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.
Birla Carbon, one of the world’s largest carbon black producers, has announced that all 16 of manufacturing facilities across the globe have received the International Automotive Task Force (IATF) certification. This makes Birla Carbon the first and only global carbon black manufacturer to achieve this certification.
Roughly a year after reports suggested the UK could become home to a gigafactory, AMTE Power and Britishvolt announced plans to investigate collaborating to build the UK’s first full cycle battery cell GigaPlant, servicing the automotive and energy storage markets. Both parties have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) focussed on each other`s complementary ambitions to create and expand an onshore manufacturing supply chain. The successful outcome of the collaboration would enable scalable production of a diverse product portfolio of lithium ion batteries to support the country’s Road to Zero targets and unprecedented transition to electrification.
Following Continental’s first quarter 2020 financial results and reports that the company is preparing to cut its R&D budgets and European tyre production, Tyres & Accessories asked executives at the company’s Hanover, Germany headquarters to comment on the proposals. According to the tyre manufacturer, Continental is “intensively” monitoring European tyre demand and production “including a review of our tyre manufacturing footprint if we conclude that volumes will not recover to expected volumes”. Furthermore, there may have been reductions in tyre testing frequency as an inevitable result of social distancing, but overall research and development budgets remain intact.
Smithers, which provides testing and consultancy services, has upgraded its low temperature retraction instrumentation and capabilities at its rubber physical testing laboratory in Akron, Ohio. According to the company, the new instrument offers improved temperature control for low temperature retraction and the instrument is said to be significantly more efficient, which will improve turnaround times for customers.
Vipal’s tyre retreading equipment development has sold 56 machines since the start of its operations in 2016. According to the company, these were sent to countries in North America, South America and Oceania. Now, the plan is planning to expand internationally.
Financial analysts from Jefferies described Continental AG’s plan for fiscal improvements during the corona-crisis “encouraging”, according to an analyst report published 15 May 2020. That Conti’s management highlighted “positive data points in China and the European replacement tyre market”, would seem to be positive indications for the whole tyre business. Specifically, replacement tyre demand was described as “strong” in Germany. However, R&D budgets are likely to be cut and there was even the suggestion that European tyre factory numbers could also be cut back.
Pirelli UK is to recommence production at its plants in Carlisle and Burton-on-Trent from 18 May 2020. Initial production will be at a reduced rate, reflecting current market demand. “The company’s top priority is ensuring the health and safety of its workers and the wider community”, an official statement added.
Cooper Tire & Rubber Company has announced that Cooper Tire Europe plans to begin the process of reopening its manufacturing plant in Melksham, England, in the first half of June, and expects to be producing tyres there by 15 June 2020. The facility, which primarily manufactures motorcycle and racing tyres, has been temporarily closed since late March due to coronavirus.
Italian supercar marques Ferrari and Lamborghini announced that their top-end vehicles went back into production during the first week of May.
Analysts have warned that the dire effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on car production are not fully reflected in the March figures, released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Andrew Burn, partner and head of automotive at KPMG UK said that while the March data shows that conditions were difficult, April’s numbers will show the full extent of the effects of the UK lockdown on the sector.
Effective Tuesday 28 April 2020, Brembo has reopened its Curno, Mapello and Sellero (Italy) Italian brake manufacturing operations, product at which was temporarily suspended on 16 March 2020 due to the emergency Covid-19 situation.
UK car manufacturing fell -37.6 per cent in March, according to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). 78,767 vehicles left factory gates in the month, some 47,428 fewer than the previous year, as the coronavirus crisis caused UK car plants to close. 140 days-worth of lost production have been lost as a result.
Italian automotive suppliers are at risk if measures that have shut down the supply chain aren’t lifted next week, Brembo chairman Alberto Bombassei has said.
Cooper Tire & Rubber Company is set to open its manufacturing plants in the United States and Serbia next week (the week commencing Monday 27 April). The facilities have been temporarily closed for approximately five weeks due to coronavirus and its impacts. The company’s plant in Melksham, UK remains temporarily closed. And Cooper’s Mexico plant is to close temporarily.
Following the news that leading pneumatics supplier PCL has appointed Aland Findlow as its new national sales manager, the company has also revealed plans for it to recommence production in Sheffield.
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CC; Wikipedia
Continental AG
Vipal, Vipal Machinery
Continental AG
Pirelli
Cooper
Ferrari
SMMT
Brembo
SMMT
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