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William Daly Passes Away

B.I.T.S director Bill Daly sadly passed away on Sunday 28 June after a courageous battle with cancer. Bill, an industrious and caring person, spent all of his working life in the tyre industry. His career began some 43 years ago in the local office of Firestone. Through a lot of hard work and determination, he gained successive promotions and progressed to administration manager for Firestone, covering the northern part of the UK.

In August 1982 Bill joined B.I.T.S, a member of The County Tyre Group of Companies, and together with Stan Naylor started the first expansion of B.I.T.S in the North at Preston. Through the success of the Preston location and Bill’s dedication, he was made a director of B.I.T.S Group in 1996. He was a valuable and influential member of the team, contributing greatly to the further expansion of B.I.T.S. He will be very dearly missed by his wife Linda and his loss will also be deeply felt by his many colleagues, some of whom have known Bill since he was a teenager.

1st July 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Alcoa Appoints Kramer to New Growth Initiatives Position

Alcoa’s Wheel and Transportation Products business president Kevin B. Kramer has been appointed to a newly created position within the company. He will now serve as president, Growth Initiatives, and in this role is responsible for supporting Alcoa’s commercialisation strategies for organic growth, including the commercialisation of research and development initiatives and identifying and developing new applications that respond to market trends and customers’ needs. In addition, he will support the development and execution of global marketing programs for aluminium applications across existing and new market opportunities.

1st July 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

US News: ‘Cash for Clunkers’ Begins July 23

Last week, President Obama signed into law the “Cash for Clunkers” programme, now known as the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), which is expected to begin later this month.

While the CARS Act makes transactions on and after July 1 potentially eligible for credits under the CARS programme, interested dealers and consumers may want to wait until all of the detailed issues that must be addressed in the implementing regulations are resolved and the final rule is issued, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), administrator of the programme. Issuance will occur around July 23. The government has established the CARS.gov Web site to help keep consumers informed on the project. The site features basic FAQs as well as information about what NHSTA is doing to prevent fraud. (Tire Review/Akron)

1st July 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

FR380 Tyres Recalled by Bridgestone/Firestone in US

Bridgestone/Firestone has recalled 127,000 Firestone FR380 tyres manufactured between 9 September 2007 and 2 July 2008 in the size P235/75R15. Continued use could lead to vibration and groove cracking. The company will notify buyers and replace the products free of charge, including mounting and balancing.

Tire Review adds that the recall will encompass 127,183 tyres manufactured with insufficient tread base gauge, which could lead to tread distortion or separation. The tyres were produced at the Bridgestone de Costa Rica S.A. plant in San Jose, Costa Rica.

The US journal reports that Bridgestone Americas said that it was possible that a small number of these tyres from the additional production weeks may have been sold in the Canadian replacement market. The recalled tires carry DOT numbers starting with WBHL 380 3607 through and including WBHL 380 3008.

1st July 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Forecast Sees 4.5% Jump in Aftermarket Sales

A new channel forecast predicts US aftermarket sales to increase 4.5 per cent in 2010. The study was funded jointly by three major automotive aftermarket trade associations and is included in the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) Digital Factbook 2010.

Taking the US economy into account with widely fluctuating gasoline prices, reduced miles driven, tightening credit markets and growing unemployment, total US motor vehicle aftermarket sales in 2008 were about even with the previous year rising only 0.2 per cent.

As the recession continues to hold down consumer spending, a decline of 1.3 per cent is anticipated for the 2009 calendar year followed by a rebound of 4.5 per cent in 2010, the forecast said. The model was created AAIA, the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) and the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). (Tire Review/Akron)

1st July 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Yokohama Rally Tyres “Performing Brilliantly”: Tom Cave

Following a Rally Poland with large measures of success and frustration, young British World Rally Championship driver Tom Cave reserved special praise for his tyre supplier Yokohama, which uniquely provides the rubber for his Ford Fiesta: “The Yokohama tyres worked extremely well for us this weekend. We used the 195 section tyres and the outright grip was exactly what we needed. The tyres were also incredibly consistent and stood up to the conditions exceptionally well. We had no damage or puncture issues at all and they were very hard wearing as well as performing brilliantly.”

The 17 year-old from Aberdovey won 13 of the 15 stages he contested in his class (Group N3, up to 2000cc), but was denied the class victory when the cylinder head gasket on his Ford Fiesta rally car failed on Saturday, meaning he had to retire from the second day and incur time penalties before rejoining and finishing the event on Sunday. Though disappointed with the result, Cave expressed his delighted with the pace that he, co-driver Craig Parry, the team and the Yokohama tyres had demonstrated over the weekend. Commenting after the finish, he said; “While I’m obviously extremely disappointed that we didn’t get the result we hoped for up until the problem with the engine, we can definitely take a lot of positives from this event. Fastest stage time in class with the exception of one proper stage shows that our notes were working very well and the car was perfect, except for the engine problem. I think this was the weekend where everything seemed to come together – at the beginning and the end, at any rate!”

1st July 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Protyre Outlet Wins Michelin Motorcycle Tyre Retail Award

A pan-European retail award programme instigated by Michelin and designed to raise the standard of selling and fitting motorcycle and scooter tyres has been awarded to the Protyre outlet in Gloucester, the first in the UK.

The programme sets very high standards for a variety of customer facing elements at the retail end of the motorcycle tyre buying process. From ease of parking, point of sale, the attitude of the staff, waiting area, the selling process, tyre handling and fitting process – a total ride in/ride out service with the customer being the single most important focus, in essence a professional point of sale. The Protyre Gloucester outlet was the first UK tyre location to undergo this rigorous examination audit and passed with flying colours. A key element to gaining the award was the highly committed and professional approach adopted by the Gloucester team who have both an interest and passion for everything on two wheels. Two other Protyre outlets are currently being assessed under the Michelin Business Programme.

1st July 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Conti AutoLinQ Takes Cars Online

The debate on exactly what automotive components and add-ons belong in the “accessories” section of T&A has been raging since June 1946, and to perfectly honest it may continue to be discussed over morning coffee for many years to come. With any luck these caffeine-fuelled conversations will err in favour of a new development from Continental AG, the AutoLinQ. This hardware and software solution from the company’s Interior division achieves the far from insignificant feat of taking the humble motorcar online.

Conti poses a hypothetical scenario: You have flown off on vacation and are sitting in the sun, and suddenly something pops into your head…“Did I shut my car window?”

1st July 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

NDI UK: Any Brand at the Right Price

The relatively recent management changes at NDI UK, the UK division of Nordisk Daek Import A-S of Denmark, have led to the company refocusing on the trading policy that has worked so well for the group’s other international divisions – competing in all market sectors, including earthmover and OTR tyres. According to the company, NDI holds the position of being the largest tyre wholesaler in Scandinavia and can therefore act as a solid base for providing NDI UK with the ability to offer the UK market a multi-brand selection of earthmover and OTR tyres.

Based in Coseley, West Midlands, NDI UK consider themselves to be well positioned to provide a prompt and efficient delivery service throughout the UK. Managing director, Ian Smith commented: “The company prides itself on holding an extensive stockholding of both earthmover and OTR tyre patterns plus we have the added bonus of being able to draw on one of the largest stocks in Europe at our headquarter base in Denmark.

1st July 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

TerraPlus – Terrier of the Tundra

In creating the new TerraPlus, it looks like the technicians at chain maker Rud-Erlau were aiming for a product that would get really stuck in. Billed as “an evolution of the snow chain and a revolution in traction,” the TerraPlus is a dynamic, technically-advanced traction chain designed to go beyond the highway and safely into the wilds of the snowfield, the forest or the coal mine.

According to the manufacturer it is easy to fit and available in popular diameters of 11mm, 14mm and 16mm, the distinctive ’Z’ shaped links have excellent wear and self-cleaning characteristics while the studs ensure optimum traction. Now in use in 28 countries, whether in deep snow or soft ground, the TerraPlus reportedly offers sure-footed traction for a wide range of equipment including; snow ploughs, forestry vehicles, graders, dump trucks and wheeled loaders.

1st July 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

EM and OTR Tyre Maintenance from Rema Tip Top

Rema Tip Top is promoting the company’s solutions for keeping EM and OTR (Off the Road) Tyres running smoothly for longer. According to company literature, Rema Tip Top can support your tyre maintenance requirements with first class repair and renewal products and certified installation training and guidance.

At the forefront of the range, Rema Tip Top radial and cross ply patches provide a durable repair system designed for the permanent repair on earthmover and OTR tyres. Rema Tip Top radial patches are made of high-strength rayon cord whilst the company’s cross ply patches are pre-cured patches with thermoset nylon cord – both types are designed to promote strength and flexibility for current and new-generation EM and OTR tyres. Radial and cross ply patches are suitable for hot or self-vulcanisation due to an integrated bonding layer optimised for use with Rema Tip Top accelerator cements or solutions.

1st July 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Global Natural Rubber Production Shows 2009 Decline

Production of natural rubber in the seven countries that account for 93 per cent of world supplies – Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Vietnam, China and Sri Lanka – is continuing to fall. Data covering the period to May 2009 indicated that natural rubber in Thailand (the country that supplies a third of the world’s requirements) dropped 22 per cent during the first four months of 2009 to 107,175 thousand tons. In the first five months of the year Malaysian output fell 28 per cent to 47,333 thousand tons due to a combination of factors including lower than anticipated rains which slowed tapping activity, poor export demand and an ongoing replanting programme. Replanting and the resultant reduction in tappable crop area were largely responsible for production in Vietnam declining 22 per cent year-on-year in the January to May period to 11,036 thousand tons, while natural rubber output in India fell nine per cent in the first five months of the year.

1st July 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Alcoa Partners Renault Premium Lander 8×4 Concrete Mixer

Alcoa Wheels and Renault Trucks collaborated at April’s Intermat show in Paris, showing Renault’s new Premium Lander 8×4 extra-light concrete mixer presented exclusively with Alcoa’s wide base single wheels for drive axles. By converting this vehicle from twelve 22.5 x 9.00 aluminium wheels and corresponding tyres on all axles to four 22.5 x 9.00 wheels and four 22.5 x 17.00 Alcoa wheels and corresponding super single tyres on the drive axles, a total weight of 261 kg is saved, of which Alcoa wheels alone reportedly account for 196 kg.

Compared to a 4-axle vehicle on steel wheels in size 22.5 x 9.00, the weight saving by switching to aluminium wheels, including the four 22.5 x 17.00 wheels and corresponding tyres on the drive axles, is said to be as much as 475 kg.

1st July 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Mid East Industry Representatives Meet to Discuss Barbican Turbo

Representatives from the custom, tuning and motorsports industry have met in Dubai to discuss the Barbican Turbo show, which will be held between the 8th and 10th October at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. Last year’s inaugural show was attended by more than 19,000 enthusiasts, a very respectable headcount for a first-time show. Critical to the show’s ongoing success, believes organiser United Business Media, is direct input from the industry about Barbican Turbo’s future development and how it can meet the needs of participating companies.

“We are especially pleased the organisers have decided to involve us and other companies in the event process as it allows them to produce an event that we actually want and need to support our businesses goals,” stated Foilacar managing director Swen Roters, who was present at the Dubai meeting.

1st July 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

PK Commercial Tyres Enters Earthmover Market

Ashford, Kent-based PK Commercial Tyres recently entered the heavy industrial/earthmover tyre market with the purchase of a 26 ton (6×4) Renault truck complete with a sleeper cab, 38 ton crane, tyre handler and London emissions. The latest addition to commercial tyres’ fleet has over £10,000 worth of the heavy tools, and the latest tyre fitting equipment. For example, the new UHL tyre handler, alone cost in excess of £18,000. The vehicle is capable of handling 85 per cent of all the Earthmover tyres in the UK market.

Upon further investigation, the reasons behind Kuske’s decision to move into the EM tyre business are clear. After a series of bad experiences contacting out the work, necessity proved to be the mother of invention and Kuske appears to have decided that his company could do a better job.

1st July 2009/by Tyrepress Editors