Although US produced Pro Comp tyres have a good reputation in the states, they are not so well known in the UK. That’s why Midlands based 4×4 distributor, John Craddock Ltd, jumped at the chance to become the brand’s sole importer for the UK & Ireland. Tyres & Accessories spoke to marketing manager, Jamie Stevens.
The motor industry has been presented with What Car? magazine’s 2005 readers award, for the voluntary fitting of Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) as standard. Christopher Macgowan, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, collected the award yesterday on behalf of the industry.
Readers voted for initiatives delivered in the past year that made their lives safer, easier or cheaper. The magazine’s editor David Motton said: “Previously, buyers were more likely to spend money on optional extras such as alloy wheels or air-con rather than ABS. Now they no longer have to make that choice and lives will be saved as a result.”
Dunlop’s appearance at the Autosport show saw the company launch a new 22 inch SP Sport Maxx size and promote its 2005 Race Academy. There was even the opportunity to virtually compete, with a race simulator. The motivation behind all this? In order to increase its exposure amongst the key “lifestyle” target audience.
The Autosport show was the first time that Dunlop has exhibited the 22 inch version of its SP Sport Maxx tyre in the UK. Developed in association with tuning companies that build modified BMW and Mercedes machinery, the company says the new tyres are designed to complement the existing product range which begins with a more humble 16 inch fitment. The SP Sport Maxx will now be available in 265/35R22, 285/30R22 and 305/30R22 sizes.
Well-known motoring journalist, Robert Collin, has accused Continental of doing “anything to win magazine tyre tests.” In an article published by the Swedish Aftonbladet magazine, the journalist suggests that the company has won tests by supplying “special” tyres.
The apparent motivation for the alleged underhanded behaviour is simple. Winning a tyre test can mean an increase in sales and is therefore big business. The Aftonbladet reports that this effect is particularly marked in countries like Germany and France and so the temptation for manufacturers is great. From a magazine’s point of view, the problem is that when the latest tyres are reviewed, they are generally not available in the shops and so testers have to trust manufacturers when they provide tyres for testing.
Goodyear welcomed the news that the redesigned 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee has received yet another accolade for its “versatility and style,” as its tyres will again be fitted on all models of the new vehicle.
The vehicle recently won the title of “2005 SUV of the Year” by ‘Truckin’s SUV,’ an enthusiast magazine. According to the magazine, the Grand Cherokee stood out due to its “refined ride, off-road performance, and high-feature content coupled with notable quality, excellent road manners, and a warm and inviting interior.”
It was with great sadness that we learned of the death of George Marshall on December 15th 2004, aged 81.
George was well known in the tyre industry throughout the world, having edited Tyres & Accessories magazine since January 1971 and having been owner and publisher of the title from September that year until September 1987.
Having spent his early career running his own tyre retreading and retailing businesses, George had a thorough knowledge of the industry, both from a practical and political viewpoint. His achievements were many, having been instrumental in founding the Brityrex exhibition in the UK and its South African and Australian equivalents, Satyrex and Austyrex. George also played a role in the foundation of the Imported Tyre Manufacturers Association and the Tyre Wholesalers Association in the UK.
His lifetime spent in the tyre industry was recognised internationally, when he was honoured by the AMF (TEI) at Essen in 1986 and presented with the Industry Leadership Award by the American Retreaders Association in 1987. George received another accolade from the ARA when he was inducted into their International Tire Retreading and Repairing Hall of Fame in April 1995.
George Marshall was a striking figure, instantly recognisable and known to tyremen all over the world; he was definitely his own man, with his own ideas and some of these were not universally popular. Nevertheless, whether you liked him or not, or agreed with him or not, you could be sure that his views were honestly held. It is a mark of the man that those who he criticised in print will be as saddened at his passing as those who he counted as his friends.
As far as Tyres & Accessories is concerned, George was instrumental in rescuing what was a moribund trade magazine and building it up to become the best-respected journal in the industry, not just in the UK, but globally.
George leaves a widow, Edna, to whom Tyres & Accessories extends deepest sympathy; a sentiment no doubt echoed by George’s many friends in the worldwide tyre community.
But, as so often in the past, let George Marshall have the last word. Here is an extract from the last Editorial column that he wrote for Tyres & Accessories in September 1987. The article was entitled “It’s been a great 16 years!” and it sums up George Marshall’s life in tyres, as he wrote thus:
“Never in my wildest dreams did I, when I took over T&A, even think that I would see so many parts of the world and make friends and meet so many tyremen in so many different countries. Nor did I ever think I would become a public speaker at tyre functions around the world.
“I count myself as one of the luckiest men in the tyre industry for having been able to put back into it something it has given to me – a remarkably eventful and enjoyable life.”
George Marshall 1923 – 2004
The UK’s first “DIY garage” has just opened its doors in Aberdeen. The new workshop facility is targeted at those who enjoy carrying out motor vehicle repairs, but don’t have access to the necessary tools or facilities.
According to German media publications, Continental AG is considering paying a higher dividend at the end of the current financial year. Chairman Manfred Wennemer told a European business magazine that because of growing earnings an increase would be possible. At the end of September Wennemer said that this year’s earnings per share (EPS) will be at least on the 2003 level of 0.52 euros. At the same time he confirmed the rather positive earning predictions for the financial year saying that 2004 will be ended with an operating profit of 855 million euros on 31 December.
The Maserati Quattroporte has won the “2004 Import Car of the Year” award, from the Japan Automotive Hall of Fame Association (JAHFA). It achieved the award on its brand image, style, craftsmanship, value for money and for being the “ultimate choice for the car connoisseur.”
The Toyota Prius has been awarded the European title of ‘Car of The Year 2005.’
The car was chosen from a group of finalists including the Citroen C4, Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra, Renault Modus, Peugeot 407 and the BMW 1-series.
Steve Cropley, editor-in-chief, Autocar magazine, was one of the six UK members of the Car of the Year Jury, he said: “Toyota’s Prius is the most successful hybrid car available today and is being used as everyday transport by 120,000 drivers worldwide. Toyota has clearly demonstrated the way forward.”
According to the What Car? Price Index, new car prices have not altered for the last four months. After rises during the first half of 2004, prices are now back to virtually the same as 2003 and the average new car is now 0.1 per cent cheaper than a year ago.
The Index also reports that small cars are still leading the way. City cars are 2.8 per cent cheaper and supermini prices have fallen 1.7 per cent over the past year. Family cars are also down 0.1 per cent. The magazine reports that virtually every other class has become cheaper month-on-month.
A large price fall was recorded in the plate-change month of September, when prices traditionally rise compared with the quiet month of August. What Car? reports that this year, prices fell, despite a “healthy demand” among private buyers that was only six per cent below that shown in the previous September.
Woman magazine, is to raise money for Breast Cancer Campaign by running a competition in association with National Tyres and Autocare. The competition will five readers the opportunity to win a limited edition pink Smart car, worth £8000, and raise money for charity at the same time.
An annual survey carried out by US magazine, Consumer Reports, has found that when it comes to car and truck reliability, European produced vehicles are worst; US mixed, with Asian brands topping the table.
China’s rich culture and long history make it one of the most fascinating and legendary countries in the world. After a few days of travelling in China, the differences between east and west become obvious. Some things are similar to what we experience in our everyday lives in Europe, other things are vastly different. One fact is apparent, there is a Great Wall of China sized gap in Western countries’ understanding of this enormous nation. Subscribers to Tyres & Accessories can read online or download the supplement by clicking "more."
Autocar magazine has published its annual tyre tests this week, with Goodyear dominating the results. The independent tyre test compared five leading tyre brands in the UK, across two categories of car.
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.
