Report: Global TPMS market will be worth $3 billion by 2017
The global Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) market could be worth around US$3 billion according to a report published by Global Industry Analysts (GIA).
LEGISLATION
Tag Archive for: Legislation
Four options? The whys and wherefores of winter tyres in the UK
NewsThere is no question that winter 2010/2011 was a great success when it came to the sales of cold weather tyres. Many wholesalers and distributors found that their projections were far too low; some wholesalers reported that they sold three to four times more than they expected, while tyre manufacturers said they would have supplied more if their factories could produce them fast enough.
The fact that it was the second consecutive “severe” winter in the UK really helped drive home the issue. And the combined efforts of retail chains; car dealerships and the industry mean that there is still momentum in this pre-season before the mercury drops. ATS Euromaster for example bought in £3 million of winter tyre stock last season and are doubling it this year, (see separate article for more details). Meanwhile Mercedes and BMW began promoting tyre hotels, making the two-sets-of-wheels model a reality. But what about this winter and the winters to come? Tyres & Accessories asked Bridgestone North Region sales and marketing director Andy Lane, who has the unique responsibility of overseeing sales in the classic winter markets of the Nordic countries and the more complex and temperate conditions of the UK.
Tyresure launches new Trailer/Caravan and RV TPMS kit
NewsTyresure has launched a dedicated system created specifically for the leisure and towing market. EU legislation has dictated that all passenger cars must have TPMS fitted from the factory as a legal requirement from 2012. Although this hasn’t yet been rolled out as a mandatory fitment in the leisure market and doesn’t apply to vehicles produced before this model year many industry experts feel that it is only a matter of time before safety-conscious manufacturers start including this in the options list, at least.
Tyres & Accessories August 2011
MagazineThe latest edition of Tyres & Accessories (August 2011) is now available to subscribers online. To read 116 pages of tyre news and information relating to our special features on the forthcoming TAFF Awards, Truck Tyres and Brakes simply click more.
HiQ adds voice to MOT changes opposition
LegislationThe opposition to the UK Government’s proposed changes to the MOT test has acquired another voice, as fast fit network HiQ makes the argument that doubling the length of time between legally required tests will eventually cost motorists more: “The pockets of motorists will be hit harder than ever,” HiQ stated. Secretary of State for Transport Philip Hammond hopes to introduce the initial MOT test for new cars after four years instead of three, as it currently stands today.
Techking promotes its compliance performance
NewsWith nine containers of truck tyres arriving to Spain with full compliance accreditation, Chinese tyre manufacturer Techking is seeking to promote its performance in terms of European environmental legislation. Currently the company is part of the group of Chinese tyre producers that already possess e-mark, s-mark and Reach accreditation. This, say company representatives, is the result of Techking’s investment in research and development.
Luxembourg introduces ‘winter tyres for winter conditions’ law
NewsOn July 29 the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg introduced a regulation making the use of winter tyres compulsory in certain weather conditions. As of October 1, 2012, cars will be required to have M+S marked tyres fitted when frost, ice, slush or packed snow is present; trucks, buses and other heavy vehicles will be required to have M+S tyres fitted to drive axles.
‘Infinity is growing’: Euro-Tyre MD talks Infinity, Reach and the future
NewsDuring a recent drifting event in The Netherlands, Frank van Leeuwen, managing director of Euro-Tyre, spoke about the relationship between his company and Infinity Tyres, their future together, and their combined approach to European legislation.
Bosch innovates compact motorcycle antilock braking system
NewsBosch has claimed it has achieved a World first with its new brake control system developed specifically for motorcycles, contradicting the idea that the systems are too big and too heavy to be fitted to two-wheelers. The manufacturer says it has been able to reduce the size and weight of its system to make it suitable for use on motor scooters and small motorcycles, while the flexible design allows Bosch to offer three different levels of system, from the basics to electronically controlled models. The company points out that only 16 per cent of all newly manufactured motorcycles in the EU in 2010 were fitted with ABS; the company says it expects European legislation to impact the market in the next decade, as a proposal has been tabled to make ABS compulsory on new bikes entering the market from 2017.
Out of touch with [super] highway reality?
Editorial/CommentNo I am not referring to the IT skills of the tyre business at large. To be fair, in recent years our industry has taken giant steps towards the optimization of its processes using computers and better use of the Internet to reach customers. Just look at the continuing proliferation of tyre information and retails sources online, not to mention the trade’s increasing presence on social networking sites and latterly the emergence of a number tyre price comparison sites. The, of course, there’s EDIWheel but that’s all another article (see October’s e-commerce feature for more on this). No, on this occasion I am talking about the UK government policy, metrocentricity and online tyre browsing – or rather the lack of it in Westminster.
Westlake to appoint new UK truck tyre agents
News, UK NewsRepresentatives of the Westlake truck tyre brand in the UK have announced plans to appoint between eight and 10 UK-based agents for the brand produced by leading Chinese tyre manufacturer Hangzhou Zhongce Rubber.
According to the company, the new distribution network will be comprised of partners that are independent, established commercial retread processers, retailers, tyre repairers or casing dealers. Once the right partners are identified Westlake is understood to be offering to agree “appropriate and exclusive territory” such as North East, North West with the right companies.
2011 TAFF Awards preview
NewsIt's that time of the year again, when the tyre industry casts its votes to pick the winners of the NTDA's Tyre & Fast Fit (TAFF) Awards. A voting form is included in this magazine (and in our July issue) with the names of those companies that made the final shortlist or votes can be cast via the NTDA website. The final shortlist was compiled from nominations from NTDA members.
The winners will be announced at the NTDA's Annual Dinner, which this year is being held at the Hilton Metropole Hotel at the NEC, Birmingham on 20th October.
The categories are the same as in previous years, but there is also a new award for 2011 – that of "Tyre Centre of the Year". Retailers are invited to propose a depot or garage for consideration and those centres nominated will be the subject of a "mystery shopping" exercise, carried out by Encircle Marketing, who have extensive experience in this area.
Dato’ Dr. Kamarul takes over as ANRPC secretary general
NewsOn June 30 Prof. Dr. Djoko Said Damardjati ended his three-year tenure as Secretary General of the Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries and handed the reigns to Dato’ Dr. Kamarul Baharain bin Basir. Following the end of his term, Damardjati has taken up the post of principal scientist in the Centre for Food Crops, part of Indonesia’s Ministry of Agriculture.
Staffordshire MP asks tyre bale question in Parliament
NewsOn 27 June Karen Bradley, the Conservative MP for Staffordshire Moorlands, asked Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs the Rt Hon Caroline Spelman MP “what regulations govern the use of tyre bales for land engineering.” While not riveting for those already in the know, their exchange shows that these issues are discussed in the halls of the palace of Westminster and gives some clarity to the interpretation and processes associated with these rules.
It’s all about competitiveness, says the ETRMA
NewsIn its 2010-2011 annual report, the European Tyre & Rubber Manufacturers’ Association reports on what it calls the “dominant sentiment amongst industry leaders” – enhancing, or at the very least maintaining, the competitiveness of its member companies. Elaborating on the situation behind this sentiment, ETRMA secretary general Fazilet Cinaralp comments that “Europe is the most highly regulated area for tyre production and marketing but our global competitors are well aware that there is no market surveillance to enforce our strict rules. This undermines equality in regulatory enforcement and at worst leads to a competitive disadvantage for European producers.”
