Falken recalls certain Wildpeak tyres in the USA
In North America, Sumitomo Rubber USA, LLC (Sumitomo) is recalling certain 265/70 R17 115T Falken Wildpeak AT3W and Wildpeak HT02 (in LT235/85R16 120/116S) due to a “manufacturing error”.
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.
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New technical director for Smithers’ USA tyre test facility
Cliff Hodges has joined testing and compliance services specialist Smithers as technical director of its Tire & Wheel Test Center in Ohio, USA. He will direct the technical and quality requirements for Smithers’ force and moment testing, tyre modelling, and other special tyre characterisations and evaluation methods. Hodges will also manage and advise technical staff and technical decision-making.
TBC Corporation appoints Maraj CTO
North American tyre distributor and retailer TBC Corporation has appointed Darryl Maraj its new chief technology officer. In this role, Maraj is responsible for leading the company’s digital and information technology strategy and driving value creation through data-driven innovation and enhancing organisational capabilities. He will report directly to president and chief executive officer, Sam Kato.
TireHub opens Regional Distribution Center
TireHub, the Bridgestone- and Goodyear-owned wholesaler that distributes both companies’ passenger and light truck tyres to retailers across the USA, reports achieving a ”major milestone” with the opening of its first Regional Distribution Center. The 360,000 square foot facility is located just outside of Allentown, Pennsylvania and services logistics centres in the northeast region. TireHub says customers here will benefit from market-specific products and accelerated delivery times.
Goodyear’s Kramer gains prestigious NASCAR award
NASCAR has honoured Goodyear’s Rich Kramer with the Bill France Award of Excellence in recognition of his leadership and contributions to the motorsport series as chief executive and president of Goodyear. Jim France, chairman and chief executive officer of NASCAR, presented Kramer with the accolade during the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Awards on 30 November.
K&M Tire acquires Point S USA Denver warehouse
K&M Tire Inc. has agreed to acquire Point S USA’s Denver warehouse, according to various news sources. Point S USA will reportedly use K&M Tire as its primary source of tyres in Colorado, company representatives said.
North American debut for Prinx
Half a year after launching its flagship Prinx brand in Europe, Prinx Chengshan has debuted Prinx across the Atlantic. It recently brought a swag of products to show off at the SEMA show, including the Prinx Hi Country HT2 urban SUV tyre, R/T HR1 off-road tire, and HM1. The tyre maker is also promoting the Prinx brand in the North American market via a new website, prinxtireusa.com.
USTMA partnering to find 6PPD substitute
The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) is partnering with government agency the United States Geological Survey (USGS) on a research project. The aim of this project is to assess and refine methods of evaluating potential alternatives to 6PPD, the antiozonant widely employed as a rubber stabilising additive when producing tyres.
Kenda breaks ground on new Martin Wheel manufacturing plant in Ohio
KendaKenda has broken ground on the construction of a new 198,000 sq ft Martin Wheel manufacturing facility in Brimfield Township, Ohio, USA. In a social media post announcing the start of construction, the Taiwan-headquartered tyre and wheel firm said the facility, which will contain a plant, warehouse and office space will support growing demand for speciality tyres and wheels in the United States. and is set to be operational in 2024.
Formula 1: Pirelli says Las Vegas offers ‘major technical challenge’ for teams, tyres
Formula 1 returns to the USA for the third time in Las Vegas, the series’ first visit to the city since 1982. Tyre supplier Pirelli described the return as a “major technical challenge” – often the case when taking on a new track. The Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend in Nevada will use C3 as P Zero White hard, C4 as P Zero Yellow medium and C5 as P Zero Red soft, the softest selection of tyres in the manufacturer’s F1 range. Mario Isola, Pirelli head of motorsport, said “all the elements are in place for an extraordinary race,” previewing the weekend ahead.
Tirebuyer organization rebrands as Treadsy
While the Tirebuyer.com name is not being phased out, across the Atlantic, Treadsy’s role as an online white-label solution for tyre retailers across North America is increasing as the solution seeks to maximise both the online presence and service offering of tyre retailers. The e-commerce tyre platform is already home to the US’s largest network of 18,000 tyre installation locations including mobile vans. Moving forward, the focus of the business will shift to “powering capabilities of others in tyre retailing”.
ATD launches Radius tyre and parts hub
At the end of October, American Tire Distributors (ATD) launched ‘Radius,’ a new digital hub designed to integrate tyres, parts, services, and solutions into one connected experience for the automotive aftermarket.
US debut for Toyo Open Country A/T III EV
Toyo Tires has extended its all-terrain tyre range for North America to include a tyre aimed at electric trucks and SUVs. The tyre maker designed and is manufacturing the Toyo Open Country A/T III EV in the USA and plans to offer “a wide range of unique sizes and high-load combinations for 18- to 24-inch wheel diameters.” No word from Toyo so far about a UK or European launch.
Ryan Walsh named CFO of ATD
American Tire Distributors (ATD) has appointed Ryan Walsh to the position of Chief Financial Officer. As CFO, Walsh takes on responsibility for leading the independent replacement market tyre supplier’s key finance operations, in addition to Enterprise Risk Management/Internal Audit.
No longer competitive – Michelin closing Ardmore, USA tyre plant
In response to a “rapidly and profoundly” changing passenger vehicle market in North America, Michelin has decided to end production at its Ardmore tyre plant in Oklahoma. Michelin North America idled operations at the factory from the morning of 26 October to begin the process of presenting details to the workforce. It expects to resume operations early on 28 October, but “over the coming days and weeks” Michelin representatives will discuss separation conditions with each individual employee.
