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WTO: Brazil Retread Import Ban ‘Inconsistent’ With Trade Rule

After an extended period of consideration and consultation, the World Trade Organisation has ruled that Brazil’s ban on imports of retreaded tyres from Europe is not consistent with its international trade rules. As a result, the panel recommended that its ”Dispute Settlement Body request Brazil to bring these inconsistent measures…into conformity with its obligations under the GATT 1994.” However, the Brazilian government had continued to import retreads from neighbouring countries in the Mercosur trade group, leaving itself open for accusations of protectionism. The Brazilian government reportedly has no plans to appeal.

In a 241-page decision, the WTO investigative panel ruled that, while Brazil could restrict trade in certain goods on environmental and medical grounds, this does not apply to European retreads and cannot be used to aid trade discrimination or protectionism. The Associated Press quoted Stephen Adams, a trade official for the European Commission, as saying the European Union is “strongly in favour of environmental and public health protection, but Brazil's measures do not serve those objectives.”

13th June 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

EU To Finalise Bandag Bridgestone Deal Checks

Reports from a number of media sources indicate the European Commission has set a date near the end of May as the deadline for completing its investigation into the imminent US$1.05 billion sale of Bandag to Bridgestone Americas Holdings. The deal itself is expected to close by the end of June.

Bandag’s significant business ties in Europe prompted the EU Commission to become involved. Observers believe that, as the deal has already been approved by US authorities, there is little likelihood of any new issues from the EU sidelining the deal.

25th April 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

EU Sets Deadline for Bandag/Bridgestone Inquiry

(Akron/Tire Review) Forex Global News has reported that the European Commission has set May 29 as the deadline to complete its investigation into the proposed sale of Bandag Inc. to Bridgestone Americas Holding. The $1.05 billion deal is expected to close by the end of the quarter.

Bandag has considerable business in Europe, prompting the EU Commission’s involvement. The deal has already been approved by U.S. authorities.

19th April 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Sapphire Launches Tyre-based Landfill Engineering Product

Sapphire Energy Recovery has announced the launch of a new product made from scrap tyres for use in landfill as a leachate drainage blanket. Recovered tyre gravel (RTG50) is derived from end of life tyres shredded into 50mm chips. RTG50 has proven successful as a replacement for landfill drainage engineering providing a sustainable alternative to the use of finite aggregates.

1st December 2006/by Tyrepress Editors

EU Commission Extends Thule/Pewag Investigation Period

The EU Commission has decided to extend its investigation into Thule’s, a world leader in Sports Utility Transportation, acquisition of Pewag Schneeketten GmbH which was made public on 31 March this year. “The European Commission needs more time to investigate into the consequences for customers and consumers in markets such as Italy, Austria and France”, comments Anders Pettersson, CEO and President of Thule AB. “The complexity of the market conditions makes this further investigation necessary and we support this step. We estimate that the final decision will be made in approximately four months”, concludes Anders Pettersson.

17th August 2006/by Tyrepress Editors

Commission Approves Kwik-Fit Acquisition

The European Commission has officially approved P.A.I Partner’s acquisition of Kwik-Fit, under the EU Merger Regulation.

The new owner of the fast-fit chain manages and advises dedicated private equity funds focused in different industry sectors, from food and food additives, water and waste management services to the production and sale of hydraulic clutch and brake systems and components.

26th August 2005/by Tyrepress Editors

Pirelli Cable Business Sale Gets EU Approval

The European Commission has approved Goldman Sachs’ acquisition of Pirelli’s engery and telecomms cable businesses. The commission found that no company controlled by Goldman Sachs is engaged in the EU in the same markets as those in which the acquired businesses are active, and therefore will not impede competition. In addition the commission observed that the acquired businesses face strong competition from companies such as Corning and DrakaComteq.

6th July 2005/by Tyrepress Editors

Dave Garratt Becomes EGEA Treasurer

Dave Garratt was appointed as treasurer of the Brussels based European Garage Equipment Association (EGEA). The news was announced following at the association’s recent General Assembly meeting held in Bologna on the 20 May. Mr Garratt’s appointment is seen as an important step for the industry as it ensures a close and ongoing association with the European market. Dave Garrat, also chief executive of the Garage Equipment Association (GEA) in the UK said: “The EGEA, which is based in Brussels, plays an important role in lobbying and advising the European Commission. This appointment shows that the EGEA value an input from the UK and proves that the GEA is fully committed to supporting its members in Europe.”

31st May 2005/by Tyrepress Editors

MEPs Vote to Rein-in Bull-Bars

MEPs have backed EU plans for tighter controls on the use of ‘bull bars’ on cars, in a bid to minimise injuries to pedestrians and cyclists. The European Parliament voted at a first reading on new EU laws setting out tougher safety standards and strict tests for new cars built with frontal protection systems to improve pedestrian safety.

31st May 2005/by Tyrepress Editors

Road Safety Forum

The Auto Mobil International 2005 motor show, Leipzig, 5-6 April, will again host the road safety forum organised by the VDIK and TÜV SÜD Group.

Amongst others the conference will address car manufacturers and suppliers, state authorities and associations as well as car safety experts and biomechanics.

The road safety event is titled ‘Integrated Safety Concepts and Reliablity’ and the two day agenda will discuss, amongst other issues, the European Commission’s Road Safety Action Plan.

9th March 2005/by Tyrepress Editors

Call for Manufacturer Modifications

If every manufacturer made modifications to new cars at an estimated cost of £75 per car, the lives of 1,700 pedestrians and cyclists could be saved across Europe, according to the RAC Foundation.

25th November 2004/by Tyrepress Editors

Phoenix Take-Over Likely to be Approved

The European Commission looks likely to approve the take-over of the German automotive supplier Phoenix AG by competitor Continental “on conditions.“ Although the Commission has not made its decision official, the German newspaper Die Welt quotes informed sources. According to the newspaper, Continental had to agree to “small concessions” that the management had generally expected. “We’ve made small concessions (to the EU) and we’re confident that with this step the deal now will go through,” said Continental chairman, Manfred Wennemer. The EU insisted on the compromise because of the companies’ overlapping product portfolios. No further details of the concessions have been given. The Commission will officially announce its decision in two weeks time.

18th October 2004/by Tyrepress Editors

ACEA Condemns Proposal to Abolish Design Rights for Spare Parts

The European Automobile Manufacturers Association has criticised the European Commission’s decision to adopt the proposal prepared by Commissioner Bolkestein (Internal Market) aimed at abolishing design protection rights for automotive spare parts across the EU. The ACEA strongly believes that if approved, this measure would have a serious impact on the competitiveness of the European industry, and claims that the proposal has no clear benefits for the consumer.

22nd September 2004/by Tyrepress Editors

European Commission Aims to Abolish Car Taxes

The European Commission wants to abolish motor vehicle taxes as well as the registration taxes for passenger vehicles in the European Union. The taxation should be linked more strongly to the use of the car and the output of carbon dioxide.

9th August 2004/by Tyrepress Editors

Continental to wait another fortnight

The German tyre manufacturer Continental AG has to wait for another two weeks before they hear whether or not the European Commission will approve the take-over of automotive supplier, Phoenix. The Commission says that the legal examination will be completed by 29 June but did not give any reasons for the extension of the deadline.

At the end of April Continental started the take-over bid of its Hamburg based competitor. In the middle of last week Continental acquired the majority of the Phoenix shares.

15th June 2004/by Tyrepress Editors