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Infinity to Launch UHP tyre range at Tyrexpo Africa 2010

Tyrecor is planning to launch a new range of Infinity UHP tyres into the South African market at Tyrepxo Africa next year. Confirming the news, managing director Charl de Villiers said: “Infinity will be launching an exciting new range of products into the Southern African market at the show next March, which will include Ultra High Performance tyres up to and including 21 inches in V and W speed ratings. The Infinity brand already enjoys a large following in Europe and other parts of the world and we have received numerous requests from our dealer base to expand our current range. “We feel that Tyrexpo Africa is the ideal platform to launch this range due to the exposure it offers exhibitors,” he said.

By mid-July, floor space for TyrexpoAfrica’10 was more than 55 per cent occupied and on track to meet targets set by organiser ECI International. There is a current balance of 40 per cent national to 60 per cent international companies exhibiting, with strong representation from China, India, south east Asia, Europe and the US.

15th July 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Hankook Recalls 3 RA08 Light Truck Tyres

Hankook Tire has is recalling a number of RA08 van tyre sizes in what the company describes as a “precautionary measure.” The sizes affected are: 185/75R16C, 205/75R16C and 215/75R16C produced at the company’s plant in Hungary between April 2008 and June 2009. According to the company, no other tyres produced in Hungary are subject to this action. Tyres supplied as OE to Ford’s Transit are said to similarly un-affected as they are produced at the company’s Deajon plant in South Korea.

Consumers who use the affected tyres are asked to immediately contact their local tyre dealer. Further consumer information will be offered at Hankook Tire Europe’s website (www.hankooktire-eu.com). Alternatively, consumers and the trade are being directed to contact their national representatives.

13th July 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

TIA Announces Candidates for 2009 Board Election

The Maryland, US based Tire Industry Association (TIA) has announced the slate of candidates for its 2009 Board of Directors election. TIA members will vote in open elections to place ten individuals onto the board for three-year terms. Members will receive ballots in the mail before the end of July, and can also download a ballot from the ‘members only’ section of the TIA website (www.tireindustry.org).

8th July 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

First Stop Gives Away Free Fuel

In an effort to brighten the lives of the nation’s cash-strapped drivers, the First Stop network of tyre dealerships has chosen to pay for a number of lucky drivers’ fuel. Lisa Chatfield of Stoke-on-Trent was the first prize winner of a year’s supply of free fuel. The second entry to be drawn was Clive Moles of Lincolnshire, who has won enough fuel to keep him motoring for a month.

Chatfield was delighted and commented: “I had just been to replace two of my tyres when I entered the competition and was absolutely delighted to find out that I’d won. I’m a busy mum and use my car a lot during the week, as well as getting out and about at the weekend. I had totally forgotten about entering this competition so it was a wonderful surprise to hear that I had won. Combined with the fact that my fiancé has just been made redundant from JCB this prize will be a great financial help.”

8th July 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Conti North America Acquisition Strengthens S. America Position

Continental Tire North America has announced that it has acquired the majority ownership of a leading passenger, light truck and commercial tyre company in Latin America, Compania Ecuatoriana del Caucho S.A. “Majority ownership of ERCO provides Continental with the ability to improve our entire value chain — from the rubber plantation to the retail stores — throughout the Americas region through ERCO’s strong competence in the tyre business,” said Matthias Schoenberg, chief executive officer of Continental Tire The Americas. “Our plan is to have ERCO manage the six countries of the Andean region so that we can expand our business in these critical growth markets which, together, have a larger population size than that of Mexico, but with faster growth.”

3rd July 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Sibur Still Interested in All of Amtel-Vredestein

Sibur Russian-Tyres is still moving towards an acquisition of Amtel-Vredestein’s (A-V) bankrupt Russian operations, with all parts of the fractured business remaining under consideration. Sibur Russian-Tyres initiated this approach in late January 2009 stating its interest in buying $600 million of Amtel-Vredestein’s $800 million debt. However earlier news reports, also published by Kommersant, suggested other parties are also interested and may be attempting to take control of certain assets.

2nd July 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Protyre Outlet Wins Michelin Motorcycle Tyre Retail Award

A pan-European retail award programme instigated by Michelin and designed to raise the standard of selling and fitting motorcycle and scooter tyres has been awarded to the Protyre outlet in Gloucester, the first in the UK.

The programme sets very high standards for a variety of customer facing elements at the retail end of the motorcycle tyre buying process. From ease of parking, point of sale, the attitude of the staff, waiting area, the selling process, tyre handling and fitting process – a total ride in/ride out service with the customer being the single most important focus, in essence a professional point of sale. The Protyre Gloucester outlet was the first UK tyre location to undergo this rigorous examination audit and passed with flying colours. A key element to gaining the award was the highly committed and professional approach adopted by the Gloucester team who have both an interest and passion for everything on two wheels. Two other Protyre outlets are currently being assessed under the Michelin Business Programme.

1st July 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

ITC Pushing Duty Increase, Not Quotas, in China Case

In a somewhat unexpected change in direction the US International Trade Commission will recommend a series of duty increases on Chinese-produced passenger and light truck/SUV tyres exported to the US. Monday’s decision, which is being forwarded to President Obama for his consideration, would place a three-tiered additional duty on the tyres based on their value – 55 per cent in the first year, 45 per cent in the second year, and 35 per cent in the third year. The fees would presumably make the retail cost of Chinese tyres more expensive in the US.

The duty plan was not sought by the United Steelworkers, which petitioned the government for a rollback in the number of consumer tyres imported from China. On June 18, the ITC ruled in favor of the USW by a 4-2 vote. That same 4-2 majority made the duty recommendation. In addition to the duty, the ITC recommends that the President direct the US Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Commerce to provide expedited consideration of Trade Adjustment Assistance for firms and/or workers that are affected by the imported tyres. (Tire Review/Akron)

30th June 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

JLR Recommend Pro-Cut Brake Lathe

Jaguar Land Rover engineering have made the Pro-Cut on-car brake lathe a recommended piece of equipment for their dealerships worldwide, saying that “It eliminates brake noise, removes corrosion and delivers improved braking performance.” Jaguar tested the Pro-Cut 9.0 brake lathe at two service centres, on two separate test cars driven by two different drivers. Pro-Cut Europe demonstrated the system on one brake disc and a Jaguar mechanic completed the job under supervision, before the cars were tested.

The cars, and more importantly the brakes, were put through their paces to determine the effectiveness of the equipment. Both test drivers could not believe the transformation of the vehicles following the demonstration, reporting an 80 per cent increase in efficiency within five stops and more response from the brake pedal.

30th June 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Bridgestone Americas Tire Veteran Appointed to Firestone Role

Following 27 years with Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, Michael Sigillito has been appointed the sales and marketing director for sister company Firestone Industrial Products Co. Sigillito most recently served as director of retail, channel and Canadian marketing for Bridgestone Americas.

30th June 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

HiQ Frachisee Appoints New Marketing Manager

HiQ franchisee, Easy Tyre & Autocentres has appointed Emma-Jane Kisby as marketing manager for all 27 of its retail centres. According to a statement detailing the appointment, Kisby is taking on the challenge of driving the business forward across the network, while re-branding every store in the process. The branches recently became part of the Easy Tyre & Autocentres franchise when HiQ launched its accelerated franchise programme.

Emma-Jane Kisby has spent the last eight years working on prestigious designer brands for Aspects Beauty Company, gaining annual promotions until becoming area sales manager in charge of 35 sales consultants three years ago.

30th June 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

First Stop Says Safety Roadshow a “Success”

Bridgestone-supported dealer network First Stop has over the past few months held a series of roadshow appearances across the UK, helping to educate drivers about the importance of tyre safety. The events involved the First Stop team visiting nationwide locations to raise awareness of the importance of checking tyre pressures and depth. The decision to do so was inspired by Bridgestone’s recent online survey, which showed that over 88 per cent of motorists don’t check their tyre pressures weekly (according to 1,500 female and male UK car drivers, aged 18-55+ years questioned in March 2009).

Speaking about the roadshow Dan Woodward, retail marketing analyst for First Stop said, “This was a great opportunity for us to get out and meet new and existing customers. We were surprised by how many motorists taking advantage of the free tyre checks were driving on tyres which were incorrectly inflated or had dangerous levels of tread depth.”

30th June 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Vellco Signs New National Tyres & Autocare Collection Contract

Vellco Ltd has announced that it has agreed a new 18 month total waste management contract with National Tyres & Autocare to collect, recycle and/or reprocess “all automotive waste arisings including scrap tyres, hazardous waste, catalytic convertors, metal waste, and general dry trade waste from all National’s 206 retail centres throughout the UK.” Vellco Limited has been working in partnership with NTA for over 12 years.

In addition to the services referred to above, NTA is now segregating all paper and cardboard from their dry trade waste, as well as recycling all of their other waste streams. NTA is expecting to achieve carbon-neutrality by the end of the year.

29th June 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Hot Summer “Is Bad News For Cars”

Motorists are being urged to prepare their cars for what is predicted to be a hotter-than-average summer in 2009. Autoglym warns that extended periods of intense heat and high levels of the sun’s harmful UV light can do more damage than freezing winter conditions – fading paint, causing rubber and plastics to degrade, and baking corrosive contaminants on to paintwork.

In hot conditions, body-panel temperatures can exceed 50 degrees Celsius, baking on contaminants such as bird droppings and tree sap that can eat into unprotected paintwork. Tyres, plastics and rubber seals around windows and doors are also at risk, and can quickly deteriorate if protective dressings are not applied.

29th June 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Bridgestone’s Dahl Appointed To US Certification Body

For some 37 years the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) has existed as a US based independent, non-profit organisation whose main purpose has been to improve the quality of vehicle repair and service through the testing and certification of repair and service professionals. At present, about 400,000 professionals hold current certifications. On June 22, Bridgestone announced that Glenn Dahl, senior coordinator of Technical Educations for Bridgestone Retail Operations (BSRO) has been appointed to the ASE Board of Directors.

23rd June 2009/by Tyrepress Editors