This week saw the release of the 2016 edition of the Michelin Guide Main Cities of Europe, a publication that features the best hotels and restaurants in 44 major cities throughout 20 European countries. This 35th edition of the guide features five restaurants that have gained three stars, bringing the total number of three-starred premises up to 19. In addition, 15 restaurants gained two-star status and 48 picked up a single star.
OEMs making cars in the UK want to stay in Europe. 77 per cent of SMMT members say remaining in Europe is best for their business, according to 2016 survey by independent pollster ComRes. Indeed, there is strong support for EU membership across the board, with 88 per cent of large SMMT member companies and 73 per cent of SME members in favour of remaining. This is the second time SMMT members have been canvassed on their Brexit views – and the second time the overwhelming majority have stated that staying in Europe is best for their business.
During a conference call yesterday, Titan International chief financial officer John Hrudicka confirmed that sales of Goodyear agricultural tyres in Europe had commenced, with initial orders being supplied from the US. “The early reception to the re-entry of Goodyear is very encouraging and demonstrates the brand still holds tremendous value in Europe,” he commented.
Toby Massy, managing director of BM Catalysts has come out in favour of staying in the EU. His anti-Brexit remarks were prepared the week before Prime Minister David Cameron’s latest “emergency brake” deal with EU leaders and before London Mayor Boris Johnson announced he would head up the leave campaign, but remain the same now.
The morning we went to press we awoke to the news that David Cameron has almost negotiated an “emergency brake” deal. In other words, the British Prime Minister is working to control the number of migrants entering the country and the amount of benefits the state should have to pay them. Early indications suggest that Cameron will be able to pull the “emergency brake” for up to four years if the UK can prove Britain’s social and welfare system is under “excessive strain” from immigration. However, all this obscures the wider political debate that is going on within British politics and the conservative party itself. And it belies the fact that parties of all colours are positioning themselves politically ahead of the UK referendum on whether or not to remain a member of the European Union.
Ukraine-based tyre maker PJSC Rosava reports that half the tyres produced at its Bila Tserkva facility are now exported to other markets, and says exports to certain key markets have markedly increased during the past year. Exports to the Middle East have risen 400 per cent since January 2015, while tyre shipments to Europe increased 100 per cent during that period. Deliveries to OEM customers have grown 44 per cent since January, the tyre maker added.
In 2015 the West European trailer market got off to a strong start with registrations of new trailers up 14.8 per cent in the first half and 8.1per cent growth forecast for the second. Overall then, the market will be stronger than anticipated at the beginning of the year, according to Clear International’s analysis.
Apollo Tyres reports that sales fell in the second quarter – the Apollo Tyres-fiscal year runs from April 2015 to March 2016 – by 10.5 per cent to 29.8 billion rupees (417 million euros). Meanwhile, operating profits of 70 million euros represent a decline of just 2.3 per cent at 5 billion rupees. Net income, however, rose 8.1 per cent to 2.8 billion rupees (39 million euros).
In 2012 Russia’s largest carbon black manufacturer, Omsk Carbon Group, established its first fully-owned subsidiary outside its home market by setting up Omsk Carbon Germany in Waltrop, North Rhine Westphalia. The German office has doubled its sales every year under the leadership of Rainer Jung and is now expanding its operations in Italy, France and the UK. To reflect this, Omsk Carbon Germany has been renamed Omsk Carbon Europe GmbH.
The euro has lost approximately 19 per cent of its value against the US dollar in the past year, and to compensate for this “unfavourable exchange rate” Alliance Tire Europe has announced price increases of up to five per cent for its products. Increases will apply as of 1 September 2015 and affect all product categories manufactured and sold by the company under Alliance, Galaxy and Primex brand names.
On 1 July, Stephan Cimbal took over as Falken Tyre’s head of marketing for the European region. He reports to Markus Bögner, marketing director Europe at Falken Tyre Europe GmbH.
Figures released by ACEA show that, in June 2015, demand for new passenger cars in the EU was up (+14.6 per cent), pursuing the upward trend commenced 22 months ago and marking the largest over-the-month increase since December 2009.
Figures published by ACEA show that, in May 2015, demand for new commercial vehicles in the EU increased (+6.0 per cent) for the fifth consecutive month, totalling 160,550 units. Growth was sustained across all commercial vehicle segments. Results were diverse among the major markets, with Germany (-9.1 per cent) and France (-5.6 per cent) facing a downturn, while Spain (+30.1 per cent) and the UK (+17.4 per cent) posted double‐digit growth.
The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association’s (ACEA) new Pocket Guide highlights the impact the automotive industry has on the European economy. “This year’s Pocket Guide highlights the continuing importance of the automotive industry to the European economy,” said Erik Jonnaert, secretary general of ACEA. “Its statistics show an industry that continues to provide employment and mobility, generate tax and trade revenue, and lead the world in terms of innovation.”
Alcoa Wheel Products Europe has named Kai Sommerlatte as sales director for the Europe, Middle East and North Africa region, effective 1 May 2015.
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