Whether its raw materials, machinery, research and development or the latest manufacturing trends, this tag provides up-to-the-minute insights into the upstream part of the tyre industry.
(Akron/Tire Review) Toyo Tire & Rubber Co has reorganised its entire North American operations under a new umbrella company – Toyo Tires International – that will oversee all of its manufacturing, distribution and sales and marketing efforts in the US, Canada and Mexico.
As the automotive accessories industry grows and assumes even greater importance in both the U.S. and world markets, several automakers have made commitments to participate in the SEMA Show scheduled for November 1-4, 2005, in Las Vegas.
The event will be especially significant as 14 original equipment manufacturer (OEM) brands – the highest number of OEM participants in SEMA Show history – will join with their partners in the specialty auto parts industry. In addition to OEM vehicle displays, the participating automakers will give SEMA members unparalleled access to technical data and a hands-on look at the vehicles that provide the basis for SEMA members’ products
Corporate image and brand awareness have always been regarded as important by those involved in marketing. In the fiercely competitive automotive industry getting potential customers to instantly recognise a company’s products and services is a key factor to securing more business.
ECI International has announced that it will run an exhibition in Southern Africa. Tyrexpo Africa 2006 will take place from 12 to 14 September at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.
South Africa represents the biggest domestic market for vehicles in Africa, accounting for some 80 per cent of the continent’s production and constituting approximately 50 per cent of Africa’s purchasing power. It has the largest economy in Africa and has by far the largest and most dynamic automotive manufacturing, retail and aftermarket business environment on the African continent. South Africa’s population of 45 million and a growing tourism industry still represent the continent’s best growth prospects for increasing vehicle sales and aftermarket revenues.
Currently all the major OEM’s in the world are represented in South Africa with seven plants producing 13 brands. There are over 20,000 enterprises active in selling and providing aftermarket support for South Africa’s seven million passenger and commercial vehicles. The distribution of the national vehicle population is mirrored in the location of
Approximately 5,500 garages and filling stations with their associated workshops, 3,300 specialist repairers, 1,100 new car dealerships, 850 used car dealerships, 450 specialist tyre dealers and retreaders, 650 parts dealers and about 280 farm vehicle and equipment suppliers.
Tyrexpo Africa 2006 will be the only independent tyre trade event focusing on every aspect of the tyre industry. If you are a manufacturer or supplier of tyres, tyre equipment or fast-fit equipment, the show will deliver buyers and decision makers across the entire spectrum of the industry. Whether you are targeting retailers, wholesalers, end-users, tyre disposal firms, fast-fit outlets or the accessory trade, your future customers will be at Tyrexpo Africa 2006.
Auto Express’ decision to make its recent tyre tests their “biggest ever” goes some way towards demonstrating the increasing interest surrounding these reports. And with so many brands on the market all claiming to be the best at something, who can blame consumers for wanting a second opinion?
However, Auto Express is not alone when it comes to testing. Other well-known magazines including Which? Autocar and Evo also publish tyre test results. But in terms of coverage and frequency Auto Express’ tyre tests currently lead the way in the UK. And when you consider that that this particular publication is Britain’s biggest selling motoring weekly, it is clear that winning or being recommended by such a report can have very positive repercussions on the tyre business.
Relatively unknown brands particularly have a lot to gain. By winning or being recommended in tests, these companies stand to gain a leg up in the estimation the country’s motoring millions, without investing in publicity or marketing campaigns. The theory is that product quality will speak for itself.
Tiger Wheels has reinforced its position in the North American market with the acquisition of a large-diameter wheel plant in Kentucky. The company reports that the plant is dedicated to supplying Ford motor manufacturing plants in Detroit, Louisville and elsewhere and cost $24 million.
The acquisition, which was made by Tiger’s 74 per cent owned German-based wheel manufacturing business, ATS Beteiligungs GmbH, looks a good purchase when the assets’ book value ($45 million) is taken into account. ATS Beteiligungs bought the facility from the Australian ION Group, which is currently in administration.
(Akron/Tire Review) Cooper Tire, & Rubber Co. has promoted Fran Brennan to vice president of supply chain operations. The 21-year Cooper veteran most recently served as the technical vice president, a position he held for the past five years. During his Cooper career, Brennan also has served in industrial engineering, manufacturing planning and production planning.
Rubber compound manufacturer and tyre retreader Goodway Integrated Industries Bhd expects revenue to grow by 40 per cent, or about 10 million euros, in two years, upon acquiring a 100 per cent equity interest in Sabah-based retreading company, Big Wheel Holdings Sdn Bhd for 5.3 million euros, according to Business Times (Malaysia). With Big Wheel’s acquisition, Goodway will start producing between 4,200 and 4,500 pieces of solid tyres next year.
As the automotive accessories industry grows and assumes even greater importance in both the U.S. and world markets, several automakers have made commitments to participate in the SEMA Show scheduled for November 1-4, 2005, in Las Vegas.
The event will be especially significant as 14 original equipment manufacturer (OEM) brands – the highest number of OEM participants in SEMA Show history – will join with their partners in the specialty auto parts industry. In addition to OEM vehicle displays, the participating automakers will give SEMA members unparalleled access to technical data and a hands-on look at the vehicles that provide the basis for SEMA members’ products.
Net sales of Nokian Tyres plc were up by 17.8% to 295.4 million euros in the first half of the year (250.8 million euros in the corresponding period in 2004). Operating profit amounted to 46.1 million euros (32.8 million euros).
SmarTire Systems Inc. (Richmond, BC, Canada) has recruited David Warkentin as its new Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Warkentin brings over 25 years of sales, sales management and marketing experience in emerging technology sectors to the company.
Bridgestone Americas Holding (BSAH/Nashville), subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, announced its financial results for the six month period ending June 30, 2005. At BSAH, first half sales increased 13% over the previous year, to $4.89 billion. Operating income improved over the prior year to $185 million (from $159 million in the first half of 2004, a 16% increase). The improvement in operating income was due to enhanced tyre product and brand mix and increased efficiencies which helped offset unprecedented increases in raw material costs. Net income also rose in the first half of 2005 by 35%, to $138 million from $102 million in the first half of 2004. BSAH benefited from strong growth in its Latin American Operations and in BFS Diversified Products, LLC. BFS Retail & Commercial Operations, LLC also exhibited growth in the first half of 2005.
Goodyear Tire & Rubber has completed the sale of its 95 per cent stake in Goodyear Sumatra Plantations to Bridgestone Corporation. The price was around $62 million.
(Akron/Tire Review – Freeport Journal-Standard) Following months of virtual silence about the future of Freeport’s Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. plant, among the region’s last major source of good-paying industrial jobs, the CEO of Titan International Corporation Wednesday drew a rhetorical line in the sand, saying that while he wants to negotiate in good faith with the local United Steelworkers of America, Titan is in no mood for protracted talks or costly demands.
Indian news sources are reporting that the race for Falcon Tyres is hotting up, with the Hero Group and Metro Tyres entering the fray to acquire the two-wheeler tyre maker. Sources say Apollo Tyres and JK Tyres, who were earlier in the race, have dropped out because of various reasons. The Bangalore-based Falcon Tyres is part of late Manu Chhabria’s Jumbo group. The company markets its tyre under the Dunlop brand.
If successful, Falcon’s acquisition will give the Hero Group an entry into the tyre business, while Metro will leapfrog to number two position in the Indian ‘two-wheeler tyre market,’ from a distant fifth at the moment. Asked to comment, Sunil Kant Munjal, CEO and managing director, Hero Corporate Services, refused to confirm or deny the move. “I just don’t want to discuss whether we are interested in Falcon or not,” said Mr Munjal.
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