Bridgestone North America Raises Prices
(Akron/Tire Review) Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire (BFNAT) announced that it was raising prices on its Bridgestone, Firestone, Dayton, associate and private brand tire lines by up to 8%.
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Will Bridgestone and USWA Resolve Differences?
Product News(Akron/Tire Review) Even after reports that negotiators had to take a break to accommodate the upcoming NCAA men’s basketball championships in St. Louis and the United Steelworkers of America’s (USWA) April national convention in Las Vegas, there remain concerns on whether the USWA and Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire (BFNAT) can resolve their apparently deep differences and reach agreement on a new master contract.
Global Off-Road Shortage
Product News(Australia/Tyre Review) There is no immediate end in sight to the global off-road tyre shortage, according to a recent report from Australia, and most tyremakers in Australia say things will remain tight for at least another year – perhaps longer.
According to the news report, the causes of the shortfall include the Chinese economy, which is taking large numbers of OTR tyres directly, heavy Chinese demand for raw materials which has increased demand for rubber-tyred mining equipment, worldwide rubber shortages, and a lack of investment in expanding tyre production.
Michelin Introduces New OTR Tyre
Product News(Akron/Tire Review) Michelin North America’s (MNA) earthmover group has introduced a new OTR tyre and expanded the size offerings of its X-Haul radial tyre.
The new X-Super Terrain AD tyre, available in size 23.5R25, was unveiled at the ConExpo show in Las Vegas. According to MNA, the new tyre is designed for use by articulated dump trucks, scrapers and loaders. Its deep tread and durable compound is said to extend tyre life, and its “rugged” shoulder and sidewall design provide protection from road hazards, the company said. Traction is enhanced by an “aggressive and self-cleaning tread design.” The Michelin X-Super Terrain AD tyre is an E4 radial tyre that reportedly reduces vibration and aids fuel economy through low rolling resistance.
Yokohama to Increase OTR Tyre Prices
Product News(Akron/Tire Review) In the US Yokohama Tire Corp will increase OTR tyre prices “across the board,” effective 1 April, the company announced. The tyre manufacturer’s OTR tyre line will increase by 3-8 per cent, and additional in-line adjustments will be made, it said. Detailed pricing information will be sent to dealers. Yokohama said the reasons for the increase include rising costs of resources, such as steel, fabric and petroleum-derived materials.
Michelin Boosts Earthmover Tyre Production
NewsGroupe Michelin has announced that it will increase earthmover tyre production capacity in both its Lexington, South Carolina, and Vitoria, Spain, plants. The capacity boost results from “unprecedented growth of the surface mining industry worldwide,” according to Michelin. The expansion plans complete production enhancements started by the manufacturer in 2003 and 2004.
Austrian Experts Test Off Road Tyres’ Winter Suitability
NewsThe Austrian Automotive Club, ÖAMTC, has tested five winter, two all-season and one conventional off road tyre for winter performance. All products were size 215/65 R16. According to the automobile club, snow braking performance really “separated the wheat from the chaff.” At a speed of 40 km/h the all-season tyres had a substantially longer braking distance than winter tyres.
Continental To Sell Another US Plant?
Product NewsContinental AG reportedly plans to sell its Bryan, Ohio, OTR tyre production plant, according to a German Reuters report. Other sources indicate that the company is in talks with an unknown buyer. Continental declined to make any further comment.
The Bryan plant is said to have nearly 300 employees and the capacity to produce up to 300 off-the-road tyres each day. Last October, Continental sold its worldwide agricultural division to Ceska Gumarenska Spolecnost (CGS). As part of the agreement, the Czech company continues to produce and trade Continental, Semperit, Barum and Euzkadi tyres.
Bandag Continuum with OTR
Product NewsBandag is set to introduce a new line of off-the-road precure retreads to the American tyre market.
The new range, Continuum, is designed for light and medium earthmover tyres and includes two serpentine tread designs, which, in Bandag’s words have been created to offer “greater flexibility than other retread application methods and products.”
Goodyear Announces Price Increases
Product NewsGoodyear Tire & Rubber has announced that it will raise prices on its consumer, commercial, farm and OTR tyres, effective the 1 September.
Consumer tyre prices will increase by up to five per cent and commercial tyre prices by two per cent. Farm tyre prices are set to go up by five per cent and OTR tyre prices will rise between three and five per cent.
According to a Goodyear spokesman all brands will be affected by the price increase. Company officials are citing escalating raw material costs, higher energy rates and rising transportation costs as the reasons behind the price rises.
Mitas moves into Irish market
Product NewsTyres from Czech manufacturer Mitas will be sold directly on to the Irish market from the beginning of November. The tyres will be sold through subsidiary company Mitas UK Ltd., which will be trading on the Irish market as Mitas Ireland. As well as agricultural and OTR tyres, Mitas Ireland will be selling earthmover, industrial and motorcycle tyres. The organisation will operate from a warehouse in County Kildare, run by sales manager Dave Deering.
New Goodyear OTR Tyre For Mines
Product NewsIn the USA, Goodyear has introduced a new OTR tyre, aimed at mining applications, size 45R57. The tyre is made in two pieces, with a casing and tread belt package that lock together and which are held together by air pressure. The tread belt package is replaceable and, should part of the tyre become damaged, replacement can be made in a fraction of the time needed for a conventional tyre.
Marangoni Pneumatici a new name in OTR in the UK
Product NewsMarangoni – in the UK the name Marangoni means little to the man in the street. To people in the tyre trade Marangoni in the UK means a quality mid-range tyre product, either as Marangoni or as Stunner from Group Tyre. Some may also be aware that Marangoni produce car and light truck retreads through their retread division Marangoni Pneumatici, headquartered at Rovereto in the North of Italy. Marangoni’s car tyre retread plant at Feltre produces up to 1.25 million pieces per year that are sold throughout Europe. Brenno Benaglia, sales and marketing director for Marangoni Pneumatici is at pains to explain that there are no plans at all to enter the UK market with truck tyre retreads. “It is not part of our business plan, it would create problems for our other operations if we were to take on our own customers in head to head competition.” However, the company will be exhibiting at the Hillhead Quarrying Exhibition with a view to introduce earthmover retreads.
Bob Skelton Steps Down At OTR
Product NewsBob Skelton, founder of OTR Tyres Ltd, has retired after 25 years at the helm. He passes the reigns on to Chris Skelton who has been managing director for the past five years. OTR Tyres Ltd. Is one of the largest OTR specialists in Europe and has leading operations in Ghana and Zambia.
New Distributor For Westlake
Product NewsEskay Tyres, based in Sittingbourne (Kent) have been appointed sole European distributors for the Westlake brand of radial and bias-ply tyres. The range includes passenger, light truck, truck, agricultural, ATV, OTR and industrial tyres.
