Middle East
Wilhelm Schelkmann (94), the inventor of the pre-cure tyre renewal process, invited Paul Rösler Sen. (69) to his villa in Mallorca, where the two friends discussed how the pre-cure process (especially when used for 63” tyres) was evolving under Rösler Groups’ guidance. Rösler had a lot of news to share, including the renewal facilities completed in Australia, Kazakhstan, Indonesia and Uzbekistan.
At the end of this year the chairman of the Bridgestone Americas (BSAM) Board of Directors, Asahiko “Duke” Nishiyama, is to return to Japan in order to commence a new assignment within Bridgestone Corporation. As of January 1, 2011, Nishiyama will be promoted to vice president and senior officer, responsible for International Tire Business Operations, Bridgestone Corporation (BSJ).
Bridgestone bows out of Formula One with the medium and super soft compound Potenza tyres for the championship finale, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on 13-14 November. Hirohide Hamashima – Bridgestone director of Motorsport Tyre Development, says: “Last year was the first time we visited Abu Dhabi and we learnt a lot about the circuit on that first weekend. The track layout is certainly challenging with a long straight which presents a good overtaking opportunity heading into turn eight.”
When Goodyear Dunlop Tires Europe said it had appointed George Rietbergen as managing director UK and Ireland in March, the announcement meant the Dutchman would become the operation’s third managing director since 2004. During that time significant changes have taken place in the company’s UK and Eire operations including the separation of HiQ in a hard franchised passenger car only retail operation and a Truck Force network; the adoption of multi-brand and multi-company distribution strategy via outsourced third party logistics (namely Norbert Dentressangle) and a significant number and scope of personnel changes. Set against this backdrop you could be forgiven for expecting more upheaval, but as Tyres & Accessories recently found out in an exclusive interview with the new MD, he brings with him a refreshingly up-front Hollandic approach and an understated management style that puts the emphasis on the departmental heads and middle managers rather than “the man at the top.”
Singapore based global tyre and wheel distributor Stamford Tyres has confirmed attendance for the next Automechanika Middle East in 2011. The exhibition, which takes place from 7 – 9 June at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre has added a range of product profiles to its Tyres section, which now has its own dedicated hall at the event. These include: Tyres (passenger, truck, bus, trailer); Tyres (OTR, Agricultural, Industrial/TBR); Rims, Tubes and Casings; Tyre Repair Material, Patches, Retreading Material and Equipment.
A new report by Global Industry Analysts suggests that the synthetic rubber market will climb to 13.4 metric tons by 2015, “particularly” on increased usage in the tyre and automotive industry. The consumption and production of synthetic rubber was significantly affected by the global economic recession, says a statement by GIA announcing its new publication: ‘Synthetic Rubber: A Global Strategic Business Report’.
Goodyear’s Europe, Middle East and Africa third quarter sales increased 7 per cent from last year on top of a “strong price/mix performance” to $1.7 billion despite being hit by $0.1 billion in unfavourable forex translation, making them the highest since the third quarter of 2008. The company continues to post improved figures for the year to date, with sales up to $4.68 billion in the first nine months (from $4.24 billion in 2009), yielding an operating income of $259 million – way up on last year’s $41 million.
United Arab Emirates-based Zafco, which supplies tyres domestically, as well as to the US, Europe, Africa, Asia Pacific and Australia, reports achieved ISO 9001:2008 certification after a positive review of its quality management systems. According to the company, this latest certification represents the enhanced commitment to quality and reliability that its customers expect.
Auto parts and accessories show Automechanika Middle East has published the dates for its 2011 exhibition in Dubai, following the success of its 2010 show. The next Automechanika Middle East exhibition will run from 7 – 9 June at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre Dubai, U.A.E.
Exhibitor numbers hit an all time high at Automechanika Middle East 2010, with over 1,000 exhibiting (90 per cent international) from 46 countries. Of the 16,058 visitors from 111 countries, 49 per cent were international. Furthermore Automechanika Middle East now has a dedicated tyres and battery section in the show. Tyre manufacturers, suppliers and distributors now have a platform to meet new buyers and existing customers from the region.
Continental AG notes the price of natural rubber has reached “well over” US$3 per kilogram, a level it calls a historic high for the commodity. In order to compensate for this, the company plans to increase prices for its replacement market summer tyres throughout Europe by an average of five per cent. The price increase will apply to all Continental passenger car tyre brands within the region.
Goodyear Dunlop Tyres UK Limited has announced that Norbert Hecking, currently Market Supply Chain director Middle East and Africa, has been appointed as Market Supply Chain director UK & Ireland. Hecking joins the UK and Ireland organisation reporting to MD George Rietbergen and functionally to Rob Scholte, vice president Supply Chain Europe, Middle East and Africa. Hecking replaces Steve Carless, who will be leaving the company at the end of the year to pursue a new opportunity outside of the tyre industry.
This 50th anniversary year provides an ideal opportunity to look back on half a century of Kumho Tires and its business up to the present day. In an interview with Tyres & Accessories the South Korean manufacturer’s chief executive officer, Jong-Ho Kim, shares how the company has developed, what plans it has for the near future and the importance of football sponsorship.
On September 23 Pirelli officially inaugurated what it calls the “Factory of Champions” at its plant in Izmit, Turkey, where the company will produce tyres for all Formula One teams during the 2011 to 2013 seasons. The inauguration served as a double celebration for Pirelli, as 2010 marks the 50th anniversary of the Izmit facility’s opening and the Italian tyre maker’s operations in Turkey.
Fulda has announced the launch of the Kristall Control HP, its new cold weather tyre featuring “Snow Catcher Technology”, comprising the tyre’s carcass and tread design and full silica compound. The Kristall Control HP is designed to deliver improved performance on wet and snow covered roads.
Netherlands-based OTR tyre producer Magna Group has entered the Australian earthmoving tyre market with the arrival of Magna Tyres Australia in partnership with ADG Global Supply Pty Ltd. What is clear is that Magna Tyres is set to provide the market with a new alternative to the big three tyre makers. And this is a significant change because this market reportedly has not seen any new competitors in decades. The official Australian launch was held today (15 September 2010) in Perth, with numerous tyres on display and the opportunity to meet the founders of the Magna Group from The Netherlands. The launch of Magna’s OTR and industrial tyre range is accompanied by the construction of a new website – www.magnatyres.com.au.
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