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China Becomes Second Largest Exporter of Auto Parts to U.S.

(Akron/Tire Review) China overtook Germany in the first quarter to become the second largest exporter of automotive parts to the U.S., Shanghai Securities News reported. China exported $1.936 billion worth of auto parts to the U.S. in the first quarter this year, just topping Germany which notched up $1.934 billion U.S. dollars, according to statistics from the U.S. Commerce Department cited by the newspaper. Japan is way out in front with a substantially higher $3.57 billion.

During the same period last year, China exported $1.52 billion worth of auto parts to the U.S., less than the $1.73 billion attributed to Germany. Statistics from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers show that China’s exports of auto parts grew at 54 per cent annually from 2000 to 2005, far outpacing the 29.5 per cent rise in imports.

13th June 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

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

Slowing Vehicle Sales & Tyre Imports Squeezing Indian Tyremakers

The share market value of several Indian tyre manufacturers has fallen in the wake of news that domestic vehicle makers such as Tata Motors and Ashok Leyland are reducing their OE tyre orders. Vehicle sales in India have declined in the last year, with a 15-20 per cent fall in growth recorded. Shares in MRF Ltd fell 3.22 per cent on June 6, while stock in Ceat Tyres and JK Tyres fell by 5.07 and 3.68 per cent respectively. Apollo Tyres closed 0.81 per cent lower. “There will definitely be a little downturn in tyre stocks as auto stocks are all down,” said Ms Vaishali Jajoo, an automotive analyst with brokerage firm Angel Broking.

8th June 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Tyre Manufacture in SA – Will it Have a Future?

(SA Treads – South Africa) The South African business sector is applauded the world over for its unflinching work ethic, its determination to succeed against all odds and its uncanny ability to come up with creative solutions whenever the occasion demands it. Nowhere is this more evident perhaps than in the tyre manufacturing segment. Rocketing oil prices, unstable currency, raw material shortages and subsequent price hikes, not to mention the seemingly relentless infiltration of foreign makes landing at suspiciously rock-bottom prices, have all taken their toll on our four domestically-based tyre makers. How are they meeting these challenges? Is tyre manufacturing in this country sustainable or can it expect to meet a similar fate to that of nations like Australia which has seen the demise of local industry in favour of low-cost imports?

4th June 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Sri Lanka Imposes New Import Duty System for Tyres

A recent Government move to end revenue losses amounting to several billions of rupees as a result of under-invoicing by some unscrupulous importers of tyres, has been welcomed by local industry and legitimate importers, the Sri Lanka Daily News reported. Effective from 15 May 15, importers of tyres are required to pay a tyre weight based duty of 80 rupees per kg or 28 per cent of invoiced value, whichever is higher. Previously, duty was computed at 28 per cent of value only. Local manufacturers also see the system as fairer. Such businesses have experienced hikes of 72 per cent in fuel prices since April 2006, and a 25 per cent increase in electricity costs.

1st June 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Treadsetters and UK Tyre Group Partner in Durun Joint Venture

Telford-based wholesaler, Treadsetters, has partnered with UK Tyre Group to import and distribute Durun brand passenger car and UHP tyres. Following negotiations with Durun’s Chinese manufacturer (Shandong Yongtai Chemical Group) at the end of 2006, Treadsetters began importing the tyres at the beginning of 2007. Then, during Brityrex week at the beginning of May, the two parties announced that they are going to pool resources by effectively selecting Durun as a UK Tyre Group exclusive house brand. Treadsetters will continue to hold the exclusive rights to distribute Durun tyres in the UK, the Republic of Ireland and South Africa.

22nd May 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Sub-Standard Imported Tyres Lasting only 500km – Botswana Report

The general manager of Botswana’s Central Transport Organisation (CTO), the government body responsible for providing and maintaining all government fleet vehicles in that country, claims his government has spent some £255,000 on sub-standard tyres during the last financial year. Lt. Col. (ret) Moakofhi Modisanyane has reportedly stated that the blame for the poor quality of tyres supplied to the CTO lies with tyre dealers, whom he claims have acted to maximise their own profits at all costs.

Following a number of complaints from government vehicle users about tyres prematurely wearing, inspections were made of CTO facilities. Sub-standard tyres have been found at several CTO depots. Reports indicate that these tyres were manufactured in Europe and Asia, although were sourced locally. Brand names singled out as those wearing prematurely include West Lake Tire from China and Kyro.

11th May 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Thai Hua Rubber – Set to Tap the Boom

(India/Rubber Asia) Thai Hua Rubber (THR), a leading natural rubber supplier to tyre manufacturers, is making vigorous efforts to emerge as a top global player by tapping the enduring NR boom to its maximum. “Our idea is to emerge as a dominant global player covering the entire rubber business cycle as fast as we can and in the most credible manner,” says Mr Luckchai Kittipol, the company’s ever dynamic founder and CEO.

The latest plans include major marketing forays into China and India, the emerging power centres of global rubber industry and ambitious plantation initiatives in potential Asian countries. For instance, in Laos, the company will be investing US$50 million to develop NR plantations in 40,000 hectares during the current decade.

9th May 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Minority Conti Subsidiary Seeks Funds to Revive Fortunes

Tanzanian tyremaker General Tyre East Africa (GTEA) has reported that it requires some US$7.5 million to reverse its fortunes. The company, established in 1969 and co-owned by the Tanzanian government (79 per cent) and Continental AG (21 per cent), held talks with a bank in early May in the hope of securing $2.5 million – money that would go towards assuring the company of a more reliable source of raw materials.

GTEA has also previously sought government intervention in its quest for a $5 million loan to obtain the amount it needs to overcome the difficulties the company has been facing as a result of high production costs, including the costs of fuel and natural rubber imports. The company has proposed that rubber plantations in the regions of Tanga and Morogoro be upgraded to increase output, a move that would, according to GTEA, save an estimated $7 million on rubber imports.

9th May 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Rubber Prices Bounce Higher as Demand puts Stretch on Reserves

Prices of export rubber from Vietnam are expected to increase on world markets by about 10 per cent throughout the remainder of 2007 as demand continues to outstrip supply. This analyst prediction added that shipments of Vietnam-sourced rubber to global top rubber importer China would experience price rises of 20 per cent, up from the current US$2,000 per ton to $2400. World market prices are tipped to reach $2,200 per ton.

The world produces about nine million tons of natural rubber each year, most of which is already accounted for, leaving a delicate balance between supply and demand. This balance looks in danger of being upset in the near future, as a recent rubber industry conference in Thailand predicted a jump in global demand by more than 6 per cent in the second half of 2007.

9th May 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

NR Speculation a Concern in India

An association representing seven of the largest tyre manufacturers in India has expressed concerns that futures market speculation could lead to rising natural rubber prices in the domestic market, forcing manufacturers to become reliant upon imports – as was the situation in December 2006 and January 2007.

While the current domestic market price of rubber in India is Rs84 (£1.03) per kilogram compared with Rs93 (£1.14) a kilogram in the export market, last year tyremakers were forced to import rubber when domestic market prices shot up to Rs100 (£1.23) a kilogram. The director general of India’s Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association, D. Ravindran, believes that speculation in the futures market and a resultant decision by rubber growers to hold back their crop in anticipation of higher prices led to this sizeable price increase. “The futures market, driven by speculation, had given wrong signals to the growers that prices would go up by more than Rs120 a kilogram. As a result of this, they held back their stock, creating an artificial shortage,” he stated.

8th May 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

New Captain Steers Steady Ship

As Cooper Tire’s motorsports season ramps up, Tyres & Accessories met with Cooper Tire & Rubber Europe managing director, Julian Baldwin. Since taking over the role as part of a normal pre-prepared succession plan following Ron Shield’s retirement last August, Julian Baldwin has settled into the role and is geared up to the European and global challenges that now face him. As part of this month’s Manufacturing Focus, Tyres & Accessories interviewed Baldwin but with a particular eye on developments in the manufacturing side of the business.

The sleepy Wiltshire town of Melksham might not be the first place you think of when you consider tyre manufacturing operations but Cooper’s UK and European production base plays a very important part in the wider organisation. Of the six distribution centres and five sales offices Cooper runs in Europe Melksham represents the region’s only manufacturing centre and basically half of what Cooper refers to as International Tire Operations. Cooper Tire & Rubber Europe run subsidiaries in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Switzerland for marketing its products in continental Europe. (The other “half of the segment is the two administrative offices, two production facilities, and a sales office in China).

4th May 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Raw (Materials) Deal

(Akron/Tire Review) The volatility of the world’s political climate, the unpredictable weather in North America and El NiÑo in the Pacific Ocean are having very expected outcomes in terms of the cost of raw materials for the tyre industry.

Oh yes, and then there’s China. The economy of the world’s most-populous country continues to grow faster than kudzu in the South. By any western measurement, China growth curve and ravenous industrial appetite throws another concern into the long-term raw materials picture: seemingly endless increases in demand.

And, through all of this, the mission for tyre manufacturers remains as it has for many years: long-term flexibility and the ability to trim rising production costs.

But, today, the tides of the raw-material-cost ocean appear to be ebbing. Providing that world politics don’t worsen or there are several devastating weather events, tyre manufacturers believe that, despite current volatility in rubber prices, raw material costs will remain relatively stable in the short term.

18th April 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Ultra High Performance

Attending the Geneva Motor Show is a great opportunity to see the newest vehicles around close-up, not to mention a good chance to check-out which tyres car manufacturers are brandishing on the latest concepts and releases. So when, after visiting the motor show, Tyres & Accessories was given the opportunity to drive a beautiful Ferrari F430 from Geneva back to London on Pirelli Sotto Zero cold weather tyres, we jumped at the chance.

Put the car through its paces, they said. Drive it on snow and take the tyres to the limit, they said. And we would have done, had there have been any. But in March even the Alps are short on snow and ice. There were, however, plenty of mountain roads; more than a sprinkle of rain; and cold temperatures consistently below seven degrees. So while the sight of the F430 sports coupe sticking to sheet ice was out of the question, driving on wet “snow-chain only” Alpine roads in March was definitely on the menu. And the truth is these conditions are probably more akin to what the drivers experience during the majority of the cold weather season.

30th March 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Prema to Expand into Ireland

Describing 2006 as a “another tough yet successful year for Harvie,” managing director, Terry Brooks has explained that pressures from Chinese balance weight imports and more aggressive competition have not stopped the company from growing and investing in two new salesmen.

In the last year Harvie has grown its fleet of vans to 12 and boasts full UK coverage. Plans to enter the Irish market are underway and a new salesman for the north based in Belfast will start later this year. Negotiations with 2 possible agents based in Dublin in the south are said to be “advancing.”

29th March 2007/by Tyrepress Editors