Imported tyre sales at record levels
Sales of non-ETRMA member produced tyres are now at record levels. That’s what the latest data published by the ETRMA in its 2012 Statistic Booklet clear shows, based on full year 2011 figures.
ETMRA
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In it for the long haul
NewsWhile no-one in the tyre industry claims to have bypassed the combined effects of the credit crunch, euro-crisis and the consequent recession(s), it is fair to say that these economic phenomena have had particularly marked effects on the commercial vehicle tyre market. First of all, as a direct result of customer demand scaling back, truck makers cut down on vehicle production, with the tyre manufacturers responsible for supplying these OEMs forced to follow suit. As fleets responded to falling demand for their services and extended the life of their tyres as far as possible (as well laying up trailers and cannibalising tyres whenever they could), what began as a demand shock in the OE side of the business developed into a replacement slump as well.
European tyre makers achieve 47 billion euro turnover in 2011, production up 6.6%
NewsDuring 2011, some 4.8 million tonnes of tyres were manufactured in Europe, a figure representing 24 per cent of the global total. Overall tyre production levels within the region were 6.6 per cent higher than in 2010. European replacement market sales totaled 301.7 million units during the year, an increase of 4.41 per cent over 2010 levels; replacement passenger car and light commercial vehicle tyre sales came to 289 million units, up 4.21 per cent, and replacement commercial vehicle tyre sales amounted to 12.6 million units, a 9.1 per cent year-on-year increase.
Enforcement and European tyre labelling
Company News, Legislation, News, UK NewsWith just three months to go before the mandatory implementation of labelling in November 2012, there are still many questions to answer about exactly who will be enforcing the law and what the penalties will be.
95 per cent of European used tyres recycled
NewsThe ETRMA has reported its latest Used Tyre (UT) statistics that show Europe maintained a recovery rate of 95 per cent in 2011, despite an increase of 3 per cent in used tyres arisings compared to 2010. However it is worth pointing out that these figures do not include details for the UK market.
Michelin calls for tyre labelling to lead carbon reduction action
News, PremiumMichelin has called for the forthcoming tyre labelling legislation to be at the forefront of the battle against road produced carbon emissions.
Giving a keynote address at the Low Vehicle Carbon Partnership's annual conference at the Excel Exhibition Centre in London on Thursday 10 May, Michelin UK's head of government and public affairs Darren Lindsey called for the tyre industry to take the lead in helping consumers make informed choices about the safest and most fuel efficient tyres on the market. He argued that by supporting proposals for new tyre labelling legislation, the automotive industry can play its role in arming consumers with the knowledge required to drive forward a meaningful reduction in road-based carbon emissions.
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Franceso Gori steps down from Pirelli
Career TracksPirelli’s Dr Francesco Gori is stepping down from his position as the company’s chief operation officer. The announcement follows continued speculation as to the future of Dr Gori, which began with newspaper reports that he was leaving to take up a new position outside of the tyre business. A terse statement confirming the news simply stated the fact that Gori is subject to a three-year non-competition clause and that “the company expresses its appreciation to Francesco Gori for the significant contribution to the Group’s results and development made in 33 years of service.” No details were given as to exactly when this decision takes effect.
Goodyear Dunlop tests thousands of tyres ahead of EU tyre labelling
NewsGoodyear Dunlop has tested 1200 Goodyear and another 1000 Dunlop branded tyres ensuring that these are ready to meet the new EU tyre labelling regulation that takes full effect on 1 November 2012. The tests covered 70 and 50 tyre types for Goodyear and Dunlop respectively.
According to the company, the grading of all the tyres took nearly a year and was done at the Goodyear Innovation Center in Luxemburg, which is the company’s main tyre research and development facility in the region. The new regulation requires each manufacturer to test tyres internally for the new gradings, based on strictly defined EU testing methods.
TIF publishes labelling advice
NewsWith just two months to go before Tyre Labelling starts appear in the market, TIF is offering its advice. The EU tyre labelling Regulation comes into effect for tyre manufacturers from 1 July. From that date retailers can expect to see certain deliveries of tyres arriving with the new “consumer advice” label affixed. The full impact for retail premises is 1 November, when retailers have to pass on this information to consumers. That leaves just 6 months to prepare for the biggest change in tyre retailing for years.
ETRMA commences label-related retread study
NewsThe European Tyre & Rubber Manufacturers’ Association reports it has begun an assessment into the viability of extending the EU Tyre Labelling Regulation to retreaded tyres in 2016. The study is a cooperative effort undertaken together with retreading specialists from the European Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation, and according to a statement released by the ETRMA on 2 May, it is being carried out so the association can effectively contribute to future policy actions.
ETRMA launches new website
NewsEuropean tyre manufacturing association ETRMA has launched a new website. The new site, etrma.org, is intended to be a “go-to point” for all of those interested in knowing more about tyres and rubber goods and the regulatory environment that surrounds these products. Not only is this website a repository of information available to all, but also a gateway to interact with the association and its members. Furthermore, it is one of ETRMA’s tools to promote the interests of an industry that is key to the EU, both in terms of job and wealth creation and in terms of provision of goods that grant mobility, safety and quality materials for EU citizens.
Michelin unveils dual compound scooter tyre
NewsAccording to 2011 data from the European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association, the European scooter tyre market for P speed ratings or higher has grown 73 per cent over a period of six years. A large chunk of this growth equates to more scooters on the road – the ETRMA says 81 per cent of users ride their scooters every day and 78 per cent ride their scooters to work. A third of all scooter riders are also motorcyclists.
Back in REACH – Zafco responds to ETRMA result
Company News, International News, NewsBrand representatives report that since its launch in 2005, Zeetex has developed a strong reputation for quality assurance, safety and compliance with environmental requirements, and holds an impressive range of certifications. However, manufacturing body ETRMA found at least one Zeetex branded tyre that was non-REACH compliant was found on the European market in March this year. However, speaking in a recent interview with Tyres & Accessories, the global product manager of Zeetex at Zafco, Zafar Jafri, explained explained the company’s perspective on this issue: “ETRMA found a so-called ‘dirty’ tyre. At that time we were running two production lines (one for international sales and one for Europe).” Explaining that the tyre question was certainly not intended for the European market, Jafri continued by pointing out that the mishandling that led to the aforementioned tyre’s arrival in the European Union could only have come as a result of the mishandling at the factory’s warehouse, similarly unintentional mishandling at Zafco’s distribution centre or via grey-imports.
Rhineland removes non-clean oil tyres from German market
LegislationAt the end of 2011 Rhineland became the first German federal state (after Baden-Württemberg in 2010) to carry out investigations into the content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in motor vehicle tyres. The results were published on 12 December 2011. Two of the 19 tyres tested exceeded the limit and show that extender oils were used which do not meet the EU requirements. The offending types of tyres were reportedly removed from the market as a result of not meeting the legal requirements.
Tough times for tyre distributors?
Editorial/Comment, News, UK NewsAs we look forward to 2012 there is no sign to economic pressures that blighted 2011 lifting any time soon. On the contrary, with the financial confusion surrounding the eurozone and with credit ratings agency Standard and Poor’s threatening to downgrade any of the 17 countries associated with it, there are still many challenges ahead. That said it was apparently a good year for some.
