“As a company, we lead the industry with forward-looking tyre technologies that contribute to greater road safety and reduce the impact on the environment.” These words of confidence came from Goodyear Dunlop Tires Europe president Arthur de Bok, who was commenting on the company’s presence at the Geneva Motor Show and the innovations the company is highlighting there.
Following the news that former Goodyear Dunlop UK & MD Mark Brickhill has been promoted to the position of vice president of the company’s consumer business unit in Europe, Goodyear Dunlop EMEA has released further details of the recent changes in the businesses European management.
In order to “capitalize on building a more efficient organization” the company has established a new leadership position oversee Goodyear Dunlop Tires Operations (GDTO) and the Luxembourg complex. Philippe Degeer, who was previously vice president of the consumer business unit has been appointed to the position of VP Goodyear Dunlop Tires Operations. In this position, Degeer will continue to report to Arthur De Bok, who remains president EMEA.
Goodyear Dunlop Tires Europe has appointed George Rietbergen as managing director UK and Ireland. Rietbergen will move to Birmingham to take over from Mark Brickhill, who has been promoted to vice-president of the company’s Consumer Business Unit EU. The appointment means Rietbergen is Goodyear Dunlop UK and Ireland’s third managing director since 2004.
Dunlop has announced that it will launch the SP Quattromaxx – an ultra high-performance summer tyre with a sleek sidewall design by Pininfarina – at the Geneva Motor Show. The new tyre will be on display at the Goodyear Dunlop stand – number 2057 in Hall 2 at the famous Swiss motoring event. The introduction of the new ultra high-performance SUV product comes backed with some impressive lap time results. Prior to its launch, the new tyre was put through its paces on the Nürburgring Nordschleife where it helped driver Patrick Simon and his 550 HP Porsche Cayenne Turbo achieve one of the fastest lap times ever set by an SUV: 8:33:99.
If you’re planning to invade a neighbouring land or simply wish to traverse unsealed surfaces, then Goodyear has the tyre for you: the manufacturer is extending its range of truck tyres for military and off-road applications with the introduction of a size 365/85R20 fitment for its Offroad ORD (Off Road Drive) range. The tyre was developed in cooperation with OEMs and has already been homologated by specialist trailer manufacturer Broshuis; other approval processes are also underway.
Dunlop has launched its High Performance Centre retail concept with an event at the first of its outlets in Northampton. The centre will be operated by existing Goodyear Dunlop customer Tyres Northampton, encompassing many of the features that the company says will distinguish these centres from the rest of the company’s nationwide network. These include a Dunlop-branded reception and lounge designed in a similar style to Dunlop’s VIP racetrack hospitality areas. The Dunlop High Performance Centre partnership programme also includes training for technicians, exclusive Dunlop promotions and quality standard auditing for the stores. The event was attended by leading tyre dealers.
Goodyear Dunlop Tires North America has appointed Christine Moore its new director of Marketing. In her new position, Moore will be responsible for managing all marketing related business for the Dunlop motorcycle and ATV tyre business unit, including brand strategy, advertising, product marketing consumer services and public relations. Moore will report to Joe Rosen, chairman and president of Goodyear Dunlop Tires North America.
Goodyear Dunlop has announced two new appointments to their Commercial Vehicle business senior management team. Martin Dungworth joins the Birmingham-based company as Commercial Sales Manager and Marc Preedy is appointed as Customer Strategy Manager. These roles cover the UK and Ireland business where the company’s portfolio, including the Goodyear and Dunlop tyre brands, Next Tread retread range and TruckForce service network, are well-established in the truck fleet market.
ITV will increase its coverage of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship to over 120 hours this year. The Championship’s title sponsor this time around changes from HiQ to Dunlop, as Goodyear Dunlop continues to publicise the motorsport capabilities of the brand, which also supplies the BTCC. The move by ITV will therefore please Dunlop, which will be getting an increased opportunity for brand exposure direct to motorsport fans’ living rooms.
According to a survey conducted by Goodyear Dunlop in New Zealand, some 16 per cent of all vehicles in the country’s major centres have at least one unroadworthy tyre. The 1,600 vehicles surveyed in the cities of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch showed a 40 per cent increase in tyre-related defects over a similar survey conducted in 1999.
Goodyear Dunlop Tires Europe has reported the recent appointment of a new communications director for its Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region. According to EMEA region president Arthur De Bok, Belgian Tom Delforge began in the role on September 1, replacing Chris Aked, who has retired.
The UrbanMax is the latest member of Goodyear Europe’s Max Technologies family, a range promoted by Goodyear Dunlop Tires Europe as featuring the latest technology materials, dedicated tread patterns and durable carcass construction. The UrbanMax MCA and MCD Traction comprise a new line-up of all-season tyres for municipal vehicles, including city buses, fire engines and garbage trucks, and the benefits the manufacturer states these products deliver include high mileage and superb braking on wet and snowy roads.
Henk van Tuyl has been appointed director of Goodyear Dunlop Tires’ Tire Technology Commercial Tires – Europe Middle East and Africa division. Van Tuyl, who is originally from the Netherlands, has worked for the company for more than 21 years and took up his new post on October 1.
The Goodyear Dunlop factory in the US town of Tonawanda (New York State) is anticipating an increased workload following the closure of the company’s Spartanburg, South Carolina plant. According to Goodyear, a portion of the work now carried out in Spartanburg will be transferred to Tonawanda following the South Carolina facility’s closure at the end of the year, however Tonawanda plant spokeswoman Diane Zwirecki said specific details, including whether the factory will benefit from an expanded workforce, are still being finalised.
The Infleet network is unfurling a new business development plan, and on board to spearhead its progress is recently appointment UK sales manager David Tattler. The tyre industry veteran will tackle his new role with the support of a state of the art management information technology system being introduced by Infleet at its new Cannock, West Midlands office.
If you would like the latest news from the Chinese tyre industry in Chinese, visit our partner site TyrepressChina.com. Or click below to continue on Tyrepress.
