UK tyre manufacturers and distributors are risking their long-term sustainability in order to increase sales, according the latest report issued by Plimsoll publishing. Yet while sales have seen an upsurge, the 127 companies continuing with their current business model are said to be “in danger of spiralling out of control and are heading for rocky ground. “
During the US-based MINExpo International trade show, Bridgestone Corporation unveiled its market-ready tyre pressure monitoring system for OTR radials. Marketed under the B-TAG (Bridgestone Intelligent Tag) name, this new system functions by utilising Bridgestone-developed sensors to measure and report both tyre pressure and temperature in real time.
The latest Pirelli UK report filed with Companies House shows a slight drop in pre-tax profit in 2011 despite sales jumping almost £40 million year-on-year to £329.7 million. Profit decreased from £12.2 million to £12 million during the year. The company singled out its original equipment segment activities as a strength during the year, noting that Pirelli UK continued to secure new contracts with prestigious vehicle manufacturers.
During 2011, some 4.8 million tonnes of tyres were manufactured in Europe, a figure representing 24 per cent of the global total. Overall tyre production levels within the region were 6.6 per cent higher than in 2010. European replacement market sales totaled 301.7 million units during the year, an increase of 4.41 per cent over 2010 levels; replacement passenger car and light commercial vehicle tyre sales came to 289 million units, up 4.21 per cent, and replacement commercial vehicle tyre sales amounted to 12.6 million units, a 9.1 per cent year-on-year increase.
HPI, the vehicle information expert, warns that there could be up to 10.4 million cars with a hidden history on the UK's roads. This follows news from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) that there has been a 9 per cent increase in cars in the UK to 31,362,716. With 1 in 3 cars hitting HPI's 'at risk' registers the SMMT figures suggest that the nearly new and second hand car market is a minefield for buyers.
Marangoni has adopted a new naming system for its retreaded truck tyres marketed under the Marix brand. According to the company, the new codes used to identify these products give operators immediate information on the application and type of tyre. Company representatives report that this is not a new policy, but rather represents the completion of a process that has already been underway for some time.
Road Safety Markings Association is set to carry out the UK’s biggest survey of the state of white lines. From 16 July and throughout August, more than 6,000 miles of roads in England, Scotland and Wales – including the UK’s ten most dangerous roads identified by the Road Safety Foundation – will be assessed for the quality of their central white lines.
A report from the global business advisory firm AlixPartners says that, while the global automotive industry overall remains a growth industry, the Western European industry is facing the prospect of its second severe market downturn in recent years.
Nothing makes a statement like sliding through a tyre. This was perhaps the logic employed by two men protesting against garbage problems in the Indian city of Thiruvananthapuram. The Hindu newspaper reports that the two-middle aged men ended up spending an “agonising hour” trapped inside a tyre after their “ill-conceived” acrobatic street demonstration went awry. What the pair attempted, it must be said, should not be tried at home.
Titan International has named Paul Hawkins the new head of its subsidiary Titan Mining Services. Hawkins, who previously served in OTR sales and production at Titan Tire Corporation, will report directly to Titan International CEO Maurice Taylor in his new role. “Paul understands the complete range of products and what needs to be done as Titan expands into this new venture,” commented Taylor upon announcing Hawkins’ appointment.
After studying 2,000 drivers, Continental Tyres drew the conclusion that half of all motorists no longer enjoy driving – and a key reason for this lack of love is the threat of road rage. The study also revealed that around 15 per cent of those surveyed – a number representing five million motorists – have got out of their car to confront another driver.
A national insurance broker is warning businesses to take precautions as the theft of catalytic converters from vehicles increases. According to latest figures the practice, which involves removing the converter from the exhaust pipe to sell onto scrap metal dealers, has doubled from 1,100 incidents to 2,300 over a five month period as the value of platinum, palladium and rhodium from which the converters are made increases.
A new report commissioned by the RAC Foundation suggests that the Treasury will need to make up a shortfall in fuel duty caused by more efficient cars. The Association of British Drivers suggests that drivers are subsidising general taxation by far too much already and that redressing this imbalance should be the priority.
England's motorway network is not safe enough to have the speed limit raised to 80mph, according to Unfit for 80, a new report from the Road Safety Foundation.
Poorly-maintained and inadequate roadside protection and the rapidly rising risk of shunt crashes from the sheer volume of traffic using England's motorways are key factors of safety concern in the report, which is published while the Government continues to consider a review of the motorway speed limit.
While financial analysts described the results as “a big beat”, on the day the news was announced Pirelli’s share price fell 10 per cent. Pirelli pre-tax profitability was said to have been better than consensus of analysts’ estimates, mostly due to better price/mix and cost control. Market watchers also welcomed the fact that margins are at record levels.
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