DaimlerChrysler AG has specified Dunlop performance tyres for three all-new 2007 Mercedes-Benz luxury automobiles. Dunlop SP Sport 5000M 265/60R18 and optional SP Sport Maxx 275/55R19 ultra-performance tyres are specially designed for the Mercedes-Benz GL450, the car model’s first sport-utility vehicle. The 4.6-litre, 32-valve V-8-powered SUV generates 335 horsepower.
The BARC/Dunlop Sport Maxx Cup for production specification cars has taken a major step closer to taking a prime slot on the 2007 UK racing calendar.
Dunlop Tyres and the British Automobile Racing Club (BARC) announced the launch of the BARC/Dunlop Sport Maxx Cup in January this year. Since then the BARC has been inundated with enquiries, illustrating the demand for a genuine stepping stone to the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship.
Think you’re up to scratch with your tyre history? Here’s your chance to prove it. Tyres & Accessories wanted to share its cheery anniversary mood with our loyal readers and so has teamed up with Blaupunkt to give away two of the satellite navigation manufacturer’s latest Travel Pilot Lucca portable satnav units. So if you want to get your hands on one of these two gizmos, then answer the six simple questions (one question for each decade Tyres & Acccessories has been in print) in the subscribers area. For more details on the Travelpilot Lucca search “Lucca” in the quickfinder at www.tyrepress.com.
Competition entries must be received before the closing date of 31 July.
Falcon Tyres Ltd has recorded a 300 per cent increase in net profit since it was bought by the Indian Ruia group. Falcon Tyres registered a net profit of 36.3 million rupees compared with 9.2 million in 2004 – 2005. Total company turnover stood at 2.55 billion rupees against 2.19 billion the same time last year. The company announced 25 per cent dividend for its shareholders, which was 2.50 rupees per share, the highest in its history.
Kumho Tires has appointed Roger Jenkins as managing director of its Kumho Europe Technical Centre (KETC). He joins the Birmingham-based R&D facility from Goodyear Dunlop where he was manager of the Dunlop Technical Division based at Fort Dunlop.
(Akron/Tire Review) Goodyear’s Dunlop brand group is looking to leverage podcasting to enhance brand image, awareness and, hopefully, sales. Dunlop’s free podcasts – available on Apple’s iTunes site, podcastalley.com and Yahoo! Podcasts – will feature information about Dunlop’s new Signature tyre line, drifting, information about upcoming retail promotions, and reports from the Dunlop Drivers Cup’s World Finals.
Wincanton is set to operate a newly-built central warehouse in the Slovak town of Senec for tyre manufacturer Goodyear Dunlop. Sources are reporting that Wincanton will manage the distribution of tyres throughout Slovakia, to the Czech Republic and to Hungary.
Goodyear Dunlop Europe has named Mark Brickhill as general manager of its UK operation, based in TyreFort, Birmingham. Brickhill will report to Arthur de Bok, President of Goodyear Dunlop Europe with the appointment taking effect on 1 June. Brickhill replaces Dick Johnson who is retiring after 41 years’ service, the past two as UK general manager.
Viking International is pleased to announce the appointment of Jim Walsby as Business Development Director for division three covering the South. Jim has been with Viking for 10 years in various sales and operations roles before securing his current position where he will be focussing on building and maintaining customer relationships in the Desborough area.
(Akron/Tire Review) Goodyear Dunlop has opened a new distribution centre in Senec, Slovakia, which will serve the central European region. Consequently, the company will close its current warehouses in the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia, according to reports in the Prague daily Monitor.
The ERMC-compiled Europool figures report that the total UK passenger car tyre market amounted to 16,111,696 units in 2005 (down 1.9 per cent on 2004). This compares with a slightly larger drop in the Europe-wide total of 117,242,516 (down 2.9 per cent on 2004). However, due to the way these numbers are compiled (excluding tyres that are not produced within reporting countries) they are perhaps overly optimistic. As industry insiders will be aware, the total market is actually more than 10 per cent larger and has fallen significantly more than one to two per cent in recent years. New figures compiled by market research company GfK put the total market at 18.49 million units, down 13 per cent over 2004 in terms of volume (21.33 million in 2004 and 22.58 million in 2003).
Goodyear Dunlop has announced an increased investment in Actionline – the 24 hour, 365 day service that will ensure TruckForce customers receive the best emergency roadside assistance support in the industry. The opening of the centre coincides with the Commercial Vehicle Show at the NEC, where Goodyear Dunlop is also announcing the signing of what is believed to be Europe’s biggest Truck tyre service contract with TIP trailer services.
Goodyear Dunlop UK is investing in and reorganising its TruckForce network in a move designed to enhance customer service, company executives told Tyres & Accessories today. In England and Wales Goodyear’s truck business will now be served by 16 hub outlets and 45 so-called “spokes.” These company-owned and franchised dealerships will be supported by a wider network of 250-280 TruckForce partners.
For 70 years, the Pneuservice Group has operated as a leader in tyre distribution. As one of the largest import/export distributors in Italy, Pneuservice deals with everything from scooter to passenger car, truck, and earthmover tyres, trading more than two million tyres per year. The group’s offices, depots, and more than 230 franchises are spread throughout Italy and are renowned for fast, efficient and courteous service.
Goodyear Dunlop Tyres UK Limited has announced the appointment of Peter Tye as Franchise Development Manager. This new role has been created to spearhead the company’s recently-announced move towards developing franchise opportunities in the vehicle servicing and tyre fitment market. Goodyear Dunlop is investing in its Hi-Q retail chain, and will complement the core of company-owned stores with a relaunched network of franchises, offering the consistent high standards to consumer and fleet customers across the UK. This follows the company’s decision to separate the Hi-Q and Truck Force businesses into two distinct business units in a strategic move to offer focused, dedicated service to satisfy the different needs of both markets.
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