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.
Titan International has named Paul Hawkins the new head of its subsidiary Titan Mining Services. Hawkins, who previously served in OTR sales and production at Titan Tire Corporation, will report directly to Titan International CEO Maurice Taylor in his new role. “Paul understands the complete range of products and what needs to be done as Titan expands into this new venture,” commented Taylor upon announcing Hawkins’ appointment.
Solideal USA Inc has reportedly bought the assets of of Florida Inc effective from 1 June. Details of the terms of the sale have not been disclosed. The business was sold by the heirs of Silas Otha Kines Jr who died earlier in 2012.
US-based wholesaler Tire Group International has announced the formation of a partnership with Tire Warehouse, Inc., a tyre distributor with a focus on the construction, industrial, forestry, earthmover and agricultural tyre segments. Commenting on the new partnership, TGI’s vice-president of Business Development, Osvaldo Marchante, said “our strategic partnership with Harvey and Rick Malove, along with their key management personnel, will allow TGI to strengthen our position in the fast growing off-the-road market segments.” Tire Warehouse’s Rick and Harvey Malove stated they are “looking forward to our new partnership with TGI. As a result of this partnership, we shall further enhance our main focus of continuing to offer top quality products and services to our customers."
Yesterday Pirelli inaugurated its new factory in Mexico, the company’s first facility in the country and 22nd worldwide. The plant will mainly focus on producing performance tyres for the premium passenger car and 4×4 segment, and capacity by the end of 2012 is expected to be 400,000 units, rising to 3.5 million by the time the plant’s first development phase ends in 2015. When fully operational in 2017, production is expected to reach 5.5 million units. Phase one work involves an investment of approximately US$300 million, and a further $100 million will be spent between 2015 and 2017. The plant’s workforce will reach the 1,000 mark next year and rise to 1,800 when full operational status is reached.
Nankang will unveil its new logo from Hall Three, Stand 105 at Reifen 2012 in Essen next week.. It consists of the logo typeface of 'Nankang' and the brand promise of 'Free Your Way'. Nankang Tyre's corporate logo has been used for over two decades. Facing the increasingly competitive global marketplace, the company says it is charging forward with a new Corporate Identity System (CIS). The new CIS will serve as critical guidelines for global brand management, and more importantly as the foundation to fresh brand image of Nankang.
Kumho Tire U.S.A. has signed on as the “official tyre sponsor” of the United States Soccer Federation and the men’s and women’s national teams. “Kumho's sponsorship of the U.S.S.F. fits well with our national branding campaign that encourages an active and adventurous lifestyle, further highlighted by our 'Let's Go' motto," said Rick Brennan, vice-president of marketing, Kumho Tire U.S.A. "With the upcoming London Olympics, we are honoured to be an official sponsor of United States Soccer."
There is a serious effort afoot to have the iconic “Firestone Tire Building” in Los Angeles designated as a Historic-Cultural Monument, Tire Review reports. According to a story on la.curbed.com, the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles petitioned the Los Angeles City Council's Planning and Land Use Management committee, which quickly passed a motion approving the designation. The proposal now must go before the entire city council.
Fastlane Ltd in Malta has been awarded Pro-Align’s Alignment Centre of the Month for April – the first time the accolade has been awarded outside of the UK. Paul Beaurain, managing director, Pro-Align, said: “Fastlane is resolute about being the alignment specialist in Malta and continues to work hard to expand its business. They are incredibly enthusiastic in everything they do and are a worthy winner of our April award.”
Selby Magistrates Court has doled out a 12 month prison sentence to Paul Ketteridge from Leeds for the illegal dumping of thousands of tyres at a Yorkshire airfield and other locations. Ketteridge admitted to two waste offences in relation to Tockwith Airfield, and was found guilty after a trial on a charge relating to fly tipping at Goodmanham near Market Weighton. He also admitted three further waste offences in relation to thousands of tyres dumped in Bramham. At the same hearing, Eco Terra Tyres Ltd of Dringthorpe also admitted four waste charges relating to tyres at Tockwith airfield, and was fined £400 in total. The magistrates accepted the company had no assets.
American transmission company Competition Clutch has opened a dedicated UK sales office and logistics centre. The company has partnered with Universal Automotive in Kidderminster, from whose 40,000 sq ft facility Competition Clutch products will be available to UK end-users and retailers. The manufacturer said the move will build on the sales success of its diverse race-quality clutch range in its native USA and in UK motorsport.
Leading independent supplier of specialist wheels, tyres, axles and components for the OEM industrial and agricutural market, Totrax Ltd supplies the UK market with exclusive products from Emrald Greckster and Italmatic Comfort. The distributor recently announced a new website, having relaunched at www.totrax.com recently. Company representative Simon Tidmarsh told Tyres & Accessories: “We moved away from .co.uk to .com as a result of our increasing international sales for our off-road axle, springs and suspension customers.”
Double Coin and the China Manufacturers Alliance have launched a new mobile website aimed at North American customers. The site will complement the existing www.doublecoin-us.com and is designed and formatted for optimal viewing on any web-enabled Smartphone, including iPhone, Android, Blackberry and others. Features accessible through the mobile site include product specifications and warranty information, and visitors can use the dealer locator function to access over 1,000 independent Double Coin tyre dealers across North America. The phone’s GPS automatically redirects to the closest dealer based on the user’s current location.
Goodyear has announced that Mean Green, the world’s fastest hybrid truck, has broken two world speed records on its tyres. On 27 April, 2012 at Wendover Airfield in Utah, USA, the Volvo-built truck, owned and driven by Boije Ovebrink, broke records in the standing kilometre and flying kilometre international speed standards. The new world records are subject to FIA recognition, which will occur in about 30 to 60 days.
Work has begun on a US$19.5 million expansion project at Bridgestone America Tire Operations’ Bloomington OTR plant in Illinois, USA, the tyre maker reports. The project is expected to be completed in mid-2013, and most of the investment is being directed towards the purchase and installation of new machinery. Additional capacity realised through the project will primarily go to the production of tyres used in heavy industry, and Bridgestone says at least 40 new jobs are expected to result from the plant expansion.
Repsol Honda’s Casey Stoner scored his first MotoGP victory at Jerez after fending off Factory Yamaha Racing’s Jorge Lorenzo in a closely contested Spanish GP. Masao Azuma, chief engineer at tyre supplier Bridgestone’s Motorsport Tyre Development Department, said: “I am happy with how both our wet and slick tyres performed at Jerez in what were very challenging operating conditions.”
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