economy Archives - Page 11 of 22 - Tyrepress

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Kraiburg Updates All Three Ranges to Increase Economy

Kraiburg Austria has updated its K_base, K_tech and K_plus range of products. According to the company, the changes it has made are aimed at attaining: “maximum economic efficiency for all involved.” The retreading specialist has updated the designs, widths and lengths of its cut-to-size tread sections and has added new dimensions in some lines. Some designs have been pared down to just one version, such as the KDR and the KZU+. Others have changed segment in response to customer demands. The K47 bus tread designed for road use has been removed from the K_tech technology line, for example, and added to the all-round K_base line. At the same time, Kraiburg Austria announced the autumn launch of the new KST2/K222 tread for year-round use.

24th April 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

UK Fuel Duty to Rise Incrementally from September

UK chancellor, Alistair Darling announced in the Budget that UK fuel duty will increase by two pence per litre on 1 September 2009, and will be followed by an additional penny – in real terms – every year between 2010 and 2013. The measure is designed to “support the public finances, while also driving the move to a low-carbon and resource-efficient economy”. The Budget predicts that the move will “save 2 MtCO2 per year by 2013-14”, while also providing additional funds for “medium-term fiscal consolidation” (otherwise known as propping up the public coffers with your hard-earned).

22nd April 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Downturn and Rising Raw Material Costs Lead to Alcoa Loss

Alcoa has reported a 27 per cent sequential drop in revenue, resulting in a loss of US$480 million for the first quarter of 2009. This figure, says the company, reflects the impact of the economic downturn on its core industrial and commercial markets as well as an historic decline in aluminium prices. Revenues for the first quarter 2009 were $4.1 billion, down from $5.7 billion in the fourth quarter 2008 and down 36 per cent from revenues of $6.5 billion in the first quarter of 2008 (after excluding divested businesses). The sharp drop in revenue resulted from the impact of the economic downturn on Alcoa’s end markets, including the automotive industry.

8th April 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Advanced ID Announces Wireless Tyre Diagnostics Solution

RFID specialist Advanced ID Corporation has announced, along with information technology provider Pro SAAMYA, the release of a tyre diagnostics solution incorporating Advanced ID/Pneu-Logic’s truck probe and Pro SAAMYA’s TiMaS, or Tire-data Management System. The complete solution includes a Bluetooth-enabled tyre tread depth/pressure probe and the middleware that wirelessly links the most important data on tyres to the fleet operator’s fleet management database.

TiMaS software works with mobile phones, PDAs, tablets and laptop computers. Benefits of the system include real-time automated tyre data management, reduced operational costs, fewer on the road breakdowns, elimination of paper-based recording and easy integration with existing software systems.

7th April 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

US Retailer ‘Big 10 Tires’ Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

Southeast US based independent tyre retailer Big 10 Tire Stores has filed for ‘Chapter 11’ bankruptcy protection. In a statement released on April 2, the company said that it has “filed voluntary petitions for reorganisation under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the district of Delaware.”

The company reports it has “adequate cash” to continue paying for the day-to-day goods and services it needs to operate and to serve its customers following the securing of financing from an affiliate of Sun Capital Partners. The petition was filed, Big 10 adds, to improve its capital structure and reduce debt, strengthen its financial and competitive position, and ultimately to get the business back on a growth track. The company says it will operate as usual at its retail locations during the reorganisation period, and will continue to honour all product and service warranties.

3rd April 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

PCL to Pay ‘Prestigious’ Visit to Autopromotec 2009

When Sheffield-based PCL exhibits at Autopromotec the company says it will “provide the Italian automotive industry with a [prestigious] connection between its high quality air tools and top end performance, on Hall 22 Stand C8”. No the pneumatic specialists haven’t taken too much gas and air, PCL’s expert team are planning to introduce visitors to a new addition to its enhanced range of air tools – the Prestige Air Tool range.

The range comprises of 11 top end products which feature low vibration, low noise, ergonomic grip and higher performance. All products are manufactured from magnesium or other composite materials for a high quality, lightweight finish, and are ergonomically designed to help the user perform daily jobs more efficiently and in greater comfort. PCL also says it will show customers how nitrogen tyre inflation can maintain tyre pressure for longer, and provide extended tyre life, increased safety, higher fuel economy and superior handling – with demonstrations of Accura Mobile.

30th March 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Wheels India and MRF Supply Nano Wheels and Tyres to Tata

Wheels India, part of the TVS group companies, and leading Indian tyre maker, MRF, are supplying the original equipment wheels and tyres for Tata Motors’ pint-sized ultra-mini the Nano. Wheels India managing director, Srivats Ram, told Hindu Business Line: “The wheel that was developed is lighter than any other passenger car wheel in the country and the first wheel to my knowledge in passenger car wheels to have three bolt-holes instead of the conventional four.”

24th March 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Fleet ‘Stimulus Package’ Now Available

Pressure Systems International, along with Wirth Financial and Velociti, is offering a new “stimulus package” program for the trucking industry during the Technology & Maintenance Council’s annual meeting and transportation technology exhibition in Orlando, Florida. The MTIS Stimulus Package is a turn-key, buy four get one free retrofit program that will allow fleets to purchase four retrofit kits, including installation, directly from Velociti, for any axle combination and have an immediate 20 per cent savings on the cost of the MTIS by PSI product. Velociti will perform kit installations at fleet locations.(Tire Review/Akron)

11th March 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

European Release for Bridgestone Turanza ER300 Ecopia

Bridgestone has released its premium Turanza ER300 Ecopia grand touring tyre in Europe, and according to the company versions of the Mercedes S-Class and Opel Insignia fitted with the tyres have already been introduced onto the market. Outside of these two OE fitments, the new Ecopia tyres will be progressively available in the replacement market from April 2009, initially in 15 different sizes from 14 to 17 inch and H to Y speed ratings. More sizes will follow in the near future, states Bridgestone.

6th March 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Bridgestone Americas Lands Three ‘Consumers Digest’ Best Buys

Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations (BATO) reports earning three “Best Buys” ratings from Consumers Digest in the magazine’s recent tyre evaluation. A Bridgestone-brand and a Fuzion-brand tyre were acknowledged in the Performance Car Tires category along with a Bridgestone-brand tyre in the Touring Car Tires classification. This is a significant occurrence for BATA, as according to Consumers Digest, “Research shows that 62.7 per cent of consumers actually bought a product based on Consumers Digest Best Buy Seal.”

“We are very honoured to earn this kind of recognition for our Bridgestone and Fuzion-brand tyres,” said John Baratta, president, Consumer Replacement Tire Sales, U.S. and Canada, BATO. “Consumers Digest is an important and influential resource for consumers when they go to make buying decisions.”

6th March 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Economy Issues Putting Squeeze on Goodyear HQ Plans

The Cleveland Plain Dealer is reporting that Goodyear’s plans for an all-new headquarters complex is pressing ahead, but at a far slower pace than planned, victimized by the concurrent downturn in credit and automotive markets. Akron Developer Stuart Lichter, who plans to buy Goodyear’s current headquarters facilities and convert them to retail and office space while building an new headquarters complex for the tyre maker, is being hamstrung by “an unprecedented meltdown of the credit markets,” according to the newspaper. Lichter told the newspaper that the city of Akron and county officials are working on bridge financing to make up shortfalls and keep the project moving forward. There was nothing to indicate that the deal might fall apart. “Anyone who’s shocked that this developer can’t get financing has been asleep for the last six months to a year,” Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic was quoted as saying.

The Plain Dealer said that the Summit County Port Authority “hopes to issue bonds by June 1, making Lichter’s purchase possible without the aid of banks or other private sources. Lichter would personally guarantee the bonds, with Akron and Summit County backing him up. He would repay the debt, with interest, using rent from Goodyear, which will lease back its buildings after the property sale. After three years, Lichter would pay off the remaining debt or refinance using other money sources.” (Tire Review/Akron)

4th March 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Continental Sime Tyre Launches New Dunlop 4×4 Ranges

Malaysian Conti subsidiary Continental Sime Tyre (CST) officially launched two new models from its Dunlop 4×4 tyre range at an event held in Malaysia’s Genting Highlands. The two models to be launched are the MaxGrip AT2, an all-terrain tyre, and the Road Trekker 2, a product with a greater on-road focus. Both tyres are available in all CST network dealers.

According to CST chief executive officer Benoit Henry, the continuation of the company’s 4×4 range into the value segment, demonstrates “Continental Sime Tyre’s commitment to our business partners, and with your continued support, commitment and teamwork, this will allow us to face the market challenges together.”

20th February 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Michelin Pumped About its Tyre Inflators

Michelin is all pumped up about the results two of its products recently gained in an Auto Express comparison test. The Michelin Single Barrel foot pump was awarded the ‘Best Buy’ 5-star rating for performance and accuracy whilst the Michelin Twin Barrel foot pump took the runner-up ‘Recommended’ award and a 4-star rating.

Both foot pumps from the Michelin motoring accessories range were compared with ten competitors’ products in tests carried out by Auto Express’ technical experts. The accuracy of the pressure gauges and their pumping power were at the heart of the tests, with points given for stability in use, build quality, hose length and ease of tyre-valve connection.

10th February 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Schwing Recommends Michelin X One

Thanks to Michelin X One tyres, concrete mixer trucks operated by Schwing-Stetter in the US can now hold an additional 560 pounds (254 kilogrammes) of concrete with each load. A single X One tyre can replace dual tyres on a commercial vehicle, thus reducing the vehicle’s overall weight.

“With Michelin X One tyres, our customers can realise a savings of more than 500 pounds of vehicle weight,” said Bill Bigot, director of Schwing America’s Mixer Division. “This will allow them to deliver more concrete on the truck, making them more productive and more profitable. Customers are thrilled with the fact they can carry that last half yard of concrete essentially for free with the use of the X One tyres and our light-weight drum.”

4th February 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Performance Fibers Reduces Salisbury Workforce by 20%

During the last week of January, US based fibre producer Performance Fibers announced it had laid off a fifth of the workforce at its Salisbury, North Carolina facility. The plant, which includes HMSL tyre yarn in its production portfolio, is one of the local area’s ten largest employers – although the precise number of employees affected by the layoffs is not known as Performance Fibers holds the size of its workforce at Salisbury confidential for competitive reasons.

“This reduction in the workforce is part of a year-long effort at Performance Fibers to right-size our manufacturing footprint to better align with the needs of our customers’ demands for our products,” said company spokesman Jay Pomeroy. “While some of these reductions were due to the economy, they are more tied to the long-term strategy of serving our customers and keeping our business profitable.”

2nd February 2009/by Tyrepress Editors