Goodyear Expands Dunlop Direzza Brand
(Akron/Tire Review) Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co is expanding the Dunlop brand Direzza tyre line by launching two new Direzza race tyres and new sizes of the Direzza DZ101.
(Akron/Tire Review) Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co is expanding the Dunlop brand Direzza tyre line by launching two new Direzza race tyres and new sizes of the Direzza DZ101.
Goodyear’s ultra-high performance Eagle F1 GS-D3 has been awarded first place in a test of 11 top competitors conducted by the editors of Car & Driver. The F1 was praised for its strong wet performance and for have dry handling characteristics comparable with the best dry performers. Continental’s ContiSportContact 2 took second place earning compliments for its “very good” performance in the wet. Yokohama’s Advan Neova AD07 took third place and was praised for its grip: “If you’re looking to cut the quickest lap times while using a street tyre, this is the one to have,” the magazine reported.
A Dallas man and his customised 1937 Ford pick-up truck has received the top Dunlop “Maxxed Out” Award at the SEMA show in Las Vegas. John Davis, Emmy Award–winning host, producer and creator of US TV programme, MotorWeek, presented the Dunlop awards. “We were looking for the ultimate in ‘maxxed out’ style and performance,” said Andy Traicoff, director of Dunlop consumer tyre marketing. “Through these awards, Dunlop celebrates the artistry and all-out performance created by the people who personalise their vehicles to reflect their personalities and attitudes.”
Two New York law firms have filed class-action lawsuits against Toyota Motor Corp and Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co alleging the two companies sold “defective tyres” to certain buyers of Toyota Sienna minivans.
The suit filed on behalf of Stanley Monk and other buyers of the Sienna, claims “run-flat” tyres produced by Goodyear under the company’s Dunlop brand wear out after approximately 10,000 miles of use, said attorney Roger Bernstein. According to a Dow Jones report, he said the Dunlop tyres need to be replaced on a annual basis, which apparently means they are “defective.”
Dunlop’s treadheads are to return to the SEMA show, with 200 buzz cuts expected to take place at the event. The manufacturer reports that Chicago barber, Nate “Scissorhands” Hoops, is sharpening his haircutting tools, and Dunlop Direzza DZ101 tread designs are dancing in the heads of the throngs visiting the automotive aftermarket show. Hoops is expected to reach a clipping rate of 50 heads-per-day clip.
Andy Traicoff, director of Dunlop marketing in North America, said: “Dunlop’s booth is all about performance – from sleek treadheads to sideways drifting cars to the annual ‘Maxxed Out’ Awards. There also will be plenty of surprises. Because the SEMA Show emphasises tuner-style automotive accessories, the venue is a perfect fit for Dunlop.”
(Akron/Tire Review) Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co reported net income of $142 million, the company’s best quarterly result since the third quarter of 1998 and up substantially from its 2004 third quarter profit of $38 million. The profit came against record quarterly net sales and strong results from its tyre operations, Goodyear said. Goodyear recorded sales of $5 billion for the quarter, up 7 per cent from $4.7 billion during the same period last year. 2004 period. Third quarter tyre unit volume increased to 58.4 million units, up 1.8 per cent from last year.
North American tyre marketers have taken the comical approach to promoting winter tyre use. A recent press release published from Goodyear’s Akron, Ohio HQ asks: “Waiting for Groundhog Day before deciding on winter tyres for the family vehicle?” Instead Dunlop representatives urge drives not to wait until the
”furry prognosticators make their predictions.”
Cheshire-based Tyreguard systems will soon be selling its tyre sealent products on the other side of the Atlantic after striking a deal with Harvey Westbury Corporation. The agreement will see Harvey Westbury exclusively distribute Tyreguard’s new tyre safety system to the Marine, RV and Industrial sectors in the US, Canada and Puerto Rico. Under terms of the agreement Harvey Westbury will also be able to market Tyreguard to the automotive industry.
Dunlop Tyres, Zimbabwe’s only tyre manufacturing firm could soon reopen following the intervention of Industry and International Trade Minister, Obert Mpofu. Dunlop shut down three weeks ago, sending 820 workers home after the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) failed to pay the firm its foreign currency allocations under an exclusive agreement. The government is now expected to pump up to US$350,000 into Dunlop towards imports for raw materials. “It is envisaged that Dunlop will have a three-day working week until foreign currency inflows normalise,” newzimbabwe.com reported.
Tyre cord maker Duracord (Europe) has collapsed with the loss of 70 jobs, the Manchester Evening News has reported. Durachord of Castleton, Rochdale, was previously known as Dunlop Textiles. The company’s directors called in administrators last week and the company has now gone into receivership. Phil Roberts, Rochdale branch secretary of the GMB union, said Duracord’s employees would have to apply to the government for their wages, holiday money and redundancy pay, which could be a lengthy process.
It was a good weekend for Dunlop on 7/8/9th October at Brands Hatch, with Dunlop-shod riders taking all the available two-wheel titles.
Gregorio Lavilla, on an Airwaves Ducati, clinched the Superbike championship with a first and second place in the two races; the first-ever Spaniard to win the title.
Certain big names like Microsoft and IBM might be synonymous with information technology, but what about tyre brands? Which ones are the most powerful online and why? Tyres & Accessories asked Internet analysts Envisional to delve deeper into the fast moving world of e-marketing to exclusively produce the following rankings.
ADAC, the German automotive association, has published its new winter tyre test results. Engineers tested tyres in sizes 175/65 R14T and 195/65 R15T – and Goodyear’s Ultra Grip 7 was declared the winner in both categories.
In the smaller size Bridgestone’s Blizzak LM 20 and Pirelli’s Snowcontrol followed Goodyear, as did Semperit’s Wintergrip. Bringing up the rear was Matador.
Dunlop Nigeria Plc, has invested an estimated sum of 6.5 billion naira (roughly £27 million) on radialising its plant technology with a view to further boosting the production of tyres for heavy duty vehicles. According to company, the Super Steel Radial Plant will be commissioned by Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, and will be capable of producing 300,000 heavy duty tyres annually. Furthermore, the expansion is expected to create 200 additional jobs.
Dunlop has appointed Bartle Bogle Hegarty London as its above-the-line agency for its Europe, Middle East and Africa business. BBH will work closely with Dunlop’s other agencies Claydon Heeley Jones and Mason, AgencyRepublic and Universal McCann in London.
The manufacturers five-year relationship with former marketing agency, 180 Amsterdam, ended in June.
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