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Wayne Thomas New Garage Equipment Association President

Wayne Thomas was appointed President of the Garage Equipment Association, (GEA), at their recent AGM, which was held at the GEA offices in Daventry, on 21 April 2009. Thomas takes over from Gary Shepherd, managing director of Rotary Lift UK, who has served as president for the past year. Thomas, who is currently managing director of GEMCO Equipment Ltd, commented: “The GEA has become recognised as our industry’s body, for example, it’s currently assessing and accrediting vehicle lift installation and service engineers. This accreditation scheme will drive-up the standards within our industry and provides our customers with greater peace of mind. During my term as president I will constantly influence the GEA in improving the standards of the garage equipment industry.”

18th May 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Apollo Concludes Vredestein Banden Acquisition

The Apollo Tyres acquisition of Vredestein Banden BV, now officially concluded, has been described by Vredestein Banden CEO Rob Oudshoorn as a “win-win combination for both companies.” With all regulatory approvals and place and consent from the Judge of the Dutch Courts granted, Apollo now holds a 100 per cent share in the Netherlands based manufacturer. While official statements on the acquisition give no purchase price for Vredestein-Banden, the Wall Street Journal notes that a ‘person familiar with the situation’ disclosed a sum of 175 million euros.

18th May 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Pirelli Supports Aston Martin in the Nürburgring 24 Hour Race

Pirelli tyres are to support Aston Martin in their Nürburgring 24 hour race on the weekend of 23 and 24 May 2009. Pirelli have worked closely with Aston Martin for many years developing and supplying tyres for the DBS, V8 Vantage and in this case on the V12 Vantage. The P Zero Corsa System tyres used on the V12 Vantage road car are derived from the P Zero Corsa race tyres and ensure consistency and provide a tangible performance link between the two.

According to Pirelli, the P Zero Corsa is the ultimate sports version of the P Zero family. It is a highly technical tyre using directional and asymmetric tread patterns to enhance vehicle performance. The fitments on the V12 Vantage race car are 295/645 18 and 305/645 18.

18th May 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Tyrepress.com Opens Twitter Account

Tyrepress.com is never one to resist the progress of the times, or indeed another forum through which to deliver important tyre industry news stories to its readers. Therefore, it is with great delight that the industry’s favourite news source announces its new presence on miniature update site, Twitter.com.

Readers of Tyres & Accessories, Tyrepress.com and the Tyrepress.com e-Newsletter are cordially invited to “follow” Tyrepress’ progress here. To do so, all you need is a Twitter profile, from which you can add Tyrepress to the list of fellow tweeters you are following. (The process is much simpler than it is easy to describe!)

18th May 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

New Tiger Paw Targets Family Rides

Michelin North America has added the Uniroyal Tiger Paw AS65, a 65,000-mile radial targeting a wide range of vehicle, from compacts to minivans. “The AS65 gives value consumers exactly what they’ve been asking for in a tyre – dependability, performance and long wear,” said Kaz Holley, Uniroyal brand director. “Between the center rib and the block placement, this is the most aggressive tyre we’ve added to the Tiger Paw line. Our customers are sure to notice how well it handles in any road condition.”

18th May 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

New Falken Tyre Gets “Rugged”

In the US Falken Tire Corp. has introduced a new, rugged line of all-terrain tyres – the High Country A/T. Falken said the “Falken High Country A/T confidently transitions when surfaces go from smooth to rough and dry to muddy,” and the tyre features a deep tread depth, heavy siping and M+S performance for all types of weather and driving conditions. The tyre is available in 24 P-metric, LT-metric and flotation sizes, ranging from 15- through 20-inch wheel diameters.

18th May 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Corghi Opens New US HQ

After years of offering its products through distributors, Italian tyre equipment maker Corghi has opened Corghi U.S.A., with offices in Hamilton, Ohio. Corghi said that, “historically, the North American market has always been one of Corghi’s most important business areas,” and that over the past 20 years the brand “has developed its presence and has become a point of reference for the tire changer industry. “Recognising the strategic importance of the American market, Corghi has decided to enter it directly in order to offer to its customers the complete wheel service equipment product range, and to ensure the highest level of service to tire professionals,” the company said.

The new 12,000-square-foot headquarters includes offices, training rooms and a warehouse. The copany also lauched a new Web site – www.corghiusa.us – and a help desk for service with free phone number will be activated as of May 16.

18th 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

Centurion Names New Distributor

Aurora Parts & Accessories, with 400 dealers in its network, has been named a master dealer for Centurion Wheel Manufacturing. Centurion produces wheels for trucks and trailers at produced at factories in China. “We are excited by the prospects afforded by Aurora Parts’ long-established relationships with many leading trailer manufacturers and by its exceptional reputation as a supplier of premium-quality parts,” said Doug Ginder, vice president of Sales at Centurion. “Centurion’s footprint becomes broader as Aurora Parts joins forces with us, providing greater access to the Centurion product line anywhere in the country.”

Aurora Parts is the exclusive distributor of aftermarket semi-trailer parts for Wabash National, Transcraft, Fruehauf, Lufkin and is a supplier of Hyundai Translead parts.

15th May 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Chrysler Seeks to Cut 789 Dealers

Yesterday in the US, Ailing Chrysler LLC announced plans to cut 789 of its brand dealerships, while struggling General Motors is expected to cut more than 1,100 of its dealers by the end of next week. In a motion filed in US Bankruptcy Court in New York, Chrysler listed the dealers it wants to eliminate, claiming their sales were too low. While many of the dealers also offer other non-Chrysler brands, it is expected that some may take the issue to court.

Dealers were informed via letter – delivered by UPS – that they would lose their Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep brands. A bankruptcy court hearing is scheduled for June 3 to decide Chrysler’s motion to eliminate the dealers. Under bankrutpcy, a company is allowed to vacate contracts, such as car dealer franchise contracts.

15th May 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

US Congress Backs Scrappage Initiative

Consumers could get up to $4,500 in a “cash for clunkers” scrappage plan that has gained strong support from the White House and leaders of the US Congress. President Barack Obama has added his voice to the chorus. After House Democrats described the plan at a White House meeting last week, ”the president commended the members for moving forward a plan that will help the American auto industry and provide Americans with cleaner automobiles,” White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said. The price for the market jump start is estimated at $3 billion to $4 billion. Backers want Obama to use money from the economic stimulus, and if extra money is needed, it could come from the emergency war-spending bill. (Akron/Tire Review)

15th May 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Titan’s Taylor Adds Another Year to His Term

Titan International shareholders returned CEO Morry Taylor for another year as company chairman. At the annual meeting on May 14, shareholders also returned Erwin Billig and Anthony Soave to the board of directors with three-year terms. Billig was also elected vice chairman of the board, and Kent Hackamack was returned as vice president of finance and treasurer and Cheri Holley will remain as vice president and secretary. (Tire Review/Akron)

15th 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