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SDS Systemtechnik Celebrates Its 10th Anniversary

One of the leading manufacturers of systems for non-destructive tyre testing based on Interferometric Shearography, SDS Systemtechnik of Calw, Germany is celebrating 10 years in business this year. Since its foundation in 1998, the company has grown steadily. Starting with a staff of 10, Stefan Dengler’s original tyre-testing mechanism – built in the early 1990s – was used as the basis for serial-built machines of greater complexity. At the end of 2007, the number of installations had increased to over 300 with 20 employees, representatives across the globe and a new production hall in Calw.

In addition to the 10-year growth of the company, SDS has taken great pains to remain at the technological forefront of the industry. The organisation has optimised existing installations, bringing the latest technology to tyre testing machinery, providing up-to-date conditions in which tyres can be put through their paces. The company has developed its computer and laser technology, successfully applying for a range of patents and pushing forwards the quality and performance of its machinery.

23rd June 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Lanxess Increasing Tyre Production Chemical Prices

The Rubber Chemicals business unit of Lanxess AG is increasing prices for the antioxidants (Vulkanox), accelerators (Vulkacit) and specialties (Vulkazon, Coagulant, KS 95) as of July 1, 2008. Increases will be in the range of up to US$1,200 per tonne, depending on the product and region. The company reports that continued cost increases have, in spite of cost-cutting programmes previously introduced, made a price rise unavoidable.

23rd June 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Michelin Figures Reveal Varying Fortunes

Michelin reports healthy OE sales of radial truck tyres throughout Europe in May and for the 2008 year to date. Sales for the month were 11.2 per cent greater than those of a year earlier. Sales were significantly weaker in the replacement market, were a decline of 12.5 per cent on May 2007 was reported, and in both the OE and replacement segments of the European market. During the month unit sales for these dropped 4.9 and 4.3 per cent respectively. Sales of OE passenger car tyres for the period between January and the end of May, contrary to the month’s figures, were up 3.1 per cent, while the replacement sales dropped 1.9 per cent. Truck tyre OE sales increased 14.3 per cent in Europe between January and May, while sales in the replacement market was down 4.6 per cent on the five-month period of 2007.

23rd June 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Hankook Announces Increased Environmental Technology Spending

Korea’s Hankook Tire has released details of its plans for an annual total of “at least 12.5 million euros” research and development spending on eco-friendly technology in the coming years. The company noted the industry trend towards decreased rolling resistance and fuel consumption as key concepts to be investigated using the money, while ensuring the sustainability of the manufacturing operation will also take up a key position in the ongoing research.

The announcement, prompted by the current climate of environmental awareness, is set to more than treble Hankook’s current fund for eco-conscious research, with the figure boosted to 0.5 per cent of the manufacturer’s global annual revenue – an increase of 350 per cent. Reportedly the world’s “fastest growing tyre manufacturer”, the firm’s commitment to R&D in this sector is designed to meet the growing demand of the market for ever-greater levels of environmental friendliness.

23rd June 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

New Marketer Adds Colour-Coded Tread Wear Warning

A new private label tyre company based in Oregon, USA has launched its first product, one with an interesting twist. Icon Tire’s new I/Q LT7 line features what the company calls “Visual Tire Performance Indicators” (VTPI), stud-like devises designed to help drivers see when a tyre has worn to its removal mileage.

Icon said the new tyres and system will be available to dealers and retailers by the end of this year. Initially there will be 12 sizes, Icon said, focused on minivans and SUVs. Icon said the new line was “developed through a non-exclusive license of Smart Tread LLC’s patented performance testing and identification method, and Icon’s patent pending stud design.”

23rd June 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Falken Swoops on Nürburgring

Falken Tyres recently invited UK tyre retailers to Germany’s legendary motor racing circuit, the Nürburgring, for a weekend of motorsport. Micheldever Tyres, the UK’s exclusive distributer of the Japanese manufacturer’s products, were joined by dealers from across the UK as guests of Falken for the annual Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club’s 24-Hour race.

As one of the fastest-growing brands within Europe, Falken have made their presence felt in the UK especially with the release of the Assymetric 912 range. During the weekend, retailers commented on the exceptionally high customer satisfaction gained from buyers of the 912 Supertyre. Additional praise for Falken came from Micheldever’s Sales Director, Alan Baldwin: “Product quality is as expected of a top six world manufacturer…2008 has seen a significant increase in our Falken sales.”

23rd June 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

American Tire Corporation to Hold Goodyear Acquisition Lectures

It appears American Tire Corporation (ATC) still holds a strong interest in acquiring the Goodyear OTR tyre facility in Kansas, USA. To follow on from the letter sent to Goodyear regarding this on April 21, ATC is organising a number of information events and has invited a number of senior Goodyear exports to speak at these. These speeches are due to be held at the ATC facility in California on June 23 and “thereafter”, a press release from ATC states.

23rd June 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Get the Hump With New Mak Run-Flat Wheel

MAK has launched the Fuoco, an innovative new SUV wheel featuring a special hump that allows particular run-flat tyres to be fitted to it. “Hump EH2+” holds ETRTO homologation, which opens up a whole new market for MAK. According to the company, the run-flat aftermarket is “profitable and very interesting [because] it is composed of customers and suppliers that represent prestigious car makers (for example BMW) on one hand, and people with an high purchasing power on the other hand.”

The MAK Fuoco is available in the following size range: 8J20”, 9J20”, 10,5J20”.

23rd June 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Goodyear Appoints New Airship PR Manager

Not everyone get the opportunity to be the public face for a blimp, but in the US Sara Waldman has taken on this perhaps unique position. Goodyear has announced Ms Waldman’s appointment to the role of public relations manager for the airship “Spirit of Innovation.” In her new position, Ms Waldman will be responsible for strategic and day-to-day public relations, marketing support communications, media outreach, community affairs and scheduling activities surrounding the airship’s operations from its base in Pompano Beach, Florida.

23rd June 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Egesil Silica Capacity Increased to Meet European Demand

Capacity has been expanded at the Turkish joint venture silica facility belonging to Evonik Industries AG. Following the addition of a new dryer, in operation since the second half of last year, capacity at Egesil AS in Adapazari, near Izmit, has been lifted to 40,000 tons a year. Growing demand for tyre silica in Europe is the key factor behind the decision to take such a measure.

23rd June 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Report: Retreads are Greener than New Tyres

An independent analysis carried out to compare the relative carbon footprints of new tyres and retreaded tyres has concluded that the process required to manufacture and distribute a retreaded tyre produces significantly less carbon emissions than that required to produce a new tyre. The report, commissioned for the Centre for Remanufacturing and Reuse (embedded within Oakdene Hollins Ltd) and carried out by carbon footprint specialists Best Foot Forward, compares the carbon footprint of a new and a retread 17.5” tyre for use by light commercial vehicles.

This study showed that the manufacture of a 17.5” new tyre produces 86.9 kg CO2 emissions compared to 60.5 kg CO2 for an equivalent retread tyre, a saving of 26.4 kg. This equates to a reduction of emissions by 30 per cent.

20th June 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Bandengroothandel Mast: Heavy Tyre Development

Netherlands based industrial tyre specialist Bandengroothandel Mast placed a particular emphasis upon its expanded range of very large, heavy tyres for port and quarry duties at Reifen 2008. A key product on display was the large industrial tyre from Tianli, the HarbourMaster. This item, says Mast, attracted much attention from visitors at the show. Company director, Sander Mast, stated: “During the past eighteen months we have extensively increased our activity within the large industrial sector of the market and can provide a very flexible and diverse selection of large patterns and sizes for busy port and quarry and mining environments. The Tianli HarbourMaster is a specialist harbour tyre complete with an L5 compound and extra deep tread which has already been very well received around the world in busy port working environments.”

20th June 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Michelin North America to Invest $90M in Lexington Facility

A US$90 million investment is planned for Michelin North America’s facility in Lexington, South Carolina. The additional capital will be used to upgrade plant equipment and expand capacity at the site’s passenger car and OTR tyre factories. The news was announced by the company during a ceremony held in the region on June 19, at which it thanked local public officials and development agencies for their support of Michelin’s continued growth in Lexington.

“Lexington has been a great place for Michelin to produce some of the best tyres in the world,” said Jim Micali, chairman and president, Michelin North America, Inc. “And, we hope that Michelin has been equally good for Lexington County. We especially thank the South Carolina Department of Commerce and the chairman and members of the Lexington County Council, without whose support this investment would not be possible. Their efforts directly impact Michelin’s ability to expand manufacturing at this site and to continue to provide quality jobs in Lexington.”

20th June 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Continental Produces 500 millionth Floating Brake Calliper

On July 19 Continental celebrated the production of the world’s 500 millionth floating calliper at its facility in Rheinböllen, Germany. Commenting on the occasion, Heinz Zingel, executive vice president of the Company’s Hydraulic Brake Systems Business Unit, which belongs to the Chassis & Safety Division, said “Each year, the Hydraulic Brake Systems Business Unit produces more than 33 million floating callipers at sites in Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, Portugal, the Slovak Republic, the USA, Brazil, China, Japan and Taiwan. Annual production is some ten million at Rheinböllen alone, making it the world’s leading production site for Continental brake callipers.”

20th June 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Analysts: Michelin Aiming for 10% of Hankook

Deutsche Bank analysts have characterised Michelin’s option to buy a 10 per cent shareholding in Hankook as a “goal” and added that they expect “more concentration in the future for the tyre industry.” The fact that Michelin’s decision to increase its stockholding in Hankook only a month after Bridgestone bought 8.7 per cent of Toyo Tire & Rubber was certainly not lost on the market watchers. “A tie-up with a competitor [like Hankook] should get them: Better OE prices – The industry has been so far incapable of fully passing off raw material price increases; Economies of scale on purchasing; and a geographical advantage (Hankook being very strong in China),” the analysts surmised, concluding: “It might take time before they can duplicate a Renault/Nissan type alliance, especially as we do not know how strong if any, the relationship between Michelin and the Cho family (controlling 35 per cent of Hankook) is.”

20th June 2008/by Tyrepress Editors