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Survey Shows Fleet Buys Have Increased

(Akron/Tire Review) New research by CK Commercial Vehicle Research indicates that the Class 8 tractor business may be picking up this, quarter, According to the research firm, 32 per cent of respondents to its Second Quarter Fleet Sentiment survey say they plan to place orders for power units in the next months.

According to CK Commercial Vehicle Research, that result was nearly identical to the 34 per cent who planned purchases during the first quarter of 2007.

16th May 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Yokohama Announces Management Shuffle

A number of senior management changes were decided upon at the Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd board of directors meeting in early May. These changes will become effective subject to approval being granted at the general meeting of shareholders on June 28.

Three corporate officers, Koichi Tanaka, Takashi Fukui and Norio Karashima, have been promoted to the role of managing corporate officer. Taking their place as corporate officers are Etsuji Hanatate, who on June 28 will become corporate officer deputy general manager of Tire Overseas Sales & Marketing Division and general manager of Tire Overseas Sales & Marketing Department No.2, and Misao Hiza, who will become in charge of MB Technical, general manager of MB Business Development Center, general manager of Hamatite Division and general manger of Hamatite Technical Department.

16th May 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Michelin Holds Annual Shareholders’ Meeting

Michelin’s annual shareholders’ meeting was held in Clermont-Ferrand on May 11, and managing partner Michel Rollier submitted to the shareholders a number of proposed changes in the area of Michelin Group corporate governance. Of particular significance was the proposal that “the [Group’s] management be enlarged to non-general managing partners in order to guarantee the sustainability as well as collegial nature of its management”.

The resolutions submitted for shareholder vote – 18 in total – were approved by a sizable majority, and the company’s bylaws were amended accordingly. Mr. Didier Miraton, Head of Research and Industrial Performance and Mr. Jean-Dominique Senard, Chief Financial Officer, were appointed Non-General Managing Partners. Commenting on the changes, Mr. Rollier stated he was convinced that he and the two new managing partners, would form “the close and efficient team Michelin needs to rise to the challenges confronting it”.

14th May 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Kwik-Fit Fleet Offers Air Conditioning Recharging Service

Kwik-Fit Fleet has expanded its range of services to company car and van drivers with the introduction of air conditioning recharging. Available at all of Kwik-Fit’s 670 High Street centres nationwide, the while-you-wait recharge costs £44.95 including VAT on any make or model of vehicle. The fixed price is up to 70 per cent cheaper than equivalent prices at some franchise dealers, according to the company’s research.

Air conditioning recharging has been piloted at 100 Kwik-Fit centres in London and the South East of England since summer last year. Now demand from customers has resulted in Britain’s largest independent fast-fit company rolling out the service UK-wide.

Vehicle manufacturers typically recommend an air conditioning recharge every two years as up to 20 per cent of refrigerant can permeate through vehicle hoses even without a leak, which will impact on the in-car temperature.

11th May 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

BERU Opens Extended R&D Centre

Beru, manufacturers of the Tire Safety System (TSS) tyre pressure monitoring equipment, have officially opened their extended research and development centre in Ludwigsburg, Germany. The extension, made necessary by the growing demand for the company’s sensor and ignition technology, sees the centre increase in floorspace by approximately 1,000 square metres.

The May 9 opening was presided over by Beru managing director for research & development and sales of original equipment, Dr. Rainer Podeswa. Speaking to industry, political and business representatives attending the ceremony, Dr. Podeswa said: “The extension is a visible sign of a long-term corporate policy and permanent investment in the future.”

10th May 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Dowey Appointed as Rapra Head

James L. Dowey has been appointed as vice president and managing director of Smithers Rapra Technology, the British subsidiary of Akron-based The Smithers Group. Mr. Dowey is currently director of tyre uniformity machinery at Kobelco Stewart Bolling Inc. based in Hudson, Ohio. He replaces Hugh Pace, formerly of Goodyear, who will become chairman and CEO of Pirelli Tire North America. “Jim will be an excellent addition to the company and will provide a seamless transition in managing our business and international growth opportunities,” said Michael Hochschwender, president and CEO of The Smithers Group, parent company.

Hugh D. Pace, the new chairman and CEO of Pirelli North America, has 30 years of experience at the highest levels of the tire industry, comes to Pirelli from Smithers Rapra Ltd, a British subsidiary of The Smithers Group, where he served as Vice President and Managing Director. Pace will assume his duties as Chairman and CEO of Pirelli North America effective 4 June 2007, replacing Kevin Riddett who is leaving Pirelli after 10 years with the Group to embark on new professional challenges. “Mr. Pace’s international experience is a major plus for our company’s growth strategies in North America”, said Francesco Gori, CEO of Pirelli Tyre Spa.

9th May 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Goodyear Looking at New Danville Research Lab

(Akron/Tire Review) Goodyear and the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) are considering creation of a “one-of-a-kind tyre performance research laboratory” near the tyremaker’s truck tyre plant in Danville, Va. Goodyear said the proposed lab “would facilitate high-speed testing for the study of tyre performance, tyre/suspension dynamics and tyre-pavement interaction.

Goodyear also said that the new facility would be open for use by non-tyre companies and groups.

If built, the lab would be Goodyear’s second facility in Danville. “We have a strong link to the Danville community through our manufacturing plant,” said William Hopkins, Goodyear vice president of technology and strategic initiatives. “We are excited about the possibility of performing world-class research in Danville, and strengthening our ties to the community through collaboration and educational advancement.”

8th May 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Raybestos Works to Address Tech Needs

(Akron/Tire Review) Raybestos says it has “completely re-engineered” its entire brake component product lines after conducting “months of extensive” research with service technicians across North America. As a result, Raybestos has launched a new strategy that “addresses the proliferation of both parts and vendors, which has become a major problem for distributors,” according to Jeff Stauffer, vice president of global marketing for Affinia, which produces and markets Raybestos products.

Stauffer said the research showed that “techs require a single line of hydraulics, two grades of rotors and three grades of friction.” To address that need, Raybestos launched its 1-2-3 Strategy to deliver the types of brake components techs say they need.

“The studies told us that a single line of hydraulics made to OE specs is all that is needed,” Stauffer said. “With rotors, most situations can be addressed with a basic professional grade of OE-equivalent products, but some applications, especially severe duty or premium vehicles, require an ultra premium product capable of outperforming OE.”

25th April 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Kwik-Fit Shows Support to Bridgestone Safety Campaign

Kwik-Fit has pledged its support to Bridgestone’s “Think Before You Drive” campaign – which is their contribution to the United Nations Global Road Safety Week taking place during 23rd – 29th April.
Throughout the entire week Kwik-Fit will donate its fitters and premises – nationwide – to conduct free tyre checks on behalf Bridgestone. All motorists are welcome to a free, no obligation tyre check up at any one of Kwik-Fit’s 670 UK centres, without appointment.
Bridgestone’s initiative “Think before you drive” advises drivers of the four basic steps to improve safety. These are:

– Always wear a seat belt
– Use a suitable child seat
– Position the head rest correctly
– Ensure your tyres have the right pressure and sufficient tread depth.

25th April 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

USW Report Slams CTNA

An executive report recently released by the United Steelworkers in the US outlines what the union refers to as “some of the company’s most stunning failures in the North American tyre market.” The USW claim that the report, titled ’20 Years Asleep at the Wheel,’ is based upon market and industry research and interviews with independent tyre dealers, and zeroes in on “major management blunders” that are reported to have cost shareholders hundreds of millions of dollars.

The report discusses several issues the USW alleges the company did not fully disclose to its shareholders, including an overemphasis on the OE market, failure to develop an effective tyre dealer network, ineffective marketing strategy and failed sourcing and supply strategy. The USW claims that information made public as part of a recent lawsuit shows management errors in these areas have cost shareholders as much as $1.2 billion during the last five years.

19th April 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Alcoa Wheel Technology Wins 2007 PACE Award

Alcoa Wheel Products has been named a 2007 Automotive News PACE Award winner. The awards, which are given in recognition of superior innovation, technological advancement and business performance amongst automotive suppliers, were announced on April 16 at a ceremony in Detroit.

Alcoa was awarded for its Dura-Bright wheels that utilise the company’s patented XBR Technology. This unique surface treatment penetrates the aluminium to become an integral part of the wheel. Alcoa claim that, unlike coated wheels, wheels treated with XBR Technology, will not peel, crack, corrode or chip. Dura-Bright wheels only require rinsing with mild soap and water to maintain their appearance.

During his acceptance speech, president of Alcoa Wheel Products Kevin Kramer said, “We are truly honoured to be recognised as a winner for this prestigious award. Dura-Bright technology is now enjoying acceptance from our global OEM partners while we have also recently launched the innovation into our automotive aftermarket business. Winning the Automotive News PACE Award further validates our commitment to wheel innovation.”

18th April 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

New Tyres Safer on Rear Wheels – Tyresafe

Established wisdom amongst a large section of the motoring public and even within the tyre industry dictates that new tyres should be fitted to a vehicle’s front wheels. At least 50 per cent of motorists, according to Tyresafe, believe this front fitting preference to be correct practice. However recent tests indicate that fitting new tyres to a vehicle’s rear wheels may be of greater benefit, regardless of whether the vehicle is front or rear drive.

Research suggests that fitting new tyres to the rear wheels will allow for better dispersal of water on the road surface, improving straight line braking. Partially worn rear tyres can, conversely, increase a vehicle’s tendency to oversteer, and sudden failure of a rear tyre will cause a vehicle to become much harder to control than a similar failure occurring in a front tyre.

18th April 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Racing Car Rolls on Potato Tyres

Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a racing car that is perhaps as tasty as it is fast. The environmentally friendly vehicle, the brainchild of the Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), a research think tank and solution provider based at the university, has tyres made from potatoes and brake pads from cashew nut shells. The car also runs on bio fuels and bio lubricants.

The racer was originally designed with a top speed of 125mph, but following ‘tweaking’ by project manager Ben Wood it is now capable of speeds as high as 150mpg, provided there is a straight road and a tailwind available.

3rd April 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Firestone Launches Maxi-Traction Agri-Tyre Range

Firestone has launched a new range of tractor tyres designed for high horsepower tractors above 175 hp. The main advantage of the Maxi-Traction range is that they have been specifically designed to run at a higher inflation pressure than many other brands. The tyres can be inflated to 2.4 bar, thanks to the design and manufacture of the casing. This enables a higher load to be carried. For example, the 710/70 R38 SS can carry a load of 6150kg at speeds up to 50 km/h.

23rd March 2007/by Tyrepress Editors

Bridgestone Plans New Thailand Proving Ground

Thai Bridgestone Co. Ltd has been granted official approval from the Thailand Board of Investment to establish a new proving ground. The company intends to construct a facility for the purpose of enhancing Bridgestone’s research and development capabilities in Thailand, and it is hoped this new centre will improve the speed and efficiency of testing for both the OE and aftermarket sectors. Additionally, the proving ground will also be used for both internal and external sales promotion and training and safety education activities.

Thai Bridgestone does not intend for the new facility to only serve Thailand’s domestic market. It also plans to utilise the facility for developing and evaluating tyres for the Asia and Pacific markets. The new proving ground is needed to supplement Thai Bridgestone’s current proving ground, opened in 1996 and located adjacent to the company’s Nongkhae factory, as this facility is currently struggling to keep up with future market requirements due to increasing vehicle ownership levels throughout the Asia/Pacific regions. The new and larger-scale proving ground will be suitable for the development of the next generation of high-performance tyres, which will be evaluated at the facility.

19th March 2007/by Tyrepress Editors