Taiwanese tyre manufacturer Federal Tyres has joined the Imported Tyre Manufacturers Association (ITMA), and in doing so receives access to regular updates on technical and legislative matters affecting the sale of tyres within the EU, helping it to ensure its products remain fully compliant for sale.
At present, Trelleborg Wheel Systems manufactures agricultural tyres in Europe and Asia, and soon North America will be added to its agricultural production footprint. Trelleborg has decided to invest SEK 325 million (£29.4 million) between 2014 and 2018 to set up an agricultural tyre production facility in the US. Production is expected to commence in the second half of 2015 and gradually increase.
TPMS diagnostic tool world leader ATEQ will present its new VT56 OBDII in Hall 1 Stand C42 at Reifen 2014. The manufacturer says the VT56 is the first TPMS tool to offer adaptability to the technician’s needs. The tool features an ergonomic keypad and provides sensor triggering and programming. It also features a high-resolution 4.3-inch colour display. Video of the tool in action is available below.
This year, Euro-Tyre BV intends to take part in a number of global trade events – including the exhibition widely considered to be the world’s premiere tyre show. The Venlo, Netherlands-based wholesaler will be present in Hall 2.0 Stand 2C26 with its key brands, including Infinity (which it distributes in a number of major European markets), Achilles and Gerutti. It will also highlight a number of activities that come under a new strategy – ‘Euro Tyre on the Move’. This include the company’s new webshop, which went live earlier this year and will be followed up by a new website, and another key event will be the introduction of a new tyre brand that bears the company’s name.
As reported on 28 April, as of the start of May Toyo Tire Europe president Naoki Gonsui will also become president of Toyo Tire Deutschland. Toyo has announced a further personnel change taking effect 1 May: Kiyohito Hasumi, currently president of Toyo Tire Canada, will take on the additional role of president, Nitto Tire Canada.
Toyo Tire Europe says it will participate in Reifen 2014 with a radical new concept booth designed to showcase the company’s more focused, purposeful approach. The new booth takes the theme of an urban skatepark with a large half pipe dominating the design. The concept is intended to reflect the driven nature of skaters. The Essen show is the first outing for Toyo’s new exhibition presence, however the company says we can also expect to see the booth at consumer events during the coming year.
Nexen Tire will display its complete line-up at the company’s two-storey, 520 square metre Reifen 2014 stand. Tyres making an appearance include Nexen’s current summer, SUV and winter tyres plus concept and project tyres.
The European car industry is lobbying to delay the introduction of a tough new emissions testing regime designed to combat fears that carmakers are playing the system to boost their efficiency ratings. European cars are as much as 30 per cent less efficient than their manufacturers claim, according to the International Council on Clean Transportation, as carmakers take advantage of an archaic testing system that they want to keep in place for at least seven years.
At present, Toyo Tire & Rubber is restructuring its Toyo Tire Europe GmbH subsidiary, with the aim of operating it as a holding company that will manage the tyre maker’s sales subsidiaries within Europe. Toyo says the restructuring will promote cohesive pricing policies and integrated marketing, optimal distribution and more agile management. As part of this, on 1 May Toyo Tire Europe will hand over sales activities for the German and Austrian markets to a new sales subsidiary, Toyo Tire Deutschland GmbH. This new subsidiary will have responsibilities similar to those held by Toyo Tyre (UK) Ltd and the company’s other national sales organisations. It will be located at the same address as Toyo Tire Europe and Naoki Gonsui will serve as president of both operations.
The Allard Chrysler Action Group (ACAG) has announced that Yuasa Battery Sales (UK) Limited has joined the list of companies backing the restoration of Europe’s first dragster, Sydney Allard’s 1961 Allard Chrysler that is owned by the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu. Yuasa is well known for its support of motor sport and is a global supplier of original equipment and aftermarket batteries.
According to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, the manufacture of cars in the UK picked up pace in March due to improving domestic and export sales. UK car production rose 12 per cent during the month to 142,158 units, bringing 2014 to-date growth to 2.9 per cent. Production of cars intended for sale in the UK increased 18.2 per cent year-on-year to 33,221 units, although the year to date production count of 86,505 units is still 4.1 per cent down on last year. Production of cars for export markets rose 10.3 per cent year-on-year to 108,947 units, while year to date figures are 5.0 per cent higher than during the corresponding period of 2013, at 318,298 units.
Heuver Tyrewholesale is promoting its exclusive distribution of its own brand “Athlete Wheels” in Europe. Heuver reports that it has been able to compile “a complete range of wheels that meets the latest trends in the European market.” The Athlete Wheels range features steel wheels suitable for trucks and trailers. The range now also includes sizes 11.75-19.5 ET120 and 14.00-19.5 ET120 for the latest BPW Ecodisc axles.
The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) has announced that Autoparts group factor manager Craig McCracken has joined the IAAF Council. The IAAF Council is a voluntary group of senior aftermarket executives that come together regularly to debate industry issues and set IAAF policy.
The first of April saw the arrival of Wendy Williamson at the IAAF’s offices in Birmingham to take up her position as chief executive (designate). Wendy takes over from Brian Spratt, who is retiring at the end of June.
This summer, run-flat fitments will join Falken Tyres’ Ziex ZE914 Ecorun range. Falken says the run-flat version retains the standard variant’s rolling resistance and wet weather characteristics and is additionally able to run for at least 80 kilometres or 50 miles at 80km/h with zero air pressure. the first fitments to be released will be 225/50RF17 94W and 225/45RF17 91W sizes suitable for the BMW 1, 3 and 5 Series.
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