European CV registrations down 10.6 per cent in January
Figures released by ACEA show that new commercial vehicle registrations further declined in January (-10.6 per cent), pursuing a downward trend which prevailed throughout 2012.
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UK commercial registrations defy European decline
NewsThe UK was the only major European market to buck January’s downward trend in new commercial vehicle registrations. According to the ACEA, total commercial vehicle registrations in the UK rose 5.4 per cent to 19,198; total European Union registrations declined 10.6 per cent to 126,110 during the month. The decline in France almost hit double figures, with new registrations decreasing by 9.8 per cent year-on-year to 33,584 units. Other major markets suffered an even stronger downturn; new commercial vehicle registrations in Germany and Spain sank 15.5 per cent year on year to 19,913 and 5,912 respectively, while Italian registrations, at 9,452, were 23.6 per cent lower than in January 2012.
Conti partnering with BMW to automate motorway driving
NewsAutomotive supplier Continental has already conducted trials with a ‘driverless car’ in the US, and now the firm will further its work in this field through a research partnership with the BMW Group. Under this arrangement, the two German companies will pool their development capacities to define the long-term prerequisites for introducing highly automated driving on European motorways.
GTÜ, Autoclub recommend Dunlop, Vredestein, Falken tyres
NewsGermany’s largest officially recognised inspection organisation the Gesellschaft für Technische Überwachung (GTÜ) and Autoclub Europa (ACE) have conducted extensive summer tyre testing, giving the Dunlop BluResponse its highest recommendation, with the Vredestein Sportrac 5 in second place. One tyre receiving a “recommended” rating at a lower price point was the Falken ZIEX ZE914 Ecorun. The summer tyre received the rating by achieving an above-average environmental score at a low price to performance ratio.
Continental introduces “LifeCycle” solid rubber retread
NewsContinental’s Specialty Tires business unit has added an eco-friendly product, LifeCycle, to its portfolio. The solid rubber tyre is retreaded upon selected used casings, the utilisation of which is said to lead to considerable savings in energy raw materials used in the production process, and this lowers product price. “With customers’ help this large-scale recycling initiative will help to bring down the number of scrap tyres needing disposal as well as the emission of climate-changing CO2,” shared Continental in a written statement. “Continental LifeCycle protects nature and offers cost savings.”
CV show launch for Hankook retread range
NewsAt last September’s IAA Commercial Vehicles show in Germany, Hankook UK sales director Barrie Horrocks told Tyres & Accessories of plans to introduce a bead-to-bead retread range in 2013. He also shared that the UK would serve as a pilot market for the new truck tyre retread line, which will be marketed under the ‘Alphatread’ brand name. Hankook now reports it will unveil its first Alphatread products at the Birmingham-based Commercial Vehicle Show in April, ahead of their UK launch in the second quarter of 2013.
The ADCO group – its role in label enforcement
NewsDuring this Tire Technology Expo in Cologne, Germany, ETRMA secretary general Fazilet Cinaralp shared some information on the subject of the European tyre label and its enforcement. “As the label uses a system of self regulation and self declaration, there is a need for regular ex-post controls at point of sales,” she commented. “For this reason, in June 2012 the European Union created a committee solely responsible for tyre labelling.”
Further silica capacity increases possible, says Solvay
NewsAt this week’s Tire Technology Expo in Germany, Silica supplier Solvay shared that it is considering further capacity increases on top of those implemented in 2011-12, which increased the firm’s global silica capacity by more than 10 per cent. Solvay said the increases were implemented to keep pace with demand for low rolling resistance tyres. The company didn’t share any specific details on upcoming silica product developments, however it confirmed that new innovations can be expected; announcements will be made once customers have been given samples for use in production trials.
Automating tyre handling with Crisplant
NewsCrisplant, part of Germany’s Beumer Group since 2009 and today a leading global supplier of automated material handling systems, will launch its first automated material handling system specifically customised for the tyre production industry at next week’s Tire Technology Expo. Describing the new Crisplant Tire Tray Transportation and Sortation System, the company says it automates manual handling and provides traceability and tracking of individual tyres through every stage of the production process.
“By eliminating manual handling of tires throughout production, tyre manufacturers can enhance workplace safety and continually monitor and optimise process efficiency,” explains Crisplant managing director Klaus Schäfer. “In creating this new system Crisplant has used the same skills and expertise with which it has helped major distribution hubs worldwide, to transform their business to achieve lower operating costs and higher process efficiency.”
Vianor and Wissol cooperating in Georgia
NewsAt the tail end of 2012, Nokian Tyres plc has signed a co-operation agreement with the Wissol Group conglomerate to expand its Vianor retail chain into Georgia. With this agreement, Wissol Group’s 15 existing “AutoExpress” retail outlets will be re-branded as Vianor. In the future, the chain will also be further developed and expanded under the Vianor brand.
New Kumho aftermarket, dealer managers for Germany
Career TracksAt the start of this year, Kumho Tire Europe GmbH appointed a new executive sales director and car dealer key account manager for the German market. Thomas Schlich has taken on the position of executive sales director and in this role he is responsible for the replacement car and truck tyre market business relating to tyre and car dealers throughout Germany. The 47-year old has been employed in the automotive industry for more than 16 years, including nine years in various positions with Bridgestone.
Conti battery JV firm enters operation
NewsThe joint venture lithium-ion battery systems company formed by Continental and Korea’s SK Innovation, SK Continental E-motion, officially commenced operations earlier this month after gaining approval from the relevant authorities. Continental reports that “all relevant authorities have given unrestricted approval to the antitrust application submitted by the two companies” and that all provisions of the agreement signed with SK Innovation on 23 July 2012 have come into force.
Trelleborg gets “A” grade from AGCO Fendt
News, PremiumTrelleborg recently received the highest rating – an ‘A’ – in AGCO Fendt’s supplier evaluation for 2012. The assessment scored Trelleborg’s overall performance on quality, service, logistics and environmental commitment.
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ACEA shows 2012 car registrations 8.2% down
NewsACEA – the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association – has revealed 2012 new car registrations declined by 8.2 per cent in the EU (excluding Malta), continuing the downward trend commenced fifteen months ago. Worse still was the 16.3 per cent reduction in December registrations versus December 2011 – the steepest decline recorded in December since 2008, though this decline can partially be blamed on having on average two fewer working days in the region than in the same month in 2011. The UK was the only major market to post growth in the month, which was also reflected across the whole year.
Nokian Winter Driving School offers cold weather tips
NewsAs the manufacturer of more than 20 test-topping winter tyres in 2012 tests conducted by German car magazines “Auto Bild”, “Auto Motor Sport” and “AUTOStraßenverkehr”, Nokian knows a thing or two about winter driving. And to help its customers supplement their knowledge and skills the Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta Winter Driving School is now online, available in English, Russian, Swedish, Norwegian, and Finnish.
