Product News Archives - Page 103 of 260

Goodyear ‘Aggressively’ Responding to the 2009 Market Environment

At the JP Morgan High Yield Conference on February 3, Goodyear Tire & Rubber discussed industry conditions during the final quarter of 2008 as well as the corresponding production cuts it undertook during the period.

“It is widely known that the economic slowdown is having a considerable impact on consumer demand and industry volume,” said Goodyear executive vice president and chief financial officer Darren R. Wells. “Fourth quarter industry volumes were well below expected levels, prompting a significant increase to our production cuts that now extend across all business units.” Wells said that Goodyear is responding ‘aggressively’ to the 2009 environment with additional cost savings and inventory reductions. “We continue to adjust production to reduce inventory levels and to keep pace with the lower demand environment.” The company plans to announce a series of new actions on its full-year conference call, scheduled to be held on February 18.

3rd February 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Teijin Reorganises High Performance Fibers Business Group

Product News

Tyre cord manufacturer Teijin Ltd. has announced the reorganisation of its High Performance Fibers Business Group into two new groups, to be named the Aramid Fibers Business Group and Carbon Fibers Business Group. As of April 1, 2009 these two groups will separately handle business related to aramid fibres and carbon fibres, increasing the number of business groups operated by Teijin to eight.

3rd February 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Aftermarket Show Review: Toyo

Premium, Product News

Acknowledging the problems faced by the motorsport and high-performance sectors, Toyo’s stand displayed the company’s commitment to two of its most important markets. In erecting an imposing stand, Toyo was clearly aiming to make an impact at January’s Autosport International Aftermarket Show, hosted by Birmingham’s NEC. Toyo’s determination to make their presence felt was exemplified by the attitude of Sarah Clavey, Toyo UK’s senior marketing executive: “At a time when uncertainty prevails, we were determined to show our commitment to grass roots motorsport and to showcase our range of tyres for 2009. We know that Autosport delivers our classic target audience and we wanted to put on a show that all visitors would remember. Our stand was much larger than in previous years and was designed to deliver impact”.

In addition to highlighting its involvement in more than 15 motorsport championships – covering hill climb, drag racing and modified production among numerous other series – the Japanese brand put on head-turning performances via their interactive stage shows. Over the four days they were delighted to be able to engage with many of the show’s 79,000 enthusiastic visitors. The motive behind this vibrant, interactive format was to attract and involve new enthusiasts and to bring the Toyo brand to life amongst one of its primary target markets.

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3rd February 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Michelin Launches American Le Mans Green X Challenge

Product News

Michelin announced today that it would become the title sponsor of the “Michelin Green X Challenge,” supporting its stated commitment to a cleaner, more fuel-efficient race series. Beginning at the 2009 ALMS season opener in Sebring, the award will be presented at each race to one prototype and one GT team demonstrating the best overall performance, fuel efficiency and least environmental impact throughout the length of the race.

“Stretching fuel in competition wins races. Lowering fuel consumption for consumers stretches wallets at a time when saving money and saving the planet are both top concerns,” said Scott Clark, COO, Michelin Americas Small Tires. “Providing support to the American Le Mans Series through the ‘Michelin Green X Challenge’ is a natural fit for us and together with our partners, we can help encourage teams and manufacturers to demonstrate a cleaner, more fuel-efficient way to race, while maintaining performance and the spirit of competition.”

3rd February 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Goodyear Recalling Mis-Labeled Tyres

Product News

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. is recalling certain Goodyear Eagle RS-A tyres, size P235/55R18 99V, manufactured during the week of 7 January, 2008. According to NHTSA, the tyres fail to conform to FMVSS 139 labeling requirements because they don’t have the correct tyre identification number displayed. The correct TIN appears on one sidewall, but not on the other. Goodyear will replace the recalled tyres for free, and will notify customers. (Tire Review/Akron)

3rd February 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Michelin Winter Tyre Recall Update

Product News

Michelin North America’s recall of 597 Michelin Pilot Alpin PA2 ZP winter tyres in size 225/50 R17 94H sold in the U.S. came because of a sidewall labeling issue. The mis-labeling was because the letters “DOT” are missing from both sidewalls of the affected tyres. The recall only applies to tyres containing DOT TIN identification code “6U0A 5JEX” and DOT TIN date codes between 3806 and 2308 inclusive.

“These tyres meet all performance criteria, but we must recall the affected tyres because they were produced without the required letters ‘DOT’ on the sidewall of the tyre.” said Francois Jacquin, passenger and light truck replacement tyre quality director for Michelin North America. “The issue has been corrected and consumers who purchased the affected tyres will receive new tyres that have the required ‘DOT’ letters free of charge.” (Tire Review/Akron)

3rd February 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Pack a Sub-Zero Survival Kit, Warns Kwik-Fit

Product News

The Met Office reports that the snow experienced across parts of the UK yesterday was the heaviest to have fallen in 18 years. With perhaps a whole generation of motorists therefore unaccustomed to conditions of this type, Kwik-Fit has issued timely advice to motorists, telling those who must continue using the roads in times of heavy snow to pack a ‘sub-zero survival kit’, in case they are stranded or face lengthy delays.

This warning comes in light of research from the automotive retailer, which found that motorists fail to carry the most basic of survival items, even in the most treacherous conditions. Indeed, even though a survey has indicated that more than a quarter of British motorists have been stranded by the roadside in wintry conditions, the majority lacked basic sub-zero survival items in their car.

3rd February 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

YHI Offers a Comprehensive Range of Automotive Products

Product News

For the YHI Group, Tyrexpo Asia is a hometown show. Although the distributor and manufacturer boasts subsidiaries and associated companies in Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, USA, Japan, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UAE and Italy, the Group’s activities are directed from Singapore. From humble beginnings as a sole proprietorship in 1948, YHI has grown to become a mainboard-listed company on the Singapore stock exchange and a recognised distributor of high quality automotive and industrial products and a quality manufacturer of after-market alloy wheels. The tyre brands YHI distribute include Yokohama, JK Tyre, Achilles and its own brand, Neuton.

3rd February 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Good Friend Tyre Signs US Trade Contract

Product News

Chinese tyre manufacturer Good Friend Tyre has allegedly signed a trade contract with an unnamed US based company. The deal, reported by ChinaRealNews, is said to be worth around US$100 million.

Good Friend Tyre mainly manufacturers radial truck tyres, and in 2008 exported $30 million worth of products. These tyres are manufactured at the company’s Henan Province facility, which is said to have an annual capacity of 1.2 million pieces. Work on the facility commenced in 2005 and some RMB 560 million has been invested in the project. According to Good Friend Tyre, all products manufactured there are DOT, ECE and ISO9001 2001 certified, and current export markets include Europe, the US and Southeast Asia.

3rd February 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

The 3rd Azerbaijan International Spare Parts, Accessories and Service Equipment Exhibition

Product News

The Autoparts Exhibition has become an important meeting place for the representatives of the automobile industry for exchanging information and experiences. AutoParts 2009 will present automobile parts, engines and mechanics, accumulators, electric equipment and electronics, gearboxes, exhaust systems, steering control, break systems, suspensions, automobile accessories, audiosystems, technical maintenance of automobiles, production equipment and tuning. The AutoParts exhibition is intended for exhibitors who supply materials, equipment and services for the automobile industry and automobile operation. Iteca Caspian LLC and the ITE Group are the organisers of the exhibition and The Ministry of Transport of Azerbaijan, Head Office of State Road Police and Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation offer official support. For the first time there will also be a wide range of tyres from the world’s leading manufacturers and automobile car-washers for commercial transport at the exhibition.

Over 50 leading brands from European and Asian countries have confirmed their participation in the exhibition so far. Companies from Japan, Italy, Germany, Turkey, UAE, Iran, China, India, Russia, Belarus and Finland have confirmed their participation.

Both the Azerbaijan automobile market and the AutoParts exhibition are increasing in size. The demand for spare parts and accessories from different manufacturing countries is not only based on local repairs, but also for buses, agricultural machinery and company cars and the many companies and entrepreneurs that are involved in the Azerbaijan automobile business. The AutoParts 2009 exhibition provides an opportunity to demonstrate and promote products from global manufacturers for repair and maintenance of automobile. AutoParts 2009 will also present the possibility to increase international contacts, sign contracts and demonstrate to visitors new products available within the Caspian market.

Companies who may be interested in exhibiting or attending this show please contact:-

Babek Amashov
Project Manager
ITE Group Plc / Iteca Caspian LLC
Baku, Azerbaijan
Tel: + 994 12 4474774
Fax: + 994 12 4478558
Mob: + 994 55 348 80 55
E-mail: auto@iteca.az
www.autoparts.iteca.az

2nd February 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Delticom Stores Granted TÜV Shopping Seal of Approval

Product News

European online tyre retailer Delticom has expressed ‘delight’ that its online shops have been given the seal of approval by German certifier TÜV. Starting with the company’s German ReifenDirekt.de site, fifteen of Delticom’s shopping websites have been awarded TÜV S@fer Shopping status, and the company hopes this distinction will signal to customers a safer and comfortable online purchase.

There are strict requirements for the TÜV award, which is renewed every year in extensive tests. The certification focuses on a number of areas, including user-friendliness and transparency. Amongst other site qualities, TÜV requires that online customers find a clear menu navigation that allows them to complete the purchase process easily. Whether or not a site assures the protection of consumer data is another important factor taken into account.

2nd February 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Performance Fibers Reduces Salisbury Workforce by 20%

Product News

During the last week of January, US based fibre producer Performance Fibers announced it had laid off a fifth of the workforce at its Salisbury, North Carolina facility. The plant, which includes HMSL tyre yarn in its production portfolio, is one of the local area’s ten largest employers – although the precise number of employees affected by the layoffs is not known as Performance Fibers holds the size of its workforce at Salisbury confidential for competitive reasons.

“This reduction in the workforce is part of a year-long effort at Performance Fibers to right-size our manufacturing footprint to better align with the needs of our customers’ demands for our products,” said company spokesman Jay Pomeroy. “While some of these reductions were due to the economy, they are more tied to the long-term strategy of serving our customers and keeping our business profitable.”

2nd February 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Michelin to Open Serbia Logistics Centre

Product News

Serbia’s Tanjug news agency reports that Michelin intends to open a logistics centre within the country. Michelin Group managing partner Michel Rollier met with Serbian deputy Prime Minister Bozidar Djelic during the Davos economic forum, says Tanjug, and plans were made for to establish such a facility before the middle of 2010.

Also on the agenda was production capacity: “We discussed the possibility of increasing production from six million tyres a year, the current output of Tigar–Michelin Company and we will keep working on that,” added Djelic.

2nd February 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Alcoa Continues in Forged Wheel Business

Product News

Alcoa Inc’s recently announced restructuring plan is designed to help the company weather adverse global economic conditions and as such includes “decisive action,” according to the company. However, despite what some media sources erroneously reported, Alcoa is not exiting the forged aluminium wheel business. In a statement sent to Tyres & Accessories on 2 February company said: “Alcoa will continue to produce forged aluminium wheels for both auto and commercial vehicle applications.” The confusion appears to have been caused by the fact that Alcoa is exiting the cast passenger car wheel business and will consolidate and close its Beloit, Wisconsin, plant by 1 June 2009.

2nd February 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Bridgestone’s Laubie Retires

Product News

Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations today announced that Dave Laubie, long-time head of Bridgestone’s U.S. sales engineering efforts, has retired. Laubie was vice president of sales engineering, and had been with the company since 1970. His retirement was effective 1 February. William Thomas, most recently the assistant plant manager for Bridgestone Argentina, will assume Laubie’s responsibilities in the role of executive director of sales engineering.

The recipient of TMC’s Silver Spark Plug Award began his career in the international division of Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. and worked in a number of international posts before joining Bridgestone (USA) in 1982. He became sales engineering vice president in 2003. (Tire Review/Akron)

2nd February 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

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