TIA still feels it would be the best option to conduct consumer-level tyre fuel efficiency education, while RMA challenges that NHTSA’s proposed fuel efficiency rating system is inadequate.
Those were the themes behind both groups’ comment filings late last week, just before NHTSA’s August 21 deadline for comments on its mandated tyre fuel efficiency rating system.
‘Kryon’ is the name of a new tyre brand manufactured by Amerityre Corporation, and the company entered into a partnership with US based OTR tyre wholesaler K-2 Industrial Tire for global distribution of the range. On July 28 Amerityre announced that the first shipment of these polyeurethane forklift tyres has now been delivered to K-2.
“We are pleased to be working with K-2, and are proud to bring this new line of polyurethane forklift tyres to the market,” announced Amerityre president and CEO Michael Kapral.
Sun Tyre Industries Sdn Bhd (Suntex) Malaysia’s largest tyre retreading company, is promoting the safety and reliability of retreaded tyres. According to national news agency Bernama, Suntex’s general manager Chin Hon Meng said some people have a misconception about retreaded tyres, confusing then with some ‘over-regrooved’ tyres available in Asia.
Chin said that retreaded tyres are used by over 60 per cent of the industries in Malaysia, including agriculture, mining, public transport and cargo handling. “Many industrial and light commercial vehicles are using retreaded tyres. About 80 per cent of the world’s aircraft are using retreaded tyres too,” he said, adding: “To produce safe, reliable and good quality tyres encompasses various key processes, such as on selection of good quality casings it is essential to have proper screening using the shearography tyre test system, buffing and punctures repair, and final pre-delivery quality control checks,” he said.
Alan Davis has been nominated as general secretary of the International Tyre, Rubber & Plastics Federation (ITRPF). The decision was taken during a board meeting held at the Sheraton Conference Center at Frankfurt Airport on 6 July. It was also agreed that Jacob Peled will continue to serve as the Federation President.
Michelin claims another industry first with the launch of its accredited earthmover tyre repairs programme, which is designed to raise the standard of repairs and ensure increased safety, performance and value for operators. Launched in partnership with Rema Tip-Top, this UK initiative has been developed by Michelin as a worldwide pilot ahead of its possible introduction in other countries.
“There are national standards in place for the repair of road tyres but currently no legislation which sets a standard for off-road tyre repairs,” explained Chris Logan, commercial director of Michelin Earthmover and Industrial Operations.
Europe’s leading online tyre business, Delticom AG (mytyres.co.uk in the UK), has been celebrating its 10th Anniversary by offering special additional discounts of up to 10 per cent off its normally competitive prices. “The formula for our success is our more than 3 million satisfied customers to date and the fact that we do not want to stop being better,” Rainer Binder, CEO of Delticom AG, explained, adding: “More and more drivers buy their tyres online. In the current economic situation across Europe, a rising number of consumers are discovering favourably priced purchasing opportunities on the Internet, which they can find with us in 35 countries and in more than 100 online shops.” According to Delticom, the company’s prices are on average 20 to 25 per cent cheaper than traditional tyre dealers. Moreover customers are offered a worldwide network of about 24,000 service partners, who mount the tyres professionally for “reasonable prices.”
The Tire Industry Association has reiterated its position regarding Chinese tyres and duties upon them in a letter sent to US President Obama. The TIA has urged the President to reject the recommendation for duties of up to 55 per cent on passenger car and light commercial vehicle tyres, as voted upon by the US International Trade Commission on June 29. A copy of this letter was also sent to the United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk.
In the letter, the TIA argued that the ITC proposed tariffs will not protect US manufacturing jobs and will result in higher prices and fewer choices for customers. It also addressed the possibility of safety issues arising should consumer access to affordable tyres be restricted.
Maxxis has completed its second Maxxis Rewards prize draw, giving 13 tyre retailers £500 worth of gift vouchers from either Marks & Spencer, Thomas Cook or High Street Gift Vouchers, which they can spend at more than 18,000 stores across the UK, including Boots, HMV, Debenhams, Waterstone’s, M&S, House of Fraser, Carphone Warehouse and Threshers. Under the terms of the Maxxis Rewards initiative, the more Maxxis car, van and 4×4 tyres that accredited retailers purchase during the promotional period, the greater their chances of winning a major prize.
The Maxxis Rewards dealer support programme has been organised in conjunction with Grouptyre, the exclusive Maxxis distributor in the UK. Dealers who sign up are automatically entered into the quarterly prize draws, which run until 11 December. Based on their purchase levels, retailers also have the opportunity to earn Argos vouchers and Maxxis-branded promotional clothing and accessories.
The winning tyre dealers and Grouptyre members who supply them are:
Auchinlea Tyres (dealer) – Cooper Bros. (Grouptyre member)
Baker Tyres – Broadway Tyres
Baldonrie Garage – Kenway Tyres
Carmarthenshire Tyre Services Ltd – King David Tyres
DIY Motorist Centre – WJ Wood & Son
Holderness Tyre Services Ltd – BAB Distribution
Hometyre Services – Car Tyrestore
Homend Tyres – ETB
K&M UK Ltd – EG Wholesale
Leeds Commercial Vehicles – NE Wholesale
Lurgan Tyre Company – MT Wholesale
Tyre Care Ltd T/A Havers Tyres – We Sell Tyres (Wholesale)
Wheels ‘n’ Tyres – Oak Tyres
Mondolfo Ferro says that it was keen to show its commitment to the research of new solutions at Autopromotec 2009. Therefore the show represented the chance to show off its newest wheel servicing products, including the Aquila Raptor and the TBE 160 Matic truck tyre changer.
The company says that the Aquila Raptor is a new tyre changer based on the combination of all types of performance that today’s tyre dealers request from a machine. The mounting and demounting procedures are executed through lever-less technology, consolidating work procedures. It makes it possible to eliminate risks and tiredness for the operator. Among the characteristics emphasised by Mondolfo Ferro are the centralised control console, the double-disc vertical bead breaker unit, which allows the bead breaking operation in the work position, and a safe and rapid wheel blocking pneumatic system.
Today is the final deadline to enter the 2009 Tire Review Top Shop Awards presented by Ammco/Coats, which seeks to honor the “best of the best” independent tyre dealers in the US and Canada. Entries will be accepted until midnight tonight. 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. 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.
Certain tyre industry players have suggested that the green shoots of recovery are already visible in the North American off-road and construction markets (see elsewhere in this feature for more on this) meaning recovery in some markets could begin as soon as this year. However, CECE (European Committee of Site Machinery Manufacturers Associations) figures show that the OE side of the business isn’t really expecting growth to return until 2011. According to the CECE, the machinery market peaked in 2007 with a record year, while 2008 – despite still being worth 30 billion euros across Europe – is characterised as “a crisis year.” Projections for 2009 suggest there will be a drop in orders of around 30 per cent on a European scale compared to the previous – some companies hit lows of 60 per cent in February 2009.
Now, you may be thinking that as far as the infrastructure/construction part of the OTR tyre business is concerned, much of the annual market volume is purchased through the replacement market. However, while these figures only relate directly to the original equipment part of the tyre business, the OEM business can also be seen as a barometer of confidence in the industry as a whole. After all, OEM sales are determined by general economic output and construction demand and if there is no construction work taking place, this will affect both OE and replacement tyre sales.
Nominations will be accepted until 1 July for the Tire Industry Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame is open to individuals in the tyre industry, including manufacturers, inventors, publishers, equipment suppliers, tyre association executives, tyre dealers, tyre and rubber recyclers, and retreaders. In addition, TIA is accepting nominations for its Friend of the Industry Award, which recognizes allies and proven supporters of the tyre industry.
The deadline for nominations for the Tire Industry Hall of Fame and Friend of the Industry Award is 1 July. A nomination form for both awards is available on www.tireindustry.org or by calling TIA at 301-430-7280 ext. 109. (Tire Review/Akron)
While no one appeared to be surprised by the US International Trade Commission ruling yesterday on the USW’s petition to limit the importation of “Made in China” tyres, most took a wait and see attitude about the ruling.
The ITC voted 4-2 in favor of the union petition, saying that the growth in passenger tyre exports from China to the U.S. caused “disruption” in the US market. The ITC will send its specific ruling and suggested remedy on to the president by the end of this month, and the Obama Administration is slated to act by the end of September. “We anticipate that the final decisions on remedies will improve domestic job security, increase production and sales, and allow for investment in capital equipment to better compete in the global market for the long term,” said Tom Conway, USW International vice president. (Tire Review/Akron)
Trouble is brewing between Indian tyre manufacturers and dealers. A duty on passenger car tyres imported from China is expected to be introduced by the end of June, and the two parties hold differing views on the matter.
“We have invited views from all concerned. We will look at all representations before taking a decision. However, on the face of it, there does seem to be a case for application of safeguard duties,” a government official told India’s Economic Times newspaper on condition of anonymity.
Continental Tire North America has released a new online training programme it says responds to the training and technical information needs of commercial vehicle tyre dealers. Called “Engage360 Untamed Innovation”, the programme is available in the commercial vehicle section of the company’s interactive training website for tyre dealers. According to Engage360 training manager Amy Spears, Engage360 Untamed Innovation allows dealership personnel to learn the basics about the construction of Continental premium commercial tyres, review product technical information and become certified as a Continental Commercial Tire Specialist.
If you would like the latest news from the Chinese tyre industry in Chinese, visit our partner site TyrepressChina.com. Or click below to continue on Tyrepress.
