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Right to Repair Group Calls for Sector Specific Regulations to Remain

The UK Right to Repair Campaign (UK R2RC) has welcomed a statement from the European Commission that its evaluation of the Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulation’ of 2002 does not prejudge any decision on the future of that legislation. However, UK R2RC also said that parts of the Commission’s proposals would add uncertainty, and penalise the independent aftermarket by making it harder to remedy incidences of market abuse. The independent aftermarket, the organisation added, needs simple and sector-specific legislation.

Jim Mazza, Chairman of UK R2RC, said “though the tone of the report is softer than expected, it still understates the benefits to consumers and the independent aftermarket alike of having a single piece of legislation regulating the availability of service and repair information and the supply of replacement parts.

2nd June 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Cooper Tire Europe Plaintiff in Cartel Lawsuit

A number of tyre manufacturers have filed a lawsuit against chemical producers alleged to be members of a cartel operating in the late 1990s and early this decade. According to a report published by Czech Republic newspaper the Prague Daily Monitor, Cooper Tire & Rubber Company Europe Limited and 25 other plaintiffs filed the UK based lawsuit with the High Court of Justice, Queen’s Bench Division, on February 22. The 26 plaintiffs are said to be seeking an unspecified amount of compensation from 23 companies.

One of defendants, Czech group Unipetrol, received notification of the lawsuit in late May. Speaking to the Prague Daily Monitor, a company spokeswoman, Blanka Ruzickova, said: “It is now being analysed by our lawyers, but it is sure that we are going to defend ourselves. The lawsuit is based on an accusation of a cartel agreement that we rejected already two years ago and that we still reject.”

2nd June 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Report: Leading UK Tyre Companies Face Tough Times

A new report has found that the UK’s largest 50 tyre companies now control 94 per cent of the market, an increase from 90 per cent 2 years ago. As a result, these major companies are said to be “fighting each other headlong in a battle for market share.”

The report, produced by Plimsoll Publishing, found that these levels of competitiveness are having an effect on the financial stability of some businesses. Of the 50 Tyre Manufacturers & Distributors companies surveyed: 15 of the companies are showing no sales increases at all; 13 are selling less than they were 2 years ago; 26 companies have failed to increase sales at the same rate as their investment; and 26 companies increased their debts simply to hold their place in the market.

28th May 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Giti Tire May List on Hong Kong Stock Exchange

Giti Tire reportedly is planning to launch a US$400 million to $500 million Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the Hong Stock Exchange during 2008. The Reuters news service has published an article, saying that ‘sources with knowledge of the deal’ indicate such an offering may take place sooner rather that later. “We hope that the deal can be launched as soon as June,” one of the sources said, while another source did not report a fixed timeframe.

Giti Tire is said to have originally planned to launch a Hong Kong IPO in 2004, but later postponed the deal.

14th May 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Sale of Conti’s Truck Tyre Division Still an Option

A comment made by the CFO of Continental AG during a conference call indicates the German manufacturer still considers the sale of its truck tyre division an option for the future. According to a report published by Forbes, Dr. Alan Hippe said, “should the division be unable to reach the targeted margin, we will have to consider a divestment.” However Dr. Hippe added he doesn’t foresee such a transaction occurring in the short-term.

According to results Conti released on April 29, the company’s Commercial Tire division attained sales of 328.4 million euros during the first quarter of 2008, a decrease of 4.7 per cent on the previous year. Upon releasing the quarter’s figures Executive Board chairman Manfred Wennemer commented, “In the Commercial Tires division, we implemented measures to again significantly improve the margin.” However the unit’s adjusted EBIT margin was 3.8 per cent for the quarter, well below Continental’s adjusted EBIT margin target of 10 per cent for all divisions by 2010.

30th April 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Finichi Releases 20-Inch Rimini Rim

Italian Wheel Designers, Finichi report having ‘raised the bar’ with their latest design – after establishing the Rimini as a design classic, with its timeless five spoke format and deep stainless steel lip, the manufacturer has gone one further by releasing a 20-inch fitment.

With staggered 8.5 and 10-inch widths, the wheels feature a machine polished face, pseudo-split rim rivets and a suitably deep 92mm lip (on 10-inch widths). All fitments come with a flawless black finish that provides a contrast with the highly polished surface faces. Applications include most core Japanese fitments, including 300ZX, 350Z, Evo, Supra and Skyline plus the bulk of BMW fitments. Plans for 20-inch Mercedes versions are also well advanced. Prices for the 20-inch Rimini start at £220 including VAT.

For those wanting the same style in a slightly more compact package, the Rimini also comes in a wide range of 17, 18 and 19-inch applications.

24th April 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Tesco Loses Tyre Inflation Court Action

The woman suing Tesco for disability discrimination (see our April 10 report here) has been awarded £1,000 after a court agreed the company’s refusal to allow staff to inflate her vehicle’s tyres was a discriminatory act. Tesco staff had told Jenni Crowly their inability to assist was an insurance and health and safety related issue.

While Mrs Crowly has expressed her delight in the outcome, a Tesco spokesperson commented, “we’re disappointed with the decision and will consider our options.”

24th April 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

New Sales Appointments at Cooper Tire Europe

Cooper Tire & Rubber Europe has announced two new appointments to its UK team. Brian Sprott, an 18-year company veteran, is to take on the role of UK sales manager for Retail Accounts. In this position, Mr. Sprott will report to Steve Cundy, European Business Development Director.

Before this latest appointment Sprott has held several different sales and management roles within the UK sales team, including divisional sales manager and UK retail manager – West. During his time at Cooper Tire Europe he has also acquired his Diploma in Management Studies, in 2002.

21st April 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Tyre Industry Demand Having Strong Environmental Impact in China

The supply of rubber to feed China’s booming tyre industry is taking its toll on the environment, report ecologists. According to one report, China produced 330 million tyres in 2007, and to cater to this demand, China is seeking to expand its natural rubber output, which China Rubber Industry Association forecasts will grow by 30 per cent to 780,000 tonnes by 2010. In some areas this growth, however, is coming at the expense of the natural ecosystem.

14th April 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Herkules Provides Mighty Lifting in Confined Spaces

A new range of small platform lifts have been added to Beissbarth UK’s leading automotive and service product line-up. Known as the Herkules range, Beissbarth report that these are products ideal for smaller workshops or those hard-pressed for space.

“The operational costs are minimal because the Herkules uses air, which in most workshops is both plentiful and readily available,” said Beissbarth UK managing director Philip Hodges about the newly-introduced range. “This range is absolutely ideal for Fast-Fit and Tyre Repair workshops where time is seen as vital for a smooth and efficient workshop. All Herkules Lifts carry a three-year warranty and represent extremely good value in the current lift market.”

14th April 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Continental Faces Legal Complaint in Brazil

Complaints of uncompetitive behaviour appear to have been made against Continental AG in Brazil. A company spokesman has stated that Conti does indeed face a legal complaint there, however he did not, as the complaint remains pending, disclose the exact nature of the complaint or who initiated it.

A report published in Germany’s Handelsblatt business newspaper indicates that Brazil’s Ministry of Justice has raised allegations against the Continental Siemens VDO unit, claiming it has on several occasions attempted to have a trip recorder produced by rival company Seva Engenharia Eletrônica withdrawn from sale. After these attempts failed, it is alleged that the Conti unit approached the competitor with the suggestion of establishing a cartel.

11th April 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Worcestershire Company Makes Self-Powering TPMS

Worcestershire-based Morgan Electro Ceramic, has developed technology which can power car tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) using wheel movement instead of batteries. The technology, described as a piezoelectric bimorph, enables TPMS manufacturers to design self-powered remote sensors that accurately measure tyre pressure, with none of the lifetime and disposal issues associated with batteries.

Morgan Electro’s “bimorphs” are based on established that uses the movement of the wheel and pressure of the tyre as it hits the ground, transforming it into electrical energy. The bimorphs generate enough electrical energy to power a wireless signal that transmits valuable data about the pressure in the tyre to an on-car receiver.

4th April 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Time To Hit The Acquisition Trail?

Hardly a day goes by without some tale or other of economic woe – the sub prime crisis, falling stock markets worldwide; all the indicators suggest that this is a time to batten down the hatches and ride out the storm. However, analysts Plimsoll Publishing have just produced their annual acquisition survey of the Tyre Manufacturers & Distributors industry and their message is that, for the strongest companies in the market, this could be the ideal time to buy a competitor.

26th March 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Report: Global Tyre Market to Hit 1.6 Billion Units by 2010

Replacement tyre shipments in Europe totalled 309 million units for 2007, with the global tyre market projected to grow at a compounded annual rate of over 3 per cent. According to a new report produced by Global Industry Analysts, Europe is the largest market accounting for a 29.5 per cent share of a global market that is expected to reach 1.6 billion units by 2010. OEM tyre shipments, estimated at 415 million units, account for 28.5 per cent of the global tyre market; and are projected to grow at a compounded annual rate of nearly 3.1 per cent.

18th March 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Conti Wins 6 Which? Best Buys

Continental Tyres’ EcoContact 3, PremiumContact 2 and SportContact 3 models have been named Best Buys in a total of six size categories in the latest Which? tyre test report. Leading the pack of Continental’s Best Buy tyres is the ContiEcoContact 3 which took the top spot in four of the test size categories including 155/70 R13 T, 175/65 R14 T, 185/60 R14 H and 165/70 R14 T. The ContiPremiumContact 2 was also named Best Buy in the 195/65 R15 V size category, while the ContiSportContact 3 drove home the title in the 225/45 R17 Y size.

Tracey Hyem from Continental Tyres said: “Drivers need a lot from their tyres and criteria including safety, good handling, performance, low noise, durability and fuel economy are of vital importance. At Continental, we take these features very seriously and they are all hugely integral to the design and development of our tyres. To have this commitment recognised with six Which? Best Buy accolades is clear testament to the performance and quality of our tyres.”

18th March 2008/by Tyrepress Editors