A US man has aptly demonstrated why tyres, firearms and alcohol don’t make the most congenial bedfellows. Oregon-based publication the Statesman Journal reports the story of Brandon Butler, who late on the evening of 14 December inspected a set of tyres being sold by an acquaintance, Anthony Catullo. According to the Statesman Journal, rather than offering cash for the tyres, Butler suggested a barter arrangement.
Ukrainian tyre maker JSC Dneproshina has gone into liquidation, a note on the tyre maker’s website states. This will most likely result in job losses for the 2,000 workers at the company’s Dnepropetrovsk plant, Ukrainian media sources report. The decision to liquidate JSC Dneproshina was made by the Dnipropetrovsk region Commercial Court.
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has been named a Thomson Reuters 2012 Top 100 Global Innovator for the second consecutive year. “This recognition is further evidence that Goodyear is continuing its drive as the tyre industry’s innovation leader,” stated chief technology officer, Joseph Zekoski.
Roy Bromfield, former head of Q Tires, Inc., the US firm that developed and patented a winter tyre with retractable studs, has taken on the role of chief operating officer at Toyo Tire U.SA. In his new position, Bromfield will work in collaboration with US subsidiary president and CEO Tatsuo Mitsuhata to develop and oversee strategies for sales, product development, and all elements of the marketing mix. All departments, including Sales, Price Management, Marketing and Product Planning/Technical Services will report directly to Bromfield.
With Germany the only market out of the Big 7 economies that will have positive GDP in 2012, this deterioration has reportedly fed directly into slowing trailer sales. In the first quarter of 2012 trailer demand was up 0.4 per cent, but it will finish the year down 6.3 per cent. Nevertheless 77 per cent of goods in Europe are moved by road and most of that proportion is transported on a trailer, making the progress of this sector of significant interest.
Of course, white road markings are only effective if you can see them and, in a comment issued before the RSMA report came out, Matthew Mycock, MD of Autoglass, referred to forthcoming DfT statistics that are predicted to show that over 1,000 more road accidents are reported in November compared to the average month, with November 19th being the worst day.
Trade Garage Equipment report that the company was very busy during the MechanEx show at Sandown Park in November, where directors Keiron Mortlock and Rob Lovesy answered sales and technical questions throughout the show.
Yorkshire-based tyre wholesaler Bond International has announced that it has secured a deal with one of the fastest growing independent tyre, wheel and car service centre networks in the UK. From 1 November 2012, Bond will supply its exclusive brands Sailun and Jinyu as the main budget tyre offering to Point S.
Writing on the website AM Online (Automotive Management), Jeremy Bennett reports that Indian manufacturer Tata is showing an interest in Aston Martin. The article quotes a Birmingham Post source that Tata is “one of several potential buyers for Gaydon-based Aston Martin, alongside the likes of Toyota and Mahindra & Mahindra.”
More than 20 high-profile banks, financial support services, and venture capitalists have signed-up to attend SMMT's 'Meet the Funder' event later this month, keen to enhance their understanding of the UK's automotive supply chain and boost funding in the sector.
Tructyre (Fleet Management) Ltd has announced that it acquired the PK Commercial Tyres group of companies effective 31 October 2012. According to a statement detailing the news, both companies, having worked closely together over a number of years, report “good synergies”.
Hexagon Leasing, the Derbyshire-based rental and contract vehicle management company, has opted to use Bandvulc and Bandvulc Tyre Contracts (BTC) for the management of its tyres across the UK. The tyre policy sees Bandvulc approved first life tyres for steer axles fitted and BTC’s network of tyre partners delivering the service.
Indian financial daily The Economic Times states that Apollo Tyres is “in the process” of acquiring Cooper Tire & Rubber Company. The publication’s 11 October news is based on “sources with direct knowledge” of the deal; these sources indicated to The Economic Times that the acquisition could be valued at between US$600 and $800 million and give Apollo a majority share. When Tyres & Accessories contacted Apollo Tyres directly in relation to the news, the tyre maker’s Corporate Brands & Relations manager Rohit Sharan said Apollo “would not comment on market speculation.”
National and regional media report that Cumbria Police are investigating a death at Pirelli’s Carlisle factory. An ambulance crew was first dispatched to the plant to treat a man in his 40s on the afternoon of 30 September, however he was pronounced dead at the scene and police were requested. Specific information regarding the death have not been made public, however the police say it is being treated as suspicious. Pirelli management have temporarily closed the factory.
The now-expired US tariff on consumer tyres imported from China failed to save or add new tyre industry jobs in the US, the Tire Industry Association said on 27 September. Reporting the end of the tariffs, the association reiterated its opinion that “free and open markets with level playing fields are best for the consuming public and the local tyre dealership in providing the best price for the best product possible.”
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