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.
Four tyre makers at this month’s Reifen 2012 show in Germany spoke of ‘AA’ label rated tyres. One of these was Kumho Tyres, whose new “Ecowing ES01” took pride of place on the company’s exhibition stand. The “all-new standard performance tyre”, as Kumho calls it, will be available in various sizes from spring 2013 and will – at least in size 195/65R15 91H – come with an A/A/71dB label rating. According to Kumho Tire Europe GmbH sales director Michael Zirnzak, the range will be available in 21 dimensions between 14 and 16-inches and feature rolling resistance and wet grip label ratings of A to C. More precise details of each individual tyre’s performance will be released in the near future; Kumho says it will apply label information to all tyres produced after 30 June.
Dominic Sandivasci has been appointed Pirelli UK chairman, succeeding Lord Marshall in the position. Sandivasci has been the managing director of Pirelli UK since 1998 and will continue to hold his responsibilities in that position. He will also continue to be based in Burton upon Trent. Sandivasci said: “I’m extremely proud to be offered the ultimate accolade of becoming chairman of the Board and hope that I can continue to provide the guidance, assurance and governance to the business that was so well managed and instilled by Lord Marshall.”
On the back of offering what it calls a “very competitive technical package,” Bridgestone has secured primary original equipment fitment for the recently launched Peugeot 208. The tyre maker will supply its EP25 in size 185/65R15 88T as the predominant tyre on Peugeot 208 models with 15-inch rims and Potenza RE050A in size 205/45R17 88V as the sole 17-inch fitment.
Falken has won the original equipment contract to provide its bespoke Sincera SN831A tyres to Volkswagen’s city car, the Up!. The German manufacturer has thus become the first European automobile manufacturer to commit to the Sumitomo Rubber Industries brand’s high performance products, and specify the Japanese tyre producer as an OEM supplier. The announcement was confirmed at 2012 Reifen Tyre Show in Essen.
Cooper Tire has expanded its range of sizes for its latest high performance winter tyre, the WM-SA2, with the introduction of 15” to 18” H and V-rated fitments. The newest HP winter tyre is designed to offer increased performance on snow and slush with Cooper’s Tapered Alternating Groove technology and forward-facing shoulder grooves used to enhance braking ability. The tyre’s backward-facing centre groove works to improves traction.
Team Nexen Tire Europe drivers Alan Sinnot and Luke Fink dominated the Drift Allstars Europe season opener in Birmingham, taking the top two places. The team, which launched on the Friday before the event, runs on Nexen’s new N8000 tyres. Luis Lopez also joined the two drivers in the Nexen team, which launched on the Friday before the event.
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