Across the Atlantic they are called tires, while over here we use a “Y” and say tyres. This tag provides the latest tyre business news emanating from the United States of America (USA), whichever way you spell it.
On January 1, Cooper Tire & Rubber increased its level of ownership in its affiliated Mexican operation from 38 to 58 per cent. The tyre maker states this increased ownership in Corporacion de Occidente SA de CV. has been made as part of its long-term strategy to produce high quality yet cost competitive products. As a result of this transaction, the Mexican entity will be fully consolidated in the company’s financial results for this year.
During times of snow such as we have recently been experiencing in the UK and across larges swathes of Europe, chain maker RUD-Erlau is recommending that, as in Scandinavia, all commercial and rescue vehicles should carry a set of traction chains. While snow may be fun for the kids, “the last thing you want to be is either sliding on the stuff or stuck fast with nothing but a thermos for company” the company said in a statement, addressing those of us with both safety concerns and tight schedules to meet.
A timber merchant in the Tayside town of Perth is switching over to a 100 per cent Michelin policy across its Machinery fleet following a trial using XZM industrial tyres fitted on two forklift trucks. The firm, Glenalmond Timber, had previously used solid tyres on its 13 counterbalance forklifts and three side-loader trucks, a solution production director Martin Clelland found unsatisfactory owing to their inability to withstand the wear and tear of moving bulk loads of timber around the yard.
Recently Maxxis announced its continuation as headline sponsor of the ACU British Motocross Championship by signing up for the 2011 to 2013 seasons. To mark a decade of commitment to the series – the tyre maker first served as sponsor in 2001 – Maxxis has decided to take stock of how its presence in the motorcycle sector has grown over the years.
Mark Emkes, who in February retired as president and CEO of Bridgestone Americas, has taken on a role with the Tennessee state government. Tennessee Governor-elect Bill Haslam has appointed Emkes to the role of commissioner of finance and administration. In this position Emkes will play a key role in shaping a US$1 billion reduction in state spending when federal stimulus money runs out next year.
Continental AG’s automotive components plant in Huntsville, Alabama is preparing to close its doors for the last time. Production ended on November 11 and now only some 250 employees remain at the plant – this is expected to drop to around 100 in January. Continental has already announced Huntsville’s lost production will be absorbed by other plants in the US and Mexico.
Groupe Michelin has formally committed to building its first tyre plant in India, to be located in Chennai. An agreement on the deal was signed December 6 during the visit of French President Nicholas Sarkozy.
HiQ fast reports that Stockport entrepreneur Leslie Brady has become the latest franchisee to join its fast fit network. Brady has opened a HiQ forecourt venture, known as Fleet Care Maintenance, in the Conway Centre. The newly re-branded site offers MOT and servicing and in addition to selling and fitting tyres, the centre boasts new wheel diagnostic technology that HiQ says will help vehicles last the harsh and often expensive winter months.
A man in the US state of Alabama has been contacted by Goodyear Tire & Rubber’s legal department after using the tyre maker’s logo on billboards celebrating the defeat of Democrats around the country in the November 2 election. Tire Review reports that Ronnie Holmes, who is listed on the Alabama secretary of state’s website as the incorporating agent, president and secretary of Tuscaloosa Tire and Service Center – which operates three Goodyear stores in Tuscaloosa and one in Northport – created the signs using the Goodyear logo without permission.
Following investments in “constant research to improve the quality standards of its products and services to all customers” wheel weight manufacturer BF Srl has published a new company slogan – “step up.” And according to the manufacturer, the latest news that the firm has produced a new balancing weight (the Z12) for French Alloy rims with the edge of Citroen, Peugeot and Renault reflects this motto.
Today the Goodyear blimp is being pressed into service with the US armed forces for a planned strategic operation, yet there is no need to panic, arm yourself to the teeth or flee to the relative safety of your basement. The blimp is pairing up with the United States Marine Corps Reserve for what Goodyear is calling a ‘joint manoeuvre’ to help the ‘Marine Toys for Tots Foundation’ collect toys for needy children.
In the US, Kumho Tires has signed sponsorship agreements with the NBA basketball teams Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat. Both contracts extend through to the 2012 season and cover perimeter advertising at both teams’ home grounds, advertising space on video monitors plus joint autograph signing sessions with players.
The GT Radial GSL213 steer tyre and GT669+ drive tyre have received SmartWay verification from the US Environmental Protection Agency. SmartWay verified products reduce emissions and provide estimated fuel savings of three per cent or greater against market leading on-highway commercial truck tyres. These are the first GT Radial tyres to receive SmartWay verification. “This is an important milestone for our customers and company,” said Tom McNamara, vice president of sales for GITI Tire USA. “Our customers are reducing fuel costs, one of their highest expenses. We have received confirmation on the technology of our products and commitment to the environment.”
Kumho Tires reports that its KLT02e trailer tyre, which will soon be available through dealers in North America, has achieved SmartWay certification by the US Environmental Protection Agency. In order to receive the SmartWay designation, the KLT02e needed to demonstrate a reduction in Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions for an estimated fuel savings of three per cent or greater, relative to the “best selling” new tyres for line haul trucks, when used on all five axles on long haul class 8 trucks.
Privately owned multi-service transport organisation Clarke’s Transport has selected the Bandvulc range of tyres as policy fitment for its fleet operation. The arrangement sees the Clarke’s fleet using AC Tyres based in Oldham to manage and provide fleet support to its Northern based vehicles. AC Tyres is a certified member of Bandvulc Tyre Contracts’ Service Provider Recognition Scheme and a key partner for Bandvulc.
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.
