Pirelli & Co SpA recorded a group net income of 131 million euros in the first half ended 30 June 2004. The figure is particularly impressive when it is compared with same time the previous year. In the first six months of 2003 the company had a net income of –21 million euros. In 2004 the group expects a significant improvement in results in all activity sectors, both at operating and net level.
Pirelli have partnered with DUB magazine to sponsor the ‘Nelly Golden Ticket Album Contest.’
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Bandag has announced that its second quarter earnings rose 37 per cent, largely due to the profits of its recently acquired lubrication service. The company announced earnings of $11.9 million (£6.4 million), compared with $8.7 million this time last year. Sales were also up, rising to $211 million, a $7 million increase on last year’s figures.
In the sport of drag racing Mickey Thompson Drag Tyres are a force to be reckoned with in the United States. Now, through Cooper Tire Motorsports, Mickey Thompson drag tyres will be available from Avon Tyres Racing and three specialist distributors in the UK.
A Dodge Ram SRT-10 has taken its place in the Guinness Book of World Records as the “World’s Fastest Production Pickup Truck”. Unmodified for additional power or enhanced aerodynamics, and using its original equipment Pirelli Scorpion Zero tyres, the Dodge Ram SRT-10 posted a two-lap, both-directions average speed of 154.587 mph over a “flying kilometer” on the 4.71-mile oval at the DaimlerChrysler Proving Grounds in Chelsea, Michigan. The record run by the Dodge Ram SRT-10 was certified by Guinness World Records and the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA). Filling the Ram SRT-10’s wheel wells for the record runs were production 305/40ZR22 XL 114W Pirelli Scorpion Zeros mounted on standard 10 x 22 inch alloy rims. These tyres have a maximum speed rating of 186 mph and are manufactured in Pirelli’s new factory near Atlanta, Georgia.
On show at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in September was what was described as “the second generation of tyre pressure control systems”, developed by Siemens VDO Automotive, in conjunction with Goodyear.
This unit is more than just a pressure sensor, as it can record mileage and tyre wear, moving one step further towards the “intelligent tyre”. The new sensors operate with an indirect power supply and allow electronic identification of the tyres, as they are embedded into the tyre carcass, rather than part of an external sensor fitted to the wheel.
As well as the sensor, the system incorporates an antenna in the tyre and a transmitter/receiver in the cabin. It is this latter unit that supplies the tyre with energy. Should there be a drop in pressure, the sophisticated software recognises this and sends a warning to the driver. Additionally, a chip in the tyre records the mileage and the distance that can be travelled without sufficient pressure.
The electronics are only a few square millimetres in size and they measure the tyre temperature and, with the aid of a micromechanical sensor, the air pressure in the tyre. The system evaluates additional information such as wheel speed, then the software calculates the nominal air pressure, notifying the driver if this falls below pre-determined levels. The driver can also request the current pressure or mileage of each tyre at any time.
Because the sensors are a permanent component of the tyre, data such as tyre type can be sent directly to the vehicle electronics, which is also helpful for the ABS and other chassis control systems. Another advantage is that the new system does not require a separate sensor to be fitted to the wheel and, if the tyre is changed from one wheel to another, there is no transfer of sensor needed.
Finally, the light weight of the sensor means that it has no adverse effect on tyre performance or vehicle handling.
Also on show at Frankfurt is the second generation of tyre pressure control systems, developed by Siemens VDO Automotive and Goodyear. This is permanently embedded in the tyre and, as well as transmitting information about pressure, it records information on tyre wear and mileage. Because it is part of the tyre, there is no transfer of sensor needed if the tyre is moved from one wheel to another.
Formula One’s Technical Working Group is said to be considering allowing slick tyres to make a comeback in the race series. Grooved tyres were introduced in an attempt to slow cars down, but lap records continue to be broken and, it is argued, the net effect was to make overtaking harder, as drivers felt they had less stability and grip. Formula One has seen a fall in TV viewing figures and the Technical Working Group is exploring ways of making the races more exciting.
In South Africa, a V8 speedster called Spirit of Dunlop, shod with locally-produced SP Sport 7000D tyres, achieved an average speed of 388.538 km/hr over a measures kilometre, monitored by Motorsport SA. This is an unofficial, but recognised, World Land Speed Record for standard production tyres, says Dunlop Tyres South Africa. It also beats the South African Land Speed Record of 372.401 km/hr, which has stood since 1990. The Spirit of Dunlop was driven by three times SA Production Car Champion Grant van Schalkwyk.
A judge in a US court case has allowed sanctions against Cooper Tire. Two brothers are suing Cooper over the death of their parents in an accident, which they allege was caused by a tread separation. The defendants claim that Cooper destroyed documents relating to production records from 1992, but Cooper says it is uncertain whether the documents were relevant. The judge said that he would allow the plaintiffs to inform the jury of the destruction of the documents, and that they could draw whatever inference they wished. He also awarded attorney’s fees and expenses concerned with the destruction of the documents. Cooper said it would appeal the decision.
The tyre industry is faced with a new method of doing business: e-commerce. Continental has developed a new product that enables smaller customers to check stock availability and order product at a time to suit him. Called ContiContact, it is essentially an electronic catalogue giving information on product and prices in real time and is available to any dealer who has a PC and a modem. ContiContact is designed to complement, not replace, traditional methods of ordering and Continental will continue with its EDI and call centre operations; the new service is part of Continental’s desire to be known as “a company that is easy to do business with”. It has been on trial with selected customers for a year and is now ready to roll out to a wider customer base. Continental has also introduced e-billing, which allows customers with internet access to log on to a website where they can view or download their invoices. The advantages are space and time saving (Continental can archive invoices for customers if required) and less chance of mistakes, lost invoices etc. The system is totally secure and records are stored electronically at two separate locations, in case of accidents.
Unseasonable wet weather has boosted sales of Goodyear’s Aquatread 3 passenger car tyre in North America. Sales of the wet weather tyre have risen by 30%, setting record sales levels for the premium tyre brand. Some nine out of ten users said they would buy the tyre again, setting new records in customer loyalty achievements.
Superior Industries (Van Nuys/California), North America’s Leading oe supplier of aluminium wheels, announced record revenues of more than 331 m US-$ (+13.5%) and record net income to more than 40 m US-$ (+16.3%) after tax.
Cooper Tire says it is “outraged” at the implication in recent press reports that there may be an investigation into its tyres. The company says that it has not been contacted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and there are no reasons for a recall. Furthermore, Cooper says it would be pleased to furnish the NHTSA with its records and data if required, and these data would confirm that the company’s tyres are safe.
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