PCL’s digital inflation kits have increased production by up to 15 per cent on Wheel Solutions’ assembly line. Safe and fast inflation is vital to Wheel Solution’s reputation as a leading importer and supplier of wheels and tyres for the turf, agricultural, trailer, caravan, mobile home, materials handling, plant and construction industries throughout the UK and Europe.
Exide Technologies has made some technological improvements to its premium lines of endurance and higher starting power batteries. Both ranges now have a heat-sealed, double lid which prevents tampering and controls spillage, for improved safety. The batteries also have a central venting system that safely manages the escape of any gases, while an internal labyrinth controls acid spills. The battery’s charge level can easily be seen from the state-of-charge indicator.
Marketing director Danny van Essche and HR director Ron Bloemperk officially left Bandag by mutual agreement on 15 September, Bandag’s vice president Mike Tirona has confirmed to Tyres & Accessories. Tirona said the company was interested in reinforcing its “back to basics” business model. Deploying this model is, from Bandag’s point-of-view, the right thing to do in today’s ever changing and hectic business environment.
Renault Trucks is Europe’s first truck maker to offer Goodyear Duraseal Technology. Customers ordering vehicles from the brand-new Renault Kerax construction range launched at the IAA Truck Show in Hanover, will have the choice of Goodyear Omnitrac mixed service tyres featuring Duraseal Technology. According to Goodyear, this means less downtime and reduced tyre costs.
After 10 years as part of the Bandag organisation, director of marketing for Europe, Danny Van Essche, has left the company. He was also part of the company’s European Leadership Team. Van Essche expressed thanks to his colleagues and partners in the last decades and pointed to the “many successful initiatives realised by Bandag to support the retreading industry in Europe.”
(Akron/Tire Review) Aston Martin has selected the Bridgestone Potenza RE050A for OE position on its new V8 Vantage. The tyre, which has also been fitted on Aston Martin’s DB9, will be available in two sizes for the Aston Martin V8 Vantage – 235/45R18 (front) and 275/40R18 (rear) and 235/40R19 (front) and 275/35R19 (rear).
(Akron/Tire Review) Bandag has “significantly expanded” its line of Continuum brand OTR retread materials. Launched in 2005, the Continuum line is expanded to include “innovative serpentine tread designs” intended for rigid dump trucks and industrial/container handling applications. Bandag said the Continuum serpentine tread designs offer greater flexibility than other retread application methods and products.
German truckmaker MAN has confirmed it is interested in taking over Swedish rival Scania. MAN said the rationale for a takeover – which would result in the creation of a European market leading company – was “compelling”. Analysts estimate that any potential deal might be worth as much as 12 billion euros, (£8.1 billion).
Romania and Eastern Europe in general are now commonly seen as attractive “manufacturing” countries, but how are they seen in terms of sales and distribution? Alexis Burlacot, marketing manager with the truck tyre unit of Michelin Europe, told Romanian newspapers that consumption within these markets is growing 10 – 15 per cent each year.
Kwik-Fit has appointed Paul House as trading director responsible for the company’s commercial, buying and supply chain activities. He reports directly to CEO, Ian Fraser. Paul House’s initial focus will be to develop new trading strategies for the UK business and to leverage buying synergies amongst other Kwik-Fit Group companies. He will also be tasked with extracting greater value from the company’s supply chain.
Due to their success in building a global market for Arnco flat proofing products for off-road vehicles, Matt Pearson has been promoted to managing director of Arnco Europe and Andrew Elliot has been named as director of sales for Asia. The appointments were announced by Arnco president, Larry Carapellotti, who added that the tireless effort of both individuals has helped Arnco Europe achieve record breaking sales for the last several years.
Amtel-Vredestein N.V. has announced that it has begun production of its Amtel brand of tyres at the Moscow Tyre Plant-M; only weeks after the company announced its intention to acquire the factory. The company has also met its promise to make the plant more environmentally friendly by shutting down rubber mixing at the facility.
Korean company Hyosung Corp. is to take over four tyre cord plants from Goodyear Tire & Rubber for an undisclosed price, although various sources are quoting a figure of $80 million. Hyosung will acquire 100 per cent of Goodyear subsidiary Utica, plus it will assume control of the tyre manufacturer’s cord factory at Decatur. The other two factories are sited in Luxembourg and Brazil. In addition to the acquisitions, Hyosung has struck a deal – reportedly worth $3.2 billion – to supply Goodyear with tyre cord.
Bridgestone is stepping up efforts to build support for the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) Foundation’s “Make Roads Safe” campaign, creating public attention and collecting petitions at F1 Grand Prix races and other events. The aim is to keep up the pressure on politicians and get road safety onto the G8 and UN agendas in 2007.
Infinity, the private brand label, has complemented its range of passenger car, van and 4×4 radial with 15 sizes of winter tyres. The tyres, produced for UK based Goldspark Trading Ltd by the Shandong Linglong Company in China, have been well-received throughout Europe in their first year of distribution.
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