Report: The Car Industry Is ‘Furious’ About TPMS Law
In November 2011 tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) will become mandatory, something that according to Auto Express is causing a “backlash” within the automotive community.
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Footfall Up Alongside Gross Profit at HiQ
NewsHiQ has reported year-on-year increases in turnover and gross profit in its half-year report. Turnover has risen by more than 7 per cent, while gross profit increased by “a double digit figure”, the network reported. In addition, HiQ’s 145 centres welcomed more than 8 per cent additional customers. The fast fit network said its partnership-led franchise structure is a major factor behind the increases. The number of HiQ sites has increased by six since the end of April, suggesting this has had a strong role in the continued upward trend.
Danielson Appointed Bridgestone Bandag President
NewsKurt Danielson, previously vice president of sales and marketing at Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions, has been promoted to the position of president within the Bridgestone Americas unit. In his new role Danielson will continue to report to Saul Solomon, president of Bridgestone Americas US and Canada Commercial Tire Sales unit. “Kurt played a critical role in the formation of BBTS after the Bandag merger in 2007, and his professionalism and sound leadership have been instrumental in helping us meet the challenges of today’s dynamic truck and bus tyre and retread marketplace,” said Solomon.
Bridgestone’s Akron Tech Center on Track
NewsThe construction of Bridgestone Americas’ new $100 million Akron Technical Center is progressing as planned, with a targeted finish date of 1 January, 2012, reports Tire Review.
Tyres & Accessories June 2010
NewsJune's edition of Tyres & Accessories is now available for online virtual viewing. Simply click more to find out how you can view this month's issue which includes features on high performance tyres, industrial/speciality tyres and exhausts. Furthermore, any one who is itching to check a report from an earlier issue can browse back issues of the magazine.
Stamford to Give Sumo Firenza STO5A UHP Debut in October
NewsSingapore-based Stamford Tyres has confirmed the firm will makes first appearance at Brityrex for five years, with the company’s new Sumo Firenza STO5A making its UK debut. Located at stand 10, Stamford representatives report they will be presenting “an extensive collection of tyres and wheels plus many members of the Sumo Firenza European Sales team will be on hand.”
The all-new Sumo Firenza STO5A ultra high performance tyre, which was only launched at Reifen Essen in June, will take centre stage. Officials say it offers “an impressive asymmetric pattern, with significant benefits in low noise, rolling resistance plus high grip levels in wet road conditions.” Furthermore the tyre complies with all the latest European standards, has been specifically designed for the UK and European tyre markets and will be available in 34 sizes including 19 and 20 inch diameters.
Yokohama Tire Implements Organisational Changes
Company NewsThe organisational structure at Yokohama Tire Corporation has been altered following Jim MacMaster’s retirement on June 30. President and CEO of Yokohama’s US operation, Takao Oishi, has not named a direct successor for MacMaster, who served as executive vice president and COO. Instead, Dan King, previously vice president of sales and marketing, will now also be responsible for corporate strategy and planning, while Gary Nash has been promoted to vice president, off-the-road (OTR) division and Yukio Kuroda now oversees technical services and product liability.
Cable Ties Noose on Car Industry Aid
NewsUK coalition government business secretary Vince Cable has ruled out further publically financed direct support for the UK car industry. Additionally he cast doubt on plans made by the previous Labour government that would have subsidised early purchases of low-emission vehicles in 2011. Cable told London’s Financial Times on 29 June, “We don’t want to go around the country waving a cheque book.”
Delticom Increases Target EBIT Margin
Company NewsOnline tyre retailer Delticom AG reports a “significant” increase in revenues and earnings during the first half of 2010, and while admitting it may have to face “headwind” from a weakening consumer climate and negative base effects in the upcoming quarters, the company’s management board says it is now confident of achieving a higher level of profitability than initially expected for the full year.
Michelin Declined to Bid for F1, Competition Boss Declares
NewsAccording to a report in French sports newspaper L’Equipe, Michelin did not officially bid for the supply of Formula One. The French manufacturer’s Competition manager Paul Shorrock told L’Equipe that while Michelin did hold talks to discuss the possibility of re-entering the sport, the company’s official position remained out while “current regulations” remained “in force in 2011”.
Reports: Michelin May Pull the Plug on F1 Tyre Bid
NewsMichelin is reportedly close to pulling out of its present bid to supply tyres to Formula One in the 2011 season of the motor racing series. If correct the news reports, which are based on French newspaper L'Equipe’s publication of an interview with Michelin managing partner Didier Miraton, leave Pirelli as the front runner. Rumours have suggested Pirelli has been favourite to secure the contract for a few weeks, but delays in agreeing a deal had suggested Michelin was still in the running.
ATD Sale Closes
NewsThe $1.3 billion sale of American Tire Distributors to TPG Capital has officially closed, according to a Tire Review report. “We are excited to move forward with TPG as our new partner. They recognize the value we have built and they share our vision for a successful future,” said Bill Berry, ATD president and CEO. ATD runs 83 distribution centres serving 37 US states.
Pirelli in F1 Pole Position?
NewsDespite an anticipated decision the question of next year’s Formula One tyre supply still remains unanswered, yet various news sources report that Pirelli has moved up to ‘pole position’. While the latest meeting of the Technical Working Group ended without a tyre supplier being named, Germany pubilication Auto Motor und Sport reports Pirelli may now be the front runner.
Conti Appoints Burden to UK Industrial Tyres Position
NewsIan Burden has been appointed to the role of industrial sales manager for Continental Industrial Tyres UK’s South region. Burden, a qualified mechanical engineer who has worked in the industrial materials handling industry for more than a quarter of a century, joins Continental from NACCO Materials Handling Group. In his new position, Burden will report to general sales manager Leon McMahon.
Century Textiles Suspends Tyre Yarn Output
NewsDiversified Century Textiles & Industries Ltd has reportedly suspended production of tyre yarn at its Century Rayon plant in Kalyan, a Mumbai suburb. According to a Reuters report, the firm is halting production of viscose filament yarn and tyre yarn “due to adverse market scenario and demand slowdown.” Century Rayon, which makes rayon, tyre cord and chemicals, has an annual production of 25,000 tonnes of textile and tyre yarn.
