Industry analysts have forecasted first quarter sales figures for Michelin of around 3.85 billion euros ($4.75 billion) – a rise of 6.7 per cent. The figure is the average of estimates from 11 analysts, which ranged from 3.7 billion euros to 4.2 billion. Michelin’s actual first quarter financial results will be revealed after the close of the stock market today.
(Akron/Tire Review) Bandag Inc. reported $212.4 million in consolidated net sales for the first quarter of 2006, an increase of 12 per cent compared to consolidated net sales of $189.8 million in first quarter of 2005. Consolidated earnings from continuing operations were $3.8 million for the first quarter compared to 2005 first-quarter consolidated net earnings of $6.0 million.
Beissbarth has introduced two new products for workshops. The first of these checks the alignment of the car’s propeller shaft. Drivers of high performance and quality cars demand smooth and efficient rides but part of the problem may lie in the state of the propeller shaft. Even slight buckling can lead to vibration of the drive train or roughness in acceleration.
(Akron/Tire Review) Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. will announce its first quarter 2006 financial results before the market opens on Wednesday, May 3, the company said.
Viking International has named the winners of its Millennium competition. The Ultra High Performance Millennium tyre range, launched at the beginning of the year, was introduced alongside an exclusive competition for Viking’s business development staff, with the chance to win vouchers towards an exotic holiday destination of their choice.
First prize went to David Le Tall for exceptional sales results, closely followed by runner up, Steve Cockburn. They were presented with their holiday vouchers at the end of March by John Kemp, managing director for Viking International.
In the USA the results of the National Academy of Sciences’ National Tire Efficiency Study that began at the end of 2004 are due to be released this week.
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has confirmed that staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission have terminated their investigation into accounting matters included in the company’s restatement of financial results, announced in October 2003, and in subsequent public filings.
Results from regional semi-finals have been collated Tyres & Accessories can now announce the names of the 12 technicians who will compete for the title Top Technician 2006. Four technicians will compete each day at the live final, held at the Automotive Trade Show (25-27 April, NEC, Birmingham) on the Top Technician stand, number 1531.
(Akron/Tire Review) US District Court Judge John Adams has dismissed the class-action lawsuit alleging securities fraud filed against the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. and some of its current and former officers.
Beissbarth UK has launched a new wheel aligner in its highly successful Microline range, which has the highest number of top manufacturer approvals.
The Beissbarth ML1800 is an entry level wheel alignment unit aimed at smaller body shops and garages. It runs on a user-friendly Windows computer programme and includes car and van database details.
Beissbarth UK’s managing director Phillip Hodges said: “Beissbarth aligner technology is renowned throughout the industry. By introducing this latest model we have been able to offer even more features than previously available on our starter level systems.
Dunlop has launched its first new generation 17.5” and 19.5” regional haul tyres: the Dunlop SP344 steer tyre and SP444 drive tyre. The new tyres provide optimum wet braking, traction and handling throughout their life. In addition, high mileage, improved fuel consumption and a greater resistance to damage are all benefits, which increase fleet efficiency, says Dunlop.
Featuring new construction, compounds and tread designs, the new tyre range is designed specifically to meet the demands of today’s hauliers and fleet operators.
So far 50 per cent of those who answered Tyres & Accessories’ question of the month say they are simply too busy to sell wheels. This month’s question asks readers about their preferences when it comes to selling alloy wheels. Do you sell them or are you busy enough moving tyres to worry about the extra expense and hassle of selling wheels? The next 30 per cent of respondents said they order-in wheels as and when. Only 20 per cent say they actively try to sell wheels.
The majority may have said they do not have time for wheels, but the strongest comments came from those who order-in wheels. “I do not believe that there is one tyre dealer nowadays that has no time to sell alloy wheels. Albeit selling alloy wheels through a regular tyre shop would not provide millionaire success,” one reader told T&A. Keep your answers and comments coming (please include your name and contact details) clicking here.. The complete results and report will be published in the April magazine’s wheel report.
Maha UK is in the process of doubling its project team. Extensions to their existing offices are under way to cope with the work load and the increase in staff. The project and planning team lead by Neil Ebbs has many years experience in this field and offers workshop planning for small extensions of up to 30+ bays including all the services and infrastructure that may be required.
The names of finalists in the Top Technician 2006 competition will be announced on March 24. The live final will be held at the Automotive Trade Show (25-27 April, NEC Birmingham) on the Top Technician stand, number 1531.
Of the 500 technicians that originally entered, only 36 were invited to attend the semi finals at three regional ATA approved test centres in Croydon, Hinckley and Manchester. They undertook ATA at diagnostic level and were independently assessed for the purposes of the competition by Mark Softley from MototeK and Ian Gillgrass from the IMI.
Bridgestone’s premium high-performance and touring tyres have received praise from Which?, the UK’s leading consumer watchdog magazine. Which? magazine tested 30 tyres in varying sizes from mainstream manufacturers, with Bridgestone’s Turanza ER300 rated the top tyre in the 14-inch class, and its high-performance Potenza RE050A tyre named as ‘Best buy’ in the 17-inch category.
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