Conti SA extends Mandela sympathies
As South Africa and the world mourns the passing of Nelson Mandela, Continental Tyre South Africa has paid its respects to the former President in a statement:
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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A dozen new companies join Conti & Schaeffler’s ‘Premium Circle’
At Continental and Schaeffler’s joint ‘Premium Supplier Day’ in November the two companies named 12 new companies as premium suppliers, and renewed the status of their 19 existing premium suppliers. At the ceremony, Günter Fella, Continental Automotive’s senior vice-president of purchasing, described the cooperation with its premium suppliers as the “basis for a successful industrialisation” of new technologies.
Bridgestone increasing Aiken County workforce
Earlier this year Bridgestone Americas reported completing a capacity expansion project at its Aiken County plant in South Carolina. The US$346 million investment increased output of passenger car and light truck radials by 2,750 units a day. Now local media sources state the company is looking to increase its plant workforce; Leslie Wilhite, Bridgestone Americas’ manager of community and corporate relations, is quoted as saying the company is looking to fill 850 corporate and contractor positions, starting in January.
Conti’s Sumter plant now in operation
The Facebook page set up by Continental Tire the Americas’ Sumter facility has announced the plant’s early production start. Production was originally scheduled to commence in the beginning of 2014, however plant manager Craig Baartman wrote on 24 November that production was underway at the new South Carolina plant. Baartman thanked employees and Sumter economic leaders “for their help in getting us to where we are today.”
Tesla awards Conti for Model S tyre development
Continental has been named an ‘Excellent Development Partner’ by Tesla Motors, the US-based electric vehicle manufacturer. The acknowledgement from Tesla was given as a result of Continental’s collaboration and development of specialty tyres for Tesla’s Model S electric saloon. The tyre maker announced in August that it was supplying its ExtremeContact in size 245/35 R21 for the 21-inch rim Model S option sold in North America; now Conti reports that for global markets it has developed an XL version of its ContiSportContact 5 summer tyre in size 245/35 R 21 XL 96 W.
Conti celebrates World Quality Day
Didn’t know today was World Quality Day? Neither did we. Nevertheless, the United Nations-established event has been held since 1990 and aims to increase worldwide awareness of the important contribution quality makes to national and organisational growth and prosperity. Continental says 16 of its Tire division locations around the world are participating in the day; under the slogan “Continuously Striving for Best in Class in Quality, employees will organise events and activities in order to raise quality awareness.
Conti share price tipped to rise further
The €143.85 premium that shares in Continental AG currently command (as of 1pm, 13 November) is the company’s highest-ever share price, yet US bank Citgroup anticipates a target price of €164 – and it has therefore given the company a “buy” rating. Analyst Philip Watkins writes that the tyre and automotive systems company continues to have the sector’s best business model, and opines that the company’s third quarter figures underline its technological leadership.
Mesnac opening US research centre
A new Mesnac facility being set up in the US will aid the company in its goal of developing equipment, processes and systems that are more closely aligned to the needs of its customers in North and Latin America. The Chinese tyre and rubber industry supplier is locating this new Research and TechnicalCenter in Akron, Ohio and says the facility will be an extension of its recently-established Research Institute in Qingdao. The company already runs a similar centre in Slovakia to support its European customer base.
Michelin to pay $16.5 million in tyre failure suit
A jury in the US state of Georgia has ordered Michelin North America to pay $16.5 million in a tyre blowout case that killed a 50-year-old Bhutanese immigrant in 2011, reports Tire Review. The man was killed when the rear tyre allegedly suffered a sudden failure, causing the large van to lose control and flip over on I-75 near Macon, Georgia. Two people were killed and 12 more were injured in the single-vehicle accident.
Goodyear a top 100 military friendly employer
In the USA Goodyear has been named a Top 100 Military Friendly Employer by GI Jobs magazine for the second consecutive year. The listing, drawn from a long list of more than 5,000 companies, recognises the company’s efforts to hire and support veteran employees, with companies selected based on the results of a data-driven survey on veteran-related programs and policies.
Yokohama Advan tyres complete inaugural F4 season in expanded 2013 lineup
Yokohama’s 2013 motorsport season included the novelty of supplying the control tyre for the inaugural BRDC Formula 4 series, which boasted full grids and close competition as a popular stepping stone in single seat racing for aspiring Formula One drivers.
Titan completes notes redemption
On 6 November, Titan International completed the previously announced redemption of the outstanding US$137,681,000 aggregate principal in its ‘7.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2017’. The company redeemed the notes at a price of $1,059.06 for each $1,000 principal amount, or approximately $145.8 million in total, plus approximately $1.1 million of unpaid interest accrued to the redemption date. Titan says it did not incur any early termination penalties in connection with the redemption of the notes beyond the premium reflected in the redemption price, as described above.
Eurotire facility receives ISO/OHSAS certifications
US-headquartered OTR tyre specialist Eurotire reports that its OTR radial facility in Drobeta Turnu Severin, Romania has been granted several management systems certifications through IQNet and CISQ/RINA.
New Championships a highlight for Cooper, Avon 2013 motorsport season
Cooper’s Avon brand celebrated 30 years of motorsport by adding a number of new championships to its portfolio, including the Time Attack Series, to which Avon became an official tyre supplier at the start of the year and the F1 Era Superbike Championship – a new series for 2013. Meanwhile, Cooper Tires became a principal partner to the burgeoning FIA European Rallycross Championship and sponsor to rising star Timmy Hansen in his maiden season. Both brands were once again the title sponsors of the Avon Tyres British GT Championship and the Cooper Tires British Formula 3 Series.
Licensees for self-inflating tyre sought
Czech Republic-based firm CODA Development is seeking licensees within the tyre industry for its patented Self Inflating Tire (SIT). The company says it will “immediately offer licenses to interested parties wanting to integrate SIT into their production lines.”
