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Continental to Close Hanover and Clairoix Tyre Plants

Continental AG has opted to end production at its Hanover, Germany (truck tyre) and Clairoix (passenger car) production plants. Some 1900 employees at the two plants will be affected (780 in Hanover and 1120 in Clairoix). Truck tyre production at the company’s Puchov, Slovakia, (Continental Matador Rubber) will also be cut by 20 per cent.

Describing the current OE and replacement market trends as “steadfastly dire” a Continental statement explained that the company is basing the production cuts on the prediction that the market will not recover enough in the short or medium-term future to utilise existing production levels. Officials explained that the lack of demand has resulted in overcapacities of 15 million passenger and 1.7 million commercial vehicle tyres. The planned cuts focus on the Hanover and Clairoix plants, the statement added.

11th March 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Toyota Cuts Pay and Production by 10%

Toyota has announced that its two British factories in Burnaston, Derbyshire and Deeside, Flintshire will attempt to stave off the effects of recession in 2009 by reducing pay and production by 10 per cent. Affecting 4,500 workers across the two sites, the cutbacks will come in to bat on 1 April. The Japanese car giant stated that “the measures we have announced give us a greater opportunity to maintain employment through this difficult period,” while it was revealed in mid-February that managers will not receive any bonuses this year.

Reaction from unions has been noticeably free of ululating dissent, with Unite representative Peter Tsouvallaris telling The Guardian newspaper, “the agreement we have reached with Toyota will ensure none of our members’ benefits are eroded and that these skilled workers will remain in place and at work ready for when the upturn comes.” The news comes at a time when car makers are meeting with business minister Ian Pearson to discuss planned bailouts for the struggling industry.

11th March 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

EU Adopts Noise, Rolling Resistance, Wet Grip and Labelling rules

The EU has rubber-stamped the tyre noise, rolling resistance, wet grip and labelling regulations that have been the subject of public discussion since the beginning of 2008. Despite complaints from some leading premium tyre manufacturers that the balance of improvements demanded is simply unworkable in the timeframe given, the commission said it should assess the feasibility of “strengthening the requirements for wet grip for tyres, and if appropriate, propose an amendment to this Regulation.” The decisions follow the EU’s adoption of a report which includes calls for tyre rolling resistance, noise and safety regulations as part of “a simpler, standardised system for the type-approval of motor vehicles.” The new regulation will reportedly apply from 1 November 2011, a year earlier than the commission proposed.

Some of the rules on tyre standards have also been revised. Measures to regulate tyre rolling resistance and monitor inflation pressures appear to have been made stricter. The rule also makes the installation of tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) compulsory on new private cars. MEPs did not vote to extend this TPMS requirement to trucks, but they did beef up the rules on the effectiveness and reliability of such systems, without preferring either direct or indirect pressure monitoring technology.

11th March 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Analysts Upgrade Goodyear and Cooper Shares

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. and Cooper Tire & Rubber Co., both experienced gains in their share prices after analysts raised their ratings for the two firms’ stock. According to Bloomberg, Cooper climbed 17 per cent after CRT Capital Group Inc. rated the stock as “fair value,” up from “sell.” Goodyear gained 15 per cent after KeyBanc Capital upped its rating to “hold” from “underweight.”

11th March 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Bandvulc Cuts 20 Jobs

Leading retread manufacturer and fleet service provider, Bandvulc is to shed about 20 jobs at its factory due to reduced commercial haulage. The company, which has contracts with most of the leading supermarket fleets and the likes of Boots and frozen food giant Yearsley Group, has previously performed well in recessions as a result of fleets trying to save money. However, this time around managing director Patrick O’Connell has highlighted the fact that “smaller local firms,” such as Bandvulc, are not benefiting from large scale Government investment.

As a result the firm has reportedly “started the process” of reducing its workforce by about 20. “Bandvulc is a family company which is owned and operates locally. It is therefore especially difficult for us to face the fact that we must reduce the number of our employees. We are acutely aware of the problem it causes those affected, but we must run a viable company which will be strong and able to capitalise on the upturn when it comes to again to create good jobs,” O’Connell told thisiscornwall.co.uk.

11th March 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Trelleborg to Distribute GPX Galaxy Tyres in Europe

Galaxy-branded farm, forestry, agri-industrial and and OTR will be distributed exclusively by Trelleborg Wheel Systems following an agreement between the companies to form a strategic alliance. The agreement will be effective from 1 April, and covers 25 European countries: Albania, Belgium, Belarus, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Ireland, Germany, Georgia, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malta, Netherland, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom and Ukraine.

The range of Galaxy-branded pneumatic products covered by the agreement includes tyres for diverse and demanding applications such as: agricultural radial and bias, skid steer, forestry, lawn and garden, OTR, backhoe and telescopic handlers, as well as other agricultural and industrial segments. GPX will continue to market its range of Forklift Industrial, Inter-Modal port and full range of solid tyres independently.

11th March 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Michelin Halts Silvania Zalau Production

Michelin’s 1,300 staff at the company’s Silvania Zalau plant in Romania will take 18 days enforced leave in March due to lack of orders. Michelin usually produces 600,000 tyres annually at Silvania Zalau, but worldwide financial turmoil has led to a drop in demand, necessitating a drop in that number. The French giant will keep its other two Romanian sites (Romsteel Cord and Victoria Floresti) running, though both will close on Sundays.

Michelin closed all three facilities early on 12 December for an extended Christmas break last year, reopening on 6 January, 2009.

10th March 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Holbeach Tyres Celebrates Four Decades of Business

Holbeach Tyres has celebrated 40 years of trading in the town of Spalding. According to a recent local newspaper report, the business was established as a small independent garage at Battlefields Lane in 1969 by John Tinn but moved to Boston Road in 1993. In order to celebrate John and his son David, who took over 10 years ago, held a party at “Cafe Dunlop” to thank their loyal customers.

10th March 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Clearway Distribution Trials Michelin Fitment

Nottinghamshire-based Clearway Distribution, a founder member of the Palletline network, is reportedly trial switching from Bridgestone to a Michelin tyre policy across its fleet of 42 commercial vehicles and 80 trailers. Gary Chamberlain, transport manager at Clearway Distribution, explained: “I will be monitoring the performance of the joint ATS Euromaster and Michelin package very carefully over the next 12 months, but am confident it will demonstrate real added value to the fleet.”

The new contract will see ATS Euromaster supplying new Michelin tyres as wear dictates, which will in turn be regrooved, remoulded into Remix tyres and regrooved again to deliver the best possible performance from each Michelin tyre casing. ATS Euromaster says it is also able to remould the existing Bridgestone tyres fitted across the fleet through Michelin’s Encore facility in Stoke-on-Trent.

10th March 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Accuride CFO Announces Departure Plans

Accuride Corp. has announced that David Armstrong, senior vice president and CFO, will leave the company and accept a three-year overseas assignment with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Lima, Peru. Armstrong, who joined the company in 1998 as general counsel and who has served as CFO since 2007, will leave in April. The Company plans to appoint an interim CFO while it completes a search to secure a permanent replacement. Armstrong, who has been active in leadership roles and unpaid ministry in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for many years, will be serving as the area legal counsel for the church in South America.

“During his 11 years with Accuride, Dave has assisted the company through several significant challenges and transformations including the acquisition of TTI in 2005, numerous bank negotiations, and the recent transaction with Sun Capital. We wish Dave well in his new role and thank him for his years of dedication and service to Accuride,” said Bill Lasky, Accuride’s president, CEO, and chairman of the board. (Tire Review/Akron)

10th March 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Has Schaeffler Puts the Brakes on Merger With Conti Automotive?

Schaeffler has reportedly brought its plans to merge with Continental’s automotive wing to halt, according to Germany’s Handelsblatt newspaper. “If synergies can be had without a major merger, then it would not put a strain on the organisation,” an unnamed source told the paper. However, the ball bearing maker’s spokesman confirmed, in an email to Bloomberg, that Schaeffler will: “Continue to work on the merger of both automotive operations…But it is certainly not a process that can be completed in the coming months.”

Earlier, Hubertus von Gruenberg, a former Continental AG chief executive, resigned following what the Financial Times (FT) called a “tumultuous meeting of the car-parts supplier’s board.”

10th March 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Maxxis, Grouptyre Unveil New Dealer Support Programme

An all-expenses-paid trip to Thailand – including a trip to a tyre making plant – is one of the prizes up for grabs for Maxxis’ Grouptyre dealers in the UK as the manufacturer and its exclusive distributor unveil their new incentive programme called Maxxis Rewards. The top ten retailers – based on the volume of Maxxis car, van and 4×4 tyres they purchase during the promotional period of 1 January to 30 September, 2009 – will win a seven-day holiday in Thailand. Flat screen TVs, DVD recorders and digital cameras are among the prizes up for grabs in a series of quarterly draws, while dealers can also pick up Argos vouchers and Maxxis branded merchandise.

“Through the Maxxis Rewards programme we want to help retailers gain a better understanding of Maxxis and our aims both here in the UK and the 200 countries in which the brand is sold,” says Maxxis International UK managing director Derek McMartin. “Since retailers will be able to see for themselves the state of the art production facilities involved in manufacturing a million tyres and tubes a day and the scale of our operation, the trip to our Thailand factory will give them a real insight into the brand and their role in its future development.”

10th March 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Federal Introduces Xtramile XR01

Federal has introduced its new Xtramile XR01, a tyre designed for “reducing gas consumption”, according to the company. It also states that the tyre will feature “improved grip in a long-lasting tyre by utilising a blend of wear-resistant compound along with increased tread depth to offer prolonged tyre life.” Other features, says Federal, will include a distinctive tread pattern, four bold grooves for stability and increased water expulsion, dual layers of polyester carcass ply and strengthened sidewalls, alongside reduced road noise.

Federal dealers will begin selling 12 popular sizes, through 13- to 15-inch rim diameters from 55-70 series. These offerings comprise H- to V-speed ratings and will be available in the first quarter of 2009. A more comprehensive range will be added later.

Size Range

195/55R15
185/60R14
195/60R14
195/60R15
205/60R15
165/65R13
185/65R15
195/65R15
205/65R15
165/70R13
175/70R13
165/70R14

10th March 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Half of All Britons Unable to Change Tyres

The population of Britain is in danger of losing skills that have long been considered vital, including sewing, DIY and changing a tyre, according to a poll conducted by the website Ask.com.

The survey says that, while particularly under-30 year olds are acquiring essential abilities such as setting up a profile on Facebook more easily than previous generations, that age demographic is also the one least likely to be able to change its cars’ rubber. The problem is not merely confined to the younger generation; only just under half of all Britons would struggle to change the tyre on a pushbike, let alone a motorised vehicle. Though the survey revealed that illegally downloading films and music would represent a comparatively small challenge for many, it did not go into how many know the correct method for sitting on a toilet seat.

10th March 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Hankook MLB Campaign Debuts at World Baseball Classic

Hankook will kick off its 2009 consumer broadcast advertising campaign, scoring brand impressions during the 2009 World Baseball Classic, which is expected to reach more than 11.4 million viewers in the United States alone. Hankook’s virtual home plate signage will appear in half inning rotations during 33 televised games during the international competition as broadcast on ESPN, ESPN2, MLB Network, ESPN Deportes and internationally on ESPN Star Network. Hankook TV commercials will be broadcast during the 16 tournament games on the new MLB Network as well as on all 39 ESPN Star broadcasts in Asia. Hankook will also have unique 3D signage at L.A. Dodger stadium during the WBC Finals games airing on ESPN and ESPN Deportes March 21-23.

“With the upcoming start of the 2009 Major League Baseball season, we saw a natural fit with the WBC broadcasts as the interest in this unique international competition continues to grow.” said Bill Bainbridge, director of brand communications for Hankook Tire America Corp. “Through our virtual signage and commercials during the WBC games, we are able to utilize a unique global platform to effectively present the Hankook brand to millions of baseball enthusiasts.” (Tire Review/Akron)

10th March 2009/by Tyrepress Editors