The Press Trust of India writes that the country’s government is “likely” to implement an anti-dumping duty on bus and truck radials imported from China and Thailand. The Commerce Ministry’s Directorate General of Anti-dumping and Allied Duties (DGAD), it reports, has recommended a US$90 duty per tyre.
TNA reports that Groupe Michelin may be planning to boost tyre production in Thailand, but such expansion will be based on prevailing political issues in that country. Michelin Southeast Asia and Oceania managing director Frederic Vincent told TNA that Michelin sees Thailand as Asia’s most important production base for exports worldwide and planned to increase its production capacity to accommodate economic recovery in Thailand. At the same time, the managing director said the company will “monitor the political situation closely as the group did not want to witness any uncertainties.” (Tire Review)
India’s Tata Motors reports its commercial vehicle production has been reduced by between five and ten per cent since January due to a shortage of radial tyres and other key components. This disclosure follows one from Ashok Leyland, who was forced to decrease production by 20 per cent for similar reasons.
The Press Trust of India reports the country’s government has imposed anti-dumping duties upon imported carbon black used by the rubber industry in an attempt to protect the domestic industry against from cheap shipments from China, Australia, Thailand and Russia. The import duties range from US$0.084 to $0.423 per kilogram, India’s Central Board of Customs and Excise (CBEC) said in a statement.
Following the success of the programme it introduced early in 2008, Federal Tire has further developed its marketing plan for tyre dealers. In order to strengthen its market position, the company has released an “image corner” – a move it hopes will help consumers gain a better understanding of Federal. The company says it aims, through the introduction of these displays in its export markets, to create a presence that “established the essence of the Federal brand” and helps the company sustain a competitive edge while improving business.
On January 31 Bridgestone Corporation entered into a definitive agreement to sell 100 per cent of the shares held in its Italian and Chinese steel cord manufacturing subsidiaries to Belgium’s NV Bekaert SA. The manufacturing subsidiaries to be sold are Bridgestone Metalpha Italia S.p.A. (BMI), based in Sardinia, and Guangdong Province based Bridgestone (Huizhou) Steel Cord Co., LTD. (BSSH). As part of this transaction, Bridgestone has entered into a long-term tyre cord supply agreement with Bekaert to ensure a stable supply of quality cord. Bridgestone and Bekaert will complete the transactions once all applicable governmental and regulatory approvals are received. The transaction has an enterprise value of approximately 70 million euros, and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2010.
Sumitomo Rubber Industries has announced its intention to establish two joint venture companies in Thailand, together with Thai Eastern Group. One of these joint venture companies will centre on a natural rubber plantation, while the other on the setting up of a natural rubber processing plant.
Following an all-expenses paid trip to Thailand, courtesy of the Maxxis Rewards Scheme, Grouptyre sales director Paul Hollows gave a vote of thanks to the brand, which is sold exclusively through Grouptyre wholesalers in the UK: “I know from conversations during our week away and since that the retailers who went to Thailand with Maxxis got a great deal out of the trip, especially the visit to the Maxxis Rayong factory, which helped them really appreciate the commitment Maxxis makes to manufacturing quality products. Congratulations to Maxxis on an excellent initiative and here’s to continued success in 2010.” Hollows accompanied the retailers on their journey through the country from November 21-28, during which they spent time in the beach resort of Pattaya and the bustling capital city of Bangkok.
Christmas arrived early for 13 lucky tyre retailers who will receive a luxury hamper and £400 in Argos gift vouchers after winning the final Maxxis Rewards quarterly prize draw of 2009. “The Maxxis Rewards programme helped promote the brand, not only boosting Maxxis PCR sales throughout the year, but also helping us to develop key relationships, as retailers contacted us to find out more about adding Maxxis to their range and some of those that already offered Maxxis were encouraged to recommend it to their customers as a quality, value for money tyre,” says Grouptyre sales director Paul Hollows.
According to Yokohama Rubber, its Yokohama Tire Manufacturing (Thailand) passenger car and truck and bus tyre facility has achieved “zero emissions”; in other words, less than one per cent of its total waste volume is now subject to direct landfill disposal. In order to confirm this result the Japanese company conducted on-site investigations of all contractors commissioned to dispose of waste from the plant.
A 225,000 to 240,000 tonne per annum global capacity expansion being implemented by India’s AV Birla Group may see it take over from Colombian Chemicals as the world’s third largest producer of carbon black. “Over the next six months, we will become world’s third largest producer of carbon black from fourth,” confirmed Rakesh Jain, managing director of AV Birla company Aditya Birla Nuvo. “Thanks to our position serving Asian markets, we have been less impacted by the demand slowdown in end-user industries in the West. In fact, our capacities are completely sold out.”
Thailand-based P.C. Products International is a leading manufacturer of wheel balancing weights in Asia, with 20 years' experience of supplying original equipment to an impressive list of major automobile clients, including Ford, Toyota, Honda, Chrysler, Isuzu, Volvo, Mitsubishi, Mazda, Kawasaki and Suzuki. The company has invested heavily in R&D, as well as quality control and engineering design, working closely with vehicle manufacturers to tailor products towards specific OE requirements. The quality assurance department has access to a full facility testing laboratory which includes high-tech testing equipment such as the grain inspection machine and pull-force clip testing meter. Products are manufactured strictly to the OEM's own specifications and the JASO standard for general markets. P.C. Products International exports to Europe, America and the Middle East, as well as Asian markets.
Feddi, the cheerful corporate mascot of Taiwanese tyre manufacturer Federal, has been preparing for the new year by readying himself for a variety of excursions to top tourist destinations depicted in the new 2010 Federal Calendar. The full-colour calendar highlights the World’s most visited attractions on a monthly basis. Feddi clearly wishes to fit in, since his outfits for circumnavigating the globe include several national costumes, showing – in his inimitable style – Federal’s desire to continue to strengthen its brand name worldwide.
Although the US decision to charge tariffs on consumer tyres produced in China has presented the country’s manufacturers and importers of the product with a sizeable hurdle to their business, the Kasikorn Research Center, a subsidiary of Thailand’s Kasikornbank, believes the decision presents Thai exporters with a major opportunity to increase their market share.
An entertainment package comprising an iPod, Nintendo Wii and DSi consoles, and a portable DVD player awaits the winners of the latest Maxxis Rewards quarterly prize draw. Tyre retailers who sign up for the dealer support programme are automatically entered into a series of quarterly prize draws and also have the opportunity to earn Argos vouchers and Maxxis branded promotional clothing and accessories. Entries are linked to a retailer’s purchase of Maxxis car, van and 4×4 tyres during the appropriate promotional period, and previous Maxxis Rewards winners have enjoyed LCD or Plasma TVs and £500 worth of gift vouchers. The prize for the final quarterly draw has been confirmed as gift vouchers to the value of £400 and a Christmas hamper.
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