Motorcycle insurance broker Carole Nash is to introduce free security marking kits as a standard benefit not only on all new road and off-road policies, but also on renewals. The move comes after a successful trial of Carole Nash DNA+ at the end of last year, which saw thousands of satisfied customers apply the anti-theft measure to their cherished motorcycles.
On 28 February Goodyear Tire & Rubber called for the redemption on 29 March 2012 of all its outstanding US$650 million 10.5 per cent senior unsecured notes due 2016. The redemption price will be 107.875 per cent of the principal amount being redeemed on the date of redemption, plus the interest payment amount scheduled for 15 May 2012 (less accrued and unpaid interest to 29 March 2012), computed using a discount rate equal to the yield of a comparable US Treasury security plus 0.50 per cent. In addition, holders will receive accrued and unpaid interest to 29 March 2012.
Bridgestone has launched the Adrenalin RE002, in an extension its premium Potenza sport tyre line-up. The Potenza Adrenalin RE002 provides a contrast with Bridgestone’s original equipment and replacement market flagship, the Potenza S001, by offering a sportier feel, largely tuned for dry performance. It is designed to increase steering response and handling for the two-seat roadster, hot hatchback or tuned car driver.
On 1 February Yokohama Tire Corporation released a run-flat version of its Avid ENVigor all-season range in its North American markets. Known as the Avid ENVigor ZPS (Zero Pressure System), the run-flat variant is available in five sizes for popular fitments such as the BMW 3 and 5 Series, Lexus GS and SC, and Mini Cooper.
Motorcycle manufacturer Triumph has selected Pirelli’s new generation Diablo Supercorsa as original equipment for its latest offering, the Speed Triple R. The new Triumph bike, which recently premiered at the EICMA, will feature the ‘SP’ or Sport Production version of the Diablo Supercorsa in size 120/70 ZR17 tyre for the front and 190/55 ZR17 on the rear.
As of the 1 January 2012 the MoT Test will incorporate a malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) check. This will call for the examiner to visually check that warnings lights for ESP, SRS, ABS and TPMS are not permanently illuminated. This will come into effect from 1 January but will be highlighted as an advisory item only until 31 March. From 1 April onwards, vehicles will fail an MOT if these lights are illuminated. Warnings lights or MIL that are to be noted if illuminated include ESP; Electronic Stability Programme, SRS; Safety Restraint System, ABS; Anti-Locking Brake System, and TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System).
Dunlop India Ltd has informed the Bombay Stock Exchange of its decision to suspend operations at the company’s Sahaganj factory. In a lengthy letter outlining the various problems the company has faced at this factory since acquiring the tyre manufacturing business in 2005, Sahaganj plant manager M A Khan said it is no longer “possible to keep the factory open, continue to make payment of unproductive wages to idle workers and take risk for the safety and security of [the] plant and its employees.”
Bridgestone UK has been offering training programmes to service providers, and more recently its customer technicians, across a wide variety of high-interest topics for several years. More recently the tyre manufacturer has been assessed by the Institute of Road Transport Engineers (IRTE) for its ‘Wheel Security Training Course’ and is said to have passed with flying colours.
The Lancashire Evening Post describes the theft of almost £30,000 worth of tyres on its patch as being a “well-planned criminal operation.” Reporting the incident on July 19, the newspaper states detectives from Preston CID believe a highly organised crime gang were behind the theft, which appears to have been a well-planned operation.
After a meeting with the Independent Garage Association (IGA), the European Commission plan to review the way vehicle manufacturers make security information available to independent garages. At a recent meeting with Maria Rehbinder, Head of Unit, from the European Commission, the IGA, CECRA (European Council for Motor Trades and Repairs) and BOVAG (Independent Dutch Trade Body) presented a detailed report on the problems independent garages are currently experiencing when trying to access security information from vehicle manufacturers. Car manufacturers have an obligation to provide technical service bulletins, recall information, online diagnosis and software updates for new cars.
Goodyear’s three North American blimps are currently assisting the US Department of Homeland Security/FEMA in its efforts to collect donations to aid those devastated by recent tornados in the United States. The airships, Spirit of Goodyear in Ohio, Spirit of Innovation in Florida and Spirit of America in California, are using their electronic signs to display disaster relief messages directing people to donate by text via The Salvation Army or The American Red Cross. A third message provides details of the nvoad.org disaster relief website.
On May 18, Tire Industry Association executive vice-president Roy Littlefield met with members of US President Obama’s National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform. The Commission is charged with identifying policies to improve the United States’ fiscal situation in the medium term and to achieve fiscal sustainability over the long run; according to the TIA, Littlefield was invited to meet Commission members to discuss economic policy, the US budget deficit and economic outlook, how public policy drives the deficit, and how budget cuts will impact future policy.
BSM Technologies Inc., a leading provider of remote monitoring, fleet management, fleet diagnostics and automated vehicle security systems, and EMS Global Tracking, part of the Global Resource Management business of EMS Technologies, Inc. said (on 3 April) that they are extending their existing reseller agreement to distribute BSM’s SecTrack products and services to Latin America.
During the winter months many British motorists will engage in the practice of turning on their vehicles’ engines well before departure time in order to remove the morning frost without manual scraping. The obvious resulting problem is that leaving a running car unattended invites the attentions of the criminal classes; Sainsbury’s Bank has recently published figures suggesting 66,000 vehicles are stolen in this situation. Vehicle accessories company Armour Automotive believes it has found a solution, announcing the launch of its new range of engine remote starter systems, available through the company’s Clifford brand.
Cooper Tire’s Tupelo factory in the US state of Mississippi has achieved a million man-hours without recording a single lost time injury. The tyre maker states this milestone “demonstrates the company's commitment to the highest standards of safety performance and its desire to create a safer working environment.”
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