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Michelin Adds to OTR Seminars

Michelin North America has added several components to its mining tyre “best practices” seminar. The seminars are held near the company’s headquarters in Greenville, South Carolina, and was developed to “equip attendees with a better understanding of how to implement practices to lower operating costs, improve productivity and extend tyre life,” MNA said.

“In addition to helping mine operators get the maximum life out of their tyres, we’re helping them become even better business people by sharing practices we have gathered from other mining companies,” said Terry Beach, director of earthmover training. “Our facility visits also give attendees a first-hand look at how our tyres are made and how they perform in different situations.”

Along with tyre and wheel maintenance best practices, the three-day session includes management topics like market intelligence and supply chain; operational factors such as speed, haul road design, road maintenance and load management; and vehicle issues like strut maintenance, alignment and bed modifications. Attendees also visit Michelin’s OTR tyre manufacturing facility in Lexington, South Carolina, and its tyre testing facility in Laurens, South Carolina. (Tire Review/Akron)

5th June 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Top Shop Entry Deadline Looms

The entry deadline is fast approaching for the 2009 Tire Review Top Shop Awards presented by Ammco/Coats. Now in its third year, entries will be accepted until midnight on 10 July, 2009. Entry forms and information are now available via the Top Shop Awards Web site at www.tirereviewtopshopaward.com. Complete entries can be made right online. US and Canadian dealers can nominate their own businesses, or others can nominate tyre dealer businesses. The entry process is simple: Those making the nomination need to provide basic information about the dealership being nominated and write a short (300-word maximum) essay explaining why that dealership should be considered.

From there, all entrants will be reviewed and a group of semi-finalists selected. Those semi-finalists will be asked to provide additional information for judging. A panel of judges, including industry professionals and a member of the Tire Review staff, will select the four finalists and, ultimately, the 2009 Top Shop Award winner.

The awards are as outstanding as the dealers selected:

• The Grand Prize Winner will receive a Coats APX90 tyre changer, $1,500 in cash, airfare and hotel for two (2 nights/3 days) to the 2009 SEMA Show, a feature story in the October issue of Tire Review, and a Top Shop trophy to display in their dealership.

• Three Finalists will each receive a Coats 1250-3DV tyre/wheel balancer (featuring on-board training), $500 in cash, a feature story in the October issue and a specially designed finalist trophy. (Tire Review/Akron)

4th June 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Snap-on Unveils New Corporate Innovation Centre

On May 29 Snap-on Incorporated announced the official grand opening of its “Innovation Works” facility in the US town of Kenosha, Wisconsin. The opening, which took place in front of more than 600 current and former company employees plus local and state officials, was presided over by Snap-on chairman and chief executive officer Nicholas T. Pinchuk and Wisconsin Governor, Jim Doyle.

“The Snap-on ‘Innovation Works’ is a functioning example of our commitment to the continued development of industry-leading products, processes and technologies. This is truly a unique facility that will provide our associates with the critical resource needed to further accelerate Snap-on’s global innovation,” said Pinchuk.

3rd June 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Pirelli Launches R:01 “Eco-Friendly” Regional Truck Tyre

Pirelli has announced the launch of its new regional truck tyre, the R:01. Developed by the company’s research centres, the tyre represents Pirelli’s attempt to meet the requirements of professional operators in terms of mileage yield, reduced consumption, retreading potential and environmental friendliness. Pirelli also presented the H88 Amaranto and G88 series to the international press, developed for long distance transport and for construction vehicles respectively. The latest TS:01 series for lorries was also announced. All four products, according to Pirelli, are themed on the efforts to cut costs.

The Italian group also presented a new package of services to support operators: the Pirelli Retreading System – the renovated Pirelli system to retread tyres; CQ24 International for road assistance; and Credit Tyre – the financing system for fleets and retailers. The growing specialization of the Italian group in the transport sector has also spread to training through the magazine Truck, a new free Pirelli house organ which will be added to courses organised by the Group to update and inform.

27th May 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Dunlop Seeks Passionate Performance Drivers

Dunlop is calling for passionate performance car drivers to take part in a national tyre test to discover what difference the choice of tyre makes to their car. The company will provide tyres and tuition from a top Hi-Q British Touring Car Championship driver to transform the driving experience of 6 drivers from across the UK. The test, which will run throughout the summer will be launched at the Goodwood Festival of Speed where drivers will be able to put themselves forward to take part.

James Bailey, Dunlop’s communications manager said: “We want drivers to understand what difference the tyres make to their car. Dunlop incorporate design elements from race tyre technology in our road tyres to improve the connection and feedback between driver, car and road. More drivers have won demanding races such as the Le Mans 24 hours and British Touring Car championship on Dunlop than any other tyre make, and we want to show drivers how this experience translates into ultimate road tyre performance.”

21st May 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Corghi Opens New US HQ

After years of offering its products through distributors, Italian tyre equipment maker Corghi has opened Corghi U.S.A., with offices in Hamilton, Ohio. Corghi said that, “historically, the North American market has always been one of Corghi’s most important business areas,” and that over the past 20 years the brand “has developed its presence and has become a point of reference for the tire changer industry. “Recognising the strategic importance of the American market, Corghi has decided to enter it directly in order to offer to its customers the complete wheel service equipment product range, and to ensure the highest level of service to tire professionals,” the company said.

The new 12,000-square-foot headquarters includes offices, training rooms and a warehouse. The copany also lauched a new Web site – www.corghiusa.us – and a help desk for service with free phone number will be activated as of May 16.

18th May 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Goodyear Supports UK Flood Rescue Team

Goodyear UK is to sponsor the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s Flood Rescue Team, funding a raft of specialist training and equipment, synergistically linking the manufacturer’s emphasis on safety with its charity work. The RNLI’s Flood Rescue Team is a uniquely trained arm of the RNLI, able to operate worldwide to assist in rescues in flood hit areas. Having raised money for the charity in the past through tyre sales, Goodyear states that it is pleased to be taking the relationship a step further by supporting this vital service.

Goodyear UK brand manager Michelle Fisher said, “Through our previous fundraising for the RNLI we learned about the inland work carried out by the Flood Response Team, and the amazing help that they have given so many people in areas that you wouldn’t necessarily think could be affected by such dangers. There is great synergy between our organisations due to our own commitment to safety – our wet weather specialist tyres are designed to save people’s lives in wet conditions, RNLI volunteer crew members save people at sea around the coasts of UK and ROI every day.”

28th April 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Yokohama Kicks Off Dealer Training Program

Dealers across the USA will get a chance to test many of Yokohama’s tyres – including the all-new ADVAN Neova AD08 – in a series of 10 specialized training programmes beginning this month. Cities on the 10-city training tour include Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Antonio, Texas, Orlando, Atlanta, Pittsburgh, Detroit, Kansas City, Memphis and Albuquerque.

The ADVAN Neova AD08, an updated version of Yokohama’s ADVAN Neova AD07, will be available in the US in May in 32 sizes ranging from 15 to 19 inches. (Tire Review/Akron)

9th April 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Kraiburg Trains Nortenha Sales Staff

Despite the weakness of the European truck tyre market, there are still opportunities for retreaders, says Kraiburg Austria. To take advantage of these, Portuguese retreader Recauchutagem Nortenha organised a two-day training session, with Kraiburg Austria, for its entire sales staff.

In what was a practical-orientated workshop, Kraiburg’s Product Manager Michael Schwämmlein concentrated on four major themes; tyre technique, vehicle configurations, Kraiburg’s tread segmentation with K_base, K_tech and K_plus, as well as professional tread selection depending on vehicle and application.

6th April 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Supertracker Aims for “Moderate Budget” Wheel Alignment

Following what the company says was “a very successful 2008,” wheel alignment manufacturer Supertracker reports that it has maintained a good sales performance in the first quarter of this year. Recommending that garage and fast fit operators make wheel alignment an integral part of every customer visit, Supertracker is attempting to back up its assertion with a wide range of competitively-priced wheel alignment equipment ranges, making its systems available to as wide a portion of the market as possible.

Managing director Trevor Lovesy is aware of the need to reduce costs in the current fiscal climate: “Obviously the significant downturn in business has affected all market sectors – including the garage equipment market – with many companies looking to minimise business expenditure as much as possible. Fortunately because the Supertracker range is more reasonably priced than other wheel alignment equipment on the market we have not seen any reduction of interest for our products.”

2nd April 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Private Brand Developments at Viking International

In addition to a full range of premium brands, wholesaler Viking International also offers an ultra high performance own brand alternative – Millennium. According to the company this brand provides a combination of high performance at affordable prices and comes in asymmetric and directional patterns to aid performance and handling in all weather conditions.

The tyre’s asymmetric ‘Tri-Zone’ tread pattern offers maximum stability on the road, aiding water dispersal and reducing the risk of aquaplaning whilst providing superior ride comfort and reduced noise. Available in 15, 16 and 17-inch fitments, the asymmetric pattern is available in 40 – 65 profiles and V and W speed ratings.

31st March 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Michelin Romania Plant To Resume Production

The Michelin Romania factory at Zalau, in Silvania, will resume production after an 18-day stoppage. The reason for the stoppage was given as an adjustment in tyre orders, due to the state of the market.
The factory’s 1,300 employees participated in training programmes during the shut-down. A spokesperson for the company said that the April work programme had not been finalised, but there are press reports that production could be halted for a week, most likely round the Easter holidays.

Michelin Romania’s marketing manager, Alina Ghica, is quoted as saying that Michelin’s sales for last year were up on 2007’s figures, but she cannot make estimates for 2009, although sales for the first two months are believed to have increased, but at a lower rate of growth. Estimates are that the Romanian replacement tyre market increased by a minimum of eight per cent last year, rising to 2.2 million units.

27th March 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Cooper Tire Appoints Corporate Communications Director

Cooper Tire has appointed Cathy Hissong its new director of corporate communications. In this position, Hissong will be responsible for employee communications, including oversight of employee publications and intranet communications, direction of various business projects and management of Cooper’s Visual Communications Center. Having joined Cooper in 1986 as a budget analyst, Hissong’s time with the Ohio, US based manufacturer has seen her employed in the roles of capital equipment buyer, regional credit manager and audit manager before training as a Six Sigma black belt, her most recent position.

25th March 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

First Stop Employees Maximise Their Retail Potential

Employees across the First Stop network have passed a new customer-centred training course with flying colours. The active learning course, entitled ‘Maximising Sales Potential in the Retail Tyre Business’, has been established by Bridgestone UK and accredited by the Institute of Motor Industry (IMI). The bespoke training programme focuses on the key specific processes within tyre retailing, concentrating on all the essential elements required to maximise sales potential, from initial enquiries to the satisfied customer. Due to its success, the course is being offered to Bridgestone’s network of dealers throughout the UK.

Mark Fereday, from the First Stop network, said: “First Stop is committed to investing in its staff to ensure they are equipped with a wide range of skills. We firmly believe in rewarding excellence, and in the current climate, we recognise the importance of developing great customer service skills and giving staff the knowledge and confidence to maximise their sales potential.”

23rd March 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Unipart Automotive Launches Apprentice Scheme

In the wake of Gordon Brown’s announcement to increase the number of apprenticeships for 16 to 18-year-olds, Unipart Automotive is launching an apprentice scheme across its Unipart Car Care Centre network from September 2009. Funded by the Learning & Skills Council, the programme will enable apprentices to benefit from skills training and continuous professional development, ensuring motorists receive the highest standards of service from the independent garage sector.

The three-year training course will provide successful students with both ATA and NVQ Level 3 qualifications. Apprentices will go through a strict selection process to ensure the most promising candidates are selected. In addition to the structured programme, those who are chosen for the Unipart course will also learn about the importance of using OE matching quality parts, garage accreditation and customer service, as well as elements of the industry renowned Unipart Way to give them tools to help with the day to day running of a workshop. With on-the-job training at Unipart Car Care Centres, the apprentices will be provided with Unipart-branded clothing, protective equipment and specific tools along the way.

20th March 2009/by Tyrepress Editors