News from the tyre wholesale sector
Miami-based US tyre wholesaler Tire Group International reports that it was granted ‘Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) 281-4’ status on 9 September. This designation will give TGI the ability to defer, reduce and even eliminate customs duties on products brought into its US distribution centre for re-export.
Duncan Wilkes has been appointed chief executive of Micheldever Group, taking up the position in the New Year. First announced last February as part of the Micheldever Board‘s senior management succession plan, current Micheldever chief executive officer Paul Fox’s retirement has been confirmed for 31 December 2013. Fox will remain both as a shareholder and a non-executive director on the Micheldever Board.
Netherlands-based wholesaler Heuver Tyrewholesale has appointed two new account managers for Germany, Detlev Schwarznecker and Sebastiaan Vlierman.
The NTDA’s 84th annual dinner was once again a sell-out. And this year the TAFF awards provided a number of new winners. In addition the crowds were entertained by Hal Cruttendon and association chairman Stephen Callow was joined by Lanxess UK MD Kim O’Connor in addressing the 400+ industry decision makers in attendance.
German wholesaler Baro is making its first appearance at Tyrexpo Africa 2014, with the express purpose of seeking new distribution partners for its European manufactured ranges of car, truck and agricultural tyres.
While the phrase “one-stop shop” is somewhat overused in relation to tyre wholesaling, RH Claydon (RHC) business development & purchasing director John Parker argues that for his company it is thoroughly deserved. Now in its 60th year of trading as one of the UK’s independent nationwide premier specialist tyre wholesalers, RHC believes that, whether the need is for Consumer, Off-Highway or Truck applications, it has a wide range of brands and fitments within its extensive product portfolio to meet the requirements of service provider and end-user alike in the UK and Ireland market place.
Kings Road Tyres has adapted its brand strategy to meet customer needs in 2013, saying the key to success in demanding market conditions is to meet the changing needs of trade customers. With this in mind, the wholesaler has recently launched new distribution deals with Chinese OTR manufacturer Tianli, and with Luxembourg-based construction and industrial pneumatic tyre supplier, Maxam.
Wholesaler Micheldever Tyre Services will continue to distribute Kumho products for at least the next three years in mainland Britain, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. The distributor and Kumho Tyre (UK) have signed Heads of Agreement with a view to concluding the deal, which will see MTS continue to supply the Ecsta Performance Centre (EPC) network of independent retailers as well as its other key accounts and VMA business.
Grouptyre member Kenway Tyres, which services the northeast of Scotland, is celebrating 30 years in the tyre business in 2013. In addition to congratulating its member on reaching the milestone, Grouptyre discusses its long term evolution, and explains why it is introducing the Online Tyre Catalogue (OTC) from Cam Systems.
Reg Bond is rounding the final corner on 50 years of tyre wholesaling since opening in Pocklington, near York, and the company is currently developing one of its bigger innovations – the move into online tyre retail with Tyregiant – signifying Reg and his family’s desire to drive the business forward. The upcoming milestone has also been marked by another achievement recently, as Bond was rewarded for the work in his sporting passion outside the tyre business. Bond was presented with a special Lifetime Achievement Award by Go Racing in recognition of his outstanding service to the sport. Bond International continues to support meetings at York Racecourse along with Infinity Tyres, for which the company is the UK distributor.
Van den Ban’s private label Novex has been upgraded with a more mature identity and improved assortment. The distributer has displayed great confidence in the Novex brand, produced by what it describes as “a well-known Asian tyre manufacturer” and the range is developing rapidly by introducing new patterns and sizes. With the increased winter and all-season assortment, VDB says Novex is now in a better position to respond to the needs of the market.
Sea freight rates are currently on a downward trend that looks likely to continue for the foreseeable future, says freight forwarding specialist Rob Shelley of Maritime Cargo Services. According to industry feedback, this year’s peak season from Asia to Northern Europe got off to a slow start in July, and remained unconvincing even up to the beginning of September. Exports from Asia to Northern Europe in the second quarter were only the same as during the same period last year, and year-on-year growth in the first seven months of 2013 reached just one per cent.
Luxembourg-based Maxam Tire has appointed Kings Road Tyres as the exclusive dealer for the UK and Ireland of the company’s range of construction and industrial pneumatic tyres.
Europe, beware – winter is coming, and there’s nothing you can do to stop it. The first snow has already fallen in the mountains of Switzerland, and that means the start of a new winter tyre season. Van den Ban (VDB), however, reports itself winter ready and says its expanded assortment of winter tyres is even more extensive compared with prior years.
The US International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute an investigation into the complaint filed by Toyo Tire & Rubber and its US subsidiary and affiliates. The investigation will focus on the tread patterns and sidewall designs used by certain tyres manufactured in China and Thailand, and whether they infringe Toyo patents.
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