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Continental Launches ContiSportContact 5 P UHP, Tuning Tyre

Continental has announced the availability of its new tyre for high performance sports cars, the ContiSportContact 5 P. The tyre is already fitted as standard on several Mercedes AMG models, displayed alongside the new Audi TT RS at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The tyre’s official launch in Portimao, Portugal this week is marked by a particular focus on the sorts of technological developments for which Continental is often lauded; representatives of the manufacturer describe the brand as “technology-driven”.

2nd December 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Recession-hit Motorists Skimp On Maintenance, Says Survey

Motorists may be neglecting essential vehicle maintenance in an effort to reduce their expenditure during the recession, according to research. Car expert Glass's has conducted a survey which reveals that 46 per cent of those polled have chosen to put off servicing their car or paying for repairs to tyres or bodywork. In addition, many are now choosing to avoid other car-related expenditures such as purchasing satnavs or alloy wheels.

1st December 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Morgan Stanley: Michelin Revenues to Grow 7% in 2010

Although Michelin managing partner Michel Rollier has expressed doubt that the tyre major’s revenues will increase in 2010, other expert opinions differ. Morgan Stanley Research Europe stated on November 24 that “we expect revenue growth of seven per cent – far more optimistic than Michelin management's recent outlook of no growth.” This prediction is even more optimistic than the Bloomberg survey of analysts that netted an average estimate of revenues rising by 4.3 per cent to 15.4 billion euros. To expand on the Morgan Stanley projection, an expected ten per cent volume growth should be partially offset by a three per cent decline in price/mix.

26th November 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Nokian Studded Tyre Tops European Magazine Test

Nokian Tyres claims its Hakkapeliitta 7 studded winter tyre was successful in recent comparison tests conducted by European car magazines, reported Tire Review. The tyre achieved test victories in publications from Finland, Sweden and Russia, Nokian said.

23rd November 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

MIRA Opens Brussels Office

On November 19, vehicle engineering specialist MIRA announced the opening of a new office in Brussels. This location, says MIRA, will support the growth of its research and development projects within the EU and be better placed to react to Europe’s evolving political landscape and deliver appropriate technology advice to policy makers.

23rd November 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Tyre Business to be 95% of Pirelli Revenues Following Real Estate Spin-Off

Deutsche Bank Equity Research analysts report Pirelli’s intention to purely concentrate on the company’s tyre business following the spin-off of its real estate assets by mid-2010. Once this has taken place, tyres will represent 95 per cent of Pirelli’s revenues, the report adds. Management at the Italian manufacturer is said view the coming year with confidence, a positive view driven mostly by a recovery of volumes in replacement markets. It believes the entire seven per cent decline experienced in the passenger car tyre market and half the truck tyre market’s 14 per cent drop can be recovered during 2010. This positive effect, comments the bank’s analysts, should more than offset a small increase in raw material expenses, as the tyre industry is expected to remain “disciplined” in passing on raw material price increases to consumers.

20th November 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Pirelli Signs 100M Euro R&D Financing Arrangement

Pirelli has organised a 100 million euro loan with the European Investment Bank (EIB) in order to support research and development projects in the years between 2009 and 2012. A financing agreement was signed on November 12 and Pirelli states this new loan consolidates the relationship it has with the EIB, which in the past contributed to the company’s “constant commitment to innovation and development of its competitiveness on a global scale.”

20th November 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Avon to Supply Cooper/F2000 Tyres to Revived US Championship Tyres

Cooper Tire has announced that it will become the exclusive tyre supplier and first sponsor of the newly-revived USF2000 National Championship, which is being re-launched for the 2010 motorsport season as a feeder category to the US-based Indy Racing League. Tyres for the series will be joint-branded COOPER/F2000 and supplied by Avon Tyres Motorsport in the UK. “The USF2000 National Championship presented by Cooper Tires” will launch in the Spring, as a single-seater racing category with races expected to take place on road courses, street tracks and ovals. Cooper will also present the winner of each race’s pole position with $500, which will be called the “Cooper Tires, Don’t Give Up a Thing Award”.

19th November 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

IRSG Names New Secretary General

The Singapore based International Rubber Study Group (IRSG) has announced that Dr Stephen V. Evans will take on the position of group secretary general on January 1, 2010, following the end of incumbent Dr Hidde Smit’s tenure. Dr Evans, notes an IRSG statement announcing his appointment, has been involved in the elastomer industry for the past decade and operated his own consultancy business since late 2008. The qualities he brings to the position include “extensive experience in biotechnology, business and marketing development as well as strategic management and research skills.”

19th November 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Conti Opens Asia HQ, R&D Centre in Shanghai

As part of its drive to increase localisation and provide better technical support to customers in the Chinese market, Continental AG has opened its new Asia headquarters and research and development centre in Shanghai’s Yangpu district. The new 16-floor 15,000 square metre facility currently houses around 700 employees from Conti’s Automotive Group, and a further 200 will relocate there by early 2010. The site will function, says Continental, as its Asia headquarters as well as an “important technical centre for the design and development of vehicle electronics”. The new R&D centre is the second Conti has opened in Shanghai; the company’s Continental Automotive Tech Centre in Jiading focuses on vehicle application development and systems testing for electronic brake systems, hydraulic brake systems, and engine management and system control. Some 60 million euros have been invested in both sites.

19th November 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Mytyres.co.uk Warns Against Buying Part-worn Tyres

Mytyres.co.uk – the UK part of Europe’s largest online tyre retailing group Delticom AG – is warning the increasing number of motorists considering part worn tyres that this is an example of false economy and a potentially dangerous decision. Whilst it is difficult to establish the number of part-worn tyres on sale in the UK, research suggests that the number of tyre retailers looking to supply this type of tyre because of the current economic climate is increasing. Tyres & Accessories’ best estimate for the size of this market puts the figure at up to 2 million units.

18th November 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Relocation of Lanxess Butyl Research Centre Begins

Lanxess has begun moving its Canada based butyl research and development centre into a new premises attached to the University of Western Ontario. The relocation to the city of London, which will see more than 100 staff from Lanxess’s operations in nearby Sarnia transfer to the new site, was announced in mid-2008 and gives the chemical company the opportunity to gain easier access to scientists at the university.

17th November 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

US Tariffs an Opportunity for Asian Manufacturers

International News

Although the US decision to charge tariffs on consumer tyres produced in China has presented the country’s manufacturers and importers of the product with a sizeable hurdle to their business, the Kasikorn Research Center, a subsidiary of Thailand’s Kasikornbank, believes the decision presents Thai exporters with a major opportunity to increase their market share.

16th November 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

SMMT Welcomes Government Support For Automotive Industry

Government has committed to create an Automotive Council to strengthen engagement with industry and set a long-term plan for its development. This follows its endorsements of the New Automotive Innovation and Growth Team's (NAIGT) recommendations on the development of the sector over the next 20 years. NAIGT, consisting of a cross-industry group of senior executives, produced the report earlier this year setting out a framework for industry development to ensure it maximises the opportunities presented by the transition to a low carbon agenda, and to promote the UK as a key player in a global industry.

12th November 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Ashcroft Appointed Conti UK & Ireland Truck OE Manager

Continental Tyre Group has appointed Steve Ashcroft to the role of OE manager for its UK & Ireland truck tyre business. In his new position, Ashcroft will liaise directly with both manufacturers and fleets on all OE truck and trailer activities. Commenting on his appointment, Ashcroft commented: “It’s an interesting time to be taking on the OE Manager role, but my years of experience as well as the insight gained from working in both the manufacturing and supplier side of the business, I’m convinced will be of great benefit.”

12th November 2009/by Tyrepress Editors