European cars getting greener
Preliminary figures released by the European Environment Agency show that Europeans are buying more efficient cars, with average carbon dioxide emissions from cars continuing to fall.
Preliminary figures released by the European Environment Agency show that Europeans are buying more efficient cars, with average carbon dioxide emissions from cars continuing to fall.
Aeolus Tyres has signed up as a member of the Imported Tyre Manufacturers’ Association. The Chinese manufacturer is the fourth tyre maker to join ITMA this year – Shandong Linglong and Nexen Tire were named as members in February and news of Triangle Tyre’s membership was given at the end of April.
Mischa Driessen, purchasing manager at Euro-Tyre, reported a “very busy” Reifen 2012 to Tyres & Accessories. The Venlo, Netherlands-based wholesaler’s stand at the Essen show was a centre of activity between 5 and 8 June. “We had plenty of people on the stand, both old and new customers.” Driessen commented. “It was a great opportunity to exchange information. We are happy with the show, and we’ll be back for certain next time.”
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Continental Tyres has introduced new visual alignment indicators (VAI) on two long distance truck tyre sizes; the first time such indicators have become available on truck tyres in Europe. The VAIs aim to show operators incorrect wheel alignment on trucks and trailers more easily and without the use of expensive electronic measuring systems. Conti says the system should help fleet operators to spot excessive positive or negative camber angles or too much toe-in or toe-out, all of which can decrease tyre life through uneven wear and increase fuel consumption. Early detection through a simple visual check can be carried out as part of a routine maintenance inspection.
Richard Hayes, the incoming president of the Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE), has certainly started his term with a bang by calling for HGVs to be banned from UK motorways on Sundays and has written to Roads Minister Mike Penning, asking for the Department of Transport to investigate the possibility.
Although Eversafe Rubber has been producing retreading products for more than three decades now, this year was the Malaysian company’s first time exhibiting at Reifen Essen. During the show Tyres & Accessories spoke with export manager Eu Hong Lim, who shared that business had been good for Eversafe Rubber during the show. “Reifen is the most prominent, important tyre show in the world,” he commented. “This is our first time exhibiting in Essen; we chose to attend as an exhibitor this year as we want to start expanding our presence in Europe. Reifen also gives us an opportunity to meet old friends and customers.”
The Imported Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ITMA) has elected Alfred Graham as president with immediate effect. Graham previously held the position of association treasurer for the last eight years and succeeds David Seward who stood down as president at the end of his two-year term.
Bridgestone Americas recently announced that Tim Walsh, who previously served as Bridgestone Americas corporate controller, has been named chief information officer for the company. Walsh will be responsible for overall leadership of Bridgestone’s IT function, including making enhancements to the company’s IT organisation and overseeing strategy and implementation to ensure efficient delivery of IT services.
The Ferrari FF was officially unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year and is now on sale for £227,077, plus optional extras. The Italian manufacturer’s latest offering is available in various rim and tyre sizes, and Bridgestone reports its Potenza S001 has been chosen as one of the original equipment fitments for the four-seat, four wheel drive Ferrari.
Transense Technologies plc reports that its Translogik Ltd trading division has received a further order for 60 of its truck tyre inspection kits from its French partner, EDP. The tools will be supplied as part of EDP's commercial fleet management systems. Jean-Luc Giusti, CEO of EDP commented: "We are continuing to develop our range of electronic tyre inspection solutions that integrate the Translogik tools with our commercial fleet management software. Our customers demand systems that can operate reliably and accurately, 24/7, and the best-in-class Translogik solution is the only tool we recommend."
Hubert Plouchart has joined the French subsidiary of Cooper Tire & Rubber Company Europe. Holding a BTS in Management and a Masters in Business and Marketing from ESSEC, Plouchart was formerly head of National Sales of the glass repair department at Speedy France.
Market figures released by Pirelli yesterday show Europe continues to be at home to lackluster tyre sales. According to the Italian manufacturer’s data, original equipment passenger car tyre market volumes in May 2012 declined 13 per cent year-on-year, while the replacement segment experienced a ten per cent year-on-year drop. Year to date, volumes in the original equipment and replacement markets have declined seven per cent and 13 per cent respectively. Pirelli’s May figures support data released by Michelin on 13 June; the French tyre maker reported that Europe’s original equipment passenger car tyre market sank 12.2 per cent during May, while the replacement market declined 6.8 per cent.
Leading tyre and wheel supplier to the global agricultural industry, Trelleborg Wheel Systems showcased its extensive range of high performance tyres at Cereals 2012, held in Lincolnshire, England, on 13-14 June. Located on stand 602, sector E, the company exhibited its latest innovations for the agricultural industry as part of a new stand design and concept, the ‘Blue Box’.
Conti is working to enhance the efficiency of the roadside breakdown service it provides to commercial vehicle operators and hauliers through its Conti360° fleet service network. The manufacturer reports the development of a series of bespoke roadside training courses for its Conti360° network partners, which it believes will help raise safety standards among tyre fitters and promote best practice in attending roadside breakdowns. The three levels of training course are designed to equip the Conti360° network with improved tyre fitting expertise and allow its partners to gain the industry-approved NTDA REACT Roadside Breakdown Licence, which is now mandatory for all NTDA members engaged in roadside maintenance or repairs.
The tyre and automotive sectors are Lanxess’ most important in Turkey, and the company aims to further expand in this growing market. On 18 June the specialty chemicals firm took what it calls an “important step in this direction” with the official opening of its new subsidiary in Istanbul. In future, Lanxess Kimya Ticaret will manage the company’s business in Turkey, a market where it generated record sales of some 125 million euros in 2011, nearly triple the firm’s 2009 result. The new company will initially start off with 20 employees and is headed by general manager Ömer Bakir.
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