GT Radial enters combi road market
GT Radial has entered the growing multi-usage sector with the launch of the GSR225 Combi Road steer axle tyre. The tyre is initially available in size 295/80R22.5.
Tag Archive for: Europe
All segments up in September
Figures released by Michelin this week add further weight to the ETRMA’s suggestion of recovery being evident in recent European market developments. The French tyre maker reports growth in both the passenger car/light commercial vehicle and heavy truck markets in Europe (including Russia and Turkey) during September.
European replacement market catching up with 2012
After a weak start to the year, replacement market tyre sales in Europe displayed signs of recovery in the third quarter; unit sales for the first nine months of 2013 are almost at the same level as the same period last year.
A European plant for Nexen?
A news release from Bulgaria’s Ministry of Economy and Energy suggests that Nexen Tire intends to become the second Korean tyre maker with a manufacturing presence in the European Union. The Ministry reported that a meeting with a leading tyre maker took place during a visit to South Korea by Bulgaria’s Deputy Minister of Economy and Energy Krasin Dimitrov.
Further capacity for Bridgestone’s Vietnam plant
Although Bridgestone’s new passenger car radial factory in Vietnam has yet to enter operation, the tyre maker has announced the plant’s first capacity increase. An additional 17.9 billion yen (£113.9 million) will be invested to further raise capacity to 49,000 tyres a day by the second half of 2017. This further growth will see the plant’s workforce expand from approximately 1,900 employees in the first half of 2016 to around 3,800 some 18 months later.
Conti reports dandelion rubber ‘breakthrough’, work on pilot facility underway
According to a statement released by German tyre maker Continental on 14 October, the joint venture project it operates with and the Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME) is “on the verge of a breakthrough.” Recently, work began on the construction of a pilot facility at IME’s Münster site in Germany, and when finished this will be able to produce larger volumes of dandelion-derived natural rubber.
Trade Garage Equipment appointed SACATEC distributors
Garage equipment specialist Trade Garage Equipment Limited has been appointed exclusive distributor for Europe’s leading extraction and de-polluting system manufacturers SACATEC.
Based in France, SACATEC has designed and manufactured a comprehensive range of systems for more than 50 years; Thomas Galtie of SACATEC explains how the association with ‘Trade’ developed.
Avon Tyres British GT to conclude at Donington Park
Donington Park hosts the finale of eth Avon Tyres British GT Championship on 5-6 October, and both the GT3 and GT4 titles are still to be decided. Only 21 points separate the top seven drivers in the GT3 standings. Tyre supplier and title sponsor Avon Tyres declared itself “very proud to have been involved and to continue to be involved with such a strong race championship.”
Falken Tyres offering VW up! in competition
Falken Tyre Europe is offering one of its customers the chance to win a new car in time for Christmas. Open to anyone who purchases just two tyres from its award-winning range between now and 30 November, the recipient will receive a new VW up! before Christmas.
Transcose appointed Westlake distributor in Spain
Westlake has expanded its distribution network in Spain via an agreement with Spain’s Transcose to distribute its passenger, 4×4 and van tyre ranges in the central provinces of Avila, Soria and Segovia.
Erik Jonnaert becomes secretary general of ACEA
Erik Jonnaert has taken over as new Secretary General of the European automobile Manufacturers’ Association, following confirmation by the ACEA Board of Directors in September.
Nexen approved for European Octavia, Polo OE
Nexen Tire has secured two further original equipment supply agreements in Europe. Starting in December, the Korean tyre’s rolling resistance optimised N’Blue HD is size 205/55R16 91V will be delivered to Skoda for fitment on the new Octavia, and before the end of the year Nexen will begin shipping the N’Blue HD to Volkswagen for the Polo.
Dunlop Aircraft Tyres supplying Czech airline
Dunlop Aircraft Tyres has shared details of its latest long-term supply contract. The company will provide new and retreaded tyres to Czech Republic carrier Travel Service Airlines’ fleet of 23 Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft, as well as to the four Boeing 737 Next Generation planes flown by its low-cost subsidiary SmartWings. The supply deal includes nose and main wheel tyres.
VDB offering broader winter portfolio in 2013-14
Europe, beware – winter is coming, and there’s nothing you can do to stop it. The first snow has already fallen in the mountains of Switzerland, and that means the start of a new winter tyre season. Van den Ban (VDB), however, reports itself winter ready and says its expanded assortment of winter tyres is even more extensive compared with prior years.
Moscow office to aid Cooper’s drive into Russia
Cooper Tire has shared details of the sales office it has set up in Moscow. Alex Kolkov heads the office as sales manager; he joined Cooper Tire after serving in leadership positions at multinational companies with sales and production facilities in Russia, including Paulig Rus LLC and Sappi.
