious title. The supermini has been redesigned with the striking new shape, a range of responsive engines and the comfortable, spacious and stylish interior clearly impressing the Europe-wide panel of judges.
Omitec has been awarded 1st prize at the prestigious AAPEX Automotive Show in Las Vegas for its latest product, OmiSonic, in the “Fix it Right First Time” section.
The OmiSonic is a hand-held tester that uses ultrasound technology to identify a wide range of vehicle-related problems. These include finding leaks in door and window seals, deteriorating bearings before significant damage is caused, electrical arcing, and leaks in air conditioning, air braking and EVAP systems.
All-makes parts supplier Motaquip suggests that more independent garages are setting up motor factor operations to support their core business and the driving force behind this trend is the changes in Block Exemption.
Motaquip says that new business start-up enquiries to its Partnership Programme from garage owners have more than doubled as garages are looking to enter the parts distribution chain. This contrasts with 2003, when only one in 10 of Motaquip’s enquiries came from independent garage owners. Block Exemption has been cited as the major contributory factor in this growth, which has left many garages needing a good source of quality parts.
In a move to raise its profile among the tyre buying public and support its UK distribution network, Maxxis has signed a major sponsorship deal with Premiership football club Aston Villa. Maxxis, an acknowledged specialist in turf, cycle, 4×4, quad, light truck and ATV, has teamed up with Aston Villa FC for the remainder of the 2005/2006 season.
Under the terms of the sponsorship deal, Maxxis is an Official Partner of Aston Villa FC with preferential status as supplier to the club. The company has the benefit of perimeter advertising at Villa Park and corporate hospitality facilities, as well as invaluable mainstream TV exposure.
Global logistics service provider, Kuehne + Nagel, has recently been awarded a contract by Cooper-Avon Tyres Ltd to manage the movement of 12,200 tonnes of tyres and raw material over the next year to and from its Melksham facility. A official statement explained that Cooper-Avon will be able to streamline its supply chain, managing the movement of cargo on all trade lanes more efficiently through carrier flexibility, competitive pricing and the re-loading of import containers for export.
Sameer Africa’s first Kenyan branded and produced tyres have rolled of the production line. The firm’s marketing manager, Jeremiah Siage, said Sameer Africa has the capacity to produce its own brands. The tyres open a new chapter for a firm that had previously been associated with the Firestone brand.
The Indian Ministry of Consumer affairs, Food & Public Distribution is considering branding automotive tyres with the “ISI” mark. The move is expected to be implemented from 1 April next year. While tyre manufacturers are reported to have welcomed this move, the Society of India Automobile Manufacturers Association (SIAM) has raised objections.
(Akron/Tire Review) Siemens VDO’s Service & Special Solutions group has developed a new aftermarket program for TPMS replacement and service parts. The program helps technicians service vehicles equipped with TPMSs made by Siemens VDO, the company said.
ARS spol s.r.o. has opened a brand-new facility close to major highways in the Bratislava area. The inauguration was part of an Open House event held on 22 September 2005 and was attended by the management of Bandag Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA).
The new premises combine a state-of-the-art Bandag retreading workshop, a huge service outlet for trucks and the company’s new offices. Customer benefits include faster, much-improved service and easier access.
North Eastern Tyres and Exhausts’, North Tyneside branch has received a prestigious Michelin award, as part of the manufacturer’s prestigious accreditation scheme. According to the manufacturer, the standard certifies high quality premises, expert staff and exemplary customer service.
NETE is the first centre in the North of England and one of just sixteen centres to have achieved this level anywhere in the UK. According to the company, the Michelin accreditation programme is designed to raise the standards of the tyre distribution industry in the same way that the famous Michelin Guide has done for restaurants and hotels over the past 100 years.
When Tyres & Accessories exclusively reported on the launch of the Michelin accreditation scheme back in February, programme development manager Jonathan Brett said he expected between 50 and 100 branches to be on board by the end of the first year. As that timeframe draws to a close Mr Brett explained that he is pleased with the programme’s development.
“It has gone really well. There is signage on about 16 depots, but this is fast moving and could change by next week. Fifty more are involved in the accreditation process.” Perhaps the scheme won’t reach the 100-mark that Mr Brett had hoped for this year, but in his words, the introduction of a new scheme was “never going to be a sprint, but a marathon.
SmarTire Systems Inc has published its results for the financial year ended 31 July 2005. The company reported revenue of $1.46 million compared to $1.66 million in 2004. Net loss for the year totalled $14.3 million compared with losses of $11 million in 2004.
The new Compass Group GT Radial National Distribution Centre was formally opened in October by Mr William Gozali, the Senior Export Manager of PT Gajah Tunggal tbk Indonesia.
Supply Direct, the sales division of Equipment Services has celebrated its first anniversary by holding an open night to thank its customers for their help. The open night offered discounts on all brands with live demonstrations in the company’s fully functional showroom including their brand new Automated Test Lane.
(Akron/Tire Review) Delphi Corp. appointed Brian Altenberger as global director of marketing for its Delphi Product & Service Solutions unit. Altenberger replaces Lucia Moretti who was recently named managing director for Delphi’s Aftermarket operations in Europe, Middle East and Africa. In his new role, Altenberger will be responsible for global marketing for Delphi’s aftermarket product lines, distribution strategy and business planning.
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