One occasional criticism of the European tyre label is that, unlike the energy efficiency label, it provides more than just a single performance measurement. Delticom is avoiding such issues with its new Delticom Efficiency Class Index, or, DEX a measurement it will offer its customers in addition to the label.
The Apollo tyre brand is being repositioned in order to, manufacturer Apollo Tyres shares, move the humble tyre from being a commodity and “grudge purchase” to a lifestyle product. In a handbook outlining its rebranding strategy, Apollo Tyres says its core brand idea centres on two things, namely “go the distance” and “safety.”
Over 70 per cent of motorists are still completely unaware of the impending tyre labelling legislation and the fuel efficiency benefits associated with it. The figure comes from a survey of 3,000 UK motorists conducted by OnePoll and commissioned by tyre Chemical supplier Lanxess. It also shows that almost all UK motorists (99%) vastly underestimate the impact tyres have on their fuel bills, and that over half still prioritise upfront cost when buying their tyres. Less than 20% take fuel consumption and long term costs into consideration.
The Independent Garage Association (IGA) is offering to help its members set up websites in order to increase trade. Stuart James, RMI IGA Director, explained: "Offering our members a website is helping to bring additional business into their workshops and is an opportunity to market their garage to the modern consumer."
A recent IGA survey discovered that thousands of garages are missing out on one of the most effective, efficient and up-to-date ways of promoting their business due to not having a website.
London’s largest green minicab company has switched to a full Michelin tyre policy. Explaining the decision to switch over to Michelin, greentomatocars managing director Jonny Goldstone said “Our customers expect us to offer the most environmentally friendly service possible, and working with Michelin helps us to achieve that goal. We believe Michelin products are the best on the market and we have been thoroughly impressed with the tyres since we started using them in February this year.”
The latest new motorcycle and scooter figures show last month sales overall were up 4.5 per cent against July 2011. Under 50cc scooter sales were down 0.9 per cent in July, while all larger bikes over 50cc motorcycle sales have increased by 5.5 per cent.
US off-road tyre and wheel specialist Titan International has closed on the purchase of Perth, Australia-based Planet Corporation Group. Titan acquired 56 per cent of Planet for US$22.9 million and paid-off the Australian firm’s outstanding credit facilities of $10.5 million at closing.
In its recent second quarter results announcement, Titan International reported the termination of the truck tyre off-take agreement held with Goodyear since its purchase of Goodyear’s Latin America agricultural tyre business last year. Under the terms of the original deal, which was to run for three years, Titan would produce cross-ply light and medium truck tyres for Goodyear at its plant in São Paulo, Brazil and supply these at below market prices.
Soybean has long been considered good for us, and now it appears it may also be good for our tyres. Goodyear Tire & Rubber announced today that tests undertaken at its Innovation Center in the US show using soybean oil in tyres can potentially increase tread life by ten per cent; it can also reduce the company’s use of petroleum-based oil by up to seven million US gallons, or 26.5 million litres, per annum.
Saab Parts UK hopes to ensure a consistent supply of used Saabs on forecourts following the 2011 demise of the company by launching a new national broker service for their pricing and placement on 1 August, 2012. The facility for Saab trade enquiries will be administered by a dedicated and highly experienced Saab used car expert based at Saab Parts UK’s HQ in Cranfield. The parts company’s move into vehicle brokerage is inspired by the 188,000 Saabs on UK roads.
Kumho Tyres has launched a summer campaign ‘Cash for Causes’, supported by the Korean brand’s UK dealers and a new website. The company says that it will donate £100,000 to deserving causes, charities, local groups and projects across the country via the network of ECSTA Performance Centre (EPC) independent retailers it supports in the UK through its national distributor Micheldever Tyre Services. So far, Kumho says that over 200 EPC dealers have signed up to take part in the ‘Cash for Causes’ campaign, each selecting two local community projects they feel deserve a donation. Nominated causes then go head to head in a public vote to see which one the community feels should receive the larger share.
On 10 July Sailun Co Ltd. announced its entry into an agreement to acquire another Chinese tyre maker and also purchase a large share in a third company. In separate statements, Sailun said it will buy Shenyang Peace Radial Tyre Manufacturing Co. Ltd. for about RMB 120 million (£12.2 million) and acquire 49 per cent equity in Shandong Jinyu Industrial Co. Ltd. for around RMB 200 million (£20.3 million). Shenyang Peace has annual capacity of 1.2 million all-steel radial truck tyres, while Shandong Jinyu has capacity to produce three million all-steel radials and 10 million semi-steel radials per year.
Titan International, Inc. has signed an agreement to purchase a majority ownership interest in Planet Corporation Group of Companies (“Planet”) in an all-cash transaction. Planet includes National Tyres, Acme Wheel, Resource Tyre and Choice Tyres Wholesalers and is based in Perth, Australia. The purchase price and revenue information will be released upon closing which is expected to be within 10 days.
Kumho Tyres has launched a summer campaign, 'Cash for Causes', in the UK. The company says it will donate £100,000 to deserving causes, charities, local groups and projects across the country, via the ECSTA Performance Centre network of independent retailers it supports through its national distributor, Micheldever Tyre Services.
As a key partner of the technology leaders in the tyre industry, LeasePlan Corporation N.V. has announced its readiness to comply with the latest EU legislation regarding tyre labelling. As people must surely be aware by now, the new labels will rate fuel-efficiency, wet grip performance, and the exterior rolling noise of tyres.
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