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.
Goodyear is phasing out its Gemini Automotive Care retail store format, and will transition existing dealers to its new Tire & Service Network concept, reports Tire Review. On 1 October, the tyre-maker began moving its Gemini dealers over to the new programme and replacing old signage. The transition will continue through the end of the year. Goodyear will announce full programme details at its annual dealer meeting in early 2011, the company said.
Bridgestone’s motorcycle tyre developers have declared themselves pleased with the “positive feedback” they received from MotoGP riders in Australia following the use of its extra-soft compound in the rear tyres.
Titan Tire and the United Steelworkers Union are to negotiate a new contract covering Titan’s three US tyre plants, reports Tire Review. Union representatives from Titan plants in Bryan, Ohio; Freeport, Illinois; and Des Moines, Iowa, are in Merrillville, Indiana, where the talks will be held. The USW contract with Titan that expires on 19 November lasted four and a half years.
The RMA said it has “successfully completed” its reorganization and is now a tyres-only trade group, reports Tire Review. Earlier this year, RMA’s board of directors approved a plan to restructure the organization to better serve the interests of its membership. The restructuring resulted in two separate organizations – one that represents tyre manufacturers and one to serve the needs of elastomer products manufacturers. Each organization is an independent 501(c)(6) trade association with its own board, officers, budget and management.
Jointly organised by CEMS USA, CEMS INDIA, a leading multinational exhibition organizer of South & South-East Asia and CCPIT-Auto (China Council for Promotion of International Trade – Automotive Sub-Council), the Singapore International Auto Parts Expo 2010’ [SIAPE 2010] reports that it is set to be Asia’s latest platform, which is seeing a “revolution in the sales of Automobiles, for global players to assemble in the remarkable Asian business hub – Singapore.”
Tyrenet, the independent tyre network, has gone live with Cam Systems’ UniSerV application suite. The platform handles the call logging, customer policy and contract management, interactive mapping and breakdown form processing requirements that Tyrenet have, enabling it to streamline its operations significantly and introduce Straight Through Processing for the first time. Tyrenet is also UniSerV’s integration into Cam’s Cameo platform for systemised updating of transactions into the organisation, making commercial functions speedier, more robust, more visible and, ultimately, easier to manage.
Cooper Tire is getting involved with The Breast Cancer Research Foundation’s October “Think Pink” campaign in the USA. “Cooper is thrilled to join hands with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation to support and raise awareness of this disease that affects not only women, but the men in their lives, as well,” said Dave Craig, Cooper's director of channel and consumer development. “The Professional Bull Riders is a wonderful demonstration of this, proving that men are just as passionate about fighting breast cancer and are not afraid to show their true colours — pink.”
Show organiser Promotec is calling for UK manufacturers, distributors, motor factors, repair specialists and bodyshops to “seek new buying and supply partnerships” at its international exhibition of automotive equipment and aftermarket products Autopromotec. The organiser expects an increased number of exhibitors to attend the 2011 show on 25–29 May, at the Bologna Trade Fair Centre, Italy. Autopromotec 2009 attracted a record 1,443 exhibiting companies from 47 countries and 101,620 visitors from all over the world. The UK looks likely to be the fourth largest overseas exhibitor, behind the USA, Germany and China. A new section of the show dedicated to heavy duty parts and equipment is also designed to attract specialists from this market for the first time, the organiser states.
After opening new distribution centers in Ohio and Indiana – new markets for its vast operations – American Tire Distributors is now eying expansion into New York, New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania and the entire New England area, reports Tire Review.
In response to rising raw material costs, Toyo Tire USA is increasing prices for its passenger car, light truck and truck tyres by up to six per cent, with in line adjustments.
Radialisation is taking root in India’s commercial vehicle tyre market, and Bridgestone is taking steps to secure its share of this potentially huge market. At a the opening of a Bridgestone Fleet Point outlet in Chennai on October 11, the managing director of Bridgestone India confirmed the tyre maker was on target to begin truck and bus radial production next May. Initial TBR manufacture will take place at Bridgestone’s Kheda plant in Madhya Pradesh state, where truck radial capacity is being added through a US$36.7 million investment. Daily production will start at 200 units and almost double within a year.
The HiQ fast fit network has enlisted the help of two of the quickest young drivers in Britain as it hits the fast lane with its fundraising efforts for Breast Cancer Care. British Touring Car Championship drivers Paul O'Neill and Tom Chilton are backing HiQ's pledge to turn Brands Hatch pink during the final round of BTCC action on October 10, and those coming along to watch the day’s events are encouraged to dress accordingly. To help things along, HiQ, sponsor of the Team's Championship, will be giving away official pink caps in return for a donation for the cause, while T-Shirts will also be up for grabs. Meanwhile, face painting and a series of other activities will be made available for fans.
Techking reports that the company passed a DNV (DET NORSKE VERITAS) audit for ISO9001 certificate in July 2010, after a 6 month examination and auditing procedure. "The pass of the ISO program at Techking is a credit to the dedicated employees who strive to meet customer needs through providing innovative solutions. All the efforts like this can make us outstanding from the competition," said Rongsheng Sheng, president of Techking.
For a third consecutive year Michelin Americas Truck Tires has been chosen by the Defense Logistics Agency’s (DLA) Land & Maritime supply centre as recipient of its Best Value Award. The US Department of Defense’s largest logistics combat support agency selected again Michelin for this honour on the merits of its performance in supplying tyres to every branch of the US military.
An unnamed European vehicle manufacturer is said to have sought the expertise of UK-based lithium-ion energy systems supplier, Axeon, and automotive technology, innovation and systems integration provider, Ricardo, to supply and integrate an advanced, lightweight battery pack for a pioneering plug-in hybrid vehicle, which both companies say “is guaranteed to grab worldwide headlines” when it is launched.
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