Tronchetti wins corporate social responsibility award
The Foreign Policy Association (FPA) has awarded Pirelli chairman and CEO Marco Tronchetti Provera the 2013 Social Responsibility Award for his ongoing endeavours in sustainability.
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Conti upgrading Puchov plant, boosting TBR capacity
NewsContinental has confirmed it will invest around €100 million increasing production capacity at its Puchov truck and bus tyre factory in Slovakia, boosting capacity from some 2.6 million tyres a year to over three million tyres. Puchov, Continental’s largest truck and bus tyre production facility within the EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) region, will also receive “extensive upgrades” to machinery and infrastructure in order to achieve maximum production efficiency.
UHP segment where ‘the vast majority of the action takes place’ – GfK
News, UK NewsThe observation that trends regarding tyre size and speed rating have been tracing an upward trajectory for some time is nothing new, but the clear focus of the world’s largest tyre manufacturers on higher than high performance segments in Europe has perhaps never been so pronounced. Chasing improved profit margins with increased technology is always attractive to those with the capability and the incongruously strong luxury car market has provided an additional reason for migrating business focus from V-rated and 17” tyres into WYZ and 18”-plus territory, according to Automotive market research company GfK.
Zeetex expands range with two new winter patterns
NewsDaisy Tires, Zeetex’s Italian distributor cut the ribbon at the launch of the brand’s latest tyre during Autopromotec in May. The new ICE 1000 studless winter passenger car tyre will be available in sizes ranging from 14 to 17 inches and is said to be part of a new generation of products which are set to replace the S-100 line over the next few years. The ICE 2000C is a winter commercial tyre with zigzag sipes. According to the company, the tyre offers “remarkable handling and enhanced stability on slush and snow surfaces”. This tyre is available in 15 and 16 inches with high end load ranges.
Bosch appoints new Automotive Aftermarket board chairman
NewsAfter seven years as chairman of the Automotive Aftermarket Divisional Board at Robert Bosch GmbH, Robert Hanser is stepping down on 30 June. The company says he is doing so due to his age. From 1 July, Hanser will join the Bosch Management Support GmbH board of management, a body of senior experts who act in an advisory capacity for Bosch across the world.
Michelin outlines OE fitments for latest Panamera
NewsPorsche has treated the Panamera to a facelift, and the new model will be launched in July. Michelin continues in its role as tyre supplier – every Panamera will be fitted with Michelin tyres in all regions where the four-door Porsche is sold. In all, the French manufacturer is supplying the latest model with 12 sizes of summer, winter and all-season tyres.
Sava celebrates 15 years as a Goodyear Dunlop company
NewsOn 1 July, Goodyear Dunlop Sava Tires will mark 15 years in the business. The tyre maker purchased the Slovenian firm in 1998 and says that since that time it has grown into one of the largest and most successful US-invested firms in the country. Goodyear Dunlop Sava Tires, or GDST, now employs some 1,400 people and has received over 200 million euros in investment from its parent company, including 15.5 million euros in 2012. The company says it has produced 100 million tyres since 1998.
Michelin UHP OE deals continue with AMG, Corvette fitments in 2013
NewsMichelin’s supply of its high and higher than high performance Pilot Sport branded tyres as original equipment has continued to yield new deals moving into 2013. The all new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupé Black Series will be fitted with the new Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyre, while specially developed Pilot Super Sport ZP tyres will be fitted to the full 2014 range of Chevrolet Corvette Stingray models.
Cooper introduces new Discoverer sizes, relaunches CTS
NewsCooper Tire Europe has announced an extended 4×4 tyre offering within Europe, reintroducing the Discoverer CTS, and adding new sizes to many other products in the range. Europe MD Jeff Schumaker said the company is “delighted to offer Cooper’s complete range of 4×4 tyres in Europe, giving our customers the best possible choice, whatever their preference for off or on-road driving.” As well as the addition of the CTS, Cooper now offers a wider range of fitments in some of its most popular 4×4 tyres, including the Discoverer A/T3, S/T, STT, H/T, S/T MAXX and S/T2 ranges.
Giti Tire targeting 10% of German TBR market with sales restructuring
NewsHaving made a considerable impression in the UK segment, Giti Tire has designs on increasing to 10 per cent its share of the German truck and bus tyre market. The manufacturer has recently restructured its sales operation in the country, making several new appointments and seeking to strengthen the position of GT Radial. Richard Lyons, managing director – Europe, said: “While the truck and bus operation has performed well in recent years there has been key senior staff appointments in the German office, and it was felt the sales force needed to be more closely aligned to their vision for the business.
Conti donates to European flood relief
NewsThe worst of the flooding in Central Europe is now over and the time has arrived to clean up – an effort that some estimate will cost up to €12 billion. Continental has chipped in towards these efforts with a donation of €250,000.
European PCR market stagnant in May
NewsIn its latest market figures, published 13 June, Michelin reports that Europe’s original equipment and replacement passenger car tyre markets were stable in May, with demand approximately the same as in May 2012. Year to date, original equipment and replacement market demand is down four and five per cent year-on-year respectively.
Michelin a technical partner for VŪHL supercar
NewsIt may sound like an epithet uttered by Mr. T’s European cousin, but VŪHL is in fact the name of a Mexican vehicle that will make its global debut at next month’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. This is of particular interest to us as Michelin has entered into a technical support arrangement with VŪHL Automotive, the company behind the VŪHL 05. Needless to say, the all-new road-legal lightweight supercar will be shod with Michelin tyres.
Exide files for bankruptcy
NewsOn 10 June, Exide Technologies filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the US. This is the second time it has done so since the Millennium; in April 2002 the stored electrical solutions company also submitted a Chapter 11 application in the District of Delaware. Exide says it took this step to “facilitate the financial and operational restructuring necessary to strengthen its balance sheet and its business to position the company for future success.” It also says it intends to “become more aggressive in reducing costs, taking actions with respect to underperforming business segments and focusing on the most attractive areas for future growth.” Only the company’s operations in the United States are affected by the filing, and Exide Technologies confirms that it plans to “operate globally without interruption during the reorganisation.”
JK appoints new chairman, discusses expansion plans
NewsAt its meeting on 27 May, JK Tyre & Industries Ltd’s Board of Directors confirmed the promotion of Raghupati Singhania from vice-chairman to chairman. Singhania is now chairman and managing director of the company.
