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.
A US man has aptly demonstrated why tyres, firearms and alcohol don’t make the most congenial bedfellows. Oregon-based publication the Statesman Journal reports the story of Brandon Butler, who late on the evening of 14 December inspected a set of tyres being sold by an acquaintance, Anthony Catullo. According to the Statesman Journal, rather than offering cash for the tyres, Butler suggested a barter arrangement.
On 14 December Bridgestone Americas gave word of its recent appointment of a new head of Human Resources. Darrin Rohr was appointed to the role of chief human resource officer, effective 26 November. He succeeds Patti James in this position; James now serves as Bridgestone America’s president of Shared Services, a post she accepted earlier this year.
This year’s Kumho Tire USA dealer meeting took place between 7 and 10 December, and Tire Review reports that while the tyre maker’s management acknowledged next year will likely be similar to 2012 – in other words, a challenging year for dealers and for the industry in general – the company focused on what its dealers can look forward to.
Titan International’s Board of Directors has approved a quarterly cash dividend of US$.005 (one half cent) per common share for the fourth quarter of 2012. The cash dividend is payable 15 January 2013 to stockholders of record on 31 December 2012.
The Retread Tire Association reports a membership list approaching the 300 mark. The US-based retreading association has announced the addition of a number of new members, including Chilean retreading association Asociación De Renovadores Y Recauchadores De Neumáticos De Chile, Malaysian companies Eversafe Rubber Works, P Tread 1 Rubber Company and Sun Rubber Industry, plus – closer to home – Illinois-based firm Salem Tire Center. According to the RTA, the association has also gained several other new members, however they have opted to remain anonymous.
Barely a month has passed since the Hankook Masters Programme was launched in our part of the world, and Hankook Tyre UK reports having four outlets on board, the most recent sign-up being Corby Tyres. The tyre maker has big plans for Hankook Masters, and foresees a network exceeding 100 outlets in the UK within three years.
Falken Tyre Europe reports that its Sincera SN831A Ecorun, which is already supplied as original equipment for the Volkswagen Up!, has now been chosen by the Volkswagen Group for fitment on the Seat Mii. As is the case for the Up!, the small Seat will receive the Sincera SN831A in size 165/70R14 81T.
Directors of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company have declared a quarterly dividend of 73.44 cents per share of mandatory convertible preferred stock. The dividend is payable 1 January 2013 to shareholders of record on 14 December 2012. The payout represents an annual rate of US$2.9375 per share.
Earlier this year, Rhein Chemie strengthened its position as a tyre industry supplier through the acquisition of US company Tire Curing Bladders, LLC. The company reports that on 1 October it took a step in the process of integrating Tire Curing Bladders into Rhein Chemie by renaming it Rhein Chemie Little Rock.
The Calibre wheel brand has launched its latest design, Friction, which incorporates motorsport design cues and fine paint detailing. The wheel’s hot blue candy highlights on each spoke edge contrast sharply with the deep black paintwork and, using paint technology developed for US showcars, are particularly prevalent under flash lighting or in sunlight. Available in both 7×17” and 8×18” fitments in both four and five stud PCDs, the Friction is a two stage heat-treated wheel with key PCDs, including most Euro, VAG, Jap and tuner cars, covered.
Ellisons Travel is fitting Michelin cold weather tyres to its entire fleet this winter. While the company has fitted winter tyres from a variety of manufacturers for more than 20 years, this is the first time it has selected Michelin cold weather tyres exclusively for its fleet of 42 cars and 25 luxury coaches and people carriers.
Tire Review reports that Takayuki Hamaya has been promoted to COO of Yokohama Tire Corp, effective 19 November. Hamaya will also retain his position as company executive vice president and CFO. In his additional role, Hamaya will be responsible for US tyre sales in all segments, accounting and finance, corporate planning, supply chain and operations, and internal audit.
Exhibiting its latest passenger car and commercial vehicle tyres from a large central booth at Reifen China, Shandong Jinyu Tire brand Evergreen's Global Sales Division representatives told Tyres & Accessories/Tyrepress.com that the company's second PCR production line is nearing its completion date in 2013 as it ramps up manufacture of the brand. The company's current PCR capacity of 13 million units will rise as the reported US$445 million total investment comes on line. By 2015, Evergreen estimates having a PCR and LTR capacity of 21 million pieces, with truck products pushing that figure to an estimated 26 million overall.
Following the launch of Hofmann Power Weight’s type 380 adhesive weight fitted with the new Speedliner strip in June, the company has taken the decision that all HPW adhesive weights will now carry this patented adhesive strip.
The USA's Time Magazine has awarded The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company’s Air Maintenance Technology (AMT) with the title of one of its "Best Inventions of the Year 2012”. AMT is designed to help drivers maintain optimal tyre pressure, helping to increase the longevity of the tread and the fuel efficiency of the vehicle. All of AMT's components, including a miniaturised pump, will be fully contained within the tyre. Time's technology editors listed AMT alongside the Tesla Model S electric car amongst others as one the year’s 25 “most important innovations.”
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