This year’s SEMA Show is on track to be the largest in the event’s 47-year history, Tire Review reports. Already more than 2,500 exhibitors are set to cover more than one million square-feet of floor space at the show in Las Vegas, on 5-8 November. Additionally, more than 130,000 professionals from 130 countries are expected to attend.
The number of exhibitors registered for the 2013 Global Tire Expo, held in conjunction with the SEMA Show, already exceeds last year, according to the Tire Industry Association.
Hercules has confirmed that its Terra Trac R/S (rugged service), an all-terrain tyre built for rough conditions, is now available. Following its preview at SEMA 2012, the Terra Trac R/S is available in 10 LT/SUV fitments, with three-ply tread and/or three-ply sidewall construction in select sizes.
SEMA has appointed Mike Spagnola into the newly created position of vice president, OEM and product development programs. The move, which is effective immediately, see Spagnola bring with him 40 years of specialty auto parts experience, including more than 20 years of product development and project vehicle work.
The economies in the Americas are picking up, and US-based wholesaler Tire Group International therefore anticipates achieving 15 to 20 per cent growth this year. Helping the company achieve this target are several key distribution agreements including regional distribution of the Mastercraft and Galaxy brands, increased investment in marketing, and the release of new products.
Double Coin Holdings’ US-based subsidiary, the China Manufacturers Alliance (CMA), has appointed Ken Coltrane vice-president of its consumer tyre business. Coltrane brings almost two decades of tyre industry experience to his new role; most of his tyre industry career was spent at Del-Nat Tire Corporation, where he held positions in export, purchasing, and also served as the company’s vice-president of marketing.
On 29 October Federal Marshals raided Chinese tyre manufacturer Shandong Linglong’s stand at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show, according to a variety of news sources originating from reports by US magazine Tire Business. In what must be a first, even for the characteristically glitzy Las Vegas event, government officials confiscated the contents of the company’s exhibit as partial repayment of a $26 million court judgment against the company made in 2010.
More than 60,000 active buyers are expected to attend the event the 2012 SEMA Show/Global Tire Expo, according to Tire Review. The figure far surpasses attendance expectations and secures the event's status as the single largest and most comprehensive conference and trade show serving the tyre, service and restyling industries.
SEMA Show organisers have announced that around 150 wheel manufacturers have already signed on to exhibit at the upcoming 2012 SEMA Show/Global Tire Expo, Tire Review reports. “We’re pleased to see so many wheel companies joining us at the 2012 SEMA Show,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of events and communications. "Wheels are such an integral product in our industry, and the fact that so many exhibitors have confirmed their participation this early in the year is exciting.” The show will be held between 30 October and 2 November at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Retail franchise operation point S has confirmed an agreement with Unity Tyre Trading, a group of 11 independent tyre dealers in South Africa. The company announced that it was pursuing international development opportunities outside Europe at Las Vegas’ SEMA show in November, and its launch in the new African territory has confirmed point S’s ambitions in this direction. Point S also strengthened its Central European operations, by signing an agreement with the Slovenian firm, Span.
Sailun has expanded its winter tyre size range, adding 15 more fitments in total for the studdable Ice Blazer WST1 winter tyre and the studless Ice Blazer WSL2 winter tyre. According to the company, new sizes are available across both patterns and cover the 15, 16, 17 and 18-inch options and will be released from production in April and May 2012.
Alignment machinery manufacturer Hunter has been recognised for its technological innovation at SEMA. The company was presented with the 2011 North American Frost & Sullivan ‘Technology Innovation Award’ for its Elite TD alignment system. The award was presented to Hunter executive vice president Nick Colarelli by Frost & Sullivan programme leader Stephen Spivey. The system is distributed in the UK by Pro-Align.
Sailun Tyre’s exhibit at the recent SEMA in Las Vegas resulted in the company’s new Atrezzo SVR LX tyre being recognised by judges as being “one of the best new international products on show” and winning the 2011 SEMA Global Media Award. Sailun company literature describes how the company was “extremely prominent” in many ways at the recent SEMA (Speciality Equipment Market Association) Show held at the Las Vegas Convention Centre. In addition to a 1500 square foot stand, Sailun tyres were showcased with a demonstration car in the LVCC lobby and Sailun also took part in the SEMA Project Vehicles Sponsorship Programme.
The Tire Industry Association (TIA) has reported the “huge success” of its Global Tire Expo, held in conjunction with the US-based SEMA trade show. According to the TIA, this year’s event attracted a record number of attendees and exhibitors, with more than 132,000 people attending the co-located exhibitions and 61,000 buyers in attendance. This, the association adds, signifies the value that the Global Tire Expo and SEMA have for the wholesaler and manufacturing community.
On 2 November Larry Brandt took over from Mike Berra as president of the Tire Industry Association. In his first speech after taking on the office, Brandt stated a central theme of his administration would be maintaining “continuity in TIA's direction and leadership” and emphasising the TIA's relevance in protecting and educating the US driving public and tyre dealers.
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