Goodyear’s newly appointed president and CEO has expressed confidence in the tyre maker’s ability to grow in hand with global economic recovery. At the company’s April 13 Annual Shareholder Meeting, Kramer stated this confidence is supported by the Goodyear’s very strong portfolio of brands, strength in high-growth emerging markets, innovative new product offerings, industry-leading retailer network and enhanced supply chain capabilities.
According to an announcement made by Shanghai United Assets and Equity Exchange’s, Michelin is the transferee of the 30 per cent of the shares held in Shanghai Michelin Warrior Tire Co. Ltd. (SMWT) at the price of RMB 170,180,000 (₤15.6 million). A statement released by Michelin notes that “all of the parties agree that the transaction is in their best interests and is beneficial to the sustainable growth of SMWT and Warrior Brand”.
The Firestone brand has walloped a home run over the stadium wall with the signing of a multi-year agreement between Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC (BATO) and Major League Baseball Properties (MLBP) on December 18. Through the deal reached between the two parties, Firestone has become the first “Official Tire of Major League Baseball”. The agreement also marks the largest sports sponsorship for the 109-year-old Firestone brand outside of motorsports.
The National Board of Patents and Registration of Finland (NBPR) has admitted Nokian Tyres’ “Hakkapeliitta” brand name to its ‘List of Trademarks with a Reputation’. So far, 42 trademarks have been admitted to the list. Admission to the list requires substantial evidence of trademark's awareness in Finland, and is used to help avoid trademark disputes.
Coral Group Ecological Technologies (Ukraine) has become the latest company to join the Tire Retread & Repair Information Bureau (TRIB). Formed just over five years ago, Coral Group has developed what TRIB describes as “a very important method for recycling waste tyres and has a pilot plant in operation in the Ukraine to prove the economic and environmental benefits of their method.” Coral Group’s method is a pyrolisis-based technique that the company says results in an “ecologically clean and financially beneficial method of recycling the worn out automobile tyres.”
To get an idea of the scale of what Coral Group are planning, subscribers can view company’s corporate video below.
American Tire Corporation is no more. In a statement placed on its now defunct website, the importer said it was changing its name to Colorado Tire Corp. In March, ATC lost its federal appeal of a trademark infringement case brought by American Tire Distributors. The mega-distributor claimed ATC’s name and logo “constitutes use in commerce that is likely to cause confusion and mistake and to deceive consumers as to the source or origin of defendants’ products or defendants’ business.”
The lower court’s order to ATC to vacate its name and logo was issued in August 2008. In its statement, the former ATC said: “In order to consolidate our corporate identity behind our company’s most recognizable and valuable asset, i.e., the Colorado brand OTR tires, which have been extensively approved and recognized by various users in different countries, the Board of Directors of American Tire Corporation has determined to change our corporate name to Colorado Tire Corporation.
“Any existing and ongoing contracts/agreements/authorizations between any company and American Tire Corporation shall be reentered with Colorado Tire Corporation by the end of June 30, 2009, or otherwise will be deemed invalid.” Other than posting the statement, the company disabled its website at www.americantire.us, and said a new site “will be announced separately.” (Tire Review/Akron)
Uniroyal has built up something of a reputation for delivering good wet weather performance, and its Rallye4x4Street is said to be no exception. The 4×4 segment tyre features Uniroyal’s trademark double V-tread, which the manufacturer says offers excellent performance in wet conditions by dispersing water away from the tyre’s contact patch. This is, says Uniroyal, the most effective protection against aquaplaning. By choosing Uniroyal, it adds, the driver has opted for wet weather safety and the retailer possesses a unique selling position and clear message for the customer.
Frank Sidney Welton, born 4 December 1931 died 24 October 2008 after a battle with Lewy Body Dementia.
Frank Welton was born in Coventry in 1931. He used the springboard of an academic scholarship to Bablake grammar school, where he became captain of the school for two years running, to propel himself into Magdelen College, Oxford. There he captained the college rugby XV and gained a master’s degree in modern languages with which, after first fulfilling his commitment to National Service, he launched himself with typical dedication into the executive training scheme of Goodyear Tyres.
http://www.lewybody.org/
Despite rising fuel costs and a trend towards smaller cars, crossover SUV vehicles remain particularly popular in North America. Aware of this, Michelin has produced a tyre specifically for this unique class of vehicle. The Michelin Latitude Tour tyre is specifically designed for crossover vehicles, and the tyre major states the tyre is intended to accentuate the features that make these vehicles so popular, providing the strength of a truck tyre with the ride and comfort of a passenger car tyre.
Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) has weighed in on NHTSA product marking recommendations for imported vehicles and vehicle part. The group’s input came in response to NHTSA’s request for comments its proposed regulations. Various MEMA sub-groups – including the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association and the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association – participated.
MEMA said that NHTSA’s product marking recommendations “go beyond just the ‘country of origin’ mark by adding the following: manufacturer name or trademark; date or date range of manufacture; and, any marking requirements from an industry standard or recommended practice.
(Greensboro News-Record) An effort to reform North Carolina’s method of buying retreaded tyres is moving haltingly through the General Assembly amid disagreement over techniques used by the current contract holder.
A bill introduced by state Rep. Nelson Cole of Rockingham County would block the state from paying White’s Tire Service of Wilson for controversial “spot repairs” to about $3.4 million a year in recycled tyres.
Cole’s bill also bans removing the original manufacturer’s trademark and other identification from retreaded tyres. It’s a step White calls critical to its process, but critics say it is unnecessary and voids important warranties. (Tire Review/Akron)
Toyo Tires reports that it has taken “the prime spot” at this year’s British International Motor Show. It is also said to have been the first tyre manufacturer to do so. In a statement Toyo Tires said that it hopes to capitalise on its highly visible presence and prime time location at this year’s event. Toyo Tires has previously maintained a presence at Goodwood Festival of Speed and other motorsport and motoring enthusiast events. So what prompted the move to this more mainstream audience?
The globally recognised independent authority on consumer opinion and branding, Superbrands, has identified the “Bridgestone” brand as one of the strongest brand names in its 2007 awards in Germany. This year’s German awards are the third held in that country, and the tyre major was one of a hundred companies nominated by the Superbrands judging panel of financial journalists and industry experts.
The stated aim of Superbrands is to identify and spotlight excellent product names in individual countries, and to honour these companies through the conferring of awards. Independent business experts initiate the selection process by first nominating a number of outstanding product brands and trademarks present in their own country. The selection panel then is given the task of evaluating these companies and choosing one hundred that stand head and shoulders above the rest. The criteria for selection are the prevalence and acceptance of the brand name or trademark, customer loyalty, the durability of the brand and the brand value of the business enterprise.
(Akron/Tire Review) To meet customer and dealer demand, Vogue Tyre & Rubber Co. has introduced a 20-inch version of its popular Custom Built Radial VIII. The H-rated 245/40R20 is being produced by Goodyear, and will be available to dealers in late July, Vogue officials said.
The Custom Built Radial VIII features Vogue’s trademark white sidewall and gold stripe accent. The new 20-inch size is M&S-rated for all-season performance, Vogue said, and features the company’s “gold puncture control pad.”
The tire carries a UTQG rating of 500AA and is an extra load size, making ideal for full size domestic sedans and plus-size fitments, Vogue said. Vogue also backs the tire with its warranty package.
Vogue officials said the company also launched a new Web site to support the tire – www.rollinonvogues.com.
(Akron/Tire Review) Les Schwab, one of the most recognizable and respected people in the tyre industry, died May 18, in Prineville, Ore. He was 89.
According to an official statement by the company, Schwab had been in declining health for a number of months. Clearly the most beloved resident of Prineville, most businesses and government centers in the area were flying their flags at half-staff. The Crook County Courthouse, according to local reports, will be draped in black.
After starting his company in 1952, he built Les Schwab Tire Centers into one of Oregon’s best-known businesses. The company now operates more than 410 stores throughout the West, with 7,700 employees, and posted 2006 sales of $1.6 billion. “Les was not just a great businessman, he was a great man,” said Phil Wick, current chairman of Les Schwab Tire Centers. “There will never be another Les. He was a visionary, and all of us who worked with him will stay true to his vision of integrity, service and treating people right.”
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