The organisers of Autopromotec 2007 have entered into a number of agreements with travel companies and hotels in order to make it easier for visitors to travel to and find accommodation close to the exhibition, which is scheduled for Bologna from 23-27 May next year.
A new website (green-car-guide.com) designed to give drivers green motoring information includes advice on tyres. In addition to the usual suggestions of driving in the correct gear and warnings that 4×4 are not the most fuel efficient, a 17-page report on the site also advises motorists to keep an eye on their tyre pressure and condition. Interestingly the report also promotes the use of so-called eco tyres such as the ContiEcoContact and the Michelin Energy products.
Tyres & Accessories readers are ahead of the game when it comes to running online tyre businesses. The latest T&A question of the month survey found that 52.4 per cent of respondents generate at least part of their turnover using the “information superhighway.”
(Akron/Tire Review) A lawmaker in Liberia’s lower house of parliament has called on the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) to deploy troops on a plantation owned by Firestone Natural Rubber Co. to prevent its takeover by a criminal gang. A gang styling itself the “Bad Boys of Bomi County” recently threatened in a leaflet to occupy the plantation at Harbel, Liberia’s largest employer.
According to FCC records, Bridgestone is close to releasing a wireless tyre pressure monitoring system. The system uses sensors embedded just under the tyre rim to sense tyre pressure and temperature to a handheld device. A 1.5 second alarm is sounded if the pressure is too high or too low.
Kwik-Fit is renewing its fleet of 200 mobile vans. Twenty-one new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans have already joined the fleet and a further 27 vehicles will be ordered shortly. Eventually Sprinters will replace the entire current fleet of Renault Masters and Ford Transits.
As well as being equipped with the latest tyre changing technology, the new vehicles have undergone a corporate livery makeover. The newly liveried vans also promote the Kwik-Fit website – www.kwik-fit.com. The new vehicles are all also equipped with ‘third arms’ which mean ultra-low profile and run-flat tyres can be replaced at the location of driver choice.
Tony George, the owner of Indianapolis race track, has agreed to extend his deal with Formula 1. This means the US Grand Prix will return to the Indy course, despite the 2005 USGP tyre debacle. Some observers saw the race’s future as doubtful following the well-publicised failure of Michelin tyres at the 2005 race. However, according to itv.com, F1’s successful return in 2006, with attendance figures rising above 100,000, triggered renewed interest in America. The website also published speculation that Bernie Ecclestone is considering a second US race “possibly through the streets of Las Vegas.”
Bike Tyrestore has teamed up with Pirelli to enable customers to collect airmiles on all Pirelli motorcycle tyre purchases (except scooter products). The loyalty programme allows customers to use airmiles with over 100 airlines, more than 100 tour operators, at 25,000 hotels around the world. To make the most of the offer customers only need to register on the company’s website (www.biketyrestore.com) and select manufacturer/promotions/Pirelli where further details are also available.
Michelin is launching a summer campaign designed to benefit retailers and consumers purchasing its Pilot Road sport touring tyres during August and September. Consumers will get a free A3 Michelin European road atlas worth £11.99 with every pair of Pilot Road tyres purchased and will be entered into a draw to win £1,000 worth of World of BMW touring holiday vouchers.
The setting and format of the 2004 NTDA conference was so well received last time that this year the association decided to invite members, suppliers and industry observers back to sunny Spain. Held at the Don Carlos Hotel just outside Marbella at the end of June, the conference was opened by keynote speaker Jim Rickard, managing director of Michelin Tyre plc and chairman of the Tyre Industry Federation (TIF). Numerous important issues were discussed, but delegates agreed that the most pressing topics under discussion were: potential government imposed regulation of the industry and the poor consumer perception of the tyre business. The trade’s use of the Internet, issues relating to end-of-life tyre disposal and of course run-flat tyres were also discussed.
The GPX Marketing Team recently announced the launch of a unique online quote engine, http://www.gpxtire.com/dealerlogin.aspx, a website tool devoted to dealers and end-users looking for a convenient way to obtain a quote for GPX tyres.
“In our continuing efforts to help our dealers, we created the quote engine to also allow end-users to register and generate a request for quote. Our sales staff receives the request and forwards the information to the closest GPX dealer for follow up.” explains Mike Knorr, VP Sales and Marketing for GPX.
MAM Software has launched a new website (www.mamsoft.co.uk) on 1 August. In addition to providing access to the latest news and information on the company and its range of products, the website will feature a dedicated customers-only extranet section. This section will provide existing MAM customers with a range of free resources such as online log tracking, product tutorials, frequently asked questions and software downloads.
Marangoni Tyre now has a greater online presence following the launch of a brand new UK website – specifically targeting end users. www.marangonityre.co.uk provides consumers with real time information about the brand and the range of tyres available. A main feature of the new site is an integrated dealer locator that allows consumers to locate their nearest Marangoni ‘Intelligence Centre’ with the click of a mouse.
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In a move that could remove the threat of cheap tyres imported from China, the government proposes to make quality certification compulsory for tyres manufactured and sold in India, says the Indian website of Business Standard. This would mean that only tyres that conform to the standard specified by the Bureau of Indian Standards can be sold and foreign tyres cannot be sold through local outlets.
According to an article in the Akron Beacon Journal, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. is seeking dramatic changes in wages, job classification and benefits for thousands of union workers to save millions of dollars in North America, the United Steelworkers of America says. The tyre manufacturer and the USW are negotiating a new contract in Cincinnati, with the current three-year agreement expiring Saturday.
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