Hwa Fong plans listing on Thai Stock Exchange
Hwa Fong Rubber manufacturer and distributor of Duro and Dunlop tyres, will list on the Stock Exchange of Thailand on Dec 15.
Posts
Street-legal drag tyre Dunlop SP Sport Inferno
Product NewsAt the SEMA show, Dunlop has unveiled a competition drag tyre that is also street-legal, aimed at the sport-compact drag segment, allowing enthusiasts to drive to the track and test their vehicles without changing tyres. The tyre, called the “Inferno”, looks the part as well, with an image of flames on the sidewall, and a tread pattern of directional, sweeping grooves to optimise straight-line performance. The Inferno’s compound is based on the Dunlop drag racing slick and the tread pattern, carcass and mould shape were computer-designed. It will be available early next year in size 205/50 R15.
Dunlop’s Super Sport Race in North America
Product NewsDunlop North America announced the SP Super Sport Race; a Z-rated radial designed for super car owners and autocross enthusiasts who want a non-competition, street-legal tyre that nevertheless has race-like levels of grip. The Super Sport Race is available in eight Z-rated sizes, with aspect ratios from 40 series down to 30 series and for 17″ and 18″ wheels. Target cars include Audi TT, A4 and A6, Porsche 996 and 986, BMW 3 series, 5-series, M3 and Z3, Honda S2000, VW Golf GTi and the Mercedes SLK, CLK, C-class and E-class.
Michelin Ranks Highest in Germany OE Tyre Customer Satisfaction
Product NewsMichelin ranks highest in original equipment (OE) tyre satisfaction for the third consecutive year, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2003 Germany Original Equipment Tyre Customer Satisfaction Index Study released today.
Marketing appointment for Goodyear Dunlop UK
Product NewsNeil Burrows (44) has been appointed to the newly-created role of Marketing Director for Goodyear Dunlop UK. He joins the company from Nissan Europe,
where he was responsible for advertising and brand management across Europe. Before this he was Marketing Director of Nissan (GB).
Reifen Schwarz in deep water
Product NewsThe company, based in the South of Germany and founded in 1924, has 50 outlets, of which are 4 in Austria and 2 in the Czech Republic, and makes a turnover of more than 100 million Euro with 500 staff. Due to the ongoing poor business situation there have been rumours in the market that Schwarz would sell to Bridgestone, as an emergency measure. Now the management was forced to admit during a meeting of creditors that Bridgestone has surprisingly withdrawn. It is said that the expectation of the Schwarz Family regarding a goodwill payment was far too high. Schwarz might possibly apply for insolvency early next week. Suppliers such as Dunlop, Pirelli and Bridgestone have already collected the remaining tyres which Schwarz had in stock. This magazine’s information is that there will be a meeting on Tuesday next week with creditors. In the meantime, it is said that the Schwarz family will establish a rescue company.
Ups and Downs for Goodyear in August
Product NewsGoodyear claims to have increased replacement tyre shipments by 4 per cent over the previous year’s level. In August industry shipments of tyres to OE declined by 11 percent, Goodyear’s decline was less than the industry average. However shipments of commercial replacement tyres declined by more than the industry level of 10 per cent. Additionally product mix was unfavourable due to market share gains by Dunlop, Kelly and associated brands. Goodyear shipments of commercial OE tyres fell at the industry rate of 10.5 per cent.
Outside the North American market Goodyear performed well in all other areas with increases in aftermarket car and tyres in every region, but some decline in most markets for commercial vehicle tyres. OE supply varied depending upon the application of the company’s selective OE strategy.
Goodyear claims to achieve flexibility, cost goals with USWA Pact
Product NewsThe Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has stated that its new labour contract with the United Steelworkers of America (USWA) meets the operational flexibility and cost-savings goals established prior to the negotiations. “Our goal for these negotiations was to achieve what some thought was impossible: a fair agreement that contributed approximately 1 billion dollars in cost savings and cost avoidance over its three-year term without a work stoppage,” said Robert J. Keegan, Goodyear chairman and chief executive officer.
Wolverhampton car tyre production to cease
NewsGoodyear Dunlop Tyres UK Limited has announced that it has initiated an information and consultation process with Union Representatives regarding possible redundancies as a result of the removal of car and radial light truck tyre production at its Plant in Wolverhampton, West Midlands. The company has advised the UK Department of Trade and Industry and our Unions today that we will be ceasing production of car and radial light truck tyres in Wolverhampton and that up to 420 associates could potentially be affected. The remaining production from Wolverhampton is unaffected by this decision, with tractor tyre manufacturing and other processes used in tyre production, such as mixing, calendering and retreading, continuing on the site.
All round Dunlop for SUVs and Light Trucks
Product NewsDunlop has announced a new, multiple application tyre targeted at the multi-purpose usage engaged by sport-utility vehicles and light trucks. The new Dunlop Rover RVXT is an all-terrain performance tyre carries the Rubber Manufacturers Association’s standard that designates tyres designed for use in severe snow conditions. The Rover RVXT is labelled with the mountain-and-snowflake symbol on the sidewall to distinguish its capability as a winter tyre. A key benefit for Dunlop dealers is the consolidation of two existing product lines – the Dunlop Rover RV and Rover P-Metric – as the new Rover RVXT hits the market. The new line offers 31 sizes, ranging from 15-inch to 17-inch rim diameters. The Rover RVXT’s tread pattern features a rugged, four-rib design to provide excellent on- and off-road performance. The tread has deep lateral grooves that provide extra traction in tough conditions, and circumferential grooves that assist in channelling water away from the tyre’s contact point patch with the road surface.
Goodyear Dunlop UK Director
Product NewsGoodyear Dunlop has appointed Paul Wilde (39) as Director, Consumer Strategic Business Unit, UK. The role gives him responsibility for the consumer business of Goodyear Dunlop, covering car, van and 4×4 tyres. He joins Goodyear Dunlop from Reckitt Benckiser, where his responsibilities included Sales Director for China, General Manager, Philippines and Regional Project Director, East Asia.
“Tentative Agreement” Reached Between Goodyear And Unions
Product NewsThe long-running saga of discussions between Goodyear and the United Steel Workers of America took another turn when it was announced that the two sides had reached “a tentative agreement” on a new, three-year labour contract. The next step is for USWA’s 19,000 workers to vote to approve the deal. No details were given, but one unconfirmed press report said that the factory at Huntsville, Alabama, which produces Dunlop tyres, would close as part of the agreement, resulting in the loss of 1,000 jobs.
Crash Family Sues Dunlop
Product NewsIn the UK Scott Harvey (14) is suing Dunlop Tyres and a family member who was driving a car when a tyre burst at 60 mph. Harvey was not wearing a seat belt in the back of the car and was thrown clear, suffering head injuries and fractures and had to have two fingers removed from his right hand. Dunlop made no comment, saying that the case was in the hands of the company’s legal team.
Fuel Shortage Causes Tyre Maker To Close
Product NewsTyre production at the Dunlop Zimbabwe factory at Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, stopped for a week recently, due to a chronic shortage of coal. The plant uses around 50 tonnes of coal a day, sourced from Zimbabwe’s Wankie Colliery Company, which is itself suffering from a shortage of diesel. Production resumed when Dunlop bought coal from middlemen, but its poor quality led to machinery breakdowns. Dunlop Zimbabwe closed for almost a month earlier this year because of problems arising from price controls on tyres, re-opening only after being allowed to increase prices by 20 per cent.
Gibara Bows Out As Keegan Takes Over
Career Tracks, Company News, International NewsGoodyear has announced that Samir Gibara (64) will resign as chairman at the end of June. He will be succeeded by Robert Keegan (55), who is currently president and CEO and who will retain responsibility for these two roles. Gibara joined Goodyear in 1964 and has been chairman since July 1996. He paid tribute to the speed with which Keegan “learned the industry and demonstrated his leadership abilities”. For his part, Keegan said that Gibara had provided “important and valued counsel” since Keegan joined Goodyear in October 2000 as president and COO.
