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.
Carl Casalbore has been appointed president of BKT Tires USA, effective 6 May. He replaces Rami Bitran. He is based at the company’s US headquarters in Akron, Ohio and joins BKT from Zafco/ZTI Tires, where he served as vice-president of sales. Casalbore has worked in the tyre industry for more than 30 years and also has sales executive posts with Armstrong Tire, Pirelli Tire North America, Cooper Tire & Rubber and Continental Tire the Americas.
Bridgestone’s motorcycle division has donated £10,000 to become the sponsors of the 18 August Rescue Ride Out, a nationwide bike convoy from all corners of the UK supporting the Air Ambulance service. The two-wheel spectacle culminates at the Brackley Festival of Motorcycling. The event has the support of British motorsport too; Steve Parrish, current BBC motorcycle commentator, is supporting the event.
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles – seen by many people as the answer to clean, all-electric mobility without the range restrictions of battery-electric cars – could be a step closer and a lot cheaper as a result of the pioneering efforts of a British company. There are currently two major barriers to the full-scale introduction of fuel cells – cost and the lack of a hydrogen refuelling infrastructure. But ACAL Energy, a small company based at Runcorn in Cheshire, claims to have devised a cell which would cost no more than a four-cylinder petrol or diesel engine.
US publication Tire Review reports that Northwestern Mississippi and western Tennessee are “abuzz with rumours over what automotive or tyre company plans to build a significant production facility in the region.” Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant has called the state legislature into a special session on 26 April to consider a batch of economic incentives to lure a company to the state, and Tire Review says that a local newspaper describes the company in question as being a “Japanese” tyre company that wants to build a plant there.
Ian Stuart is to retire at the end of May 2013 after seven years as group managing director of ATS Euromaster, the UK’s largest comprehensive tyre specialist. He will be replaced by Peter Allen, who is currently commercial director of Michelin Canada.
The Goodyear Gives Back campaign, a fundraising programme run by the tyre maker in support of the US Armed Forces, is soon to get underway for a fourth year. To mark the campaign’s return, Goodyear will deploy commemorative tyres at the NASCAR races at Charlotte Motor Speedway on 18 May. The “Eagle” and “Wrangler” sidewall designs on all Goodyear’s NASCAR race tyres used at Charlotte will be replaced by desert camouflage lettering that reads ‘Support Our Troops’.
Speke OTR and commercial tyre and wheel wholesaler Kirkby Tyres says it has recently undertaken a major programme of investment, upgrading its existing facilities with a new shot blaster capable of processing wheels up to 54” and above. A customised temperature and pressure controlled spraybooth has also been installed along with new fitting facilities.
Back in October 2011, analysts at Deutsche Bank predicted that natural rubber prices would average US$4.50 a kilogramme in 2013. At the moment it looks as if that projection way off – last week, natural rubber prices reached a new low, sinking in excess of eight per cent to $2.50 a kilogramme.
On 18 April, the Boeing Company honoured Goodyear Tire & Rubber as one of its 17 most exceptional suppliers. Goodyear was selected from a pool of more than 23,000 Boeing suppliers from around the world and received a Boeing Supplier of the Year award at a ceremony held in San Diego, US. The tyre maker was awarded in the Electronics/Hydraulics/Mechanical category.
Former Bridgestone Americas CEO Mark Emkes is retiring from his current role as commissioner of the Department of Finance and Administration in the state of Tennessee, reports US trade publication Tire Review. Emkes was selected for the role following an election held in 2010, and Tire Review shares that Emkes told a local newspaper that he now has “absolutely no political aspirations.” He will finish as commissioner on 31 May.
Ken Gibson is the Motoring Editor for The Sun newspaper and he, like many of us, is fed up with the state of the UK's pothole-ridden roads. Unlike the rest of us, he has decided to do something about it and has launched a campaign to sort the problem out. He's even written to the Prime Minister.
Market conditions in Europe for the aftermarket sale of car, 4×4 and light commercial vehicle wheels have continued to provide an inhospitable environment to those active in the area. The ability to sell luxury, desire-driven items in a down economy has been a question to which UK distributor Wheelwright has continued to seek an answer since 2008. The company has taken many positive steps, having revamped its website and e-commerce services to address growing internet buying habits; introduced the private Calibre and Calibre Couture brands; and increased marketing to a more diverse range of applications, such as winter and van wheels. Wheelwright managing director, Kevin Greer told Tyres & Accessories that the company has found positives in certain niches having “acknowledged the reduced demand” of the UK car wheel market.
Titan International has hired Keith Fuglaar as its new vice-president of finance for North America. Fuglaar joins Titan from US-based heavy manufacturing firm The Egging Company, where he served as chief financial officer. Prior to his Egging commitment, Fuglaar was vice-president of finance for ARC Automotive, corporate controller at HNTB Corporation and director-FP&A with McLeodUSA. Fuglaar holds an MBA from the University of Tennessee and a BS from Louisiana Tech.
The Independent Garage Association (IGA) has appointed Bridge PR & Media Services to position Trust My Garage as a household name and brand for all UK motorists seeking a trustworthy independent garage. The partnership will see an increase in awareness of Trust My Garage to all consumers through a campaign that will use traditional and digital PR.
Trust My Garage has been set up to be a truly independent scheme for independent garages. Members of Trust My Garage are true professionals, complying with a strict code of practice.
Hercules Tire has introduced an all-new website, and while it retains the same www.herculestire.com address as its predecessor, Hercules says nothing about the site itself has stayed the same.
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.
