September 2011 saw the launch of six GT Radial branded trailers in partnership with Micheldever Tyre Services, GT Radial’s exclusive UK distributor. The liveried trailers will are in addition to Micheldever’s existing logistic fleet of 52 units, all manufactured by Montracon.
While Indonesia’s PT Gajah Tunggal Tbk is reported to have increased its sales 20.8 per cent year-on-year to Rp 5.8 trillion (£414.0 million) in the first half of 2011, selling costs increased 32 per cent to Rp 5.05 trillion (£289.1 million), leading to a 22.7 per cent drop in gross profit to Rp 768.79 billion (£54.9 million). Operating profit in the first half also declined, by 34 per cent year-on-year to Rp 441.4 billion (£31.5 million). The manufacturer of the GT Radial brand reported net profits of Rp 421.9 billion (£30.1 million) for the six-month period, up 1.4 per cent year-on-year.
To support its consumer market activities, GT Radial has launched a newly-developed UK website. The site, which can be found at gtradial.co.uk, features a detailed overview of the GT Radial product range plus an integrated tyre selector search facility that automatically matches the correct tyres by vehicle make and model or by simply entering a vehicle’s registration number – one click and the vehicle type plus the appropriate GT Radial fitment will be displayed. Details and addresses for retailers in the GT Radial Performance Centre Network are also available.
For its part, GITI Tire (UK) Ltd. gave three new tyres their British debut. The first, the GAU861 made not only its British but European debut by appearing at the show. A new all-position pattern specifically designed for the urban waste sector of the market, GAU861 is currently in development and is expected to become available in 295/80 R22.5 later this year. Next up , the GDL617 is a new non-directional long haul drive axle pattern, which is also currently in development. Like the GAU861, this too is expected to enter distribution later on in 2011, although this product is set to be offered in “a variety of sizes.” The final new product on show was the GAR821, which is a new pattern specifically designed for regional bus operations and featuring a reinforced sidewall, solid shoulder and deep tread for “minimised impact damage…mileage performance and reduced noise emissions.” As well as the new tyres, the company also gave a further six existing products publicity at the show.
Nankang Rubber Tire representatives have reported an increase in sales of 28.7 per cent in 2010, making it “a record year” for the company. Despite the appreciation of the Taiwan new dollar’s exchange rate, Nankang says it achieved a 28.7 pr cent increase in operating income year-on-year, having reached figures of 13,618,253 thousand Taiwan dollars (£468.9 million) in comparison with 10,581,829 thousand Taiwan dollars (£364.7 million) in 2009.
The GT Radial GSL213 steer tyre and GT669+ drive tyre have received SmartWay verification from the US Environmental Protection Agency. SmartWay verified products reduce emissions and provide estimated fuel savings of three per cent or greater against market leading on-highway commercial truck tyres. These are the first GT Radial tyres to receive SmartWay verification. “This is an important milestone for our customers and company,” said Tom McNamara, vice president of sales for GITI Tire USA. “Our customers are reducing fuel costs, one of their highest expenses. We have received confirmation on the technology of our products and commitment to the environment.”
Nankang Rubber Tire Corp., Ltd will increase prices on all its Nankang branded product lines by up to 7 per cent, the company told Tyres & Accessories in a statement dated 20 October 2010. The price hike is scheduled to take effect 1 November 2010.
International-orientated wholesaler De Klok Banden knows the importance of private and exclusive brands; the company is the exclusive importer of Nankang for Germany and the Benelux countries, a brand it says provides a “high quality”, extensive product range, including popular sizes in the tuning segment. De Klok is also the exclusive Benelux importer of another strong mid-range brand, GT Radial. The Dutch wholesaler says it is experiencing “an enormous increase in Nankang and GT Radial sales and sees great potential for more from these mid-range products; a segment that latest figures suggest is – and has been for some time – on the rise (see this section’s lead article).
Giti Tire USA has released the GT Radial GSL213, a new long-haul steer axle radial, reports Tire Review. Giti officials said the new GSL213 features “advanced technology and pattern design for outstanding overall performance, resistance to irregular wear and extended mileage.” The GSL213 is now available across North America in sizes 11R22.5 14PR, 295/75R22.5 14PR, 11R24.5 14PR and 285/75R24.5 14PR.
A reduction in fuel consumption to the tune of two to three per cent is possible with the latest van tyre segment offering from Giti Tire. When compared with its predecessor, the GT Radial Maxmiler EX achieves up to this saving through a ten per cent weight reduction and approximately 15 per cent rolling resistance; the manufacturer states that the production technologies and materials used in the new tyre have enabled such use of an optimised weight construction.
A standardised test process conducted by TÜV SÜD Automotive between four brands of winter tyre saw the GT Radial Champiro Winterpro come out on top. The manufacturer reports its tyre was found to have the best braking qualities on wet and dry surfaces and features above-average aquaplaning and snow driving behaviour. In the words of GT Radial, it was “the clear number one” following completion of all driving tests.
Giti Tire has won a contract with Shanghai Auto-Parts E-Procurement Co., Ltd., for the huge fleet of Shanghai buses and has begun the conversion process of supplying tyres. According to the tyremaker, the key product is the city bus tyre, the GT867. This fleet is a great shop window for Giti, as the city is hosting the World Expo 2010 with an expected 70 million visitors.
Shanghai Auto-Parts E-Procurement Co., Ltd. provides professional online purchasing service of vehicles and components for Shanghai city public transportation. It is a joint venture established in 2004, by Shanghai Ba-shi (Group) Co., Ltd. the biggest land transport company in Shanghai, and seven other companies including Shanghai Bus Taxi Co., Ltd.
Northumberland based haulage firm Thompsons of Prudhoe recently reported that it is “extremely pleased” with the cost per kilometre performance of GT Radial tyres. The news follows Thompsons’ decision to test GT Radial tyres including GT659+ regional haul drive, GT686 mixed service drive GT876 mixed service trailer products supplied and fitted by local tyre dealer Hexham Tyre and Battery.
BJ Waters (Transport) Ltd., serviced by UK Tyres Direct in Derbyshire, recently awarded GITI Tire (UK) Ltd. the contract to supply tyres for its fleet of vehicles. A family run haulage business dating back to the early 1920’s, the company operate a fleet of over 50 vehicles from its two midland based depots and specialise in bulk tipper movements throughout the UK and Europe.
In addition Hadfields Transport Limited awarded GITI Tire (UK) Ltd. the tyre supply agreement, which is serviced by Pro-Fit Tyres of Oldham. Operating over 50 vehicles from the company’s new purpose built 62,000 square foot warehouse in Miles Platting, Manchester, the company was established in 1906 and specialises in offering a tailor made service.
GITI Tire’s UK operation has launched a new mixed service drive axle tyre specifically designed for “extreme all terrain conditions.” The new directional, M&S marked, GT686 is available now in 295/80R22.5, 315/80R22.5 and 11R22.5 sizes. According to the company, GT686 benefits from an extra deep tread depth and compounding developed to resist cuts and tread tearing and provide excellent self cleaning. Featuring a robust casing construction with sidewall protection, GT686 has been designed to provide excellent grip and deliver a high mileage performance throughout the life of the tyre when used in tough on and off road conditions.
GITI’s latest news follows what the company said was a “very positive” exhibit at the Commercial Vehicle Operator Show in April. It was here that the GT686 was first showcased also making its European debut at the show was the new GDL617, a long haul drive axle pattern available later this year in a variety of sizes. This new pattern features a compact tread design with a “multi-deep sipe arrangement” and reportedly benefiting from “the latest cool running compound technology.”
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