Production at the former Amtel-Vredestein Krasnoyarsk Tire Plant was re-launched on 19 April, with local government officials optimistic they can overcome the facility’s past problems.
Lev Kuznetsov, the first deputy-governor of Krasnoyarsk territory, has now signed a social and economic cooperation between the Administration Council of Krasnoyarsk Territory and LLC Vostokshinainvest, the owner of Krasnoyarsk Tire Plant.
SmartTire Systems Inc has appointed Leif E Pedersen as the new president and CEO of SmarTire, effective immediately. Pedersen replaces Al Kozak who has left the company to pursue other interests.
In Sofia, Bulgaria’s Economy and Energy Minister Rumen Ovcharov and the Vice President of French company Montupet, Didier Crozet, are expected to sign the contract for the construction of an aluminium car parts manufacturing plant in the Industrial Park of Russe. The total investment will be 70 million Bulgarian Leva (35 million Euros) and 500 new jobs will be created in a three-year period.
Tyre output in Japan rose 0.3 per cent year on year in February for the first time in three months, with domestic demand rising 0.5 per cent. Export volumes declined 5.2 per cent YoY in February (which fell for the first time in 20 months in January). Analysts attribute the decline to three main factors; firstly, unusual demand for studless tires, which they believe has led makers to divert output to domestic demand, and which they also believe has now run its course.
(Akron/Tire Review) Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire (BFNAT) and Bridgestone/Firestone Canada Inc. (BFCA) have announced price increases on Bridgestone, Firestone, Dayton, associate and private brand tyre lines. Passenger and light truck, medium truck and bus, ag and OTR tire prices will increase up to 5 per cent. Replacement, OE and export channels are affected by the increases, which take effect 1 May.
(Akron/Tire Review) Continental AG CFO and Continental Tire North America President and CEO Alan Hippe told media sources in Germany that the company has not yet made a decision on its tyre production plans in China. Hippe did, however, tell AFX News that the company favours setting up a Greenfield plant in the country, allowing the company to take advantage of growing market opportunities in China as well as export to other Asian markets.
January 2006 saw total tyre production in India rise 9 per cent to 5,623,048 tyres compared with January 2005. The figures calculated by the Indian Tyre Manufacturer’s association (ATMA) show that motorcycle tyre sales were up 15 per cent totalling 1,801,839 units. This particularly rapid growth is largely explained by the reclassification of moped tyres under the motorcycle heading, but also signifies production growth in the segment.
Passenger car tyre production increased to 1,230,869 units up 16 per cent from the same time last year. Truck and bus and light truck production increased to 946,730 (up 8 per cent) and 352,967 (up 14 per cent) respectively. Perhaps unsurprisingly in light of the current global shortage, OTR tyre production increased 37 per cent to 10,811 units in January.
Indian tyre manufacturers will have to import 25,000 tonnes of natural rubber in the six months between April and September, the Hindu Business Line has reported. The imports come after a six month lull, when shipments into the country came to a halt.
“Tyre companies are importing basically since we anticipate shortage of rubber. Contracts have been signed and consignments will begin arriving from April onwards,” said Mr D Ravindran, director-general, Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association, the apex body of tyre makers in the country.
Crypton Technology Group has announced some internal restructuring plans designed to assist with its growth strategy in the global garage equipment market. Ian Garwood, who was recently promoted to sales manager of Traction Chargers, will now also be responsible for the Crypton, Dieseltune and Wheelforce brands in the US, South America and Canada. Geoff Cross in his role as Sales Development Manager will also widen his duties to include generating a European market entry and growth strategy in conjunction with the current Export team already in place at Crypton Technology Groups’ headquarters in Bridgwater in Somerset.
Indian tyre manufacturers are set to increase prices following further increase in rubber prices. The recent most recent hike is said to be 1.5-2 per cent, according to India’s Business Line newspaper.
Over the last 13 months, tyre prices have gone up by 15 per cent for the OE segment, and 7 to 8 per cent for the replacement market, which mostly comprises truck tyres.
TVS Tyres is to invest 600 million rupees (£7.7 million) in expanding its domestic and export capacity. “Our new capacities will be ready by 31 March. We currently manufacture 7 lakh tyres a month; after the expansion, we will have capacities to manufacture 900,000 tyres per month,” S Balasubramanian, vice president, marketing, TVS Srichakra Ltd told India’s Economic Times.
Indonesia’s tyre production grew from 35.72 to 39.98 million units in 2005, according to the Indonesian Association of Tire Producers (APBI). The Asia Pulse news agency quoted APBI chairman Aziz Pane as saying that the increase in production was boosted by growing demand in the international market. Pane said 70 per cent of the production in 2005 was exported.
Czech tyre maker Barum Continental produced 18.52 million passenger car tyres last year, a growth of 7 per cent year-on-year, company representative Pavel Pravec told the Prague Daily Monitor. Production of “high-tech” tyres is said to have grown the most, increasing 81 per cent to 2.42 million units in 2005. Barum also added 300 staff in 2005. The company, which now employs 4,448 people, also reportedly plans a further hike in staff numbers for this year.
Xiamen-based Shengjeng Machinery Co, Ltd was founded in 2000. Since then, the rubber mould manufacturer’s customer base has swollen to include well-known companies such as Chengshin (the maker of Maxxis tyres). The company employs more than 150 people and reportedly turns over $1,000,000 each year. 40 per cent of the moulds they produce are for export.
The Sibur-owned Ural Tire Plant Ltd in Yekaterinburg, Russia has launched the production of the new Tunga and Tunga-Master winter tyres. A special rubber mixture with enhanced elasticity is reportedly used in the production of the new generation of branded tyres.
Sibur launched Tunga in March this year alongside its Cordiant passenger tyre brand. The first Tunga tyres will be available in size 175/70 R13, while Tunga Master will be released in 185/60 R14. Several new sizes, including Tunga Master 13 and 15 inch variants are planned for next year.
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