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ArvinMeritor to Close Carrollton Wheel Assembly Facility

Global market weakness has been cited as the reason behind ArvinMeritor’s decision to idle its Carrollton facility. Wheel end assembly operations at the plant, located in the US state of Kentucky, will be moved to other facilities in Kentucky and Ohio and the machining and casting activities currently performed on-site will be outsourced.

“Although the employees in Carrollton have demonstrated a strong commitment to performance and quality, the continued weakness in the global markets has driven the company to aggressively reduce costs to lower its breakeven point,” said Wayne Watson, general manager, North American Operations for ArvinMeritor. “Closing the Carrollton operation is another necessary step toward improving the company’s overall cost structure.”

18th May 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Conti Launches Next Generation Commercial Tyres

Continental has announced the launch of its new range of commercial vehicle regional and long distance tyres. The manufacturer has called the launch its “biggest for ten years”, representing four new design features for the second generation of steer and drive tyres, joining the HTR 2, which has been on the market for about a year. The tyres feature entirely new inner liner technology, dubbed AirKeep for its ability to stay inflated for longer, in addition to modifications to the belt, bead and contour design.

Conti is backing up its new range with a “Technology Truck” tour throughout Europe, including a visit to the UK in June, to showcase the range to fleet managers and dealers, as well as providing a new electronic tool, based on research conducted by Continental and certified by DEKRA, which calculates the economic and ecological benefits of fitting the new range to customers’ fleets: the ContiCostCalculator. The series 2 regional and long distance tyres will be available initially in the following sizes: Regional HSR 2 (steer) and HDR 2 (drive) – 295/80R22.5, 315/80R22.5, 315/70R22.5; HTR 2 (trailer) – 385/65R22.5, 445/65R22.5. Long-Distance HSL 2 (steer) and HDL 2 (drive) – 295/60R22.5, 315/60R22.5. The HTL 1 series trailer tyre is still available in sizes 385/55R22.5, 385/55R19.5 and 445/45R19.5.

18th May 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

TRW Opens China Test Facility

TRW Automotive Holdings has announced the opening of a new test track in Heihe, northern China. Work at the site began in 2006 and TRW states that during the last three years a “significant investment” has been made in the facility. The track specialises in winter testing and includes a variety of track surfaces designed to test active safety systems such as advanced braking and steering systems and integrated vehicle control and driver assist technologies. According to TRW, the opening of the test track, which is to receive support from the company’s Shanghai technical centre engineers, completes its footprint to locally engineer products and applications for China-based customers.

18th May 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Richbrook Offers ‘Pro Valve’ Bolt-in Wheel Valves

Why do some enthusiast enthusiasts think nothing of forking out a four-figure sum on a decent set of wheels and tyres and then finish them off with a cheap rubber valve? That’s the question Richbrook are asking with the launch of their latest range of high quality low weight wheel valves aimed at so-called “automotive aesthetes.” As the title suggests, these new units are simply bolted into the wheel to not only provide a more secure fitment and seal, but also a subtle visual kick to any style of wheel. They’re also a worthwhile addition to any track car or club motorsport racer looking to remove the worry of rubber valve failure during those more ‘press-on’ moments. Priced from just £12.95 for a set of four, they don’t cost much, but they do make a better aesthetic impact than the standard rubber valves.

18th May 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Lockout Declared at MRF Facility

According to a statement lodged with the Bombay Stock Exchange, Indian tyre manufacturer MRF Ltd has declared a lockout at its Arkonam facility in Tamil Nadu “on account of labour unrest in the factory.” The lock out officially commenced at 3.00pm local time on May 17, the statement adds.

18th May 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Michelin and Goodyear Top JD Power Survey

Michelin and Goodyear have topped the most recent JD Power (OE) tyre satisfaction survey in three segments, while Goodyear won in one segment. Michelin ranked highest in the luxury, passenger car and truck/utility segments, while Goodyear topped the performance sport segment. Within each of the four segments (luxury, passenger car, performance sport, and truck/utility) four factors are examined to measure tire owner satisfaction: wearability, appearance, traction/handling, and ride. Rankings are based on owners’ experiences with their tyres after two years of ownership.

In the passenger car and luxury segments, Michelin performed particularly well in the wearability and appearance factors. In the truck/utility segment, Michelin performs particularly well in the tyre wearability factor. Goodyear ranked highest in the performance sport segment. While the tyre manufacturer performed well in traction and handling, according to the survery, Goodyear differentiates itself in the area of tyre wearability.

18th May 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

ContiSportContact 3 Specially Modified for Panamera Fitment

Hot on the heels of OE reports from Michelin and Pirelli is news that Continental has especially adapted its ContiSportContact 3 for the Porsche Panamera. Conti states the new sports saloon will be launched with its tyres, tweaked to match the car’s chassis and particular specifications. This limited series of Porsche specific tyres will display the designation ‘N0’ after the product name as a point of difference from the standard ContiSportContact 3.

The Panamera’s front wheels will be fitted with size 255/45 ZR 19 (100Y) tyres while the rear will wear size 285/40 ZR 19 (103Y). The alternative sizes 245/50 ZR 18 (100Y) and 275/45 ZR 18 (103Y) have also been approved by Porsche for the Panamera and also carry the special designation ‘N0’.

18th May 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Gerstenberger Leaving CTNA for Hannover Tyre Retail Post

After spearheading the turnaround of Continental Tire North America’s consumer tyre business, Andreas Gerstenberger will now turn his attention to Continental AG’s retail store business. Gerstenberger was named executive vice president of ContiTrade, which operates company-owned and franchised retail tire stores in 12 European countries. He will relocate to Hannover, Germany, later this year. Bill Caldwell, head of CTNA’s passenger and light truck tire OE business, was named to replace Gerstenberger. He will serve as vice president of sales and marketing.

“Andreas has played a pivotal role in building an excellent marketing and sales team that contributed significantly to the turn around of CTNA’s operations,” said Matthias Schoenberg, CTNA CEO. “He developed an outstanding team, and together they delivered for us a consistent marketing strategy, which included the revamping of the Continental and General tire brands, developing innovative consumer promotions as well as growing our retail footprint to ensure profitable growth for CTNA.

15th May 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Michelin Pays $375,000 to Settle Advertising Complaint

In the US Tennessee state Attorney General, Bob Cooper, yesterday announced a multi-state settlement with Michelin North America “regarding alleged misrepresentations Michelin made in its advertising of Michelin fuel efficient tyres.” The manufacturer agreed to make minor changes in the copy of print advertisements it has run concerning the purported fuel efficiency of its tyres, and is paying $375,000 to cover the alleged cost of the investigation, Tire Review reports. The attorney general, though, “acknowledges that Michelin fully cooperated with the multi-state investigation and the investigation did not question the safety or quality of Michelin’s tyres.” Michelin, which said it followed prevailing Federal Trade Commission advertising guidelines, denied any wrongdoing.

The Tennessee attorney general reacted to a complaint filed by Bridgestone Americas, which Michelin claimed was the only complaint filed. However, attorney general spokesperson Sharon Curtis-Flair told Boston media that “the investigation started based on a consumer complaint, not a complaint by Bridgestone.” Other states joining the agreement include Alaska, Arizona, Delaware, Iowa, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas and Vermont. Each will receive a share of Michelin’s settlement payment.

15th May 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Irish Tyre Industry Criticised Over Waste Management

The Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government has blasted the tyre industry for its failure to comply to the Waste Management (Tyres and Waste Tyres) Regulations 2007. According to the Irish Trucker website, Department officials met with members of the Irish Tyre Industry Association (ITIA) to discuss complying with the regulations amid growing fears over how tyres are disposed of. Furthermore, the legal requirements have reportedly been sent to all members of the ITIA in the hope that the regulations will be adhered to on a more regular basis from now on.

15th May 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Marshal Adopts New Brand Identity

Marshal has adopted a new brand identity. Marshal has been produced by Korean manufacturer Kumho Tire for 25 years ago and is sold in many countries around the world, including Australia, Germany, Italy and the UK – its largest single market.

According to a press release detailing the new brand ID, the smart grey and yellow logo will sometimes be used alone and sometimes in conjunction with the familiar red Marshal background. The new ‘signature’ was reportedly designed to better reflect the clean, high-tech image of the brand’s contemporary product range.

15th May 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Pirelli P Zero Tyre of the Year 2009

Auto Express has named the Pirelli P Zero ‘Tyre of the Year, ahead of three other competing brands. According to the magazine, Pirelli won the award for design a tyre with the best balance of braking and handling in the wet and dry, aquaplaning, rolling resistance and price.

Auto Express commented: “Designing tyres is all about trading off performance in one area for a gain in another However, Pirelli has certainly hit on a winning compromise here, as the P ZeroTM starred not only in the wet, but also in the dry. It topped the times on both handling tracks, plus got the honours in curved aquaplaning. No wonder it inspires confidence when the heavens open. A great all-rounder that thoroughly deserves a place on your car.”

15th May 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

GITI to Replace Entire Product Range by 2010

GITI Tire (Europe) B.V. has announced that it will completely replace its passenger car and truck product offerings by the opening months of 2010. The brand overhaul also includes the renewal of GT Radial brand positioning this as the company’s flagship brand identity. During a detailed briefing, the company produced data apparently showing that GITI’s ambitious aims of competing on the same level as the premium tyre manufacturers, with the launch of the new range of products, are now within reach. According to the company, large-scale investment in research and development has enabled GITI to markedly improve its product’s performance compared with the previous generation and – crucially – to be prepared for forthcoming legislative requirements.

Speaking from the company’s European Technical Centre at MIRA in the UK, company representatives told Tyres & Accessories that the R&D department has been planning compliance to the forthcoming s-marking requirements since 2006 and is on-track to conform to the next round of legislation in 2012.

15th May 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

John A. Bailey Jr. Receives ASTM Award of Merit

John A. Bailey Jr., quality systems manager at Continental Carbon Co. in Houston, Texas, has received the Award of Merit and accompanying title of fellow from ASTM International. The Award of Merit is ASTM’s highest organizational recognition for individual contributions to ASTM standards activities. ASTM Committee D24 on Carbon Black recognized Bailey for his exceptional leadership and his contributions in the area of sampling and statistical measurements and the development of new analytical standards.

15th May 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Michelin Says Truck Tyre Sales Won’t Improve Before 4Q

Michelin managing partner, Michel Rollier has spoken has predicted that the currently stagnant truck tyre market won’t get any better until at least the closing stages of 2009. Qualifying the depressing news with the positive observation that the passenger car tyre market appears to be showing signs of picking up, Rollier told reporters: “There are some improvements in light-vehicle tyres, but in truck tyres there frankly isn’t much happening at all.”

According to Michelin’s predictions, the global truck-continues its downward spiral in the next two quarters, with the full-year drop likely to be steeper than in 2008, when demand for replacement tyres plunged 9.7 per cent in Europe and 8.2 per cent in North America, according to company data.

15th May 2009/by Tyrepress Editors