Tyres & Accessories April 2013
April's Tyres & Accessories is now available to online subscribers via our e-paper format. This issue contained features on wholesaling, wheels and previewed May's Autopromotec exhibition.
Wheels
Posts
‘Man-Pram’ features 20-inch tyres
NewsVehicle manufacturer Škoda has ‘Clarksoned’ a baby’s pram with 20-inch alloys and all-terrain tyres, plus other features not typically found in the Mothercare catalogue. The pram was given the works to mark the launch of Škoda's fastest ever car – the latest generation Octavia vRS.
Titan 2Q sales up 29%
NewsTitan International reported second quarter 2013 sales of US$593.3 million 25 July 2013, up 29.2 per cent, compared to $459.2 million in the second quarter of 2012 partially driven by acquisition growth. Gross profit increased 5.6 per cent to $86.7 million, or 14.6 per cent of net sales in the period, compared to $82.1 million in second quarter 2012, or 17.9 per cent of net sales. However, second quarter income from operations was $36.9 million compared to $81.0 million last year.
EU, DfT support for MWSD wheel safety campaign
NewsMotor Wheel Service Distribution has welcomed news that the European Parliament (EP) has voted to support the testing of commercial vehicle wheels fitted onto non-standard axles as part of the EU Roadworthiness Package. The measure has also received the endorsement of the Department for Transport (DfT) in MWSD’s home UK market. The company, distributor of Wheels India’s xlite wheel range, has campaigned for many years to achieve greater recognition for the dangers associated with what it believes to be unsuitable wheel safety check requirements. Managing director John Ellis has lobbied for more stringent checks to be carried out on wheels, first to guard the distribution chain against potentially faulty take-off wheels, and latterly to catch signs of premature fatigue and damage for wheels fitted to incompatibly shaped hubs. Ellis presented expert testimony to the EP’s Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN), and this was raised as an amendment by Transport Committee chair and North West MEP, Brian Simpson following the initial report in March. As a result the compatibility of wheels and the hubs on which they are mounted has been included within new TRAN legislation.
Aeolus, BKT, Emrald and TVS tyre launches at Tyrexpo India
NewsA number of tyre manufacturers have launched new products at Tyrexpo India 2013 in Chennai this week. Aeolus, BKT, Emrald and TVS Tyres have all introduced commercial tyres for applications from truck to OTR. Amongst these, Aeolus is notable for being one of a number of Chinese manufacturers making their debut in India. It is joined by its compatriots Hangzhou Zhonce, Linglong and Wanda Boto.
Kal Tire exhibiting at RWM show
NewsWith a full range of tyres designed for each part of the waste/recycling market Kal Tire hopes to communicate how it has become the UK’s number one at this year’s RWM show.
In addition to an available supply of new tyres in a comprehensive range of sizes and tread patterns, the company offers Kal ‘Fil’ tyres as a cost effective long-term solution to tyre related machine downtime in hazardous environments. According to the company, Fil tyres are guaranteed 100 per cent and can be retreaded up to three times; (depending on casing quality) giving further cost savings and environmental benefits on replacement tyres. The Kal Tire
Fil service is available at depots throughout the UK.
Starco welcomes Croatian plant into EU
NewsOn 1 July, the EU family grew with the addition of more than four million Croatians. Starco has welcomed its colleagues in Croatia into the European Union and says that time has proven the wisdom its decision to invest in the country.
Falken ups grassroots motorsport engagement with Ministox driver
NewsAn 11-year old racing driver has gained tyre brand Falken’s support alongside her first victory in the National Ministox series. The Japanese manufacturer supplies tyres to Catherine Harris as part of its expanding presence in UK grass roots motorsport. The brand recently announced its intention to back the ANWCC Under-17s AutoSOLO and the K11 Micra Rally series, and is using this involvement as a way of raising the awareness of the importance of tyres to the next generation of car drivers.
Maxxis supporting Babe Michelle’s drifting ambitions
NewsMaxxis is supporting the drifting ambitions of one of its promotional team of Maxxis Babes. Michelle Westby has set her sights on achieving her semi-pro licence by the end of 2013 having taken up drifting a year ago and the tyre supplier that originally made her part of its motorsport marketing presence is supporting her driving ambitions with sponsorship, tyres and website assistance. Maxxis International managing director Derek McMartin says the relationship is “proving to be mutually beneficial.”
Uniwheels receives Honda Access award
NewsUniwheels, a long time supplier of alloy wheels to Honda Access, has been given a “Honda Access Europe Award” for its excellent overall performance in 2012. This is the second consecutive Honda Access award that the Uniwheels Production (Poland) Sp z.o.o. operation has received.
Treadsetters displays full Torque Tyres range at Autopromotec
NewsShropshire wholesaler Treadsetters recently exhibited its PCR, UHP, 4×4/SUV and TBR Torque tyre ranges, in addition to its Torque-branded steel truck wheels, at Autopromotec 2013. Its TBR range includes an “anti-abrasive tread for increased mileage,” the wholesaler states, adding that the tyres are especially suited to “mid to long distance journeys on both regional and urban roads.” Torque steel wheels meanwhile are available in sizes between 17.5 and 24.5 inches.
Hankook’s Dynapro HP2 adds SUV to high performance range
NewsHankook’s most recent addition to its high performance tyre range focuses on the increasingly important European segment of SUV tyres designed for high performance road use. In the March issue of Tyres & Accessories, we discussed the migration of SUV tyres to speed ratings above T; V alone has nearly 10 times the market share (20.4 per cent) it had 10 years ago, and though H (34.5) is currently the predominant designation for the SUV market, it is expected that SUV tyres will continue to follow the trends set by passenger cars. Indeed, 2012 saw a small year-on-year reduction in H’s market share. High performance tyres are now the most important story for SUVs as well as passenger cars.
Starco expands South African subsidiary
NewsStarco reports that it has expanded its South African operation. Starco ZA, created in July 2012 to serve the South Africa market and provide a bridgehead for further expansion on the African continent, was established as a partnership with former local distributor Mac and TireCity, an already well-established firm with three strategically located distribution outlets in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. A fourth Starco ZA distribution outlet, in Port Elizabeth, has now been opened and will support the growing fork lift truck tyre service market.
Wheelwright appointed UK MAK wheels distributor
NewsWheelwright has been appointed official distributor for premium Italian wheel manufacturer MAK in the UK. The wheel supplier says MAK is at the forefront of cutting edge design with a range that covers almost every market, fitment and type of vehicle. MAK’s commercial range includes both five and six-stud fitments and load indexing to cover the heaviest and toughest applications. Wheelwright managing director Kevin Greer pronounced the company “delighted” to have added the “peerless” MAK brand to its portfolio.
Calibre launches Rapide multi-spoke wheel
NewsWheelwright private brand Calibre has launched its latest multi-spoke wheel, the Rapide. Designed with timeless elegance in mind, Wheelwright says the wheel puts the looks of much more expensive wheels into a price point more suited to the average enthusiast – the smallest fitments cost £76.
